Page 27 of Daddy Sees Snakes

"What can I say, I know how to put on a show," I reply with a confident toss of my hair. "This place seems like a good setup."

Raven arches one of her perfectly sculpted brows. "Mmhmm, just be careful. Management expects us to do more than just dance, if you know what I mean. The big money is in the private rooms."

My stomach twists a bit at her implication.

I'm no stranger to getting cozy with clients, but the fact that it seems almost mandatory here puts me on edge.

I signed up to dance, not turn tricks.

But I need this job and the fat paychecks that come with it.

I can't afford to have anything off-limits.

Forcing a breezy smile onto my face, I shrug. "Nothing I can't handle. Wouldn't be the first time I've had to fend off a handsy customer."

"I'm sure you're an expert, honey." Raven chuckles before sauntering off, her sparkly G-string catching the light.

I head over to my locker and check my reflection in the small mirror hung inside the door.

My dark eyeliner is slightly smudged, giving me a smokey, sultry look.

I reapply some ruby red lipstick and shake out my long hair so it tumbles over my shoulders just so.

Giving myself a little nod, I adjust my black lace bra, custom made to showcase my killer tattoos.

I look every inch the sexy, edgy fantasy I aim to portray.

Just as I'm about to close my locker, a flash of color on the tiny TV mounted in the corner catches my eye.

A news report shows shaky camera footage of what looks like a drug bust, a grim-faced reporter speaking into a mic.

"...Authorities are not revealing much about this latest raid, but sources say it may be tied to an ongoing turf war between an unnamed source and the Crimson Reapers motorcycle gang..."

My heart leaps into my throat at the mention of the Crimson Reapers—Lyon’s club.

Why can't I escape that man?

Tearing my eyes away from the troubling news report, I slam my locker shut and take a deep breath, pushing all thoughts of Lyon out of my mind.

I have to focus on my job, on making that money.

For fuck’s sake, I need a fresh start.

I can't afford distractions or complications.

This is my chance to take control of my life and get back on my feet.

Squaring my shoulders, I strut out to the main floor of the club, my stilettos clicking on the polished crimson floors.

It's time to set aside Iris, the girl with the troubled past and bad taste in men, and become Ivy, the untouchable seductress who beguiles and teases, but never lets anyone get too close.

I scan the crowd, my painted lips curving into a mysterious smile.

Who's ready to play?

I saunter through the club, hips swaying to the seductive beat pulsing through the speakers.

The air is thick with desire, the musky scent of cologne mingling with the sweet notes of perfume.

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