Page 3 of Vampire

“Take it, easy, Vampire. I’m not interested in Nikki. I was just making an observation. You can be one touchy asshole at times.”

I knew I was being sensitive when it came to her, but I couldn’t help it. I knew Lord had no interest in Nicolette. I knew where his heart was, even if he would never admit it. So I need to change the subject. “I need you to watch over the club on Saturday night. I have something to take care of,” I said, my eyes still on Nicolette.

“Not a problem, Poison will be here, and I’ll see if maybe Stonewall can come in for the evening. We have a bachelor party scheduled, and you know how those go,” Lord said, rolling his strange pale green eyes.

Yeah, it never failed. Those stupid yuppies came here thinking the strippers were a free-for-all wanting blow jobs and shit. Half those idiots are married. I didn’t get some men. Why commit yourself to someone if you don’t fucking want to be faithful. “Are you sure Stonewall is the right man to bring in for a night like that?” I asked. Stonewall couldn’t abide men who didn’t treat their women right, including cheaters. We had a few club members Stonewall barely talked to because of that very thing.

“You’re right. I forgot about his Saviour complex. I’ll find someone. Our numbers are dwindling for brothers who frequent the Scarlett.”

“Tell me about it. But I get hanging out in a strip club does not make for a happy wife and will only strain a relationship,” I said. I don’t expect the taken brothers to help out here. I can handle it.

“Yeah, nothing makes a woman more bitter than a man lusting after other women. I’m gonna make a round to make sure everything is running okay. I will see you later.” Lord left to walk the floor. Lord is funny in that he acts like a manwhore to whoever will listen but barely pays attention to any of the women unless he thinks someone is paying attention, and I know for a fact he hasn’t slept with any women in a long time, blow jobs, sure but no intimate relationships. I’ve caught him staring at his phone, lost in thought, more than once. And I think I know why. Things will get interesting in the next few months if what I hear is true.

My attention never wavered from my butterfly. I see a man eying her up and starting to get handsy. I stood up, heading over to the man who thought he could touch what he had no right to even look at like he was. He held her wrist, trying to pull her onto his lap. “Come on, baby, let me feel that lush ass of yours.” I heard as I came up behind him. I took my fingers, putting the proper pressure in the right location, causing the man to slump forward.

Nicolette looked up, startled. “What happened to him?”

“The body has pressure points, and done right; you can render someone unconscious. He’s lucky that’s all that will happen to him.” I signaled Poison over. “Get him out of here and make sure he doesn’t come back in, ever.”

“Sure thing, Vampire,” Poison said, dragging the man out the door.

“Thanks, Vampire. He was getting aggressive. I better get back to work,” she said quickly, taking off before I could respond. Oh, little butterfly, I’m going to enjoy making you mine.

I WAS SUCHa pathetic weirdo. Vampire must thinkI’m an idiot since I act like one whenever he speaks to me. I wasn’t lying when I said he made me nervous because he was so intense. He is. Vampire has been watching me all evening, like every time I work. I feel his eyes on me, and just knowing he is watching causes me to suddenly become the clumsiest girl to walk the face of the earth.

And the most turned on.

My whole body heats up under his gaze. And when he called me over and talked to me in that deep smooth voice of his that was so damn sexy and made me want to do anything to please him and gain his praise.

Yep, I’m a weirdo.

The lights dimmed, which meant Claudia was coming on stage. I bet Vampire would look away from me long enough to watch her. Claudia was a gorgeous brunette with a killer body, and she knew how to work the pole in such a sensual way that men couldn’t look away while she was stripping. I could not compete with Claudia in any way, shape, or form. Who am I kidding? I can’t compete with any of the girls that work here.

With all eyes on Claudia, I took a break for a minute, walking over to talk with Poison. Poison looked to be my age and was good-looking with his chocolate brown hair, blue eyes, and muscular body. He was also a really nice guy and easy to talk to, unlike his boss.

“Taking a break, Nikki?” Poison asked as I walked up beside him. His eyes flitted around the room, looking for trouble.

“Yeah, while Claudia is up, there is no point in hitting the tables. The men are all focused on her.”

Poison gave a low laugh smirking. “Not every man is focused on Claudia.”

I looked around the room, my eyes meeting a set of stormy gray ones. And Vampire did not look happy if the scowl on his face were any indication. But, no, his focus was not on Claudia but me. “Why is he angry?” I asked Poison.

Bending down near my ear. “If I had to guess, it would be you over here talking to me.” And no sooner did Poison get the words out than Vampire was on his feet, headed our way. Shit, he was so intimidating; he walked with a confidence that screamed power and danger. And the way the light was hitting him, the bat tattoo on his neck seemed to move as if to fly away. I took a second to admire how he looked in his tight black t-shirt, club vest, and black jeans that fit a little too snug, causing me to blush and move my eyes to his black boots as he came to stand before me.

“Walk the floor, Poison,” Vampire growled.

Poison chuckled as he walked off, leaving me alone with Vampire. I could feel his eyes on the top of my head. I slowly looked up at Vampire, unsure of what he wanted. I started to fidget with his sharp gaze on me, clasping and unclasping my hands until he took my hands in his stopping me—his touch causing my heart to speed up.

“Why were you over here talking with Poison?” Vampire asked, watching me closely.

“While Claudia was on stage, I took a break. The men are so focused on her that there is no point hitting the tables for drink orders,” I answered, trying my hardest to keep the quiver out of my voice.

“Just checking. Poison knows the rules with dating employees.”

“Oh, no, it’s not like that. Poison and I are just friends.” I laughed, giving Vampire a small smile. “Poison has no interest in me.” Surprised and proud, I got two whole sentences out of my mouth, even if they were small ones.

A victory is a victory, no matter how little.

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