Page 47 of King of Temptation

Kim

We make it to Temptation and I’m only a few minutes late, not that anyone says a word when I walk through the back with Leo.

Everyone seems to understand that Leo and I are… something. I thought they might care but everyone is super nice to me.

Maybe they think we were already seeing each other and not that I started to sleep with the boss to get special treatment?

I don’t worry about it as the other dancers and I rehearse, grab a bite, and then relax before we start changing for the night.

I might have to talk to Leo about a second uniform. And I’m not taking advantage, but the full suit is really hot, even with the air vents, and I know if I say I’m uncomfortable he’ll get me something different.

Leo is not my boyfriend.

I said it today and he didn’t disagree. Not that I’m surprised. I knew who he was when I started this.

But he’s done a better job than any other man I’ve ever met at taking care of me when I really needed it and I’m so grateful.

The problem for me is that I’m starting to develop real feelings.

I hit the platform, the crowd already primed and roaring as the cages start up from the floor.

I don’t have to see Leo to know he’s here watching.

It makes me more confident and as I start the set, I know I’m dancing for him. I’m bolder, more amped, and the club responds, the flood lights pointed at me as I dip and turn.

When the first break comes, I’m not even close to tired and I hit the platform already antsy to dance again.

I have to conserve energy, I know that.

But I also know that the tips are going to be really good tonight. It’s such a nice change.

Melissa is off to one side of the platform. She’s been watching me all night and I have no idea why. She doesn’t seem jealous. Maybe she’s just worried about the boss being with the one of the dancers? But her attention has been weird. “You’ve gotten called down by security. Mr. Kincaid must want to see you,” she calls to me. “If you’re not back in time, I’ll put someone in your cage.”

I shake my head, starting down the stairs in my three-inch heels. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to the preferential treatment. Clearly, she’s not too worried about me and Leo if she’s offering to cover for me. So what’s her deal?

I make it to the back hall that doesn’t usually allow foot traffic, but there is a man in the hall. He’s dressed in a cheap suit, his dark hair slicked back and a toothpick hanging out of his mouth. Our eyes meet and my breath stills.

If Leo doesn’t frighten me no matter what he does, this man scares the shit out of me with just a glance. It’s something in his eyes…

They are snakelike in their assessment, his lip curling as his gaze slides down my body. “So you’re Kim?—"

But a random group of four guys enters the hall. Scary man looks back at them and then veers off to the back door of the club. Is he a Kincaid I haven’t met? I’m watching him leave, not paying attention to the other men until I hear my name. “Kim?”

I turn my head then stop short.

It’s my ex-boyfriend. My stomach drops out as dread fills my limbs. “Bobby?”

“Actually, I go by Robert now,” he smiles at me, stopping just in front of me. He’s broader than I remember but no less smarmy.

He’s still handsome with classic features and a good jaw. But he’s sporting a fake tan, it’s too even, and frosted tips. Why didn’t I see that when we dated? He’s got fake written all over him.

“Well, Robert, it’s good to see you but I’ve got to go. My boss is?—”

I try to pass him, but his hand shoots out, grabbing my arm. “Kim. Wait.”

I don’t like him touching me and I try to scoot away but his hand tightens. “Let me go, all right? Like I said, I’m working and?—”

“Oh, I saw you,” he murmurs in this intimate way I don’t like at all as he leans close. “How come you were never like that when we were dating?”

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