Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 122896 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 614(@200wpm)___ 492(@250wpm)___ 410(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122896 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 614(@200wpm)___ 492(@250wpm)___ 410(@300wpm)
The outfit was simple but sexy and not overly revealing. She preferred that eyes remain on the stage and her dancers, not on her.
However, Danny’s eyes were certainly glued to her.
She cleared her throat, drawing his attention back to her face. “So, why are you here?”
It couldn’t be just to see her.
“I forgot something last night. Wanted to stop in and grab it. Pretty sure I left it in the dressing room.”
Since the girls were in and out of the dressing room, she doubted they’d want some stranger back there while they were changing or getting ready to perform.
“What was it and where? I can grab it for you.”
“I’m not sure where. But it’s a special pair of underwear that we wear when we dance.”
Ah, the ones with a pocket to tuck their penis into, to emphasize that particular asset. The women had gone wild over those last night.
Mel couldn’t deny she had appreciated them, too. “Do you know where in the dressing room?”
“No. Mind if I look?”
“Actually, I do. I don’t let any men into the dressing room when the girls are in there.”
“Understood. But unfortunately, it’s one of the only two pairs I have right now and I need to wash them before our next performance.”
He only had two pairs? He really was new in the business. “You aren’t going to buy more?”
“Not until I figure out if this side gig is worth keeping. Those underwear aren’t cheap.”
“Are you having doubts about dancing?”
He shrugged. “While the money’s nice, I’m not sure it’s worth the physical damage that goes along with it.”
“The women were certainly over-enthusiastic last night.” All the dancers were getting touched inappropriately. At least from Mel’s point of view. Maybe most of the Peckers didn’t mind it because it meant better tips.
“Enough to leave bruises and scratches. Having my body all marked up is not good for business,” he finished.
“Not good for your health, either.” Especially if he picked up an infection from a bite or scratch. “Do we need to have stricter rules in place for next Monday?”
“Not for me to decide. You’d have to talk to Nick.”
“I’ll do that.” She tipped her head toward the solid double doors that led into the main area. “Come on. You can stand outside the dressing room while I clear it or at least make sure they’re decent enough they don’t mind you in there.”
“They get naked on stage,” he reminded her needlessly.
“They do, but to make money. No one gets to access them for free, except their significant others, of course.”
He grinned. “Good point. And I’m not going in there to get a free peep show.”
Before she could pull the door open, he had pushed past her to open it. As she slipped by him, his warm, long fingers spread over her lower back for a split second, causing a shiver to sweep through her.
She brushed aside her reaction, and on their trek through the occupied tables, she met Raven’s eyes to check in with her on stage. Mel received the slightest nod from the black-haired beauty, but it was enough to signal the performance was going well and there weren’t any issues. Like one of the customers getting out of hand.
Last night had been much more crowded due to the Peckers’ special performance. Tonight’s number of occupants was a typical Tuesday night. Fridays and Saturdays tended to be the busiest and when the girls earned the most tips. Sometimes Sundays, too, when it wasn’t football season.
She had her most loved and experienced girls work the weekends. Those spots were highly valued and it took a bit for anyone new to work those nights. They usually didn’t get that chance until they filled in for one of Mel’s more popular girls due to them calling off or having plans.
She didn’t need to look over her shoulder to see if Danny was following her. She could feel his presence behind her as they weaved their way toward the back hallway where one of the Demon’s prospects stood guard at the entrance. He was only supposed to permit the dancers beyond the velvet rope, unless a customer paid for a private dance in one of the two small VIP rooms in the back. If a customer wanted to book a dancer, they were escorted to the room and afterward, directly back out. They didn’t want anyone loitering in the back for the girls’ safety.
Ignoring the prospect named Ringo, she unclipped the rope, holding it open for Danny to pass and waiting until she could secure it again.
But he paused and she saw why. With his brow furrowed, he was checking out the biker standing sentry with arms crossed over his chest.
After securing the rope, she grabbed Danny’s arm and tugged him down the narrow hallway where it was a little easier to hear.