by Bella Jewel
Nicolai’s nostrils flare and he glides forward. Even though he’s angry, he’s gliding like he has full control over his composure, even at a time like this. He gets in her face. “First of all,” he breathes, his voice barely above a hiss. “You’re replaceable, Yana. Don’t ever think you’re not. I might value the clients you keep regular in my club, and I more than admire your talent, but don’t ever, not fucking ever, think that I can’t find someone just as good.”
Her nostrils flare, but she says nothing. She seems to know her place when it comes to Nicolai. She stands there, fists clenched by her sides, saying absolutely nothing. Nicolai finally turns, and when he looks at me, I swear I see something new in his gaze. Appreciation, maybe. “It’s your turn,” his voice is a low whip. “Don’t let me down.”
I nod and avoid Yana’s gaze as I turn, swallow the lump in my throat, try and calm my thudding heart, and follow Pamela out onto the stage. When we get out there, the first thing I see is bright lights. So bright it almost looks as though we’re in a room on our own. Slowly, as my eyes adjust, I see men. So many men. They’re drinking, sitting back, playing pool, chatting amongst one another. Like this is normal. Like this is every day. Like us being naked on a stage is everyday norm.
“Ladies and gentleman,” a voice comes over the loud speaker, and I recognize it as Nicolai’s, even though I can’t see him. “Tonight, we have a very special new girl on board. Not only is she insanely gorgeous and ready to rock your worlds, but she has something special about her. Something that’s going to drive you all wild. Our little Flower is a virgin. That’s right, gentleman. She’s untouched. Unmarked. And ready for the taking.”
The crowd goes absolutely wild. I take a shaky step back in my stilettos. Pamela is standing beside me, and she leans in. “That’s your cue, go and kill them, honey.”
I walk across the small platform to my stage just as the music starts. Men are screaming, literally screaming, their hands clawing at the stage, as if trying to get a touch of me. They’re all yelling at me to move and take it off and shake it. I can’t hear myself think over their screaming. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and practice what I’ve been working on for weeks.
I pretend I’m at home.
In my room.
Alone.
And I start moving, not letting my mind get in to try and stop me. I move, hands gliding all over my body, hips swaying, hair falling back, legs parting, clothes flying. I zone out. I ignore the money being thrown at me. The hollers of pure ecstasy when my shirt is removed. I leave the panties on. Nicolai said it would drive them wild not being able to see it all. He was right. They’re screaming, begging, and groaning as I shimmy across the stage. Finally, when I open my eyes, I’m astounded at the money on the floor.
It’s everywhere.
Lining the stage.
All for me.
Me.
They love me.
When I’m finished with my dances, the lights go dim and Pamela collects then we move backstage. When we’re there, she turns to me, cheeks red from her dance, body slick with sweat. “Oh, my god. I’ve never heard so much noise in my life!”
I blink, panting myself. “That was … wow.”
“Well, well, well.”
I turn and see Nicolai striding into the dressing room, straight towards me. “I knew they’d love you, I just didn’t know how much. Congrats, Shania, you just made the most in one dance that any dancer has ever made in my club.”
I blink.
Everyone in the room goes silent.
And then the other girls clap.
Nicolai hands me a bunch of money. I don’t know how much is there, hundreds, maybe even thousands. “This is yours. Well done. See you tomorrow night.”
I stare at the money.
And inside, I scream. Pure, happy joy.
Maybe it’s going to be okay after all.
~5~
NOW – SHANIA
I rub my nose, something I do when I’m nervous, and then look to Ellie. “Are you sure this is okay?”
Ellie nods. “Of course, don’t be nervous. You’ll love the club members and their wives. Honestly, they’re all so amazing.”
“I don’t know why I’m nervous …” I admit.
Ellie smiles at me. A soft smile. One that makes her face kind. She’s like a doll. A perfect doll. All that blond hair, blue eyes, and creamy skin. Next to Slater, she looks tiny. Like he could snap her with just one flick of his hand, and yet the way he looks at her is with pure adoration. It is amazing they’ve come this far, after everything they’ve been through and the fact that she can’t really remember her life with Slater before she got taken.
