Seduction by Violetta Rand Page B

jumps and lands gracefully in a center split. The crowd applauds. Tips line the stage and she’s not even halfway through the first song. I lean back in my chair and watch. She crawls seductively, gyrating her hips and licking her lips. As customers stand, she moves down the line, smiling and accepting tips like a seasoned dancer. Once she gets to the side of the stage where I’m sitting, she faces away from me on all fours and rocks forward, thrusting her tight little ass in the air.
    I lean forward, incapable of looking anywhere else. I dig in my pocket and take out three twenties and slap them on the stage. She turns around and stares at me. The beat of the song intensifies and she arches, pumping air. I’m in a fury—I want her,
now.
    The second song starts and she lies flat on the stage. She raises her legs vertically and wiggles out of her pants. Then, rolling onto her stomach, she goes doggie style again and pushes forward. I close my eyes, fantasizing I’m inside her. When I open them, she juts over the railing, grabs a fistful of my shirt, and tugs me close. Our faces are inches apart. I lick my lips, staring into her big blue eyes. All my instincts were correct today: there’s something savage inside her that needs release. And I’m going to be the one who sets her free.
    She throws me a seductive smile over her shoulder as she slides downstage, her attention completely focused on the next customer. I lace my fingers behind my head.
Damn.
She’s fucking hot. And a great dancer.
    After her song ends, I leave the stage. As soon as I’m near the bar, Desire grabs my arm and drags me to the main security office. She opens the door, then shoves me inside.
    “What’s going on, Craig? Why haven’t you returned my calls?”
    “What are you talking about, baby?”
    “Why are you tipping that bitch?” She’s miffed.
    I don’t owe her an explanation. We slept together for two weeks, no strings attached. “Don’t call her a bitch again,” I say protectively. “That’s Robyn’s baby sister.”
    “Yeah,” she says. “I know all about her already. I don’t want you leaving with her again. You’re mine.” She chews her bottom lip, waiting for me to reply.
    I’m close to laughing. Hers? “I don’t remember agreeing to that.”
    She wraps her arms around my neck and tries to kiss me. I pull back and disentangle myself from her grasp. “Listen,” I say, holding on to her hands. “Put on your big-girl pants and stop acting desperate. I enjoyed our time together, Desire. But it’s over. Understand?”
    “Did you sleep with her?”
    I smile. “Not yet.”
    “You’re an asshole.” She rips one of her hands free and slaps my face.
    I ignore the sting. If that’s what it takes to get her off my back, I’ll offer my other cheek. “Finished?”
    “Not quite.” She hits me again.
    “You’re done
now,
” I rumble.
    She backs away. “We’ll see how much she likes you after I’m done talking to her.”
    “You know me, girl. I’m an open book. Now go get ready for your next set or I’ll send you home.”
    She stomps into the dressing room and slams the door. There’s going to be some fallout from this. Desire is one of the most popular girls at the Den. She’s also a troublemaker. And she hated Robyn. I can’t forget that. Marisela will be targeted for familial ties alone. We have a strict policy at the club concerning gossip and spreading rumors with the customers, but there’s only so much I can do. I have several confidential informants among the dancers who get monthly bonuses for sharing intelligence with me. It works 80 percent of the time. I have a lot to think about. I scan the main floor. Marisela is dancing on the catwalk. When she’s done, I’m taking her home with me.
    I wait for her by the DJ booth. She’s so happy when she walks by, she doesn’t notice me. “Come here, darlin’.”
    She turns. “There you are. You’ll never believe how much money I made in four