I squeeze my eyes shut, bracing myself for whatever comes next. In this moment, I almost wish Dremlor had taken me up on my offer. Anything would be better than this.
Before anything else can happen, the announcer's voice booms through the bar. "Gentlemen, put your hands together for our star attraction – the enchanting Neela!"
I close my eyes, exhaling slowly. "Duty calls," I mutter, setting down Dremlor's glass and heading backstage.
The familiar beat pulses through the air as I step onto the stage. My body moves on autopilot, undulating to the rhythm. I wrap my legs around the pole, spinning gracefully. The crowd hoots and hollers, but I barely hear them.
As I arch my back, my gaze lands on Dremlor. He's moved closer, his eyes fixed on me with an intensity that makes my breath catch. There's something different in the way he watches – not the usual lust or greed, but... curiosity? Recognition?
I slide down the pole, my movements fluid and sensual. My hands trace the curves of my body, but my focus remains on Dremlor. He leans forward, his brow furrowed as if trying to solve a puzzle.
Emboldened by his attention, I push myself further. I climb the pole, muscles straining as I hold myself horizontal. The crowd gasps, but Dremlor's expression doesn't change. He's looking past the performance, seeing... what?
The music pulses through me, but it's not what drives my movements anymore. It's him. Dremlor. His gaze burns into me, igniting something I've never felt before. The crowd fades away, their leering faces blurring into nothingness. It's just me and him.
I slide down the pole with a fluid grace I didn't know I possessed. My eyes lock with his, and a jolt of electricity shoots through me. What is this feeling?
My body moves of its own accord, each twist and turn designed to captivate him. I'm no longer dancing for the crowd or for my husband's profits. I'm dancing for Dremlor, and only Dremlor.
As I spin, I catch glimpses of his face. His expression is intense, focused. He's not ogling me like the others. He's... studying me. Like I'm a puzzle he's desperate to solve.
The realization thrills me. For once, I'm not just a piece of meat to be devoured. I'm a mystery to be unraveled.
I push myself harder, executing moves I've never dared attempt before. My muscles strain, but I barely notice the burn. All that matters is holding his attention.
"You're different," I hear him murmur, his voice somehow carrying over the pounding music.
I pause, hanging upside down on the pole. "So are you," I breathe back.
His lips quirk into a half-smile. It makes my heart leap in my chest.
The song's ending, but I don't want this moment to end. I slide down, landing gracefully on my feet. The crowd erupts in cheers, but their applause sounds distant and hollow.
Dremlor stands, his eyes never leaving mine. He takes a step towards the stage, and my heart races. What's happening to me?
"Neela!" My husband's harsh voice shatters the spell. "Private room. Now."
I blink, reality crashing back in. The crowd's back, their hungry eyes devouring me. And Dremlor... he's still watching, but now there's something else in his gaze. Anger? Protectiveness?
The spell breaks as the announcer's voice cuts through the applause. "Let's hear it for Neela, folks! Don't forget – private dances are available for our VIP guests."
I stand, bowing mechanically as I catch my breath. As I leave the stage, I can still feel Dremlor's gaze burning into my back.
7
DREMLOR
Iwatch Neela dance, her movements captivating and graceful. There's an otherworldly quality to her performance that goes beyond mere physical beauty. As I observe more closely, realization dawns on me.
The patrons' intense focus suddenly makes sense. Her allure isn't just physical; it's supernatural. No wonder they can't look away. I feel a mix of fascination and respect for this extraordinary being who doesn't even seem aware of her true nature.
She possesses the soul of a succubus.
Neela finishes her dance and steps off stage. Her husband immediately corners her, gesticulating angrily. I move closer, catching snippets of their heated exchange.
"You're not trying hard enough," he hisses. "That demon's been here all night and hasn't spent a dime on extras."
"I can't force him," Neela protests, her voice low but firm.