Page 38 of Broken Rules
Why? Because I couldn’t go further? I’m not as easy as he thought, so why bother? Is he watching someone else? Tears form in my eyes, believing he could be different, that he’s unlike the men I’ve attempted to keep in my life.
“Evie, you’re up,” Julianne yells from the doorway, and I quickly wipe under my eyes, retouch my makeup, and adjust my red satin bow lingerie that’s supposed to replicate me as a present. No way in hell will it stay in place while in the air, though I’m to unravel myself like the gift I am. It’s my job to get naked, but the air is my haven, where exposing my entire body is optional, unlike the voyeur box I’m heading for right afterward with the shit load of requests I have and none with him.
Merry fucking Christmas.
Closing my eyes, I inhale a long breath, exhaling until I can’t anymore, allowing the performer within to come forth and push back the broken woman I try so hard to hide. I tie on my black lace eye mask with my head high, then walk toward the red curtain doorway, throwing on a smirk.Shut up and Listenplays the second I step onto the main floor, and all eyes are on me. I don’t see anyone as I slowly move my body, staying focused while gravitating along the sultry rhythm not to meet his gaze in the head of patrons.
At the stage, I flow through the silks, gripping each one, then twist into the air on the beat ofAngelicca’svoice in an upside-down split, slowly swaying my legs, then front walkover onto the floor to climb halfway up the fabric. Working in the air, I allow the music to take control, freeing myself from all the thoughts, showcasing a genuine smile while wrapped in the silks that’s keeping me stable, from falling, and relieving the emotions wreaking havoc in my mind, even for this moment.
I bend backward to untie my bow, my breasts on full display as I gradually get lower to the stage, onto my knees, and open my eyes to Lennox in my direct line of sight. My heart flutters as fast as my tears emerge, every emotion rushing back, and I clench my jaw, the performer slipping as the broken arises. But I hold her back, blinking away the sorrow as I end my show on the floor—dancing while stripping the rest of the lingerie, focusing on every other patron but him.
Still, I feel his eyes on my body like a flame touching my skin, goosebumps rising, making me moan while trailing my fingertips across my breasts, between my legs, closing my eyes as if it were only us here. The lyrics affect me something fierce, wishing he’d come to see me again, hating how much he’s taken over me, and I barely know who he is.
The song slowly comes to a close as I lie on my side, staring at the red lights on the ceiling, licking the tears that managed to escape through my lace mask, and I come into focus as everyone cheers. This time I don’t look at anyone as I exit the stage, heading straight for the showers, ripping my mask off, and leaning against the stall while holding my face in my palms.
“Everly…” Gin says on the other side, and I groan, my mother being the last person I want to see.
“Please. I need five. You can at least give me that much.”
She opens the curtain, and I roll my eyes, wiping away my tears as she looks me over. “Take thirty.”
I huff a laugh, turning on the shower. “You pity me enough to listen for once.”
“Stop making me out to be the bad guy. I’m your mother.”
Facing the stream, I run my face under the lukewarm water. “Congratulations.”
Gin takes hold of my chin and makes me look at her, her eyes glossing before whispering, “I’m trying my best here.”
My brows furrow. “Trying your best….” I slap the water off. “You’re not trying for shit! Where were you whenever I needed you? Huh? When I used to cry myself to sleep because you took me from the only people who actually love me? When I was tormented in school for being a slut because of where I spent most of my time?She’s bound to be a slut, just like her mother.Well, I guess the apple didn’t fall far from the tree while you spread your legs for—”
I gasp when Gin slaps me, and I press my palm along my stinging cheek. “Don’t you dare disrespect me! You haven’t got a clue what I’ve been through, what I’ve given up to protect you, shit I’ve done for you. I’ve tried to take you away but couldn’t because working here kept a roof over our heads and off the streets.”
Blinking back my tears, I turn to look at her, but she’s already gone. I sink to the floor, already done with today. The trip to Vegas Enzo brought up is sounding better and better by the second, so I’ll need to stay to have a chance of leaving then.
Taking a few minutes, I finish cleaning myself, then wrap a towel around my body, strolling into the dressing room, one of the newer Red Vixens eyeing me with sympathy, and my jaw drops once I reach my station. “Who the fuck did this?!”
Everything’s crushed, all my makeup, a tube of scarlet red lipstick broken from someone writing the word slut across my mirror, and heat boils within, rising along my neck. “I know you bitches hate me, but c’mon, this is fucking low.”
“Evie…”
I spin toward Sadie, hot tears brimming my eyes. “I need to get away, fuck this shit. Tell Gin I’m leaving early.”
Roni comes striding out of the locker area, her brows furrowing while she clips her lace bra from the back. “You’re not doing this again tonight. I’mnotpicking up your slack. Can’t you stop thinking of only yourself for once in your life?”
Is she still holding a grudge against me about that day?
I get what I did was a dick move, but the hatred she feels toward me is a reason well beyond the move I made.
Sadie steps between us, turning to face me. “It’s okay. I have a few minutes before the next room empties. I’ll help you clean up.”
Roni groans and walks back to the costume rack. A tear falls down my cheek, and I hastily wipe it away.
“Fine, I’ll stay,” I say, sighing as I get started on the mess, picking up my broken blush palette and tossing it into my trash can. “I do need a getaway. I’m thinking of taking a weekend off, heading to Vegas for a fight.”
“A ring girl gig? It’s been a while.”
“Yes, my cousin Enzo told me about it, and I think leaving town will help me clear my mind. Getting away from my crazy life for a bit.”
