Page 6 of Lustful Nights

He leaves the room, and I close my eyes. My set starts in ten minutes and I’m really hoping Jensen isn’t out there once I’m back onstage. Snatching off my clothes, I change into a new outfit before freshening up my makeup and glitter. My heart beats faster as I wait for my time to come up. Once the announcer calls my stage name—Onyx—I make my way out, posing against the pole.

My gaze scans the room, fixating on the spot where Jensen had been sitting. My stomach falls to the floor when I see Jensen sitting in the seat, his eyes trained on me. One of my legs trembles as I wrap it around the bar. My hands are shaking as I try to grip it tightly, sweat coating them because of my nerves.

Shit. This is not what I wanted to see.

As the music starts, I close my eyes, my thoughts focusing on my routine. I force Jensen to leave my mind as I get lost in my dance. While I don’t plan to do this forever, I really enjoy dancing with what little skills I have. I don’t have many routines, replaying the same few songs, but I’ve made sure to pick songs I’m obsessed with. Right now, I’m dancing to ‘Pony’ by Ginuwine and this song always forces me to get lost to the rhythm.

There’re yells of praise once my song finishes up and I force myself to pop up off the floor, flashing a smile. My eyes automatically go to where Jensen was sitting, my shoulders falling when all I see is an empty space. I don’t know whether I’m relieved he’s gone or upset that he didn’t stay for the whole dance. I gather up all my tips, then make my way over to the bar to grab water from Preston.

“You always kill it up there,” he yells over the music.

“Thanks. I’m not as good as some of the other guys, but I’m getting better.”

“Are you guys going out for food later?”

“No,” I tell him. “I have a big test in two days, so I need to go home and sleep so I can wake up and study. But next time, for sure.”

“Sounds good.”

I wave goodbye to Preston before finding a spot at the edge of the club. I watch Declan take the stage, always a crowd favorite. Once he exits, I follow him to the back.

“I’m gonna head out, but I’ll see you at home?” I question, grabbing my shorts off the chair and sliding them up my legs.

“I’m not sure yet. Maybe, maybe not,” he replies cheekily, tossing me a wink.

“Make sure to wear a condom,” I laugh, putting on my shirt. I grab my backpack and bump my shoulder into his. “And please, if you bring someone home, remember we share a wall.”

“No promises, Lennox.”

Rolling my eyes, I push past him, offering a small, “Bye.”

I parked at the rear of the club, so I head toward the back door, preparing myself for the cold air that’s about to hit my face. The door slams shut behind me and I squeak, putting my hand on my chest. It never fails. I’m nervous every night that I have to walk to my car at night. Luckily, I park really close to the building, but it’s still scary sometimes.

Using my key fob, I unlock my car when the sound of footsteps induces my heart, causing it to beat faster. My fingers grip the handle, at the same time I hear a gruff, “Lennox?”

4

JENSEN

“Lennox?”I ask tentatively.

I have no idea what I’m even doing here. But I couldn’t get him out of my mind. Nick would fucking slaughter me if he knew where my thoughts have been for the last two days. Each time I’ve closed my eyes, Lennox has been front and center. Either sliding down the pole or grinding into the floor.

Coming to Peaches tonight was a mistake. I should have gone home, but I didn’t, and now I’m standing before him, tongue-tied. My stomach has been in knots since I first stepped into the club, but it doesn’t make any sense to me. I don’t know why I can’t get him out of my mind. The only thing I can think of is the fact that it’s Lennox and he shouldn’t be working at a place like this.

So, I’m just pulling a play from Nick’s playbook. I had to come and make sure that Lennox was okay. That’s all there is to it.

Lennox whips around, squealing before staring at me with wide eyes. “Jensen? What the fuck are you doing here?” His voice is shaky and I zero in on his hand, gripping the strap of his backpack tightly.

“I uh…” Rubbing the back of my neck, I shrug my shoulders. “I saw you here the other night. Wasn’t sure what to make of it, but I wanted to come and make sure you’re okay. Nick never said anything?—”

Lennox cuts me off, stepping closer to me. “Please tell me you didn’t say anything to Nick about me.”

“Of course not. That’s why I’m here. I didn’t want to stress him out, so I thought I would come check on you myself.” Which isn’t a lie, but it’s also not the full truth.

As I take him in, his shoulders visibly relax. His brown hair is longer than it usually is, and his arms seem bulkier. The couple of streetlights brightening up the parking lot dim his whiskey eyes. I quickly scan his clothes, seeing that he’s wearing red tight booty shorts and a black shirt.

He talks and my gaze snaps up. “You don’t need to check on me, Jensen. I’m not a baby, but I would appreciate it if you didn’t say anything to Nick.”

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