“Yes, really. I’m not a stalker, Sasha. I’dhoped you’d change your mind after having some time to think about it, but it’s okay. It’s not like you’re the only woman in St. Louis.”
I shot out of bed, itching to put my foot up his ass.
“Well, I’m glad you have so many options.”
“Shit. That’s not what—”PaniclacedLuca’s voice, but it wasn’t enough to soften my hurt ego.
“No, no, no. You’re absolutely right.” I paced my bedroom, gesturing and carrying on as if he was there with me. “I’m sure you have no problem getting women.” Letting out a bitter chuckle, I gripped the phone even tighter. “A tip though? Maybe don’t mention your harem of lovers, even if you’re being rejected. It’s kind of a dick move.” Luca stammered out nonsense, but I cut him off. “Please don’t call me again. Although, with so many options waiting, why would you?
I ended the call.
Huffing out a frustrated breath, I tossed my phone into the pillows. Poor Ryan darted under the bed to avoid my tantrum.
I’d actually felt bad for turning Luca down. Part of me was even ready to say yes to spending a little time with him. But that last bit of bullshit undid all the goodwill he’d built. The reverence I had for his abilities in bed, next to beds,in hallways, in cars, etc., etc.,dimmed by the second.
My reasons for turning him down, admittedly, sounded arrogant, but fuck if he didn’t take the cake. Well, you know what? That guilt for bailing on him was dead.
Luca Moretti could go fuck himself and that long list of willing women. Good thing I had long lists of my own.
TWO
Backstage at The Monocle, I gripped the wooden pole, watching in the mirror as Jazz laced my corset. She tightened the middle one more time before she created a perfect bow. Admiring how the green rhinestones matched my eyes and set off the flame of my red hair,I tried to ignore the pressure on my chest. Too bad the boning dug into my sides, making it hard to take a breath.
“Fuck,Jazz. I still need to breathe.”
A hard slap to my ass pressed me into the beam. “Oh, hush, you can take it.” Her elegant fingers traced the column of ribbon that laced me in, her black eyes never leavingmine in the reflection as her hands crept around my now cinched waist.She pressed her soft curves into my back,leaving no space between us.
“Have a good show, Sasha.”Her lips grazed the shell of my ear as I arched against her.
Backing away, she went to the other side of the dressing room, her hips swaying.
Jazz was the newest addition to our burlesque troupe. From the minute I met her, I knew she’d be trouble. I never crossed that line with the Shimmy Sisters, but Jazz tested my resolve. Everything about her oozed sex. The way she spoke, walked, danced, hell, even the way she looked at me, put me on edge.It didn’t help that she was leaps and bounds smarter than me and an accomplished lawyer. She was the total package.
Jazzpulledher stockings on slowly, a smirk playing on her lips.Flippingher black, curly hair over her shoulder, she winked at me. It’d been like this for months, a constant build-up to nothing.
Leaning against the wooden beam, I motioned for her to continue. Watching Jazz dress was almost as good as watching her take it all off.
Polished nails raked up her impossibly long legs, stopping to toy with the bands that cut into her toned thighs.
Fuck me. She was hot.
Frilly pantiesbarely concealed her perky ass, and a gold bustier pushed up her small chest.I wanted nothing more than to explore her lithe, tight body, and she knew it.
She slipped the garter belt on, adjusting the top against herflatstomach. Gold flecks covered her body, making her dark brown skin glow. Tilting her head, she met my gaze with a look of pure desire.
Sashaying over to her dressing station, I murmured, “Here, let me.” Kneeling before her, I attached the clasps to the top of her thigh highs.Itraced the straps, gently grazing her legs with my fingertips, andwas rewarded with ashiver that ran through Jazz’s whole body. I gazed up at her through thick false lashes, enjoying how discombobulated she was. “There you go.” My breath caressed the exposed skin between her legs.
“Uh, thanks.”Her lips stayed parted, and her eyelids lowered.
“No problem.” Before I got off my knees, I placed a kiss above each thigh-high. Goosebumps spread over her skin, and her hips tilted towardme.The heat from her body drew me in, making me forget where we were.
“Places,ladies! Three minutes to lights!” Evie rushed through the backstage, ushering all the performers to line up and dragging me back to reality.
I moved away from a stunned Jazz, herchest rising and falling alittlefaster than before. “Good luck, Jazzy.” As I walked toward the stage door, her eyes stayed on me.
Jazz’s attention addedanextra bounce to my step. Thinking about all the things I could do to Jazz—all the things she could do to me, all the things we could do together—made me giddy.
Trying to lose some of that goofball energy, I shook out my limbs. Stage time wassexytime.