Page 25 of That Girl is Trouble

“Stay out of trouble, kid,” Graves says from somewhere offscreen.

When the call drops, I roll off my bed.

Jade’s already digging through her bag for tonight’s outfit—fishnets, short-shorts, rainbow suspenders that cover her nipples. And the green wig, of course. “You okay?”

I tilt my head at my reflection and get to work on my own outfit. On Saturdays, we get ready here. Too many girls taking up real estate in the dressing rooms makes for a shitty start to the night. The last thing I want before my shift is to get into a scrap over a stolen contour palette or a missing thong.

“Yeah, all good,” I say. I pull on a light-pink pleated skirt that only covers about half my ass and then tug a pair of lacey white thigh-highs up my legs. The bra I chose is white and almost completely see-through. But tonight, I’m not wearing it for the random strangers who’ll be shoving bills into my skirt.

“Think he’ll show?”

I shrug, playing it off like it doesn’t matter. Like I haven’t been thinking of him, like I haven’t been watching the crowds, night after night, waiting. “No idea.”

“He’s obsessed with you.”

“Not even a little.”

“You didn’t see how he looked at you that first night.” She gives me a pointed look, joining me in front of the mirror. “I was sure I’d never see you again. The man looked like he wanted to murder you. Or fuck you. But I guess those options aren’t mutually exclusive.”

I snort. “Axe is obsessed with control. That’s the only thing he cares about. Power.”

“Power, pussy. All the same. Just make sure it doesn’t get you fired.” She tilts her head. “You sure you’re okay?”

“Yes. Fine,” I say.

Lie.

* * *

I get through three private dances before Axe shows up.

He pulls open the curtain just as I’m zipping up my skirt, his eyes immediately falling to my tits. “What the fuck are you wearing?”

Rolling my eyes, I say, “Paying customers only, Axe. Either open up your wallet or get out.”

His jaw clenches, but he digs his wallet out of his back pocket and pulls out a bill. I saunter closer and hold out my arm, ready to pluck it out of his hand, but he tugs it away.

“Happy birthday, Kitty Kat.”

My mind wanders to that birthday in his kitchen. His fingers in my mouth. That wish. Shut it down. I clear my throat. “Thanks.”

“Did you get your cupcake?”

I nod. “Triss had Jade pick one up for me.”

“What did you wish for?”

“I don’t really do that.”

Axe tilts his head, his dark eyes scanning my face. “You did with me.”

“That was an exception.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know,” I snap, standing straighter. “What’s with the interrogation?”

He shrugs. “Call it curiosity. What did you wish for, then? That last time.”

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