Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 91507 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91507 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
He purposefully ignored Gigi’s exploratory hand on his thigh.
And the oddly enticing dancers over Prince’s shoulder.
Though the last bit was much, much more difficult, every cell in his body pulled him to look, to watch—to fantasize.
But Rafe was famous for his self-discipline and he wasn’t going to give in now. Not when so much rested on this deal.
Prince seemed to think about his answer for a moment, taking an elegant sip from a champagne glass and petting the ginger’s knee. “Switch is a little bit kinky and has a huge chip on its shoulder.” His shrewd hazel eyes pierced Rafe like daggers.
Was he talking about the club or Rafe himself? Because his description cut a little too close to home. Defensiveness bubbled in his veins and he was about to say something foolish when a predatory grin stretched Prince’s features.
“I like it,” Prince said. “It reminds me of myself.” He and Gigi laughed, the posse followed but it was clear they didn’t know why they were laughing.
“Good.” It was good, right? Rafe wasn’t sure what was what.
Prince took another long swallow of his champagne, and then said, “I’m really looking forward to your presentation, Mr. Marson.”
“We won’t disappoint.” He’d make sure of it. He stood. “Well, if there’s nothing else, I’ll leave you to enjoy the club.”
Gigi pouted. “Stay.”
He squeezed out of the booth and shook his head. “I’m afraid I have a lot of work to do. But I’ll send up a couple complimentary bottles of Dom, and if you need anything Mark will be around.”
Prince’s eyes grew ice cold. He set his glass on the low table and stood, pushing past his posse’s knees without care. “Do I look like the kind of asshole who’d show up unannounced with friends and expect the owner to shower us with free drinks?”
Yes. Rafe kept his mouth shut.
“I didn’t come here for a bribe, Mr. Marson.”
“Never crossed my mind.” His respect for the designer grew by about a hundred percent. In Rafe’s experience, people in Prince’s position expected their asses to be kissed.
“I grew up watching people take advantage. I’m not going to be that guy.” A shadow passed over Prince’s face and Rafe wondered what Prince meant. He wasn’t going to ask. It wasn’t his business.
“Fair enough.” Rafe held out his hand and waited until Prince shook it.
“I will take a couple bottles, though. Feel free to charge me double for the trouble.”
Rafe smiled a genuine smile. “I’ll send someone up. Have fun.”
As he left, his traitorous gaze slipped to the stage. The song was winding down now. He’d been distracted too long. It was the last chorus of “Fetish” and the dancers were on their backs, thrusting their hips into their air. In one graceful move they swept up onto their feet, spun away, bent at the waist and displayed their asses to the cheering crowd.
And fuck if the colorful one didn’t have the most perfect ass Rafe had ever seen. It was hard for him to believe it didn’t belong to a woman. His cock didn’t care. Once again it was pressing painfully against his zipper.
The dancers flipped their hair, looked over their shoulders and fucking winked.
At once the lights went down. Roars from the audience skyrocketed, then the DJ spun Selena’s voice and mixed it with the next dance tune. The lights came back up, but the stage wasn’t a stage anymore.
The show was over.
Rafe couldn’t explain the overwhelming sense of disappointment.
Chapter Four
Friday came too fast.
Before Hop knew it, he was backstage with the Sassy Boyz waiting for their turn to audition. He’d spent extra time rehearsing the routine in his bedroom and endless hours adjusting his outfit so it hid anything recognizable yet highlighted his best attributes. The neckline of his crop top was cut low enough to show off his prominent collarbone and long neck. He’d taken in his black sequined harem pants so they fit snug around his ass but remained loose enough to dance.
He was as prepared as he could get.
Today was the day he’d confront Rafe. Today was the day he’d get to see shock transform the asshole’s face.
Satisfaction simmered Hop’s blood. He’d waited years to get one over on his rival. Even though the result was going to hurt, at least he had the upper hand.
He knew what was coming.
Rafe didn’t.
No matter what, the Sassy Boyz would kill this audition. Hop had no doubt. Tam and Ansel had creativity pouring out of their pores. When you included Jae and Z, hell, no one could beat them. They’d be okay without him.
When it was their turn, Tam led the way on stage. The lights were already turned down which was a relief.
He found his place and struck a pose.
The song, “Hiccup” by JX Riders featuring Sisterwife, had a synth-heavy beat and provocative lyrics. It allowed them to showcase the best parts of the Sassy Boyz’ swag and attitude. The choreography was quick with lots of moments to accentuate their style.