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“I’m what’s called a veteran around here.” That makes me smirk.
“No shit? We have that in common, then. Well, in six months.” She stops moving and looks at me.
“Soldiers don’t pay here. Thank you for your service.” I hate when people say that.
What do you say that doesn’t sound egotistical? I just nod, and she starts cutting fruit and dumping it into a container.
“I’ve been with the girls for years. I’ve worked here since it opened.” I take the last sip of my whiskey as she talks and enjoy the warm feeling in my chest.
“Girls?” She rolls her eyes at me, but I get the feeling it’s at her inner thoughts more than my question.
“The owners. Gianna runs the club.” She points into the crowd, and my eyes settle on a beautiful blonde woman dressed in all black.
Her body is lithe, muscular, and covered head to toe in leather and lace.
“Wow,” I lick my lips and watch her move to the doormen.
“Look elsewhere, soldier. That is one war you can not win.” She pours me another whiskey as she chats with Gavin some more.
War is all I know, and losing has never been an option.
“To the winner goes the spoils.”
Three
GIANNA
I’m backstage stretching and shaking out my limbs. The trick to these types of performances, I hear, is to relax. I’ve never been able to manage it, though.
I have about five minutes before I’m on, and I’m already overheated in my outfit.
“You look fantastic!” Blossom gushes at me.
“Thanks. Get Bruno to carry that.” She rolls her eyes at me, holding a case of beer like it doesn’t weigh fifty pounds.
“He’s the bouncer, not a bar-back. Besides, this is my only exercise.” She chuckles at the face I make at her.
“One of these days, you’ll realize I’m your boss, and what I say goes.” I place my hand on my hip, and she smiles.
“Oh honey, I know you pay my bills, but you’re still just one of my girls. Now I’m going to get back to my job so you can wow that crowd.” When she turns to leave, I can’t help my curiosity any longer.
“Blossom, the guys at the bar. The two by the stairs?” I stop when her eyebrow raises.
“Which one caught your eye?” I hate how well she can read me.
“The tall Latin one with the five o’clock shadow.” I lick my lips at the memory.
She smiles at me but doesn’t say a word.
“Well, well, funny, you should ask. He saw you early and couldn’t take his eyes off you. Should I slip him your number?” The music ends, and the MC starts making my introductions.
“Don’t you dare!” I turn to grab my swords and check to see if my face mask is in place.
“Break a leg, honey. I’ll send the Army hottie to your office after your show. You look like you need the birthday present in his pants tonight.” My mouth drops open as she walks away from me, laughing.
“Without further ado, may I present the main event, our gorgeous and mysterious lady of the night, Vesta.” I take my place on stage mere seconds before the curtain opens, and the pyrotechnics start around me.
I flip my ponytail over my shoulder and move my swords in a wide arch over my head. When the music beat drops, I perform a flip stretching my arms out, so the blades catch fire in the flames surrounding the stage.
