“So, how’d you get into stripping?”
“As a kid, I did dance and gymnastics. When I was barely covering my expenses, I decided to try it. My roommate Amanda thought I was nuts, but you just can’t make the same money working retail.”
“Nothing shameful about stripping. Is that why you hide your lovely hair under a wig?” I said, taking a big swig of my beer.
“I do that because I don’t want to be Sutton when I dance up there. The woman you see on stage is Serenity. My parents would be mortified if they knew what I did for money. They think I work in a doctor’s office part-time.”
“Why, are they conservative?”
“No. I mean maybe a bit moderate, but it’s more. To them, I’m their baby girl, who dances provocatively, barely dressed, for money and that would be tough for them,” she said as if that’s true of all strippers’ parents far and wide.
“Look, the reason sex sells is that everyone wants a piece. I don’t make the rules. But I’m damn sure fine with making money off it.” I pounded my fist on the table.
“I see,” she frowned.
“Our dancers get treated well. We don’t put up with shit in the club. We take care of our own,” I said, watching her eyes go wide for a second.
“I didn’t mean to offend you. Indecent Proposals is a way better club to work for. The Miscreants didn’t push anything, but they weren’t exactly as conscientious and they didn’t frown on sex for money in the club. I have no proof, but I’d even wager they take a cut from the girls who do it.”
“Yeah, Daredevil isn’t known for his upstanding skills as a citizen. Don’t be surprised if they get out of the game at some point,” I said and pushed my plate away.
“I’ve not given them another thought after working for the Merciless Few,” Sutton said and wiped her mouth with the cloth napkin she held in her lap.
“We’ve converted you?” I was amused.
“I never said I was converted.”
“Oh, you will be. I guarantee it, blondie,” I winked.
“Wow, you just can’t help yourself, can you?” Sutton rolled her eyes.
“Now why would I ever want to, darlin,” I laughed as she grabbed a piece of ice out of her water and threw it at me.
CHAPTER 9
Sutton
Spending time with Storm had taken me off guard. Learning about how he grew up and became the Prez of the Merciless Few was nothing like I expected. I guess I had dumb stereotypes in my head. He’d kissed me thoroughly, but in all the weeks we’ve been hanging out he’d not tried for sex, not once. I was starting to get pissed about it. What the hell was he waiting for?
“If you keep yanking that brush like that your hair is likely to fall out,” Amanda took the brush out of my hand and placed it on the bathroom vanity where I was sitting.
Looking into the mirror, I see Amanda’s concerned expression. Somehow, I’d lost track of what I was doing.
“I’m fine,” I replied and started playing with the brush bristles.
“Yeah, I thought so, want to tell me what’s on your mind?” Amanda leaned onto the countertop.
“Not really.”
“Is this about Storm?”
I stared at her through the mirror again, but there was no teasing on her face. She looked serious, which melted my resolve.
“I’m just confused. We’ve been dating. He seems interested, I mean he’s kissed me like he’s into me. But that’s it. It’s been a while now and he hasn’t asked for sex. I don’t get it.”
“Why does he have to ask?”
“What do you mean?” The comment baffled me.