Page 20 of Knot Happening

“Correct. There’s ten. Eight themed, and two that are dubbed ultra, by us employees. They’re the big rooms, multiple stages. It’s best to learn all that on the job, though.

“Upstairs there are a bunch of private bedrooms. They’re a little past the office, and there are two guards walking them atall times. You won’t be eligible to apply for a spot up there until three months. Then you can sign your contract. Declan handles the full details of that, because each one looks different. What I can tell you is that you shouldn’t sign up for more than you’re comfortable with. There’s plenty of opportunity to earn in all aspects of this club.” She blushes, tucking a bit of pink hair behind her ear. “I make a lot by dressing up as a fairy, because of my pink hair.” She shrugs, and my jaw drops open, even as I smile.

“Theme nights?” I ask, and she snorts, blush gone now.

“That, and theme rooms. Also, Declan and the managers aren’t picky about the uniforms. As long as you’re wearing something provided by us, you can wear whatever you want at any time. We have access to some incredible lingerie thanks to the boutique. The only exceptions are specific theme nights, parties, and certain performances.”

“Wow. Declan hired me as a Fantasy Muse. That title makes more sense now,” I giggle nervously. “He said base pay is two hundred and fifty per eight-hour shift. Tips not included?”

“Yep. We of course are permitted to use Heat Leave if we need to, either as the Omega or for the Bonded Mates, but most tend to either use suppressants or work as a Heat Mistress or Master. We also get two days of PTO for every month of employment. I have like sixty saved up. You can cash them out, if you need to. Typically, once an employee saves up two or three weeks worth, they cash out half the days. Declan doesn’t care.” Dream leans in, lowering her voice. “One time I needed twenty grand… That's a long story, but anyway, they gave me an advance, and didn’t use any of my PTO to pay it back. Of course, I made that back in three nights…but still. It’s the thought that counts.”

“Wow, that's… Wow,” I murmur, and she giggles.

“I know. He’s kind of the best boss I’ve ever had. I never want to leave,” she sighs, and I nod in understanding.

“About the mated employees…” I start, as someone with clear bond marks around their neck walks by.

“Everyone has a kink. Sometimes the kinks are simple. Like being spanked. Sometimes they’re more complicated and harder to fulfill. Like wanting to fuck a bonded Omega while her mates watch.” Dream speaks softly, but even still, the bonded Omega overhears her.

“What can I say, my mates have their own kinks.” She winks, and my mouth drops open.

“Fair enough,” I nod, feeling a bit of admiration for the Omega. She’s not terribly older than I am. Maybe early thirties at the oldest. She’s got long brown hair and bright silvery eyes. Her body is slender, and it’s clear she works out.

“I go by Mary,” she says, offering me her hand. As she shakes it firmly, I wonder if maybe she was an Alpha in another life. “And you are?” she asks, when I never offer her my name.

“Oh, Tatum.”

“We haven’t covered stage names yet,” Dream chuckles.

“Ah, well, it’s nice to meet you, babygirl.” She winks and walks off. I’m hypnotized by her as she goes. She’s spellbinding, and I can’t help but wonder how much money she makes on a nightly basis. Almost like she can read my mind, Dream leans in, whispering in my ear.

“A fucking fuck ton.”

I shiver. Maybe I could fuck strangers for the right price. I’ve considered fucking them for pleasure… So, why not money?

Because you’ve only ever had sex once, and that was years ago, and it ended so badly you now avoid Alphas at all costs…

Right. Betas and Omegas?

I’ll consider it.

By the time six o’clock rolls around, I’m dead on my feet and have been ordered to make use of the gym located beside the boutique or else.

I spend a lot of time on my feet at the diner, but nothing could have prepared me for the full body workout of dancing in heels. So much dancing. So many different styles of dancing. We settled on two dances. One for the stage, and one for laps.

I’m sitting on the bench in the locker room, staring at my red feet, as Dream walks out of the showers. She takes one look at me and giggles. “You’ll get used to it faster than you think.”

“I think maybe this was a mistake. I can’t feel my toes. I should have applied for bouncer…” I joke, and Dream snorts a laugh.

“Ice bath, then soak them in warm water with Epsom salt. You’ll thank me later.” I don’t turn to face her, because I don’t think I’ll move from this spot for the next several days.

“Noted. I live close enough that I can walk home… But the thought of taking a single step right now, makes me want to evaporate into the air.”

“Here, I use this spray when my feet are screaming at me in pain. They should at least get you home!” Someone steps out from behind the lockers, holding a can of something I can’t identify. I let her spray my poor screaming toesies, and I sigh loudly in relief.

“Right? It’s heavenly, but super expensive. I tried convincing Declan to supply them, but it’s also kind of hard to get your hands on.” Once she’s done tending my tootsies, she stands and offers me her hand. “I’m Madison, but you can call me Apple when we’re here.”

“Tatum,” I say, nodding my head. “I read the paperwork Declan sent me home with yesterday, but I seriously couldn’t think of a nickname…” I admit, and both Dream and Apple chuckle.

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