“So, tell them I’m your man now.”
She huffed.
“What? I’m giving you an easy fix.” Lefty shrugged.
“Yeah, I hear you.”
The fact that she admitted it made him want to grin like a little bitch.
* * * *
Gia walked the club, talking to regulars and watching the performances. The break had been a good thing. She’d cut her hours down drastically and as far as she could tell, there’d been no ill effects. Jenny was an excellent manger. For what I pay her, she should be. She made her way to the back of the club to watch her latest hire, India, dance on the backstage. The dark-skinned beauty brought in a new batch of clients. Gia remained in the back of the crowd who were
offering up their money like rain from the sky. India swung around the pole like an acrobat. Gia had to give it to her, she showed an excellent technique. The dance island music she used made her stomach turn over, though. Having seen enough, Gia quickly moved away to another stage.
The Rob Zombie blasting out of the speakers became a welcome change. She bobbed her
head as Ginger swayed her hips and the men groaned.
This was an honest way to make a living. It might not be respectful to a lot of people, but they didn’t sell sex here. They sold sensuality and fantasy. There was a big difference. Most of her girls had bigger plans. They were putting themselves through college, or trade school, and many had families to take care of. Times were tough and dancing for five or six hours brought in more than most people could make in a week at a minimum wage job. The people who scoffed
and looked down their noses at dancers didn’t know what it meant to be hungry and unskilled for a job that would provide for you. There were worst things a woman could do than show skin for money. Far worse.
She stopped at the table that held a group of bikers from a Dueling Devils friendly set. “Hey, guys, how are we tonight?”
“Good, Gia. You got some new girls in since we left,” Smoke answered. His raspy voice and
gray eyes were fitting.
“You know I’m always trying to keep you guys entertained. I have to keep it fresh.” She
winked.
“Heard you been making time with Lefty? You change your rules on dating inside the M.C.
world?” Smoke licked his lips. “‘Cause I’d have no problem taking you for a ride.”
She scanned the bearded man with olive skin and swag to the ceiling. “As sexy as I find you, Smoke, the shit I got going with Lefty is exclusive.” His eyes went wide and she laughed. “Yeah, you think you’re surprised.”
“Damn, Gia. I never thought I’d see that day!”
She shrugged and patted his shoulder. “You need anything, give me a holler.”
Smoke nodded, still looking dumbfounded.
Gia continued her rounds and made it up front to talk to Big Rick. “How we looking
tonight?”
“Good. Other than a few guys that had a little too much of the sauce, I haven’t even seen a potential for problems.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” Gia patted his massive bicep. “I’m going to finish making my rounds and go do some paperwork. Payroll is around the corner.”
She made her way to the b
ar, checked the levels and the change in the cash register. She
took two hundred from each till and walked it back to her office to make change. She closed then locked the door behind her and opened the safe. A few minutes later, she headed out with