“It’s nice. I’ve seen plenty of adult entertainment districts around the world but this one seems different.”
“That’s because it is.” Aiden pushed his mask up and turned to face his partner. “I never got to tell you how we took control of it for ourselves. Do you want to hear the story?”
Mike nodded. “Absolutely.”
“It started with a grassroots campaign of some of the long-time club employees. They pooled their resources and raised money to lobby city politicians to end the predatory practices that club owners use to keep their employees at a disadvantage. The next step was to form unions, and get them recognized by local government. We found investors willing to give us low interest business loans. Once we had cash, we bought out or kicked out the thugs who’d been running the show. These days, lots of the bars and clubs are owned either by former dancers and sex workers or a collective of like-minded people. Money went into making the area safer, with more street lighting. We fixed the streets and put in sidewalks to help people easily walk from club to club. With all the improvements, tax revenue increased and we fought to make sure that money was put back into the Playground and surrounding areas, rather than funneled somewhere else to projects that didn’t benefit us. “
“That’s impressive. It must have been a huge effort.”
“It was. I arrived when the overhaul was already well underway and there was still so much work that had to be done and unsavory folks that had to be cleared out. But once the U.S. decriminalized sex work, it made it a lot easier for us to take control of our own destiny. It’s not perfect, the stigma around us and our jobs didn’t disappear overnight. But at least now, we can come to work and have insurance and sick days. We even have our own medical clinic right in the center of the district.” He pointed to a building that had a large sign in front of it—a white H on a blue background—the easily recognizable symbol for Hospital. “There are people who don’t like what we’ve accomplished of course.”
“Like the Purity Alliance.”
Stardust touched a fingertip to his nose. “You got it. I’m sure they either want to wipe us out entirely, or force us back to the days of dangerous working conditions without rights or protections. But we’re not going back to those times no matter what scheme they’ve got up their sleeves.”
“And the ACG is on board to help you keep that from happening.”
“They are,” Stardust said with a nod.
“I understand now why you were cautious, making sure I actually wanted to help protect this place you love.”
“That’s right.”
“And do I pass muster for caring?”
“Well, you’re out patrolling on your night off because I had a feeling something was wrong so yeah, I’d say you care.”
“Thanks. Glad to finally have your approval.”
∞ ∞ ∞
Even though they hadn’t had a chance to face off with the Purity Alliance again, Mike was enjoying his night out with his partner. Clouds had started to roll in, bringing the scent of petrichor with them. They stood close to one another as they talked about this place that was so important to Aiden, hips often brushing together, the cool wind carrying Aiden’s soft vanilla scent to Mike’s nose. Every so often, Mike’s gaze would drop to Aiden’s lips. And although he was attentively listening, he couldn’t help think of kissing him, which of course brought to mind the reason why they hadn’t kissed again the other night. Aiden hadn’t mentioned the offer so he wouldn’t either. They were there to work as superheroes—not out on a date. But he couldn’t help thinking about it.
Finished with his story about the transition of the Playground, Aiden quieted and drifted a few steps away to look out over the red-light district. Mike watched him, taking him in from his glossy black hair down to his boots. As always, Aiden was in the skintight outfit that offered zero protection to his body. After the near miss during their first patrol, Mike had often wondered about that uniform choice. Tonight seemed as good a time as any to ask him about it.
“Aren’t you worried for your safety having your chest exposed?” he called out.
Aiden turned back to face him and shrugged. “Not really.”
“Why not? Are you made of steel?”
Aiden tossed him a devilish grin.
“I get hard but I’m not made of steel.”
Even in the dark, Mike could see the amused glint in those bright tiger’s eyes. He laughed at Aiden’s word play, but he still wanted to know why Aiden wasn’t concerned with protecting himself. “You must be if you’re running around fighting crime with your chest out.”
“I’m not.” Aiden returned to stand directly in front of him and issued a challenge. “Touch me and see for yourself.”
“Excuse me?”
“Touch me and see that I’m not made of steel.” His voice changed, becoming smokey, with a mischievous lilt, as if he were inviting Mike to come and play.
Mike didn’t know why he went along with it. Obviously, Aiden wasn’t made of steel. And he should have been able to resist what was clearly a dare to get him flustered. But he wanted his hands on that elegant body. And as long as Aiden was offering... He reached out and touched the fingertips of his left hand to Aiden’s chest. His skin was warm, smooth, and taut over hard muscle. Definitely flesh and blood.
“See,” Aiden said in that same smokey voice. “I’m not made of steel.”
“No. You’re not,” Mike agreed in a husky almost-whisper. He raised his eyes from the sight of his broad fingers pressed to that slim chest, to see Aiden watching him. The playfulness glowed bright in his golden gaze, but there was something else there. Something intense and heated. It would be easy to give his answer right then and unleash the heat hiding behind Aiden’s playfulness. But Mike wasn’t one hundred percent certain of his answer yet, so he reluctantly pulled his hand back.
