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“From the girls. Happy Birthday.” He turns and leaves me sitting, staring at the box that was clearly made by his kids.
I lift the lid slowly. I haven’t been given a physical gift in so long that I forgot to say thank you to him.
Inside the box is a stretch beaded bracelet with my name on it. I smile when I see they spelled it wrong, but it makes it so much more special and precious to me. I wrap it around my wrist with a smile.
“Happy Birthday, Gianna.” I whisper to the empty office.
The phone on my desk rings, and I groan. A boss’ job is never done. I spend the next few hours paying bills, answering my messages, and taking random calls from party promoters. When I glance up at the clock, I realize it’s almost midnight, and I need to get myself ready for my act.
“Showtime.” I take my outfit and disappear into my private bathroom.
Once I’m dressed and my mask firmly in place, I look at the cameras to make sure the coast is clear. I don’t want anyone to see me coming out of my office. After the show, I have a change of clothes in the locker room so I can walk out as myself again without anyone knowing I was ever on the stage.
I walk up the stairs and nearly trip.
I stand at the edge of the stairwell and just stare at him for a moment. He is by far the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. He’s engrossed in a conversation with another man and Blossom, so I inch my way around him before I’m noticed.
I hurry and make my way to the DJ booth. I tap his shoulder, and when he sees me, his eyes widen.
“You ready?” I yell over the music near his ear, and he nods.
“Are you?” He smiles at me, and I shake my head.
Not even in the slightest. I’ve been practicing this sword act for weeks. But tonight, it’ll be a whole lot more dangerous. Twirling swords I can do with my eyes closed.
Dancing with them on fire? That’s a whole different ballgame.
Two
LUCAS
Do you have any idea how frustrated and horny a man gets while deployed? Then you get stuck on a ship for months at a time? Let me tell you, if the old wives’ tale of growing hair on your palm were true, you could call me a werewolf. I’d need to braid that shit.
“There it is,” Gavin exclaims, pointing out the taxi’s window at the line of patrons waiting to gain entry to one of the hottest strip clubs in LA.
It may take all night to get in, but at least the view is fantastic. Woman for as far as my eyes can see. In barely-there dresses with all their assets hanging out. I barely let the cab pull over before jumping out.
“The Pearly Gates?” I hear my nephews destain for the name and chuckle.
It’s an affront to his belief system. Almost becoming a priest has fucked with his head. His fall from grace was worse, though, and all for a woman that he still hasn’t been able to find.
He believes it was love at first sight.
I call bullshit. It’s that pesky virginity he’s hanging on to. Hopefully, tonight will help him get rid of it. That shit is a recipe for disaster, if you ask me.
“Very subtle advertisement. I can see the charm.” I roll my eyes and ignore him, opting to enjoy the view ahead of me.
Gavin is charming his way up the line, and before we know it, the doors are right in front of us.
“ID’s out, wrist up, and have your cover charge ready!” The bouncer yells down the line.
I reach for my ID when DJ freezes up next to me. Before I can ask if he’s ok, he lets out a curse that shocks me.
“Holy shit.” I turn to see what he’s talking about and whistle at the two beauties heading our way.
“It can’t be,” DJ steps away from us, but I grab his arm.
“DJ, you alright? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He nods.
