“Let’s give her a welcome worthy of the gods.” The DJ’s voice powers through the speakers, and I will my body into action, knowing this is my last dance of the night before I get to go home to Mason.
Warmth fills my chest, beating out the hungry roar of the crowd. I smooth my hands down the black satin of my corset to the clips of my garters.
“Put your hands together for our own . . . Trix!”
The bass throbs all around me, and I force my stiletto-tipped feet to move. I focus on the fact that after I speak with the club manager tonight I’ll be able to share with Mason that I’ve given my notice. I expect to be naked shortly after sharing that with him, and he’ll undoubtedly want to show his appreciation with his hands and mouth.
My hips sway to the music when I imagine Mason’s soft lips, his slick tongue as it glides down my neck and over my breasts. My joints turn to liquid as I think about all the wicked things he does with his tongue, and excitement builds in my chest.
I’ve shared my body for way too long. Anyone who has had enough cash to pay a cover charge has seen me naked, felt every curve of my body, and some even tasted my skin and mouth.
I drop my clothes piece by piece, refusing to allow the strange betrayal I feel over my past to penetrate my mind. Soon enough, I’ll be able to leave this life behind and move forward with Mason. Two more weeks at Zeus’s is an easy sacrifice for a future with my fighter.
The thought alone brings me peace. I can’t pinpoint the time and place where my desire for revenge died, but it was somewhere between running into Mason at Caesars and yesterday, sitting on the swing at my parents’.
The music picks up, and I run though one of my go-to routines. I could dance it in my sleep.
“Hey, over here!” I turn toward a table of guys no older than I am. They wave money at me, and I smile and slink over on my hands and knees with a swing to my hips that I’ve perfected over the years.
I toss my hair around and shove my hip out for them to stuff wads of their parents’ money into my lingerie. Then suddenly, it’s as if the air around me becomes electrified. There’s no sound out of the ordinary, but it feels like I’m surrounded by violence. Like a silent war is waging right in front of me, but I can’t see it. I continue to dance, but my heart picks up a frantic pace. My skin pricks as I scan my surroundings.
And then I see why.
Black eyes fix on me. Desperation rolls from them in waves. I freeze, staring straight at him. A face that used to bring hope now shatters my soul. My stomach churns and dizziness throws me off balance. The corner of his mouth lifts.
And just like that, with one look, my future plans are forgotten.
Twenty-six
Mason
“Bea, it’s me again.” I check my kitchen clock as I pace. “It’s two thirty. I’m sorry to keep bothering you, but . . . did I do something or say something?” My fingers fist into my hair. “Please, call me back. I’m starting to worry.”
I hit “end” and shove my phone into my pocket. She told me she had to work until one a.m. but that she would come straight to my place after. Now it’s almost three in the morning and still no word. I’ve called, texted, left messages, even called Zeus’s, but got nowhere.
She was quiet when she left this morning, but I just thought it was because she had a lot on her mind. I’ve spent the last hour going over everything I said. Maybe I pushed her too hard?
Maybe Blake was right and she’s having second thoughts about quitting her job? Second thoughts about us?
No. That can’t be it, not after the weekend we had. She was excited about us, about our future, wasn’t she?
Shit. I grab my keys and jog down to the truck. If she won’t come to me, I’ll go to her. Not a chance in hell I’ll get any sleep tonight wondering if she’s okay.
My phone chimes in my hand. A text from Trix.
Sorry about tonight. I came down with a fever out of nowhere. Got sent home early and fell right to sleep.
Oh, shit. Now I feel like a dick.
I’m sorry, baby. Do you need me to bring you anything?
I hit “send” and wait nervously, hating that she’s sick and I’m not there to take care of her.
No, I just need to sleep. Call you tomorrow.
Well, fuck. I frown and my stomach clenches. I’d like her to run to me when she feels sick. Want me to take care of her. But maybe it’s too soon to expect that kind of thing.
Of course. Get some rest. If you need anything, I’m a phone call away.
I hit “send” and wait for a text back that never comes.
Trix