Page 9 of A Dark Duet

I release her and smile. “Oh please, you guys were awesome. I was just doing the moves I learned recently.”

“No way, sweetheart. It was like you mixed ballet with pole dancing and were one with the music. It was beautiful. Even Nate “The Reaper” was in awe. He couldn’t stop looking at you. No different from any other male in the room,” she says.

I kiss her cheek. “Well, we are being requested at The Reaper’s table,” I say as I show her my watch. Her eyes light up and we make our way to the table from the back.

We reach the table and I point upstairs to Jake in the DJ booth, and I mouth a thank-you and blow him a kiss he catches in the air and places on his chest. I catch the fighter’s gaze as he looks at me and then at the DJ. He smirks at me as I look at his gorgeous face.

“How does your boyfriend feel about all the attention you get in this place?” he asks.

“I-I don’t have a boyfriend,” I stammer but catch myself as I respond to him.

He raises his eyebrows, surprised. “How come?” he asks softly.

“How come what?”

“How come you don’t have a boyfriend?”

I look directly into his eyes, honesty in my words. “Because I’m not interested in anyone?” I answer.

“Hmm,” is all he mutters.

“Can I get you anything?” I show him my watch that I silenced.

“Yeah, you on his lap,” his friend says jokingly. Surprised, I blush, my face turning red.

Coco is standing behind me as she interrupts him. “I’m sorry, but she doesn’t do lap dances or any special services. She just dances,” she says.

Nate, as he is called, looks at me after hearing her words. “So you don’t lap dance, strip nude or do any special services, just dance?” he asks me directly.

“That’s right, just dance. You seem disappointed,” I say. I look at his friend for a clue but he sits back, listening to the conversation.

“Nah, I just realized you are just one big fat tease in this place.”

I suck in a breath, definitely taken aback by his coldness and insult. What did I expect? He is just like every guy who thinks too highly of himself.

His type is the reason I don’t date or bother trying. For what? To be made fun of, judged, and treated like crap? I can hear Brie behind me wanting to tell him off, but I beat her to it, making sure I try to stay as professional as possible so I don’t lose my job on my first night.

“You know, I liked you better with your mouth shut and your hoodie on. It’s a better look for someone like you,” I tell him.

His head snaps up, not expecting my snarky reply. I smile and cease all conversation with him, completely ignoring him and speaking directly with his manager about what they would like next, waiting for the night to be over.

Giselle

The following Sunday, Brie is getting ready for our night at the club. I just have one dance lined up, feeling a little sore from the previous night. Who knew pole dancing was quite the workout? In the morning, Brie and I have the morning shift at the diner.

Walking out of the locker room, the doors open and the club is almost at full capacity as more people come in through the door. I see Nate is back with his manager at the same table.

Great, I hope he just stays quiet. I will let Coco handle their orders tonight. I want to avoid him as much as possible. I can see him looking at me from the corner of my eye.

I’m getting ready for my turn on stage, putting the dirty cups on the bar, when two familiar faces I haven’t seen in a long while are next to me at one of Diamond’s VIP tables. Trying to avoid them noticing me, I walk between the tables, looking straight ahead. A hand grabs my wrist, halting me, and when I turn, I take in a deep breath. I look down to see Jason looking at me with his green eyes and a warm smile.

“I knew it was you,” he says out loud.

I turn to find Jace and my eyes turn cold. I look back at Jason, memories of our last encounter filtering in my mind.

“What do you want? Let go of me,” I quip. Surprised at my reaction, he releases my hand.

“I’m sorry. I was just excited to see you here.”

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