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“Of course not,” Pedro assures me, his brown eyes softening. “Between you and me, I don’t think it’s fair that you’re working more than he is. It’s not right.”

“Gracias, Pedro. Truly.” I offer a weak smile, genuinely touched by his empathy.

As I turn to leave, a flicker of hope ignites within me. Could Pedro be an unexpected ally in this world where trust is as flimsy as the paper money the cartel launders?

The possibility lingers in the air like the dust motes dancing in the slivers of light piercing the warehouse gloom. But there’s no time to ponder potential alliances now. I’ve got another stage to dance on, another mask to wear. And tonight, I’ll be dancing dangerously close to the fire.

I haven’t forgotten the way Ice looked at me. He knows who I am, and yet he didn’t bar me from working at the club. When I walked in to audition, I didn’t know the MC was running the place. As soon as I noticed their cuts, I almost left. I should have fled, but I didn’t.

Even now, I don’t fully understand why I got up on that stage, knowing I was dancing for the devil. For all I know, the men in that motorcycle club as just as bad as my brother. But I needed the money, and now I’ve got it, hidden in the floorboards under my cottage where Juan can’t find it. It’s not enough. I need much more if I’m going to disappear forever, so I guess that’s why I’m going back, despite my unease. If I don’t hurry, I’ll be late. Not a good way to start a new job.

The last slivers of daylight slip away as I tear out of the warehouse parking lot. My knuckles are white on the steering wheel, my heartbeat a relentless drum in my ears.

When I arrive, I’m ten minutes late, and I’ve got a feeling the men running Velvet don’t like to wait for anyone, least of all the cartel princess playing with fire.

I burst through the club’s back entrance, and the heavy door slams behind me. The thick scent of spiced rum and incense hits me like a physical force, wrapping me in an intoxicating embrace. Neon lights streak through the air, slicing the darkness into vibrant ribbons that paint a path toward the dressing room.

Hurrying in that direction, I’m not prepared for the wall of man that steps into my path, blocking it. I slam into his chest.

“You’re late!” The fury in Ice’s voice chills me to the bone. He’s glaring down at me like an avenging angel, all platinum hair and simmering rage. His motorcycle cut is a stark reminder of the dangerous game I’m playing. The patch on his cut, UVMC NOLA, feels like a brand against my skin. I quickly step back.

“Sorry, I—” I start to explain, but his piercing silver-blue eyes pin me in place, silencing any excuses.

“Why are you late?” he demands, not even giving me a chance to explain. His stance radiates anger from every taut muscle. He isn’t wearing a shirt under his cut, so every rippling muscle is on display. He’s gorgeous.

“I have another job,” I say, my voice steady despite the chaos inside me. “I got off work late.”

“Another job?” His tone drips skepticism. “Your brother runs a cartel, Bella.”

“Don’t call me that,” I snap.

“What kind of job could you possibly have,Bella?” he asks, emphasizing my nickname and ignoring my request.

“That’s none of your business.” I square my shoulders, meeting his glare with defiance. “Do you want me to dance tonight or not?”

“Get changed. You’re up soon.” His words are clipped, a command that brooks no argument.

As I turn away, I catch the tension in his jaw, the way his hands clench at his sides. But I also see something else in his eyes. Fascination. Desire. Lust.

Ice is dangerous, not just because he’s one of my brother’s mortal enemies, but because one look is enough to send molten heat to my core. I can’t remember the last time I ever wanted a man like this. Usually, I need to get to know someone first before I want them, but not with him. This kind of man, one capable of inflaming my entire body with a single look, needs to be avoided at all costs. I don’t know anything about him and it’s best that I keep it that way.

My heels click against the floor as I make my way to the dressing room. Several half-naked dancers glance at me with curiosity while others glare at their new competition. A few women whisper to each other. By the end of the night, I’m sure they’ll all know I won the amateur night competition. That might put a target on my back, so I’ll need to be careful. Ice isn’t the only threat in this place.

Trying to still my racing heart, I slip into the slinky hot-pink lingerie I asked one of Juan’s assistants to buy. It’s different from my usually muted colors, but the woman didn’t ask any questions. I’m hoping she won’t mention anything so personal to my brother. Once I make more money, I’ll be able to buy my own outfits. I could have used some of the five thousand dollars I won, but I want to keep all of it in case I need to run.

As I take the stage, blaring music carries me away. Each beat brings me one step closer to the freedom I crave. The world narrows until all I can feel are my movements, the heat of thelights, and the weight of Ice’s gaze upon me. I spot him in the shadows of the VIP booth. He’s alone and transfixed, unable to tear his eyes off my undulating body.

I taunt him, which might be incredibly stupid, but I can’t help it. No man has ever looked at me like he wanted to devour me before. My brother’s underlings wouldn’t dare. And I rarely leave the compound long enough to meet other men. This is a first for me, and I can’t help myself.

Power radiates through my veins. He’s not the only man who can’t stop staring. The open seats around the stage fill quickly as men move in from the shadows. Handfuls of dollar bills flutter onto the stage. More walk over to throw their money at me. It’s exhilarating.

I’ve never been shy about my body, so their lecherous stares don’t faze me. This is just a means to an end. It doesn’t define me any more than any other job would. Besides, I’ve heard how good the money can be, so it will all be worth it.

When the music fades and my set ends, I gather the scattered dollar bills, stuffing them into my purse with trembling fingers. Each crumpled note is a tiny victory, a whisper of hope amidst the roar of danger that surrounds me. But this is a dangerous balancing act. If Juan finds out I’m dancing in enemy territory, Ice’s wrath will be the least of my worries. There’s no telling what Juan will do, so I must work as hard as possible to get the money I need to run away for good.

Chapter 5: Ice

The throaty growl of my motorcycle dies as I kill the engine outside the skeletal frame of our future clubhouse. The buzz of saws and clank of metal greets me with the sound of progress, a symphony to my ears. I swing my leg over the bike, set my helmet on the seat, and stride toward the half-finished building. My boots crunch on gravel as the structure rises from the dirt like a phoenix.