Page 3 of Cosmic Crush

I loved being the opening performer. I loved being on stage at the Comet Canyon Saloon, even if it wasn’t everyone’s favorite venue. But, I loved the desert. I loved the heat, even when I felt like I was going to sweat all my glitter off. It reminded me of home.

“One minute!” Max called.

I nodded at him, drawing in a deep breath. Centering myself. My stomach twisted hard enough that I felt like I was going to throw up, but that was normal.

“Ten seconds!”

Deep breath. I counted down…all of my nerves bubbling to the surface. But there was nothing I couldn’t do for at least a minute, and once I got on stage—that minute could last forever and I wouldn’t care.

“Please welcome the salacious glitter-gun slinging hussy, Little Miss Mercury!”

Madam Moonie’s voice carried through the Comet Canyon Saloon, signifying the start of our show.

Everything melted away. All of my worries disappeared, every anxious thought slipping into nothingness.

The heavy crimson curtains pulled back, my song starting. It was a ragtime two-step at the beginning, reminiscent of the vintage cowboy movies everyone loved so much.

The lights flashed over the cheering crowd as I stepped onto center stage.

The spotlight fell on me.

I wore a glittering cowgirl hat, a silk wild rag, a vest over my corset, a longer skirt that would soon be taken off, long gloves, and thigh-high boots. The boots had taps on the toe and heel, creating a satisfying snap every time my foot came down on the wooden stage. Two small handheld guns were tucked into my vest, but the only thing they’d shoot was glitter.

Burlesque was in my blood. Being on stage, the costumes, the dancing, the teasing, the freedom. The music was a heartbeat, every movement of mine falling into sync.

I grinned and twirled, the fringe of my costume adding extra flare. I dipped and tipped my hat, receiving screams and shouts of excitement.

I winked at them, tapping my shoes against the hard stage to the beat.

My hips swayed, my hands sliding to the zipper of my skirt. I paused, looking out over the crowd and waiting for their reaction.

Their encouragement fed my ego. It made me feel like a hot succubus dominating her subs.

I laughed, sliding the zipperdown.

Whoops and whistles soared as I pulled the long skirt free, revealing a shorter second skirt underneath. I tossed it to the side of the stage right as the music changed, speeding up from the slow ragtime to a sassier song.

I tapped my boots, dancing faster as I moved across the stage. I went to my knees, sliding to the edge as I ran my gloved hands up my body. I could see the VIPs in the front row now, their expressions reflecting their happiness, amusement, and lust.

One of them leaned forward, his multitude of eyes shining with hunger.Isn’t that the Ambassador?I blushed as his attention stayed with me while I moved my body.

My hips gyrated as I bit the fingertip of my left glove. I pulled it free in a single motion, glitter exploding from it in a cloud of gold dust.

The crowd erupted as I rolled to the side, getting to my feet and facing them. I took the other glove off, more glitter bursting everywhere.

I danced across the stage, my heels tapping. I reached for the second skirt, unzipping it.

Everything is going perfectly.

More screams and shouts. My back faced the crowd as I slowly pulled my skirt down, letting it fall around my ankles. Garters clipped from the tops of the boots to my corset. White fringe flared around my hips, waving as I shook my ass.

I felt joy. Joy and freedom created the best adrenaline high. It was exhilarating to be on stage, to be entertaining. I relished being the center of attention. I loved knowing that all eyes were on me.

The music drowned the yells and screams out. I continued to dance, falling into the zone. No one could stop me. No one could interrupt me.

I wasthemoment.

I was it.

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