Page 13 of Pink Poison

“Stage is ready for you, babe!” Teegan yells from the door.

My heels click loud as hell as I strut towards my best friend. Her glossy, red lips part widely as her laugh rings out over the music booming from the stage speakers. “Oh myfuckingGod. That—” She sweeps her hand up and down with a giggle. “Is perfect.”

“I thought you’d appreciate it.” I wink before spinning in a circle to give her a full view.

“Warning you now, I saw someone roll up on a bike. I’m pretty sure he came alone—but you know he’s gonna spread your arrival to the MC,” she says.

My lip twitches slightly at the mention of the Butchers. I wanted this, and I made damn sure to get it. Let them think I’m back workin’ at Mo’s for all I care. “Good. I hope word still travels fast around here.”

Pushing out of the locker room, I put a little extra sway in my hips as I walk toward the darkened stage. The familiar beat of my favorite remix plays quietly while the DJ for the night spins my intro song. Wolf whistles echo around the bar, bringing a genuine smile to my face. “Next up, who you’ve all been waiting to return, under a new name—give it up for Stevie,” the DJ’s gravelly voice booms over the music.

Carefully, I step to the side of the pink, steel pole at the center of the stage. Gripping it with both hands, I toss my head back and pop my chest out more than it already is. My knees meet the floor as I slide my hands down the pole with a slight twist, like I would if I were giving a performance worthy hand job. The music takes over in my mind, shoving my plans for revenge to the backburner while I pop back up,justenough to spin around the rod while strategically kicking my feet to give the illusion that I’m walking on air.

Dollar bills fly on the stage at every angle, encouraging me to get closer to the crowd. Dropping to my knees, I ignore the blunt pain and follow through with my signature move—the one I adopted the night that everything went to hell in a handbasket. Slowly, I crawl forward, tossing my hair side to side before leaning back on the thick heels of my platforms. My knees spread wide as I flash the tiny scrap of light pink satin between my legs. Adrenaline thrums through me the moment my hand dips over my cleavage. It’s addictive, the rush that comes with teasing a room full of men—knowing thatIhold this power over them, over their money. My hand trails low and slow until I reach my core. Lifting my hips, I give anaward winning show of faux grinding on myself before untying the bow with my free hand.

“Take it off, Stevie!” Teegan howls, shaking her bare chest with enthusiasm.

Smiling, I follow her order and pull the straps sensually from my shoulders. An unsurprising rain of cash flows from the faceless crowd, prompting more demands. Through the corner of my eye, a man stands close to the side of the stage.Too close.My heart stutters with the opportunity to give someone a little attention—someone who I’d bet my savings is part of the club that kicked me when I was already down.

I throw myself forward and crawl toward him as the pink lights flash in his direction, showcasing his leather vest.Game on, boys.Popping up to my full height, I lick my lips and toss him a wink before beckoning for him to come and get me. He narrows his inklike eyes, likely gauging how serious I am.Oh, honey. If you only knew.A wicked smirk pulls at the corner of my lip as I bend forward and pat my knees, as if I’m trying to get a puppy’s attention.

I am fully aware that Ireallyshouldn’t poke the beast—but how could I resist when he’srightthere?

There’s a sickening satisfaction in the way his broad chest rises and falls rapidly from my instigation. It’s almost as addictive as dancing.Almost.He snaps forward and jumps onto the stage. I hold my breath as I drink in the view of his dark leather vest and the patches sewn to it. Above the black and white embroideredSergeant-at-Armspatch sits another that readsStone.I grip the collar of his t-shirt and pull him back with each careful step to the center of the stage.

His spiced cologne mingles with my fruity perfume, coaxing saliva to pool over my tongue. “You’re playin’ games with the wrong one,Stevie,” he drawls.

“I have a message that I need you to send for me.” I abruptly turn and grind against his groin. “Tell Jameson and Mack that I’m back now—for good.”

I fan my hair out as I walk around him, dragging my nails over his cut until I’m out of his sight. The crowd shouts their excitement once I come back into their view. With a flirtatious smile, I shimmy my chest before kicking my heel back into Stone’s ridiculously firm ass. Before my budding laugh has a chance to slip free, a pair of hot, callused hands grip my hips. My world tips over as I’m maneuvered like a goddamn ragdoll until I land on Stone’s hulking shoulder.

Oops. I guess he didn’t like that.

Frowning, I slap my hands over his back wildly. A sharp sting burns through the exposed flesh of my round cheeks followed by an obnoxiously loud crack. “Behave, pretty doll,” he growls.

“Eat shit, Butcher,” I snap, wiggling against his tight hold. “Let. Me. Go.”

Another sharp slap hits my ass, making me squeal louder than I anticipated. I fight to ignore the fluttering in my stomach that tells me I like how it feels to be manhandled.God, I need to get laid.“I’m pretty sure I told you to behave.”

“Yeah, well, I’m pretty sure I told you to let me go, asshole.”

His frame vibrates with his laugh as he walks us further from the stage toward the locker room. Lifting my head, I spot Teegan pushing her way out of the crowd with a look that could kill. Her bright eyes find mine, loaded with concern and a whole heap of anger. I offer her a small smile, just enough to appease her. Whatever Stone wants, he’s not going to hurt me.

Not physically, anyway.

Nodding, she makes her way back towards the bar. The last thing I see before the door closes is another leather vest with an all too familiarwhite skull cracked down the middle. Behind the halves sit two crossed blood-spattered meat cleavers.

Fucking Butchers.

Faster than he hauled me to his shoulder, I’m back to my feet with an echoing clack around the room. Crossing his stupidly thick arms across his chest, he pins me with a dull stare. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

“That sounds like ayouproblem,” I snort, dismissing his presence in favor of Teegan’s locker.

He chuckles, all deep and sexy like the asshole he is.Dammit, Stevie. Stop thinking about how sexy he is and ignore him.I roll my eyes at my internal voice of reason and pull out a pair of hot pink Spanx and the matching lace bralette. Sitting on the bench, I move to untie my platforms when my undesired companion’s hand pulls the bow tail for me. “Let me help,” he breathes.

His soft words take me by surprise, but I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. If the man gets his jollies by getting on his knees to help strippers remove their shoes, I think I can handle that. This time, it’s my turn to cross my arms. “Don’t fuck the ribbons up, they’re expensive,” I warn.

“You tied them too tight, doll.” His fingers trail over the fabric as he undoes the criss-cross pattern down to my ankle, revealing the light indentations on my shin.

---