Page 9 of Kisses at the Crossroads

“I’ll grab us a table.” The house lights dim. Spotlights bounce over the stage as I find one of the few open tables.

“Get ready to loosen your belts and unzip your pants,” the DJ starts just as Frankie and I snag a table. She plops, then leans against me. The DJ continues his spiel. “Because Kristy is on the dance floor to take all your cares away. She’s ready to rock your socks.”

I look around as everyone seems to ignore the announcement and continue on with their chatting. The curtain of glitter in the back of the stage opens and Kristy strolls out, rolling her hips. Her dark brown skin looks beautiful against the deep purple, glittering string bikini. Her hair is relaxed and loose in a cascade of waves over her shoulder. A tail whips behind her as she takes to the stripper pole on the center stage. When she spins, she lets out a pair of bat wings that look about half the size they should be to be full demon. She’s at least part succubus. The witches finally take notice, leaving business on the table. Kristy gives a sly grin and meets my eyes. She winks at me as if to say watch this newbie, then continues on with her show.

If I wasn’t wholly fully into the male form, I’d be drooling just like the witches. I can’t deny she knows how to move her body. Her tail keeps me on edge as if it were its on performer. Frankie’s as entranced as I am. Her tail thumps against my chair.

Wick settles across from me and hands me a shot from his tray. I shoot the flaming HellFire.

Kristy dances for a few songs before she’s sweeping up her spoils and heading out. Wick and I don’t talk. His head’s on a swivel every time the door opens.

“I don’t think Ethan comes here,” he mumbles before taking another shot of HellFire.

“He could be a performer.”

Wick snorts. “Yeah, no.”

I shrug. “I mean…”

“He wouldn’t do that to me. No matter what Van says.” Another shot. “How long do we have to wait for this Trick guy?”

“Dunno. Never been here before, but seems like a nice place.” The chairs are nice. There’s a VIP section that I’m going to investigate sometime. I can see myself coming to relax with Frankie at my side. There are a few others that have pets with them, though no more Hellhounds. Probably familiars. Frankie doesn’t seem interested, so I don’t worry.

The DJ announces the next dancer, this one Sparkle, a male, and cat shifter by the ears and tail he shows. He moves elegantly like a cat and gives a good show, but he can’t bring in the crowd as well as a succubus no matter how hard he tries.

Another three dancers of varying skills of seduction come and go before the DJ goes on a break. More patrons flood in and the chatter gets louder. Thankfully, Frankie seems content to people watch and drink the water in the bowl I ordered for her. She’s gotten plenty of head scratches, which makes her preen.

Two more dancers, then the announcement I’ve been waiting for. “We have a packed house tonight, and it’s no surprise why. Trick is back on stage again!”

Back on stage? That makes my heart race. Why hasn’t he been on stage these last few nights? His name has been on the sign as the headliner.

The glittery curtain opens once more and my jaw drops. Trick, in all his dancer glory, is magnificent. I’m not sure what I expected, but hot pink booty shorts, a black mesh shirt, and black go-go boots weren’t it. He sparkles on stage with glitter covering his body and hair. There’s a hint of color on his lips, too.

There’s a whistle from the other side of the club, no doubt from Van.

Wick lifts a shot glass in cheers. “He is hot. I’ll give you that.”

Trick scans the room, giving eye contact and little mischievous grins to whoever catches his fancy. When his gaze falls on mine, his breath hitches and eyes go wide. He catches himself in time and blows me a kiss with a finger wave. I can’t help myself from playing along and “catch” the kiss. Trick turns on his heel and marches right up to the pole, giving his ass a little shake as he takes the pole in hand. What is this little Fae doing to me?

Chapter 5

Lark

Pike is here. My heart pounds so hard in my chest I’m sure everyone can tell. Usually, I don’t get so worked up during a set. I just come out, do my thing, and go back. But tonight, with my demon in the audience, I have to put on the performance of my life. What if he changes his mind about helping me?

The only problem is I’m low on sunshine reserves again and I’m not sure how I’ll be able to glow for the crowd tonight. But I have to try. Hopefully, I don’t get beaten in front of Pike.

I thought Drake would get bored and let me out of the basement so I can shine for him, but he continued the punishment until about an hour ago where he told me to shower and get ready.

Sweat beads on my forehead. I swipe it away with the back of my hand before it can drip into my eyes.

“Trick,” Drake bellows out my name from his corner. He’s surrounded by some of his coven members. I know all of their faces, but not their names. They always watch.

I spin and shake my ass. My wings may cover my bottom, but it’s the tease of the action that gets people excited.

There’s a whistle I don’t recognize, spurring me on. I lift the left wing, revealing one covered butt cheek. My wing gives a little wave hello and I flitter it completely open. Then it’s time for the other wing to rise. It takes so much concentration to move my wings separately; it wasn’t a skill I learned at home. At court we didn’t dance to arouse, just entertain. Or perhaps I was naïve to think that?

I continue my movements. Shaking my ass, fluttering my wings. But Drake’s irritation is palpable. My coin isn’t with me and I wish I slid it down my boot, but it’s too late now. I take a deep breath and push my magic, but nothing happens. No warmth, no fizz or pop. My heart pounds harder as I grip the pole in front of me until my knuckles go white. This can’t be happening.

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