Page 52 of Masked Mayhem

“And Whitney?” Havoc adds, his tone serious. “No more showers alone for a while. I don’t want to take any risks. You deserve to feel safe, and we can help with that.”

A small smile breaks through the heavy mood when I hear his protective nature. “Yeah,” I say softly, my heart swelling with gratitude. “I’d like that.”

As we gather together, the three of us huddled in a united front, the memories of my past still haunt me, but they will no longer dictate my life. I’m not alone anymore, and that thought, coupled with the undeniable bond we share, gives me hope.

I didn't tell anyone else about the incident in the shower; I decided to keep it between the three of us. But seeing Dustin's face in my flashback absolutely ruined my entire fucking night.

Back at the club, under the watch of not just Havoc and Crow, but King and D too, I let myself become immersed in the song playing, dancing my heart out in the sexiest of ways, performing moves I've never even done before.

I hide behind my mask, a purple glow shining in my eyes instead of the blue from the mask I usually wear. I spin gracefully around the pole, bending backward and looking upside down at the crowd. My eyes land on a man in a mask with white glowing x's, but he doesn't sit or act like my stalker from the other night.

I focus on the music, sliding up and down the pole, running my hands all over my body as the words to the song hit me right in the heart and almost cause me to have another breakdown. But I keep dancing, showing off my ass as I twerk slowly, building up to a rapid tempo that has my ass cheeks clapping from my movements.

The beat of the music pulses through me, and for a long moment, I lose myself in the rhythm. I can feel the energy of the crowd around me—the sweet anticipation, the locked gazes hungry for my every move. I push aside any remnants of fear and doubt, pouring every ounce of passion into my performance.

As I twist and turn, the lights reflect off my skin, and I can feel an unmistakable sense of power wash over me. This is my space—my sanctuary—where I’m not Whitney the victim, but Whitney the dancer. I draw strength from the support of Havoc, Crow, and the others, letting it fuel my movements, pushing my body to grind against the pole and defy gravity with every spin.

Yet, as the song transitions to a slower, sultry rhythm, my confidence wavers slightly when I catch sight of the masked man again. The glow of the white X's makes him stand out, but he’s not lurking or looming; he sits comfortably among the others, even swaying slightly to the music. I force myself to focus, breathing deeply, but my mind races with thoughts of the past. I remind myself that tonight is not about him; it's about reclaiming my power and indulging in the raw beauty of expression.

With a sultry smile, I lean into the pole, letting my body arc sensually, the gracefulness transforming any lingering tension into a fluid dance. I’m aware of the energy in the room shifting, an encouraging hum from the spectators as I dance. My movements become bolder, pushing boundaries I never thought I could cross.

Suddenly, a shadow looms behind me, just as I’m about to execute my favorite trick. My body freezes for half a second as I turn to see whose presence interrupts my flow. But it’s just Cade and Carter, both of them cheering me on, their eyes sparkling with pride. That small comfort gives me the confidence to launch into my final spin.

As I descend toward the ground, the cheers crescendo, enveloping me like a force of love and acceptance. I catch sight of Havoc, his expression a mixture of awe and possessiveness, and it ignites a fire inside me. I push through, finishing strong with one last sultry pose that draws roars from the crowd.

Breathless and exhilarated, I step off the stage, my heart racing. I exchange quick glances with Havoc, who’s now joined my supporters at the edge of the stage. He wraps an arm protectively around my waist as I find my footing, and I lean into him, the warmth of his body steadying me.

"Damn, you were fucking phenomenal!" Cade beams, his eyes dancing with excitement. "Where did that come from?"

“I don’t know,” I reply, laughing as the adrenaline still courses through me. "I just felt it. Maybe I found my groove again."

"Let's keep this vibe going," Carter adds, sporting a devilish grin. “The night is still young, and I’m sure those moves made an impression.”

Havoc tightens his grip around my waist, his gaze intense. "You were fucking incredible, but remember we agreed—no more dancing alone."

I nod, my initial rush of exhilaration giving way to a lingering sense of unease. The fun of the night still weighs against the haunting memories, but I push them back down, reminding myself that I’m surrounded by people who truly care for me.

As we make our way to the bar, my attention is drawn back to the man in the mask with the white X’s. He’s now standing, his posture relaxed as he slyly raises a drink to me in recognition. My heart skips a beat. Something about his demeanor sends a chill along my spine, and I turn my head slightly, trying not to draw attention to the intrusion of fear.

"Who's he?" I ask, trying to keep my voice neutral but unable to mask the edge of uncertainty.

Cade and Carter share a look, their smiles fading as concern scrunches their brows. “Not sure,” Cade says reluctantly. “He doesn’t belong to any of the local crews. Could be—"

“A prospect or maybe someone who’s scouting,” Carter finishes, his voice clipped. “But whatever the case, we should keep an eye on him.”

Havoc reinforces his grip around me, grounding me in his presence. “Stay close. We’ll figure it out together.”

Meanwhile, the music transitions into something upbeat and infectious, enticing the crowd to move. A part of me wants to lose myself in that rhythm again, to keep dancing and reveling in that comforting energy. But another voice in my head reminds me of the lurking uncertainty.

As we step away from the bar, Havoc leans down close to my ear, his breath warm against my skin. “Are you good?”

I turn my head slightly, meeting his gaze. "Yeah, just...still processing everything. I want to enjoy this moment, but...”

“But it’s hard to forget the past?” He finishes for me, his tone sympathetically understanding.

“Exactly. And now there’s this new guy. I feel exposed, even more so than before.”

“I get it. But remember that you’re not alone,” he reassures me. “We’re keeping vigilant. Just focus on enjoying yourself tonight. If he gets too close, I’ll step in.”

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