Page 26 of Strip Search

I’m ready to kick her ass, but she quickly scurries away and my training kicks in. I have to hold it together and play the role for a few more minutes and let her disappear.

“Thank you,” Roxy’s timid voice murmurs as soon as Lola is out of earshot.

I extend my hand with a smile. “Harmony.”

“R...Roxy.” She gives me a weak shake.

“I have a feeling you and I are going to be best friends.” I wink and pull her in for a very gentle hug, hoping she’ll understand that she is not alone.

“I better get out there before she comes back.”

“Yeah, I’m working the floor tonight. I’ll see you out there soon, okay? If you need anything, find me,” I tell her.

“Thanks.”

Forgoing the locker room, I turn and head straight to Dallas’ office, careful not to be spotted by any of the goons around here.

The hallway to his office is secured and guarded by Erik tonight. All I have to do is bat my lashes, and he lets me pass. It helps that Eric and I are on the same team here.

Dallas is waiting for me in the doorway to his office and ushers me inside quickly.

“What’s up?” he asks as soon as the door is shut.

I give him a look that he interprets very well.

“It’s safe,” he answers.

“How much do you know about Roxy?”

Dallas shrugs, “Not much. Lola hired her. Wanted her up on stage tonight. I said no. But she’s on the roster. Ahead of you at that.”

“Have you actually seen her?”

“No, not yet. I was going to make an appearance in a little bit and check on things.” Dallas looks at me again then shakes his head. “Wait. What the hell happened to your cheek?”

I hold up a hand and stop him. “We’ll get to that. But, something’s off with Roxy. For starters, I think she’s underage.”

He freezes. “What?”

“She looks like she’s twelve. And, I’m pretty sure Lola’s been taking swings at her. That would be where the red mark on my face came from.”

“Shit.” Dallas slams a fist on his desk. “You’re sure?”

I nod. “Call it a very good hunch.”

“Goddamnit. I can’t let her up on that stage.”

“No. No, you can’t.”

“You’re going to have to take her place. Son of a fucking bitch.”

“Dallas, if she’s a minor, you’ve got an even bigger problem here.”

“Yeah, I know. I know.” He runs his hands over his face. “Can you befriend her? Give me a day or two to work this out but can you keep her close?” Flipping through papers on his desk, he looks up at me. “Can you work the next two nights? Please. Roxy’s on the schedule too.”

“Whatever you need,” I tell him.

“Did you tell Cole?”

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