“I’ll be right in,” I said when we were almost at the back door.
Sebastian stopped next to me when I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes. Since this had happened every time we’d gone to work together, he knew the drill. And despite me telling him to go ahead without me every time, he never did.
I did my thing, then took a deep breath and walked past him and inside the club. Sebastian was right behind me, and I could feel the heat coming off his body. Does he have to crowd me like that? It wasn’t busy yet, so there was no need to walk so close.
I made it to the dressing rooms and looked over my shoulder. “See you later.”
He grunted a reply and lifted his chin before he stalked off. I turned the other way and went through the door. All the girls were already there, getting ready for their performances.
“Hey, honey, you need a hand with your hair?” Star asked, looking at me in the mirror.
“Do you have time? I don’t want to make you late,” I said, pulling out my chair.
She came over, bringing her makeup with her. “I got here an hour ago. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”
I sat down, looking at her. “Trouble with Mike?”
She started braiding my hair. “There’s always trouble with that man. But this time I’ve had enough.”
This was not a new development. She kicked him out every other week. The guy wasn’t the smartest bulb in the pack, but he was sweet. Unfortunately for him, he had a terrible taste in friends, and they regularly got him in trouble.
“What did he do this time?”
“He didn’t come home for three days. And when he did, he stank of cheap perfume and bad choices.”
“Oh no, Star, I’m so sorry.”
Up until now, he’d never cheated. I knew what it felt like when someone you trusted trampled all over you. It sucked hairy balls.
“It’s okay. We should have broken up years ago. I was just too stuck on what we used to be to cut the cord.”
I took her hand. “You’re too good for him anyway.”
“Damn right she is,” Elle called out from two dressing tables away. “And I can finally set you up with my cousin. You’re going to love him. Just remember to name your firstborn after me.”
Star laughed, and Elle winked at me.
“Who’s got the bachelor party tonight?” Tia asked, flopping down in the chair beside me.
Tia was even smaller than me but looked nothing like a little girl. Her surgically enhanced boobs were barely contained by her latex top, and her pouty lips had seen one too many injections. She was as loyal as they came, and we’d gotten along from the moment we met.
She might be small, but she was freakishly strong. Guess all that pole dancing really gave her a workout.
Groaning, Star lifted her hand at Tia’s question. “That would be me.”
“So what’s going on with you and Sebastian?” Elle asked, studying me.
“Nothing,” I said, studying my chipped manicure. I had to get out my nail polish tonight before I went to bed. Pink would look great.
“I heard he was living with you. That’s not nothing,” Star chimed in.
“Did you know he’s the only one of the guys working at Pepper’s who’s never tried touching any of us?” Elle said.
“He’s just crashing on my couch,” I said, knowing I needed to give them something or they’d hound me all night.
“Sure he is,” Tia said and then got up. “Showtime, girls.”
We shuffled out of the room, the girls heading to the stage while I went to the bar.
I didn’t see Sebastian for the rest of the night, but one of the guys was clearly on Nora duty. He was trying to be inconspicuous, but thanks to my recently acquired paranoia, I spotted him as soon as he took up his post near the entry.
It also helped that he was wearing clothes that screamed “biker.” I didn’t dwell on it though, since I was busy dodging grabby hands and sleazy offers all night. When the clock hit two, I ran to the dressing room as fast as my abused feet would take me.
I used to get away with wearing sneakers and clothes that mostly covered me, but since the club changed ownership, that was a big no-no. Smitty, the new manager, ran a tight ship and didn’t give handouts.
He also didn’t give sick days or days off. And since I couldn’t really afford to take either, I didn’t complain.
Besides, none of us were here because we loved our jobs, so we just kept our heads down and moved on.
I burst into the empty dressing room, kicking my shoes off. I stopped in the door as soon as I noticed the quiet. Being by yourself was not a good idea in this place. Especially not since I had acquired my personal stalker.
Guess it was a good thing Sebastian was teaching me self-defense. One day I’d be able to kick Clive’s butt. That day was not today though. I backed out of the room, taking a deep inhale when I made it without anyone jumping me.
At least I thought I made it until my back collided with another body and I felt my blood rush from my face. I jerked back and my elbow collided with something soft. There was a loud groan, and I whipped around.
Sebastian was doubled over, cursing.
I covered my mouth in horror and gawked at my handiwork.
“You must really enjoy beating me up,” he coughed and straightened back up. “Why are you so jumpy?”
I moved back. “I’m not jumpy. You just surprised me.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose before pinning me with his gaze. “I know when you’re lying, Nora.”
I threw my hands up and stepped back into the dressing room. “This place would make anyone jumpy.”
I slammed the door behind me, then realized I’d left my shoes outside. I stuck my head out again, and Sebastian held the shoes up to