She still can’t.
But she adores him. It doesn’t matter to her.
Still, I can’t imagine anything so horrendous. Living the life she lived for so long, then coming back and remembering nothing. And I saw the man who took her the day I saved her in the café. He was terrifying. I can only imagine what life must have been like with him in the picture. But she’s home now. And the club is her family. And I’m her friend. I’m glad for that.
“Let’s go in.”
We walk inside the front gates of the club. Iron Fury MC. Everyone in town knows who they are. I’ve had the pleasure of laying my eyes on them when I’ve been out shopping once or twice. They’re swoon worthy, utterly gorgeous. Every single one of them. Which is unfair, really. I mean, come on, there has to be one or two ugly ones. But not in this club. No. At least, not that I’ve seen, anyway.
There is a fire crackling and people are sitting all around it. The smell of burgers cooking fills my nostrils, and my stomach rumbles. The echo of chatter can be heard, but nothing distinct until we move closer to the large group. A mix of men and women, young and old, all of them busily chatting away and drinking.
“Ellie!”
A gorgeous woman stands and starts striding toward us. It’s only when she is closer that I realize who she is. And I swear, oh lord do I swear, my heart stops. I make a squeaking sound, and my hand clasps over my mouth. Someone shoot me now. This can’t be real. Scarlett Belle is standing right in front of me, dressed all casual, like any other person.
Only she’s not any other person.
She’s a damned superstar.
“Please tell me I’m hallucinating,” I squeak out, hand still squashed over my mouth.
Scarlett looks to me and smiles, big and beautiful. The smile she’s known for. “Nice to meet you, Shania. We’ve all heard so much about you.”
“I’m going to pee my pants!” I squeal so loudly everyone stops talking and stares over at me.
I don’t care.
I can’t even.
Scarlett Belle.
Scarlett laughs. “Well, that has to be the best reaction I’ve had in a while.”
“I can’t believe it’s really you. Here. I mean, wow. Just wow.”
“It’s me, in the flesh. I’m usually always here, though I’m back on the road for six months very soon, which I am not okay with.”
She frowns, like the idea just makes her miserable. I can’t say I blame her, life must be chaotic when she’s going around doing tours. I wouldn’t want to be part of it. That’s for damn sure. But still, eeeek.
“Can you sign something for me, gosh, I don’t even care what it is.”
She laughs and nods. We spend the next ten minutes signing and me fan-girling before we join the rest of the group. Ellie introduces me to all the girls, which by the way, are freaking gorgeous. How unfair. Imagine a strip club with all these girls on the poles, people would lose their minds.
Yuck.
I can’t believe I just thought that.
“So what do you do for a living, Shania?” a gorgeous redhead with spectacular green eyes called Charlie asks.
“I’m half owner of the café in town. Me and another guy run it, though he’s rarely there, so it’s mostly me. I manage it as well as waitress with the girls. Because I don’t like
being trapped in an office all day.”
“I don’t blame you.” Charlie laughs. “I’d go crazy, too.”
“It’s a nice café,” Erin says, nodding. “I have an obsession with their cakes.”
Erin is the woman who found Ellie when she escaped her nightmare past and took her in. They’re super close, and Erin is probably the nicest girl I’ve ever met in my life. Not only that, she’s so damned gorgeous. Black hair, emerald green eyes, and a gorgeous petite, curvy body. She’s every man’s dream.
“Me too.” I laugh, squeezing my belly.
The girls all laugh along with me. Ellie was right, they’re lovely.
“Well, well, if it isn’t your man’s hot brigade,” Erin says, fake fanning herself.
We all turn and see Slater’s brothers coming into the compound. I know Lincoln, obviously, everyone knows Lincoln. But the other two, I don’t know. I mean hell, they’re equally as gorgeous, and rugged, and yummy. Plus, they look similar so they’re obviously related.
“Look at you checking them out,” Ellie teases, nudging Erin.
“Come on, look at them, it’s hard not to.”
