Page 38 of Filthy Ruck

The music started and I began my routine, dividing my attention between the three players. Would they be disappointed I wasn't going to be dancing here after tonight? They seemed to enjoy coming to watch.

Maybe I'd give them a private show someday, if they were lucky.

I peeled off my clothes, careful to make sure my underwear stayed away from Storm. I shot him a smile to let him know I remembered he'd taken my panties the last time.

He grinned unashamedly. Of course he would. That was who he was. Nothing kept him down for long.

I kept waiting for him to make a move, like we'd talked about. Grab me when I was getting out of my car and 'abduct' me, or something. So far he hadn't. What was he waiting for? The right time, or for me to lower my guard? Maybe both.

I spun around a couple more times before giving the crowd a curtsy and hurrying backstage.

“Another exciting performance,” Ivy said caustically. She treated me to a slow clap.

“I thought so,” I said lightly. I walked over to my small cupboard and pulled out fresh clothes. “I'm sure you'll enjoy the extra limelight when I'm gone.”

“I deserve it,” she said. “I should have had your spot a long time ago.”

“If you say so.” I shrugged and pulled a T-shirt over my head.

“I do say so.” She stalked over to me. “You think you're so perfect.”

“Do I?” I pulled the T-shirt into place. “I wouldn't have thought so, but you seem to know more about me than I do.” She was beginning to piss me off.

“I know you're a conceited bitch,” she snapped. “You think you're so much better than the rest of us. You don't even need to be here.”

“What do you know about what I need?” I snapped back.

She placed her hands on her curvy hips. “Don't pretend you don't know. Your family has plenty of money. You don't need it. You being here took money from people who did.”

“People like you?” I guessed.

“Exactly,” she said resentfully. “Who does something like that?”

“Someone who doesn't want to rely on her family's money,” I replied. “Someone who wants to stand on her own two feet, even if that means dancing in stilettos. Or getting naked and fucking strangers. I did it for the same reason you did, for the money. And for the enjoyment. Because I loved working here.”

I cocked my head at her. “You're starting to make me think I shouldn't leave. I love taking my clothes off for admiring strangers. Don't you?”

She glared at me like she wanted to wipe the smile off my face. “Flirts doesn't need you to stay.”

“Because the club has you,” I said with thinly veiled sarcasm. “How lucky for them. Divina must adore the ground you walk on, because you bring so much joy.”

“She will when you're gone and she can finally see me past you,” Ivy said. “Those guys too.” She waved towards the stage. “They'll forget you the moment you're gone. If they even know what you look like. You were nothing more than something for their cock to do. Now they'll have my pussy.”

“If I was you, I'd get a better therapist. The one you're seeing doesn't seem to be helping.” I smoothed down my hair and stepped towards the doorway.

“And if I was you, I'd watch my fucking back,” she said. “Just in case.”

I turned back around, but she just smiled.

I smiled back, but my expression wasn't pleasant. “You must be dumber than you look if you're really threatening me. You have no idea what I'm capable of. Do you know who my family is?”

For the first time, she looked uncertain. She tried to cover it with bravado. “Nothing I can't handle. It's not like I haven't…handled your father.”

I snorted. “As if my father would fuck you.” Either my mother or my brother would have him slowly eviscerated if he did. If he didn't eviscerate himself. He loved my mother too much to cheat, especially with someone like Ivy.

“Think whatever you want to think,” she said. “I know what the truth is.”

“Is there a problem?” Storm peered through the doorway leading into the changing area. He barely glanced in Ivy's direction. “You coming, Chels? We're waiting for you. Dallas is about to come in his pants.”

---