Caty nods, already moving down the bar to serve another customer. I take my water and turn, leaning against the counter to survey the club. The energy has shifted since Alex and his friends arrived. The dancers currently performing are working the crowd harder, drawn to the table of college boys flashing cash.
My gaze drifts back to Alex, only to find him gone from his seat. I scan the room, a familiar tension crawling up my spine. Where—
Then I see him. With Kayla.
She looks stunning in her tight blue dress, which showcases her curves nicely. Alex stands close to her at one of the high tables near the dance floor, his head bent toward hers as he says something that makes her throw her head back in laughter.
His hand rests on her bare arm, thumb moving in smallcircles against her skin. As I watch, he leans closer, lips nearly brushing her ear as he whispers something else. Kayla smiles, playfully pushing at his chest, but not stepping away.
Something hot and ugly twists in my gut. I know what Alex is doing. This isn’t about Kayla—it’s about me. He’s trying to get under my skin through my friends, and God help me, it’s working.
I drain my water in one long swallow, crushing the plastic bottle in my fist. Caty says something behind me, but her voice fades to background noise as I push away from the bar and make my way across the club floor.
The crowd parts before me—whether responding to my expression or simply recognizing me as staff, I don’t know and don’t care. My focus narrows to Alex and Kayla, to his hand still resting on her arm, to the effortless charm in his smile.
“Vince!” Kayla’s face lights up when she spots me. “I was just telling Alex here about that crazy bachelor party we hosted—”
“Alex,” I cut her off, “could I talk to you for a minute?”
His expression shifts into something knowing, almost satisfied. “Of course.” He turns to Kayla, all politeness. “Excuse me. We’ll continue this later?”
She nods, looking between us with confusion. “Sure. I’ll be around.”
I turn and head toward a quieter corner of the club, trusting Alex to follow. I can feel him behind me, matching my pace easily with his longer stride. When we reach a spot near the emergency exit, partially hidden by a decorative column, I turn to face him.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I demand, not bothering to mask my anger.
Alex raises an eyebrow, infuriatingly calm. “Just enjoying the entertainment. Isn’t that what this place is for?”
“Come on, I’m not that stupid.” I step closer, keeping my voice low despite my rising temper. “Bringing your frat buddies here, throwing money around, hitting on my coworkers—what game are you playing?”
“Game?” He leans against the wall, the picture of casual indifference. “My friends wanted a night out. I suggested this place because I knew the dancers were talented.”
“Bullshit,” I hiss. “You’re trying to get to me. Using Kayla to make me jealous or whatever reaction you’re fishing for.”
Something flashes in his eyes. “And is it working?”
I clench my fists at my sides, fighting the urge to shove him. “You need to leave. Now. Take your friends and go.”
“Why?” Alex straightens, using his height advantage. “We’re paying customers. We’re tipping well. Your coworkers seem thrilled with our business.”
“I don’t want you here.”
“Too bad.” He steps closer, close enough that I can smell him—expensive, subtle, familiar and foreign at the same time. “This is a public establishment. I have every right to be here.”
“You have no right to mess with my—”
“Everything okay here, gentlemen?”
We both turn to find Caty standing beside us, her professional smile firmly in place but her eyes sharp with concern. She places a firm hand on my chest, gently pushing me back a step from Alex.
“Everything is perfect,” Alex says with a charming smile. He turns to me, something calculated in his eyes. “I was just telling the Golden Prince that I’d like to buy a private lap dance from him.”
My body goes rigid. “I don’t do private dances.”
Alex’s smile doesn’t waver. “I’m willing to pay premium. Very premium.”
“I said no,” I repeat, my voice harder.