“Lincoln, man, that guy is fucking fine,” Saskia, the gorgeous, sassy one of the group says, a sly grin on her face. Her slate grey eyes sparkle with mischief.
Her partner, Mason, gives her a look that warns of a harsh wrath if she says it again. She merely smiles at him and keeps looking.
“I think Shania knows a thing or two about Lincoln,” Ellie teases.
“Fuck Lincoln,” I mutter, sipping my drink and turning away when his eyes connect with mine.
“That sounds a little juicy,” Saskia says, raising her brows.
“Indeed it does.” Scarlett nods. “Do share.”
“Nothing to share …” I say, shrugging.
“Except that he stole your panties …”
“Ellie!” I cry, and she smiles at me.
“Oh, lord. Wait, rewind. Lincoln Knight has your panties. Which means he’s seen your panties. How?” Charlie demands, hands on her knees, leaning forward ready to receive the juicy gossip.
“This is too much,” the pretty pregnant girl Chantelle says, grinning.
“I slept with him. Once. And I wish to God I never did. Such a jackass.”
“You slept with Lincoln Knight?” Scarlett’s eyes are wide. “Oh, honey, you lucky thing. Was it amazing?”
“Was he good in bed?”
“How big was it?”
“Did he blow your mind?”
“How far do those tattoos go?”
“Ladies, ladies.” I giggle, putting my hands up. “Slow down. Yes, he was good, it was huge, he blew my mind, and those tattoos are fucking everywhere.”
They all squeal and clap, and I burst out laughing.
“Don’t know if you know, Lincoln,” Scarlett’s partner Maverick chuckles, “but the ladies are all talkin’ about your dick.”
Lincoln’s eyes swing to me, Scarlett thumps Maverick, and I give them all a sheepish look.
“She’s got a big mouth, can’t say I’m surprised,” Lincoln mutters.
“I beg your pardon?” I snap, crossing my arms.
“Didn’t stutter, sweetheart.”
“You’re such a dick. Why are you even here? Are you following me?”
“Even if I was, wouldn’t be hard to find you, Flower.”
I flinch, and his eyes lock onto mine. He is using my past against me. Taunting me for being a stripper. Looking at me like the whole idea makes him feel nothing but disgust. What a dick.
“Eat a dick, jerk!” I growl.
“I’m sure you’ve eaten plenty.”
“Whoa,” Scarlett says, throwing her hands up. “Chill out, you two. What’s the problem?”
“The problem is,” I grind out, “Lincoln is a fucking asshole.”
“At least I’m not a fucking stripper!” he snaps back. “And you wonder why your past is a fuckin’ mess.”
Everyone goes silent.
“Was. Fucking was. You dick!”
“Enough now,” Malakai, the President of the club, says. “Lincoln, walk it off, man.”
Lincoln growls, low and throaty, and walks off. Now everyone is staring at me. Wonderful. They’re all probably wondering who in the hell they’ve gotten involved with. My cheeks burn. I didn’t need my past thrown around like that, just tossed at me like I’m scum. Like the fact that, yes, I’ve been a stripper in my past, defines every single thing about me.
It’s not something I’m proud of, but I do not regret it, either.
I have my reasons for that.
“Wait,” Scarlett says, her eyes wide. I look to her, just waiting for the wrath. “Girl, you were a stripper? How fucking awesome.”
I blink. “Awesome?”
“Hell yes awesome!” Chantelle says, rubbing her extremely round belly. “I can’t even! How cool is that!”
“You think being a stripper is … awesome?”
“Fuck yes we do!” Scarlett nods. “Right on, sister. Good for you. God knows you’re pretty enough.”
I smile, because dammit, Ellie was right. These girls are so nice. So damned nice.
“I wish I had the ass to be a stripper,” Charlie pouts.
“Baby,” Koda growls, eyes traveling over her. Koda is her man, and he’s definitely the most mysterious, scary looking out of all the guys. With that light hair and stern look. “Your fuckin’ ass is incredible. You can strip for me tonight, and we’ll see how I feel about it.”
