Page 16 of Dancing for the Minotaur

“But he asked for you specifically.”

Terra shrugged.

“Then tell him I’m not available.”

“He already knows you're here.”

A small unpleasant shiver went through her.

“How?”

Marty shrugged.

“He saw you come out on the floor earlier.”

Terra had gone out for less than five minutes to get a bottle of water from the bar before coming back to change for her set. Apparently that had been long enough.

“Well, then tell him I’m not doing VIP dances anymore,” she said.

Candy and Crystal exchanged a glance. Terra hadn't officially made that decision until this exact moment, but suddenly it seemed like an excellent one. She had enough money to last her for a while. There was no need to do something she hated so much.

Marty crossed his arms over his chest.

“You’re not doing VIP anymore? Since when?”

Terra lifted her chin defiantly.

“Since now.”

His frown deepened.

“Come on, Terra. Don't be difficult.”

She crossed her arms over her chest.

“I’m not being difficult. I’m telling you I’m not going into a private room with that man again.”

“Why not?” Marty demanded.

“You know why not! He can't keep his hands to himself.” Terra lowered her voice, though there was no one in the room besides the other dancers. “The last time I danced for him, I told him three times not to put his hands between my legs. Three times, Marty. He kept doing it anyway.”

“He was drinking.”

“So?” Terra raised her eyebrows.

“So maybe he didn't understand you.”

Terra stared at him.

“Seriously? You’re trying to excuse him? He absolutely understood me–he just didn't want to listen.”

Marty gave an impatient sigh.

“Look, I'm not saying the guy doesn't get a little handsy. But he spends a lot of money here.”

“And that means he gets to do whatever he wants?” Terra demanded.

Marty held up his hands in a “don’t shoot” gesture.