Page 56 of Reclaimed

“Is there anything else I can do for you?” I bite out, ready for them to get the fuck out of my space.

Manny smiles. “No. I just wanted to formally meet my star entertainer’s… boyfriend.”

Fuck. This. Guy.

“And now you have.”

“Indeed. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

I shift my glare from him to the stage. Isla’s working the floor now, but her attention is on the three of us. I lift my glass to my lips and give her a subtle nod.

She slides down onto her back, arching, spreading her knees and grinding against the pole. I’m so enthralled, I hardly notice when her boss and his shadow finally walk off.

Like magic, my irritation evaporates. Just as she’s done since the first time I saw her dance, my problems vanish only to be replaced with a calm peace. But there’s something new here too. A warmth. Spreading through my veins and settling that part of me that felt directionless for so long.

I want her.

I want to claim her.

And I think I might be falling in love with her too. Now that’s a wild thought to have at a strip club.

I toss back the rest of my drink as she finishes her dance. We already decided I’ll remain here while she goes to work on the bar. The glass-encased pole is in my direct line of sight, and I’ll have a broader view of the room from this seat. I flag downthe passing waitress for a fresh glass of water, and when Isla emerges from the back hall, I wave her over.

She smiles at me with pink, flushed cheeks. The way she ignores every set of eyes on her except mine does something to me. Stokes my possessiveness yet quells it at the same time.

“Here.” I push the glass across the table.

“Thanks. I only have a couple of minutes before I need to get up there.”

“Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m just a little out of breath. It’s fine. Normal, um, you know,” she says quietly.

“If it starts to not feel normal, you let me know.”

“Thanks, Powell.”

“Did you eat?”

She shakes her head. “I’ve been busy.”

“Order something from the bar before you dance. We can grab it on the way out.”

“Do you want something too?”

You. I want you.

“Just double it and I’ll pay the tab.”

“Pickles and ice cream?” She giggles at my horrified expression. “I’m just kidding. I’ll get us burgers. No onions.”

“Sounds good, starshine. Good luck.”

As she saunters away, she smiles at me over her shoulder. I ignore the way my cock twitches in my pants in response to the way she shakes her ass.

My phone lights up. After checking she made it onto the bar area, I read through the texts.

Silas:

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