Page 59 of Beyond the Cage
Chels and I turn to each other in confusion, but nod in agreement. Jared opens Cameron’s door and he steps out. He offers me his hand and I climb out carefully, aware of the limitations of my dress. When I climb out, he grabs the hem of my dress and pulls it down. I smile, shake my head, and step aside while he helps Chelsea out. The people waiting in line are chattering wildly and most of them have their phones trained on us. A few of the men call out to Cameron. He waves politely and places his hands at the small of our backs, leading us to the front of the line. The sudden flashes of light from cameras blind me, and I use my hand to block the onslaught. I had no idea he was this famous. I know he’sknown. I just didn’t think he attracted paparazzi.
The man at the door moves aside instantly, letting us pass. I guess that’s a perk of being a celebrity. Cameron grasps my hand tightly as we weave through the crowd. Now I see why Jared told us to stay close, as everyone who recognizes Cameron converges on us, pulling him this way and that. A few guys even try to grab and/or grope me. Jared steps in, taking Chelsea’s hand. Cameron steps behind me and circles me protectively with his arms while Jared does the same with Chelsea. I look around in agitation, noticing some of the women are looking at us with something more than envy in their eyes. Is this what he endures whenever he’s in public? There must be a better way to do this. Nick needs to get his shit together. Why isn’t there a VIP entrance?
There may not be a VIP entrance, but it seems he spared no expense on the interior of the club. The place is huge; I can see two levels. The main dance floor is surrounded by four mini stages, each boasting a stripper pole. It seems they’re for patrons and not actual strippers. There’s a bigger stage to the front, which also houses the DJ booth. The bar is to the back, running the entire length of the wall. Colored strobe lights flash as dancers grind against each other, the air rank with alcohol and perspiration. We follow Jared up the stairs to a posh VIP section, then I breathe a sigh of relief. Cameron turns me around to face him, concern blanketing his features.
“I’m fine. You?”
He nods and glances over at Chelsea and Jared.
“Chels, you okay?” I ask.
“I’m good. Guess this is what happens when you hang out with a celebrity,” she replies excitedly.
“She’s fine,” I tell him.
The VIP level has several areas, separate but not separated. What is it with Nick and stripper poles? Each area has one right in the middle. Behind each pole, there’s a semi-circular table and a red couch of the same shape. It’s a very open design, and you can stand by the railings for a bird’s eye view of the main dance floor. As soon as we sit, two scantily clad ladies arrive with Methuselah-sized bottles of Moët and a tray of finger food. They fill our glasses and ask if we need anything else. Cameron shakes his head, dismissing them, and hands me and Chelsea our glasses. When he leans back against the couch, I follow, wedging myself in to his side. Chelsea walks over to the railing, unable to keep still. On my second glass of champagne, the music entices me to join her.
“About time you got here, Carter. I thought I’d have to dance by myself all night.”
The music is not too loud up here, so we can actually hear each other.
“I’m positive there are plenty of guys here who would oblige.”
Leaning on the railing, we observe the crowd below.
“Damn, baby, you got a phat ass,” some dickwad says behind us.
I close my eyes in annoyance before turning to the man who spoke. He wedges himself between me and Chelsea.
“And let me guess…you think you can handle it?” I ask.
“I’d sure love to try!” He licks his lips, leering at me.
“Thanks, but I’m good in that department.”
“You sure about that?”
Okay…enough of you. I look toward Cameron and he’s watching us, ready to pounce at any minute. I jerk my head in his direction.
“You see thatreallybig guy over there? He’s the one who’s got it handled.”
His eyes open wide in fear. “K.O.?”
“Yes. That’s my man.”
He raises his hands in a gesture of surrender. “Sorry. I meant no disrespect.”
He backs off and walks away but, not ten seconds later, I feel a tap on my shoulder.Ughhh!I turn around, ready to fire.
“Look –”
“Hi, Jas.”
I quickly bite my tongue. “Oh! Hey, Damon!”
He leans in and kisses my cheek. “I see you finally made it.”
“Yes, we did.”
