Page 33 of Lustful Nights

“Damn, it’s about time.” We’ve been short a guy for our routine for the past few months. The last guy who danced with us fell in love and his girlfriend didn’t approve, so he ended up randomly quitting one day.

“Does that mean we’re just planning to do the same routine, just adding the fifth guy?” Tristan asks, taking a swig of his water.

“I figure that would make the most sense,” Bash cuts in, looking at all of us. “Unless you all want to start something new?”

“Oh, god, no,” I plead. “I don’t have the time to learn a whole new dance. Besides, we’ve only been doing this one for a couple of weeks. Didn’t you say most routines last a few months, if not longer?” I question, turning in a circle to look at all of them. They’ve had more experience here than I have, so I usually end up following their advice on most things dancing.

“Yeah, I think we’re good for a while with what we have.”

“Uh, hi,” a timid voice comes from behind, and I turn around to see who it belongs to. Standing in front of us is a man who looks about my age. He has longer brown hair and he’s wearing a pair of ripped blue jeans and a white tank top with blackConverseon his feet.

He’s adorable and I can tell the second Declan notices him because he whistles under his breath before stepping forward. “Hi, I’m Declan, but at the club I go by Deco.”

“Nuh, uh. Nope. Back off,” I tell him, close-lining his chest so he can’t get closer. “Hands off, Declan.”

“What? I wasn’t putting my hands on him.” He looks at the new guy, then glances back at me and wiggles his eyebrows. “Yet.”

“Oh, jeez.” I roll my eyes, stepping around him. “Don’t listen to him. He’s always horny and in heat. I’m Lennox, but I go by Onyx at the club. That’s Tristan and Bash, or Angel and Romeo.” I hike my thumb over my shoulder in their direction and they both let out a “Hi,” and “Hey.” Turning back to him, I ask, “What’s your name?”

“Cole. I don’t have a stage name yet. While I know I’ll need one soon, nothing has caught my eye yet. I’ll figure it out, though.”

“There’s no rush to come up with one.” Tristan hops off his stool, joining us off the stage.

“Yeah, we can always help if you need. Have you danced before?” Bash interrogates Cole, asking him question afterquestion. Apparently, Cole has danced for years, but this is his first time working at a strip club.

“Why Peaches?” I ask, knowing it’s the best club to work at, but also really hard to get a job at.

“My friend used to work here, told me it’s the place to make a lot of money. Which I desperately need. Just moved into my own apartment and it’s so damn expensive. I’m honestly tired of living paycheck to paycheck. Hoping this will help cushion it some.”

“Alright, let’s see some moves. We’re going to show you the routine that has just the four of us, and then we’ll start teaching you the steps and adding you in.”

“Sounds good.”

We spend the next two hours going over the dance, time and time again. We take brief breaks to drink water and get to know Cole better before getting back on the stage and starting all over. By the time we’re done, we’re all a sweaty mess, but we’ve got the routine down. Cole gets along well with our little group, and I’m thankful Caleb chose someone who could easily fit in with the rest of us.

We’re all sitting on the edge of the stage when Preston enters the room waving at us. “Hey guys.”

We all say “Hi,” in unison as he approaches us. “I caught your last take as I walked in, and it looks great.”

“Thanks. It was all me,” Declan gloats, smiling at all of us.

Preston flicks his hand toward the platform while he looks at me. “Is this what the plaid skirt outfit was for? A new routine?”

Three sets of eyes turn and look at me until Declan laughs loudly, crossing one leg over the other. “Oh, a new outfit, huh? Do share more, please.”

“Uh, is that not what it was for?” Preston mouths ‘sorry’ to me, but I laugh it off.

“No. It was more personal. But if you guys ever want to switch things up, I’m in!”

“Nope. Don’t try to change the subject. Who’s the school-uniform outfit for?” Bash asks, staring at me wide-eyed. “And why don’t we know about this person? You always tell us when you’re seeing someone new.”

“I don’t want to jinx it.” I use the same excuse I’ve been saying over and over.

Bash rolls his eyes, and I know he doesn’t buy my lie. “Bullshit. There’s something else going on. But don’t worry, we won’t pry.”

“Like hell. We’ll definitely pry, but not yet. I’m too tired to get into all the shenanigans.” Tristan stands up from his spot, grabbing his backpack and tossing it over his shoulder. “Thank god, we’re off tonight. My legs areJell-O. I don’t think I could even stand, let alone shake my ass.”

A bright light hits our face, followed by the slamming of the door. A tall, muscular guy with a ripped up white t-shirt walks into the club, his eyes taking in the scene around him. “Cole?”

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