“Anyway, I was able to dig this past information up easily. Imagine what someone else could do with it?”
I ball my hand into a fist and slam it down on top of the desk. “This was nine years ago, before I took over for you. Even if someone decided to look into this, it doesn’t change anything.”No, but the fact that she’s sleeping with you does.
“No, not for you. But some of the people on those lists would prefer to keep their nighttime indiscretions hidden from the public eye.”
“Again, it was nine years ago,” I grit through my teeth, trying to rein my anger in.
“This information is, but isn’t your little secretary still working at a strip club? I’m sure if she’s sleeping with me, then she’s still sleeping with men there. It’s only a matter of time before your name is associated with her nightlife, and the board kicks you out, too. Or clients start dropping you like flies.” He gives a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry you had to find out this way. I just found out when I gave you the information after I heard rumors that the two of you are an item.”
My mind is reeling with all this new information. The picture of her sitting on my dad’s lap stares me right in the face, and I scrunch my face in disgust.
For once in his life, what he’s saying holds some weight. I need to fix this before it’s too late and I end up dragging the company down. “What do I need to do?”
Chapter 31
Addison
By the time I get toRISE,I’ve calmed down only a fraction. I still can’t believe Ethan would have the audacity to call me a whore. I mean, yes, according to the definition, I am, but he knows I’m not proud of my past. But there’s not a chance in hell that man is going to tell me how to live my life.
What he doesn’t understand is I make more owning this place than the salary he gives me.Not that I’d ever tell him that.I love my job atEmulation. It’s challenging and keeps me engaged. I’ve been working atRISEfor so long, I’m almost bored with it. The business side of it is always the same, but working with Ethan is different, more rewarding in a way.
I storm through the empty space and see Danny putting some glasses away behind the bar. He offers a wave in greeting, and I all but ignore him to get to the back room. I look at the schedule for dances tonight and see I’m on twice to cover for Quinlin, who called in sick.
I’ve thought about calling or texting Ethan only about a hundred times, but I know ifI’mthis pissed off, he probably is, too. I’m not a damn whore, and I know he knows that, but it still hurt to hear it from him. I’m not even sure if we are still on for tomorrow for the cookout.God, I need a drink.
Dancing tonight will be good. I can clear my head and figure out how I want to attack this problem. I take a deep, cleansing breath through my nose and hold it for a beat, then release it slowly. I do this a few more times, relaxing each one of my muscles as I do it until I finally feel like myself again.
I get into my outfit for the night—a sexy pink teddy, white thong, and white heels. I like to switch it up every now and again, and tonight just feels like an innocent sex-kitten kind of night. I pin my wig into place and place my mask over my eyes, securing it behind my head. I turn in front of the floor-length mirror, looking at myself before I head up to the back office to get some paperwork done.
There are a few invoices on the desk I’ve been meaning to pay, but haven’t gotten around to yet. The business side of things should keep me busy until it’s my turn to hit the stage.
* * *
I’ve been so absorbedin what I’m been doing, I don’t hear the knock on the door, so I jump when Sarah starts talking to me. I place my hand over my frantic heartbeat and shake my head at her. “Jesus, you scared me.”
“Sorry, just wanted you to know you’re up next.”
“Thanks, I’ll be right there.” I lock up the computer and file a few items away so the other girls know they’ve been taken care of. Although, it seems like it’s just Eden and myself here more and more. Our small group is starting to divide.
Lia’s let this place take a back seat to being a mother, and I couldn’t be happier for her. She deserves it. I’m glad she’s focused on her precious little girl. Everleigh has done the same, taking time to be with Luca and Rory. She’s not going to want to keep doing this either. Things will never be how they were before, and the older I get, the more I’m okay with that. This place is our salvation, it always will be, but maybe it’s time to turn the spotlight off for a while.
I sigh, thinking about the fight with Ethan. I don’t want to be here doing any of this anymore either. Not when it makes him upset. I don’t want him to think I’m cheating on him, or doing this because I’m not happy with him. Both are the complete opposite of how I feel. I’m stubborn, just like a jackass, my mom used to tell me.
I grab my phone and send a quick text message to Ethan.
Me:I’m sorry.
The music changes, letting me know my set is about to start. I hurry out onto the dark stage and focus all my energy into the song and the intricate moves. Tonight, I’m dancing for me. I wrap my leg around the pole and balance myself on one heel as I wait for the lights to come up. I take one more deep breath and begin spinning.
The music is some upbeat pop song, but I don’t even hear the lyrics. I’m too caught up in the thrum of the bass and beat. I grab onto the pole and lift my legs out to either side, wrapping them around the warm metal. I drop my hands to lean back, scanning the crowd as I spin slowly around, showing off for the crowd.
A few men are already asking for private dances; I can tell the moment they call a girl to their table as I continue to gyrate my hips and make love to the audience. They are eating it up tonight. I’m at the end of my set when I catch his stare. The most beautiful brown eyes I’ve ever seen.
Ethan.
He came. My heart is so full it takes all my strength to not run off the stage and into his arms to apologize. I want to forget this day ever happened. I know he didn’t mean what he said; it was in the heat of the moment. I keep my eyes locked on his as the song comes to an end and the lights dim.
Candy comes up to the side of the stage to tell me several gentlemen have requested private dances, but I tell her I’m not in the mood. I’m only here to cover a shift, nothing more, so I rush past her and into the audience, looking for him.
