Page 70 of Unforgettable

I got the job.

Finn made good on his promise.

At every shift, Finn sits at the bar. He keeps his back turned toward the stage, and not once have I caught him turning his head over his shoulder to watch the entertainment on stage. It’s so cute. He nurses one whiskey all night and watches me as I work. Being new and learning the ropes, at first I found it a little awkward. Now, I enjoy his company. Especially if a man gets overly friendly with me, thinking I’m part of the less-clothed entertainment. All Finn has to do is give them a back-the-fuck-off glare and they quickly step away, never to bother me again.

Although it’s a different story when a woman approaches Finn. They don’t ignoremyback-the-fuck-off glare. Even though the girls need payment for private lap dances, I can bet my next paycheck they’d offer one to him for free. As soon as he walks through the club’s doors, the women fluff out their hair, lift their skirts, and make a beeline for him to see who gets to him first. They are shamefully flirty, not caring when he tells them he has a girlfriend…me!

Tonight, Finn shows up with Hayden and Lucas. I’m not sure how they feel about Finn and I being back together. If they’re wary of me, I guess I can’t blame them. Though they smile and greet me with politeness, I’m sure they’ll cut me down if I ever hurt Finn again.

The three men slide onto barstools. They have some serious good-looking genes going on. All tall, dark, and handsome. The women are going to flock around them like flies. Great!

“What can I get you to drink?” I ask. They give me a whiskey order. Thank God they want nothing too fancy. Whiskey straight up I can manage without turning to Google.

Passing them each their drink, I move onto the next customer. I’d love to stay and chat with Finn and his brothers, but it’s a busy night and I have work to do.

Like I predicted, with three handsome men in the club, it doesn’t take long for the women to notice them. Fresh blood. One by one, they pump up their boobs in their tiny tops and sway their hips as they approach. Princess P—the P standing for Pussy—is in the front line, zeroing in on Finn.

Before Princess P can make her move on him, I slide a tray with drinks along the counter in front of her. “Table six is waiting for their order.”

Princess P cocks an eyebrow. “Get someone else to do it. I’m busy.” Her cat-like claws scratches over Finn’s shoulder. Finn shakes her off. Her hand drops to her side and she pouts with disappointment.

Bitch. Get it through your thick head. He doesn’t want you!is what I want to say. Instead, I say, “They asked for you.” I just made that up to get rid of her.

Rolling her eyes, Princess P huffs. “Fine.” She picks up the tray. Leaning toward Finn, she purrs, “I’ll be back soon.” Sashaying away, her hips rock from side to side. The pink faux leather skirt she’s wearing barely covers her ass. Unlike Hayden and Lucas, Finn doesn’t glance her way.

“Damn, she’s hot,” Lucas exclaims. “She’s into you too.” He gives Finn’s shoulder a light punch. “Lucky Dog.”

I clear my throat behind him. Swiveling toward me on his chair, his eyes pop. “I mean, not that Finn will do anything… He’s obviously not into her… He will always—”

“I think Harper gets the message,” Finn interrupts, his lips quirking into a grin over the rim of his glass. I can’t help but smile back at him even though Lucas’ comment annoyed me.

Hayden and Lucas turn to watch the performance happening on stage, looking like they’re enjoying it. Why wouldn’t they? Angel, who is an amazing pole dancer, spins around the pole to the songPonyin nothing but a cowboy hat, purple nipple tassels, and a G-string.

Alyssa slides behind the bar. A blonde wig conceals her dark hair. A black trench coat covers her dance costume. “Hey, who did Finn bring with him? They’rehot! Although, one looks a little too flirty for my taste.” Lady Cherry has sided up to Lucas, and he’s lapping up her attention. “I bet it only takes her ten seconds to convince him to get a lap dance.”

As soon as Alyssa says the words, Lucas grabs onto Cherry’s hand, and she leads him to the private area. We snicker behind our hands.

“The man with Lady Cherry is Finn’s younger brother, Lucas.” I point a finger at Hayden sitting with Finn. “That’s Finn’s older brother, Hayden.”

“Wow, three hotties from one family. Nice.”

I see Alyssa eyeballing Hayden. He’s a little older than she is, but who am I to judge? I check the time on my watch. “You better get backstage. You’re up next.”

“Shit.” Alyssa quickly pours a glass of water, guzzles it down, and dashes around the bar to the door that leads backstage. “Wish me luck!” she calls over her shoulder.

“Good luck!” I yell back. She doesn’t need it. I’ve finally gotten to see her dance in person, and she’s amazing. Watching her gives me goosebumps. Broadway doesn’t know what they’re missing.

Making my way along the counter of the bar, I say to Finn, “Alyssa’s up next. She told me earlier she’s changed her routine. I can’t wait to see it.”

When Angel finishes her set the lights dim, plunging the stage into darkness. Silence fills the room. The regulars know what’s coming. A golden spotlight hits the stage. Alyssa, in her trench coat, stands under the beam of light. With a hand resting on a chair, wearing six-inch heels, she is ready to rock the room.

Chapter Thirty-Five

FINN

WatchingAlyssadanceislike watching something choreographed for an upscale performance. Something you’d never find at a cheap strip club. It’s sexy, yet not slutty. She doesn’t take her clothes off or gyrate all over the stage for tips. She keeps it classy, and all eyes are glued on her. Including Hayden’s.

“Who is that?” Hayden asks in awe.

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