Page 29 of Miss Typed

Chloe

The club wasn’t as packed as I would’ve preferred when I arrived at nine o’clock, but then again, it was Christmas week.

While changing over into my stage clothes, I thought about my dinner with Aiden. My imagination was kicking into overdrive when I recalled our wine tasting. For a moment, I’d been sure he was as turned on as I was.

Gah, how many times had I overanalyzed the entire evening? I’d even considered Aiden might have been jealous, and that’s why he’d given me a fake boyfriend—so Peter and Sean wouldn’t hit on me. But I was being silly.

It was just my luck to feel an attraction for a man who hadn’t shown the slightest interest in return. But he had shown rare glimpses into his life. It might sound stupid, but that made me feel special. When was the last time I’d felt special?

Of course, I’d dated in college, but I’d never dated a man. And Aiden Samuels was all man. A man who’d probably balk at me being a virgin. I had no doubt he was used to much more confident, beautiful, and experienced women.

After a couple of slow hours, alternating between working the stage and performing lap dances, I glanced at the time. Eleven o’clock. Because it was a week night, I’d opted to work until midnight which meant only one hour remained before I could go home, fall into my bed, and get a few hours’ sleep before going into the office.

But thirty minutes later, it stopped completely when Aiden strode in.

The club had a protocol if someone we knew came into the place. We’d signal security with one of our panic signs. Since stripping was illegal here in the UAE, the club did their best to keep the girls safe and avoid disaster if someone were to recognize us. But I didn’t give the signal. Didn’t bother to hide. Instead, I fixated on him, blaming the decision on the shock of my two worlds colliding.

His expression was unreadable, but it was clear he was scanning the room for something or someone. I held my breath until those stunning blue eyes fell on me.

There was no surprise reflected, no double take as if the mask might have momentarily hid my identity from him. All I could see as he got closer was the tell of his clenched jaw. He raked his gaze over my pasties-and-G-string-clad body.

Crap. If he made a scene, I’d lose both jobs, and he could end up in some serious shit, too. The club was funded by some powerful people. So I made a split-second decision, pasting on a choreographed smile and greeting him like a stranger.

“Hello, handsome. My name is Jem. Can I get you a drink?”

“No drink. I want to talk to you. Now.” He’d leaned down to say the words in my ear. He was pissed. Yeah, well, he wasn’t the only one. He had no business coming in here.

My teeth clenched. “Fine.” I took his hand to lead him to the back room.

“Where are we going?”

“To another room for a private dance.”

I gave a slight nod to one of the many security guys before leading Aiden deeper into the club. We went behind a black door and to the left, ending in a closet-sized room, one of ten. In the center of it was a large, plush loveseat. Although I shut the door, there were two cameras on either side focused down into the room. Someone was always watching.

His eyes flicked up at the cameras made it clear he was aware of them.

“Are we bugged, too?”

I shrugged, trying to cool my temper about his nerve in showing up here tonight. “Have no clue. Sit down, please. Otherwise, they’ll wonder why we’re standing here.” I put my hand on his chest, backing him up until he hit the sofa and took a seat. Before he could protest, I straddled his lap and leaned in, my lips close to his ear.

“What are you doing here?”

I searched his face, watching as he swallowed hard. “What am I doing here? What are you doing here? Do you have any idea—?”

I held a finger to his lips. “Best you don’t say it. I’m well aware, in any event. By the way, this will cost you five hundred for ten minutes.”

“Is the money why you’re here?”

I started to move seductively against him along with the music. I reasoned anything else would look out of the ordinary, but I loved how my nearness was making him breathe heavier. At least he wasn’t unaffected. Didn’t ease my annoyance with him, however. “Yes. I’m here for the money.”

“Is this all you do? Dance. Or are there other options?”

My eyes narrowed at his condescending tone. “Are you asking because you’re interested, or are you simply judging me?”

I could’ve told him absolutely not, but my pride wouldn’t let me. How dare he act all high and mighty.

His jaw clenched. “Neither. Do you realize the risk? Is it worth—?”