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It was crowded as we weaved through patrons, passing the bar. Aurora and River were busy serving drinks as we passed by, both lifted their heads to us long enough to acknowledge us. As the bouncer pulled the rope back, Ian stepped ahead of me, taking the lead.
Chance, Declan, and Tyler were toasting before Tyler slipped out, letting Ian in. I plopped down next to him, across from Declan and Chance.
“You want your seat?” Declan asked.
I waved my hand lazily. “Nah, all good. I’ll sit over here. Didn’t even know you were here,” I commented to my brother.
“Kirsten called this morning and asked me to come stay the weekend.”
Ian and I exchanged glances, and I lifted my brows as Amber approached with our drinks. “Excuse me?” I asked as I offered Amber a glimpse and polite nod before she sped away. “Since when do you travel to Boston for Kirsten?”
“We have plans.” He smiled behind the rim of his glass before standing, checking his watch. “And if you’ll excuse me, I have to go meet her for a lap dance.”
We all chuckled as he sauntered away. Ian reached for a bottle of whiskey, pouring shots for all of us. Tyler took it, throwing it back instantly. Ian scowled at him.
“Bro,” Tyler rolled his eyes, “I’m good. Keep them coming.”
Usually, Jade and Jenna would join us at the table. I scanned the crowd to see they were nowhere to be seen. Though I wasn’t worried yet, I pulled out my phone, texting Jade.
Where are you and Jenna?
The lights dimmed, a new song started. One I’d not heard in the club before. We were all fixated on the stage as Giovanna appeared in all her glory. Her confident stride matched the beat of the unfamiliar song, her outfit catching everyone’s attention. It was the same one she had worn that fateful night we met, but now it seemed more daring with a ripped and revealing Sicilian flag top barely covering her breasts. She owned the stage with her hypnotic dance moves, seeming freer than she’d been before we managed to strike a deal with Ekaterina to get her belongings sent to her.
My phone buzzed in my hand, and I lowered my eyes to the screen.
We’re upstairs talking and safe. Enjoy the show. xoxo
23
FIRE
LUKE
With a nonchalant shrug, I smoothly slid my phone back into my pocket, directing all my attention toward Giovanna once again. As she began her performance, the crowd erupted in excitement, flocking toward the stage, and eagerly showering her with money. They tossed bills at her feet or slyly tucked them into the black lace garters adorning her toned thighs. The air was thick with anticipation and the pulsing beat of the music added to the electric atmosphere.
“What the fuck is she wearing?” Ian’s tone dripped with anger.
“I’ll get ready to do damage control.” With a sense of unease, I sat back and lifted my glass to my lips, unable to tear my gaze away from her.
The Sicilian and Italian flags had been strictly banned from our property while we were on the hunt for anyone connected to the Mussolinis. Ian didn’t want any unwanted attention drawn to us. But it seemed that Giovanna had disregarded his direct orders.
Tonight, the way she moved with purpose and seduction was nothing remotely close to what I’d seen from her before. Before, she pretended as if the crowd didn’t exist unless she pulled someone up on stage. She looked through everyone while somehow making them all feel special.
Now, she was almost analyzing them all. Taking the pole in her right hand, she glided around it, her knees bent. I was expecting her to perform some advanced tricks, but instead she locked her eyes on someone, and then sashayed over to the stairs.
“What’s she doing?” I growled.
It was against our rules for dancers to leave the stage to interact with customers on the floor during their main sets. Especially not now, with tensions running high. Yet here she was, enticingly moving through the crowd, running her fingers over both men and women, stopping to grind herself on several along the way as they eagerly tipped her.
“Fuck,” Tyler rumbled, his voice barely audible above the blaring music. “I need to go. Let me up.” He nudged me in the side.
“Hang on.” I lifted a hand as she came to a stop in front of a particular guy in the crowd.
He was unfamiliar, not one of our regulars, but there was something about his dark, alluring features that caught my attention. With a mischievous smile, she straddled him, and the colorful lights danced over her body. She pulled his head into her chest and whispered something in his ear before moving her lips to his cheek.
“Luke, I need to get out of here,” Tyler reiterated with annoyance in his voice.
The man reached for Giovanna’s top, slipping it over her head as she raised her arms. The men at his table erupted into cheers as he twirled it around like a trophy. Taking his hand in hers, she led him back to the stage and up the stairs. She took her shirt from him and playfully draped it over his head like a bandana, then turned him toward the VIP section while slyly gesturing with her other hand.
