Page 34 of Cannon

“You know you don’t have to live in that small apartment,” Reese said to me as I prepared to leave out for the night. Tonight I’d be working at Sylk Road and sleeping in my new spot. I ain’t have much in there yet, just an air mattress and a few necessities. All things in due time.

“We already went through this. I need to be in the city for work and I can’t be laid up under another nigga’s roof. If you need anything, I’m a call away.”

“At least take my car,” she replied.

My chest tightened. I hated needing anyone for anything but I did need a whip until I got my first paycheck. Then I’d quickly get a ride.

She must’ve noticed my reluctant stance because she followed up with, “Please. You don’t have to do all of this alone. You’ve always been the one to take care of me. Let me take care of you.”

“Just until I get paid.”

“Fine, whatever.”

“If you need anything hit me up,” I said as I headed towards the door.

About an hour later, I arrived at the Sylk Road. Luckily there was parking on the block. Despite this being the city that doesn’t sleep, it did slow down enough for me to park.

It was 8:00 PM but the doors didn’t open until 9:00. I wanted to get in early, to scope the place out. When I walked in, I marched upstairs to speak to her. I could smell the scent of her essence smoldering around the corner. I briskly shook my head. I didn’t need to be thinking of her like this. She was my boss.

That alone was insane to me. I had a fuckin’ boss and it was a woman. This shit had to be temporary. But there was something about knowing I was protecting a woman like that made me feel like I had a purpose. She gave me the vibe that she’s always had to look out for herself and I hated that for her. She deserved a soft life.

“Sup,” I called out to her when I tapped the door.

“Oh, hey,” she replied flatly while waving me in, but she never lifted her head.

Something was off. She felt weird. Who the fuck did something to her?

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Nothing.”

“You lyin’.”

“Just business. I’m fine.”

She was still lying but I wasn’t going to press too hard.

“Aight, well if you need me I’ll be downstairs.”

“I know you will,” she smirked. I headed downstairs and did a security sweep.

Everything was fine so far. And before I knew it the night was beginning.

Dancers came in through the back way. All of them reintroducing themselves to me. Diamond, Miss Kitty, Champagne Kisses, Jupiter and many more with silly-ass namesthat were supposed to be enticing. They bitches looked good but none of them held a candle to the owner.

“Excuse me, new guy…” Jupiter crooned. She sucked on a red Blow Pop as she sauntered closer to me. Jupiter was pretty as fuck, had a pair of large brown eyes that were mesmerizing. Her fake tits sat up nicely and I could tell she had a BBL but it matched the thighs. She was def one of those career strippers. She invested a lot into her look and I’m sure it kept her paid.

“What?” I responded.

“I normally don’t do this…” That’s bitches’ favorite lie. “But, meet me in the champagne room at the end of the night and I’ll give you a free lap dance.”

“I’m good.”

“You won’t be until I spin on that dick, baby,” she leaned in closer. My dick throbbed at her words.

“I don’t want nobody’s sloppy seconds. Even if it is for free. After you done poppin’ yo ass on everyone else, you wanna now throw that shit on me? Get the fuck on,” I barked. Just cuz a woman looked good, it didn’t mean that I was easy.

“Boy whatever,” she said as she threw her hand up and walked away.