Page 3 of Wreck Me

Avery’s low throaty laugh isn't unkind. ‘Honey, you are the most stunning woman to pass through those fancy tinted glass doors.’ She gestures towards my olive skin. ‘You radiate an innocence that no amount of money can buy. And you won’t fall.’ She takes a sip from her glass. ‘Not unless it’s head over heels in love with a rich, sexy banker, of course.’

I scoff. ‘No chance.’

Love isn't a part of my plans. I’ve seen the destruction it causes. My plan is to graduate with a masters in finance and travel the world. Finally escape the city where I’ve been hiding in plain sight. Romance is for books and movies. Not real life. And certainly not for me.

‘Never say never.’ Avery crosses her long legs, her features pinching into a knowing look. ‘I’ve seen you ogling the society pages. Don’t think I don’t know you have a relentless crush on James Beckett.’ She taps her nose conspicuously.

He might be Ireland’s most eligible bachelor, but she has no idea I was raised to despise him.

I dab a trace of mascara away from under my eye. ‘Doesn’t every woman with a pulse have a crush on him?’

‘I suppose I wouldn't kick him out of bed for eating crisps.’ Avery likes her men the way she likes her martinis–dirty. And James has a reputation for doing dirty deeds.

Avery lifts her glass to her lips but pauses before taking a sip. ‘You do know he’s a member here, right?’

‘No way!’ My brows skyrocket.

‘He is, but he never pays for anything other than the whiskey, if you know what I mean.’ She waggles her elegant eyebrows.

Even if he did, I’m not for sale. I’m here to dance. Nothing more.

Two suited security guys duck into the changing rooms to escort the next set of dancers to the podiums.

Including me.

I’m in the next set.

I down the contents of my glass.

‘You’ve got this.’ Avery winks and stands to escort me. ‘Think of the money.’

I swallow back the bile rising in my throat.

The money. That’s why I’m here. Two thousand euro a night plus tips. I can do this. It’s just a few dances. Albeit, almost naked.

Shoving the stool back with my legs, I stand, nod at my friend and swivel on my six-inch gold stilettos.

‘It’s just a dance. Owen and Tristan will make sure no onetouches you.’ Avery gestures to the two broad security guards. ‘Unless you want them to, that is…’ She winks lasciviously.

I suck in a breath, straighten my spine and follow Owen and Tristan along a wide, carpeted corridor to the main lounge. Avery falls into step beside me. She takes my hand and gives it a fleeting, reassuring squeeze.

As we approach the main lounge, the sensual beat reverberates through every cell in my body. The aircon whips cold air across my bare ass cheeks, a reminder of my near nakedness. Then Owen places a hand on the small of my back, motioning me up onto the stage. I crane my neck, looking up at him, desperate.

It’s my first night. Surely one of the side stages or smaller podiums would be more suitable?

My heart hammers like a war drum. I glance at Avery. She shoos me up the small flight of steps with her pink painted fingers.

‘You aced your audition.’ She shrugs and nods towards the manager, Giselle, who’s standing at the bar in a power suit and wearing an earpiece, surveying her surroundings like she’s in charge of a military operation, not a glorified strip club.

Men fill the lounge, flank the bar, and congregate on low leather couches.

I swallow thickly, and mount the steps.

Chapter Three

JAMES

‘Finally, he graces us with his presence,’ Rian, my youngest brother, drawls. He reclines in the leather booth seat and flashes a cocky smile.

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