Page 15 of Dancing with the Devil

“Just order something.Anything,” I almost desperately pleaded. He ran his tongue across his bottom lip and slightly tilted his head to the side.

“Bourbon,” he finally said and I let out a breath of relief. “Don’t take your time,” he added and I almost rolled my eyes so far deep in my head that I’d begin to seize. I turned to leave, making my way over to the bar.Asshole. I don’t even know how I’ve been able to tolerate him until now.

I spotted Jordan at the bar, holding up a cell phone, so naturally, I patted my hips, realizing that he had my phone. Embarrassment flushed heat to my cheeks and I rushed over to him.

“Thank you,” I sighed, throwing my arms around his neck before pulling away. He explained that he had found it under a few papers in the back of the cafe and I mentally smacked myself. “So, are you staying for the show?”

“Is Nirah Joy allowing me to actually watch her perform?” he asked with a broad smile and a subtle twinkle in his eyes.

“Well…” I trailed off. “You’re my best friend and you also came all this way to drop off my phone, so yes. How could I steal this opportunity from you?”

“The Lord has finally answered my prayers,” he squeezed his hands together.

I laughed. “Well, in that case, have a seat and enjoy the show. I’ll have one of the waiters serve you while I perform.” He nodded and I left.

Ever since the day I told Jordan about my job here, I was pretty insecure to let him watch me perform. I felt as though it would get in the way of our friendship, or that he’ll see me differently…negatively. But Jordan has seen my best and worst side and he’s still here, so it’s time to face the music.

I made myMr. Jackass’sdrink and took it to him. He seemed too occupied by the other two men that had accompanied him, to even noticed my presence which I was thankful for, because it meant I could rush back to my dressing room.

Taking a deep breath in, I headed over to the stage, waiting behind the curtains. Letting out short, shaky breaths, I hopped onto one foot then the other.

Jesus, why am I so nervous tonight? Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because there are two hot guys out there tonight. One hot stranger and the other one just happens to be your best friend. Thanks little voice in my head.

Blowing out one last breath I headed onto stage, not seeing much. The spotlight and lights around me finally turned back on, emphasizing my lingerie.

I started my routine and the energy was immaculate from the start. I didn’t think of the pole as something hard and metallic. I turned it into my partner. I used it to my benefit, I took control. The beats seeped into my muscles, forcing them to move to the rhythm.

After my performance, the music slowly faded and I slid down onto the pole, feeling my heart rate steady.

I narrowed my eyes, searching the room for Jordan, but instead, my eyes landed onMr. Jackass. His fingers ran up and down his jaw and his eyes traveled up my body.

Jordan was at a table with a big grin on his face as he gave me a very approving nod. I covered my mouth, hiding my smile—suddenly feeling very shy. I rushed down the stairs and saw Jordan walking over to me.

“So what did you think? You like it?” I swallowed a lump of anxiety down my throat.

“I loved it.”

His approval meant the world to me. It felt good knowing thatbothof my best friends—the people I held dearest to me—knew the real me and accepted me. This was one less secret to keep.

CHAPTER 4

Nirah

MY FRIDAY STARTED off good—I wasn’t buying it at all.

No unnecessarily mean customers at the cafe, and the club wasn’t too packed.

When my feet started hurting, I plopped down onto one of the bar stools to take a two second break.

I glanced around and noticed Marco laughing in the distance as he patted one of the guys’ backs. They joined in laughter until they parted ways. I subconsciously smiled. I’m happy that Marco is happy. He deserves it; he’s a great guy.

I followed Marco’s steps until he stopped in front of…Mr. Jackass?

They shook hands, a solid grip, and Marco was once again happily grinning from ear to ear. The conversation looked serious as though they were talking business. Whilst Marco spoke,Mr. Jackass’stongue came out to wet his bottom lip as his eyes immediately landed on me.He caught me staring.

With my heart racing, I sent him a closed mouth smile and a little finger wave. His eyes darted back to Marco as their conversation continued.

He always looked dashing in his perfectly fitted suits. I also noticed the ink barely peaking out from beneath his collar. My eyes followed his extended hand toward Marco. The back of his hand and his fingers werecoveredin tattoos. They shook hands again, and a gentle throbbing slipped between my thighs.Oh—fuck. Don’t do this to me. Yes, I get it. You like tattoos. But do you seriously have to like his tattoos?