Page 49 of Ruthless Protector

“I’m fine, really.”

She planted a hand on her hip, not looking convinced. “You up for a private dance? I said you were due onstage, but he wants you now. Said he’d pay double if you’d switch with someone else.”

Dread crawled down my spine. “Who?”

“The suit with the greasy smile and the fat wallet that just walked in with an entourage.”

Jethro.

I was shaking my head before she finished talking. “I’ll pass.” I hadn’t done any private dances yet, and I wasn’t sure if I would. Jethro sure as hell wasn’t going to be my first one if I did.

Josie blinked at me. “You’re gonna pass on all that cash?”

I grabbed for the door handle behind me, suddenly feeling unsteady. The last thing I would ever do was lock myself in a room with a man known for his sadistic treatment of women. “I’m not sure if I’m ready.”

Josie shrugged. “You still shaken from that grabby asshole?”

Trent had text earlier, right after I’d seen him outside the school. He wanted more money. I shouldn’t be surprised by this, but I’d stupidly hoped he’d disappear.

So, I’d given in and told Raul I was available for lap dances.

Two of the guys were just there for a laugh with friends; they were fun, generous with tips, and followed the rules. The third guy I danced for had a look in his eyes that had given me pause. He’d whispered sick things to me while I danced for him, and then he’d touched me and had gotten aggressive about it.

I’d tried not to freak out, and Bret, one of the bouncers was there in moments, hauling him out of the club, but Josie was right; it had definitely left me shaken.

“I guess,” I said.

She gave me a knowing look, squeezed my hand, and turned to walk away. I grabbed her arm, stopping her. “Avoid him, Josie, the suit out there. I’ve heard things about him…just, you should stay away from him.”

She looked surprised, but nodded. “Sure. Whatever you say.”

Another dancer at a city club had vanished, and though Raul made sure we were safe and we were out of the target area, as the police called it, we couldn’t be too careful. We had to look out for each other.

I forced myself to do my job, took the stage, and did my dance, not once looking in the direction of the club where Jethro was sitting.

After, I found Raul and told him I was feeling sick and left early.

I couldn’t stand being in the same room with that man.

When I got home, I climbed in the shower, the water as hot as I could handle it, and let it wash over me. Wash away the feeling of hands, of hot alcohol breath, of lewd words grunted in my ears.

I’d called Fay on the way home and let her know I’d be a little late picking up Tils. I’d wanted to shower, to get my head straight, before I saw her.

I quickly dressed and ran over. Fay had her friend there visiting. Jennifer was tall, had long brown hair, and like Fay, had been treated very well by time. I knew she used to be a dancer for Raul’s family. You could tell how happy they were to see each other, how close they were, and I felt a little envious that Fay had her.

I’d never had a friend like that, except for Rebecca, but that was before Trent and the drugs.

“How about a piece of cake for dessert?” Fay said.

“Yes, please!” Tilly said. The kid loved cake.

Fay took her to the kitchen to put some in a container, leaving me with Jennifer.

“You’re lucky to have her,” Jennifer said, cutting through the silence. “Unmarried, looking after that child. She tells me you work for Raul.”

I couldn’t read her tone or the look on her face. “We’d be lost without her.”

“I’d hate to think anyone was taking advantage of her,” she said.