Page 18

Vinchezo ran a hand through his hair as his lids shot open. His expression changed from anger to discomfort. I don't think there's a guy in this world that doesn't feel awkward when a girl brings up her monthly visitor.

Even Virgo was uncomfortable. I was eleven when I got my period, and it was the only time I had seen him clam up and not know what to say or do. So he sent one of his girls down with everything I would need and they showed me what to do.

Grunting, his fingers scratched at the stubble on his jaw. “Alright, go take care of that and get right back out there.”

Nodding, I braided my fingers together and scurried into the bathroom backstage. My hope was that by the time I came back out, another girl would be up there and I could have a little time to relax.

Who the fuck does that guy think he is?

Standing in the bathroom, I gripped the dirty, stained porcelain sink, and let my head hang loosely on my shoulders. I wanted that man gone, I waned him to never step foot in the club again.

And yet, there was nothing I could do to stop him.

I had no power there. I had no authority to send him away. My feelings meant nothing.

Letting out a weighted breath, I turned on the sink and splashed some cool water on my cheeks. Drying my face with a few paper towels, I stiffened my back, drawing out all the strength I had to forget that guy was even out there.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I opened the door, walking back into the dressing room.

“All set? You take care of everything you needed to?” Vinchezo asked, glaring at me under hooded lids.

“All set,” I said, holding out my arms. Recognizing the song on the speakers, I knew he had sent another girl up on stage and relief washed over me. “Am I good for a bit?”

Shaking his head, he glanced at the private room. “No, you got a customer.”

“Already?” I asked, arching a brow.

Vin cocked his head back, a stark frown falling over his lips. “Enough questions, just go.”

Dragging my feet, I walked over to the door, readying myself for whatever waited inside. It was always a mystery. I never knew what type of jackass to expect.

Some of the guys were shy, quiet, a little on edge. While others were ready to jump you the second you opened the door. They were sitting there like a dog, skittish with their tongues hanging out, their muscles anxiously trembling to pounce the second the door was closed.

The knob felt cold against my palm, sending a shiver up my arm as I turned it. The room was always dark, sometimes too dark.

What if it's him?

Pushing the thought away, I stepped inside. Blinking wildly, the figure of a man was outlined against the back wall, his silhouette an ominous statement in the room.

Putting on my fake smile, I started forward slowly, waiting for my eyes to settle. “Hi there, my name's Ash, I bet you're—” Drawing in a thick swig of air, my voice caught in the back of my throat.“You.”The word shot out, harsh and jagged.

I fucking knew it!

“Don't sound so happy to see me.” The man leaned forward, the white of his eyes popping under the black light as he smirked with a devilish grin.

It was him. The man I wanted to run away from, the man I never wanted to see again; the man who had gotten my ass tossed into the ditch for three days.

“What are you doing here?”

“Isn't it obvious?” he asked, his smile spreading wider.

Wrapping my arms around my ribs, I veered my stare. “I'm not doing this again, you need to go.” Jerking my head towards the back door, I snarled. “Go, get out of here.”

“Well, that's no way to treat a paying customer.” Relaxing back, he pushed his big palms into the tops of his knees. “Because I do believe I'm paying you.”

“I don't want your fucking money, I want you gone.” Throwing my arm out, I shot a finger towards the door. “So get the fuck out.”

I knew I was breaking the rules, I knew what would happen if Virgo found out I had turned down a customer, but I didn't care.