Charlie rolls her eyes. “You’re terrible, Dakoda.”
He snarls at her, and she blows him a kiss. Too much cute.
“So, now we’ve decided being a stripper is super awesome, tell us what it was like!” Saskia says, clasping her hands together and leaning closer.
“It was … intense,” I say, figuring that is the only word that could come close to describing it. Being on that stage, hearing the people scream, it was overwhelming, it made you feel alive, like you could do anything. For a while, it made me feel self-confident, like I could slay anything.
But that didn’t last long.
“I mean, the dancing side of it, at least,” I say. “The rest of my story doesn’t exactly end happily.”
Scarlett frowns. “It doesn’t?”
“No. But that’s long, and winded, and I don’t really like talking about it. But let’s just say, my world got dark, and I became obsessed, and confused, and broken and, mostly, trapped. The stripping part, that was okay. It was the world that surrounded it that got to me. That world is ... twisted.”
“Heard that from more than one stripper I’ve met in my time,” Malakai nods.
Even the guys are listening now, too.
“Met a few, have you?” Scarlett teases him.
He looks to Amalie, his beautiful, pure, gorgeous girlfriend. “No, sweetheart.”
Amalie smiles at him, and Scarlett rolls her eyes. “Whatever you say. But yeah, I do agree. I can imagine it could get pretty dark. Do they use drugs? Do men try and … hurt you?”
I flinch. I’ve experienced more than a few things I don’t want to think about. I don’t really feel like telling them, so I answer their question in general. “Yes. They do use drugs. I mean, these men, they’re willing to give you anything in hopes of getting you in bed. That’s just how they work. They think money is power, and I guess, in that case, it is. A lot of women slept with them, for extra money. Outside of the club. It also got them into a lot of trouble. One girl was … killed.”
“Jesus,” Koda mutters. “Fuckin’ darker than I could have ever imagined.”
I nod.
“What happened to her?” Charlie gasps, leaning forward.
“She was raped and murdered outside of the club one night. She was … she was lovely.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Amalie says, her face soft.
I smile. “It’s okay, it was a long time ago.”
“What club was it?” Maverick asks, inhaling
a cigarette and staring at me.
“Tainted Night. Run by—”
“Nicolai fuckin’ Peterson,” Malakai mutters.
I flinch. “You know Nicolai?”
“Everyone around here knows Nicolai. He’s a pretty big name.”
“Well, it is actually Nicolai I need to find …”
Malakai narrows his eyes. “Didn’t know that. Why didn’t you mention it sooner?”
“Well, Lincoln has been helping me … or … trying to …”
“And he can continue, but two heads are better than one, so to speak. We can help with information. Know a few things about Nicolai. Know a few people who know him.”
I nod. “Well, I would really appreciate your help finding him.”
“Want to tell me why you’re lookin’?” Malakai asks.
I don’t. I really fucking don’t.
“Good luck to you,” Lincoln mutters, walking back into the group. “Been tryin’ to figure out why in the hell she is after him so bad, but she won’t speak. Can only assume it is … obsession.”
“Go eat a dick,” I growl at him.
He knows nothing.
“Well, you want to give us another reason, then?” he snaps, eyes pinning mine.
“Jesus, you two really don’t see eye to eye, do you?” Malakai mutters. “Look, she don’t have to tell us the exact reason she is lookin’, but darlin’, we’re not goin’ to just tell you where he is and toss you in there, if we think there is any chance you could be in danger. Understand that …”
“I understand,” I say. “And I won’t allow myself to get in any danger. I promise. Nicolai won’t hurt me.”
“You’re sure about that?” Malakai asks.
“Yes. At least … mostly sure.”
“Fuckin’ A. Bout time we got another case,” Koda says, standing and clapping his hands together. “I need some excitement!”
Charlie rolls her eyes.
“So, darlin’,” Maverick says, holding my eyes, “why don’t you tell us what you know?”
And so I tell them what I know.
It’s time to find Nicolai.
Finally.
~*~*~*~
THEN – SHANIA