Page 29 of Disco Fever

That’s okay, maybe they just didn’t hear you clearly. It never happened. Be cool, Dot.

My long nails fiddled with the strap on my mask as I quickly hopped out and stood by the car, waiting for Kat and Dante to gather whatever they needed from the trunk. I had my sweet little knife sheathed in a garter on my thigh, as I usually did.

I toyed with my pink devil mask while Kat stood in front of me. Dante towered behind her, that ridiculously large blue faux fur jacket resting on his shoulders as both their masks sat atop their heads. “You ready, angel?” Kat asked.

“Mhmm.” I nodded before affixing my mask to my face. It felt like slipping into my own skin, like this mask was a part of me and represented who I really was: a Disco Devil.

“Hey, Dottie.” Kat tugged my chin, gently forcing me to look up at her, her dark eyes like obsidian crystals shining in the moonlight. Her perfect skin sparkled despite the flickering lights in the back alley. Her lips curled, forming the most delicious smile. “We love you too, angel.”

Dante leaned forward so that Kat and I were sandwiched between him and the car. “So fucking much,” he growled before planting a sweet kiss on each of our cheeks. “Now, let’s get this party started.” They pulled their masks on and walked to either side of me, each gripping one of my hands.

“You got this, angel,” Kat whispered as I shook my anxiety from my shoulders and took a deep breath.

Together, the three of us walked to the back door of Eden’s Inferno. Patty opened it as we stepped inside, the music throbbing and increasing with each step. The three of us slid down the back hall and stopped at the entrance to the main floor of the club. Pink, blue, and purple lights strobed overhead as numerous disco balls glistened and spun beneath them, casting the entire club in a breathtaking heaven of euphoria. The scene took my breath away.

The music screeched as Eddie’s croaky voice appeared over the sound system. “Welcome to Eden’s Inferno! Tonight we have an extra special event planned as it’s one of our very own angel’s birthday! And here she is! Try not to spill your drinks, and put your hands together for the birthday girl, Bubbles!” A pink spotlight shone on me, nearly blinding my eyes. The whole club cheered, patrons completely unaware of the significance of my mask, but the angels and servers present knew the importance behind it. And their faces proved it.

A remixed version of Happy Birthday played as angels dressed in vibrant and pastel pink lingerie, all wearing similar wings to one another, danced on the stage. Kat and Dante led me towards the center of the room as pink confetti rained from the ceiling. The squeal and laughter from my mouth told them how excited and surprised I was. I knew there was a party planned—thanks to Patty—but I had no idea it was this.

“Happy birthday, angel!” Kat shouted through the music, hugging me tight.

“Happy birthday!” Dante squeezed Kat and I together, the three of us soaking in the pink light.

“Now.” Eddie’s voice returned. “Let’s party!” The music morphed into a classic disco beat, the bass thumping so hard the club was shaking. Remixes and reverbs played together creating the most sensational moment, the lights shifting between pink, purple, and blue as the three of us reached the middle of the room.

It was dark enough that Dante was able to lift his mask, resting it on top of his head, and light a cigarette, placing it between his lips as he playfully stripped his jacket, rocking his torso and thrusting his pelvis as Kat and I giggled. My eyes immediately fell to the black leather straps of his shoulder holster, his two revolvers secured along his back as his muscles flexed. I knew they said they were coming prepared, but I didn’t realize they meant that.

“Dot!” Kat shouted, her knife tucked in the belt of her chaps reflecting the lights as she swayed her body. She grabbed my hands and spun me, my body slamming into hers as she wrapped her arms around my torso, feeling every curve. “Focus on the music and bask in your moment, babe! This is all for you!” And I did just that.

Dante joined us, raised my mask, and passed me his cigarette. I breathed in the smoke, turned to face Kat, and lifted hers. She opened her mouth wide, letting me exhale the smoke into her mouth before kissing. Dante slapped our asses as we coughed on the smoke, laughing at his playfulness. The vibes were perfect, and the three of us continued to dance together, taking turns kissing the other as the music flowed for what felt like hours.

Eddie’s voice, followed by his smoker’s cough, screeched across the club. “Alright, you naughty little devils, it’s time to kick this celebration off with the pièce de résistance!”

Dante and Kat fixed their masks and joined my sides as a cluster of angels entered the room with sparklers and bottles of champagne, popping in all directions as they sprayed the club. Directly behind them was Patty and Jade, carrying one of Patty’s infamous birthday cakes, only this one was the largest I had ever seen. The pink pastel cake was three tiers and smothered in delicate ripples and ribbons of icing. Edible glitter covered the cake, topped with bright red cherries and sparkler candles. The two women were beaming as they stopped in front of me.

“Happy birthday, Dottie!” Patty shouted.

“You guys!” I covered my mouth, gasping at how beautiful the cake was.

“Patty made the whole thing! Just for you, Bubbles!” Jade smiled. Kat and Dante hugged me from either side as the entire club began to sing Happy Birthday.

Dante kissed my head as Kat leaned in close. “Go on, angel. Make a wish!”

And just like, I closed my eyes and took a moment to myself. I thought about what I wanted, what Ireallywanted.

I wish to stay with my devils. Forever.

And with the confidence of my decision, I opened my eyes and blew the candles out.

16

KAT

Once the candles died out,the cheers and clapping subsided, and everyone continued to dance and party. Everyone except the three of us, standing there staring at who I could only assume were those newcomers Patty had warned us about. The group that was trying to stake claim on turf that wasn’t up for grabs.

“Well, if it isn’t the infamous Disco Devils. Finally decide to come back and grace us with your presence?” The man in front spoke up. He was gross and greasy looking. An ill-trimmed, far too large, pornstache on his face that looked like it needed a good cleaning. His grimy fingers slowly twirled the toothpick in his mouth as he eyed Dot. “We’ve got business handled here now, friends.” The man reached out, as if to touch Dot or I, but Dante quickly snatched his wrist.

“Think again…friend. You don’t have any business here. Eden’s Inferno isours.” Dante’s voice might have been low, but it was still loud enough to be heard amongst our small group. As I surveyed the few of them, I noticed how they all gave off the same vibes as this guy. Greasy, grimy, and totally unaware of who the fuck they were actually dealing with. Dante released the man’s wrist as he dropped it in frustration. “You all keepmoving. Take that girl there with you too.” Dante gestured behind the group to someone I couldn’t see.

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