Page 97 of Injustice and Absolution

“Come home, kitten…”

I fear Royce’s words will forever ring in my ears. I’ve been fighting to rid my memory of them since I last saw him with no luck.

The desire to run back to him, to what is familiar, is strong, even with my feelings for Drew. But he’s burned me twice before.

Do I truly wish to return to his inferno?

To run the risk of being swallowed in his flames and incinerated beyond repair?

Or do I alter my being to fit better into my new life with Drew?

“Earth to Delilah...” Josie’s voice pulls me from my impossible decision.

“Hmm?” I look at her, still half in my head.

“I said congratulations on your impressive tip last night. In all the time I’ve worked here, I don’t remember anyone getting a tip as large as that.”

My eyes shoot open when it finally hits me what she’s referring to. I glance around the room, catching approving nods from Jade, Haven, Cherish, and Maia. Heat flushes my face as embarrassment threatens to swallow me where I stand. I look at the ground and tuck my hair behind my ears.

At that moment, Drew comes into the dressing area, and I pull him aside.

“You told Josie about last night?” I question as quietly as I can so no one else will hear while also trying to make my discontent known.

“I toldeveryoneabout it,” his voice booms. Then he adds, “I had to brag about my pretty girl.”

My head snaps to the room as a congratulatory round of whoops and shouts bounce off the walls, and I can feel my face heat again.

“I told them they all need to take notes,” Drew adds, throwing an arm around my shoulder and turning me to face the others.

“Girl, you’ve gotmoves.You really ought to try the main stage one night,” Josie suggests, and I could kill her for it. “Imagine the tips you’d get up there.”

How would she know I have moves…? Unless she watched me?

The thought of someone—anyone—watching what went on in that room last night, knowing what I had to force myself to do in order to get through it all, infuriates me. Taking Drew by the hand, I lead him out the door and across the hall into his office.

This is a perfect example of what IwishI could see in myself. The confidence that Drew and Josie and the other girls think I ought to have. The fearlessness I’d need to take life by the balls and go for one hell of a ride. I want both of those things, but right now, all I can see is red.

From embarrassment.

From fury.

“Did you show Josie the tape from last night?” I don’t hide my anger. I’m not sure I could if I tried.

“Of course, I did. I told you I wanted to brag.”

“When we got home last night, you promised me you were going to delete it,” I remind him.

“And I did, right after showing Josie,” Drew admits easily, as though there’s nothing wrong with his actions. Like it’s just another day at the strip club.

For them it is...

“Exactly how much did you show her?” I fold my arms across my chest though I’m terrified to know his answer.

“I didn’t show her what happened after that, if that’s what you’re referring to. I would never do that,” he promises, cupping my cheek in his hand.

When I force my gaze to his feet, he taps two fingers on the bottom of my chin, pulling my eyes back to his.

“What is it, pretty girl?”

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