Chapter 6

Simplicity and finding a neutral spot to meet underpinned my plan, what little there was of it. If I returned Daniella’s call, the beautiful wrecking ball would end up at my place. The sex would be ... amazing. However, although a goal we shared, the flicker in her eyes as she’d left my apartment that rainy night reappeared: she sought more. So, we’d meet in a public location, where we’d both be comfortable. Or at least, I’d be less ... threatening, and the wrecking ball might feel safer.

As such, that very night, after being inspected by a large man with no neck and paying an exorbitant cover charge, I walked into the thunderous glittering chaos that was “Platinum Dreams.” Like I said, not such a brilliant plan. Hey, at least my curiosity would be satisfied, because, yes, I wanted to see her dance.

Not long after winding through the raucous crowd, I found a seat at a small table in the corner. Soon enough, I nursed an overpriced scotch while scanning the other patrons.

Although most were men, my brows raised at a fair number of women also watching the action. Based on the age differences, easily twenty years younger than the guys, plus what little they wore, most were hired company. Yeah, most definitely dad’s kinda place.

Sleek and constantly in motion, dancers worked atop a trio of lengthy, narrow glass-topped runways. The glossy strips united at a single large round platform. In addition to the colored lights illuminating the swaying figures from beneath, bright pinpoint spots tracked their alluring movements.

With both smiles a little forced and far too much makeup, woman after woman of every conceivable shape and shade appeared. All were fit and gleamed in the bright lighting. They’d slip from a variety of peel-away costumes to writhe and grind across the glistening stage or slither on shiny metal poles.

As they danced, many types of music flooded the club, muting the laughter and voices trying to communicate through the thumping melodies. Despite the topless waitresses, some of whom had also strutted in the lights, the ear-pounding din reminded me why I chose not to frequent such places.

At the sudden appearance of a shadow beside me, I glanced up to find a drop-dead gorgeous young woman, wearing only a golden G-string and matching high heels. With long honey-blonde tresses glimmering in the flashing spots, she smiled down at me. After a gulp while giving her swaying full chest a lingering glance, I made it to her smile. Heat flooded my cheeks.

“It’s okay, sweetie. That’s what they’re for.” With a laugh, she shook her tits. “I’m Skyler. I’ll be taking care of you tonight.” She bent forward, glancing at my tumbler. “Need a top off? Anything else? Before you ask, not me. Even for you, handsome.”

“Um, thanks, uh, Skyler. No, I’m good.”

“Waiting for somebody?” Her smile dipped as she scanned my face. “You don’t seem like the kinda guy who’d come here. I mean, all guys would, but you seem a little—”

“—uncomfortable?” A shaky snort left me.

“Yes, uncomfortable.”

“I’m, uh, looking for someone,” I said, leaning closer to be heard when a new dancer appeared, and the music grew louder.

Swathed in black leather strips, a tight-bodied redhead strutted down the center tongue in knee-high glossy ebon boots with razor sharp heels. Heavy eyeshadow. Smile matched with a scowl. Black dog collar, studded with sharp silver, hugging her neck. Tattooed. Acid rock blasted my ears as the rawhide strands peeled away. Wonderful effect.

“Who you looking for, stud?”