You and I Forever (4 page)

Andrea seems thoroughly impressed by the time we re-enter the main room of the club several minutes later. I spot Bentley standing at the bar talking to a gentleman I recognize immediately. Though I can't pin point his name, I know that I have seen him at
Allure
before.

“
Hey.” I say, stepping up next to Bentley who snakes his arm around my waist the moment I approach.

“
Logan?” The older gentleman questions, cocking his head to the side. “I thought that was you. How are you doing dear?” He asks, reaching for my hand and laying a kiss to the back of it.

“
I'm well. How are you?” I ask, feeling suddenly uneasy because for the life of me I can't remember his name.

“
Mr. Matthews does a lot of business in Seattle.” Bentley chimes in, thankfully dropping the man's name in the process.

“
But don't worry. I still live in Chicago.” He tacks on, like I really care one way or another. “Will you be dancing for us tonight?” He asks, smiling a toothy grin in my direction.

“
No. I am just a guest tonight.” I say, trying to be as polite as possible.

“
Now Bentley. You can't name a club after one of your finest dancers and not have that dancer grace us with a song or two.” The man clasps his hand down on Bentley's shoulder and laughs lightly.

“
My apologies Mr. Matthews.” Bentley shakes his head at me, silently telling me not to worry about it.

“
What do you say Logan?” The man turns his attention back to me.

“
That's up to Mr. Reed, I'm afraid.” I say, smiling apologetically at Bentley but not really sure what else to say.

“
Do it.” Andrea chimes in next to me, grabbing my forearm. “I am dying to see you dance. Please....” She stretches out, hitting me with her biggest puppy dog eyes.

“
Mr. Matthews, would you excuse us for a moment?” Bentley says, clearly not wanting to have this conversation in front of a client. He nods and takes a sip of his drink as Bentley guides me and Andrea towards the middle of the room.

The moment he stops, I can tell immediately that he's not a fan of the idea but I also know him well enough to know that he will let me if it makes sense from a business stand point, which it kind of does. As much as I don't want to dance tonight, especially given that my knee is still a bit weak, I also have to admit that Mr. Matthews does have a point.

“
It's up to you.” He says.

“
One dance.” I say, throwing him an apologetic look. “What time is the first dancer scheduled to go on?” I ask, feeling suddenly very nervous.

“
Seven-thirty.” I catch sight of Shira just as her voice washes over me.

“
Shira.” I half squeal, pulling her into a hug the moment she squeezes in next to me.

“
Boy am I glad to see you here.” She pulls back and hits me with a dazzling smile. Like always, she looks amazing.

While me and Andrea are dressed in short tight dresses, Shira is all business. A black pant suit and cream colored silk top partnered with matching heels. Her hair is pinned back on the sides and her makeup is flawless. Though I have come to expect nothing less of Bentley's half sister.

“
Well then, I guess I had better get ready. Take care of this one would you?” I semi shove Andrea towards Bentley. “Do you mind helping me?” I turn towards Shira who beams at me, throwing a nod to the other two before linking her arm with mine and leading me backstage.

It isn't until I am standing behind the deep purple curtain, listening to the rumble of the crowd in the main room, that regret hits me full force. I could be out there with Bentley, with Andrea. I could be enjoying the show instead of standing back here in barely any clothing with a flurry of butterflies flapping in my stomach.

I don't get nervous often, at least not like this. But I know this is not just any other night at
Allure
and it is also not my usual crowd. This is opening night and it is likely that most of the members who have already joined will be here this evening to help celebrate the club's opening.

“
You ready?” Shira steps up next to me and straightens my white corset, tying up the strings in the back. I take a deep breath and one last look in the mirror to my left. Unlike
Allure
, this club has two long mirrors that sit to each side of the stage so the dancers can get a full view of themselves before their set begins. I plan to request these be installed at
Allure
the moment we get home.

“
I think so.” I say, making a last minute adjustment to my white bikini underwear before turning my attention forward.

A man's voice comes through the speakers within seconds, welcoming everyone to the opening night of the club. I am so nervous that I barely process anything that he says until I clearly hear my name, followed by the sexy beat of “Bad Wolf” by
Awolnation
.

The moment my red heels click against the marble stage, my dance instinct kicks in. I don't look for Andrea or Bentley as I cross the stage, knowing that seeing them will only distract me. I'm already not as prepared as I would like to be, I can't afford for anything to pull my attention.

I open the number by grabbing the pole and pulling myself up into a straddle, leaning my head back as I use my weight to slowly spin myself before sliding to the floor in a split. I use the pole more than I normally would, not wanting to push my knee too hard but also try to utilize the majority of the stage as well.

It isn't until about the last minute of the song that I make my way to the very end of the catwalk. Sliding into a straddle, I lay my torso flat on the floor before pushing back and rolling myself over and up onto my knees.

Looking out over my audience, it's very clear that this is the largest crowd that I have ever danced for. There has to be at least a hundred people in attendance which is nearly double what a busy night at
Allure
looks like. Even still, I keep my composure and manage to end the dance on a sexy slide to the end of the stage where I reach out and trail my hand seductively along the cheek of a man sitting at the very edge.

Whipping my hair around, I pull my hand back and smile just as the lights die around me. But not before I catch sight of Bentley at the bar with Andrea. And while she seems ecstatic and is waving at me like a lunatic, he seems the exact opposite. His nostrils flare slightly as he glares in my direction and I can tell without a doubt, that he is the furthest thing from happy about my performance.

Chapter
Four

“
What the fuck was that?” Bentley storms inside the dressing room just moments later. “What the fuck were you doing out there?”

“
I was dancing.” I say, like it should be pretty obvious.

“
That wasn't just dancing Anna. You were toying with them, teasing them.” He says, closing the distance between us as he steps directly in front of me.

“
And?” I question, confused by his reaction.

“
And?” He spits, my nonchalant attitude clearly just making the situation worse.

“
I dance in front of a room full of men, wearing this.” I say, gesturing to my outfit. “Of course I am teasing them. That's part of my job.” I say, shaking my head like I can't even believe we are having this conversation.

“
Not anymore it's not.” He bites, falling silent the moment the door swings open and Andrea and Shira filter in.

“
Oh my god girl. You were amazing up there.” Andrea practically sings, pulling me into a brief hug.

“
I'll let you get dressed.” Bentley says, barely meeting my eyes. “I will see you ladies out there.” He clips, backing out of the room without looking in my direction again.

“
What's up his ass?” Shira blurts the moment the door latches, causing all three of us to burst into laughter.

“
Apparently I was too sexy.” I say mockingly.

“
Shit yes you were.” Andrea laughs, clearly having enjoyed my dance a hell of a lot more than Bentley.

Within a few minutes, I am back in my gray tube dress and lounging casually at the bar next to Andrea, thoroughly enjoying being on the other side of the stage at the moment. It's interesting to watch the girls. Especially knowing that tonight is their first night. Of course, they have all been through training. Bentley would never put girls on the stage that weren't the epitome of everything his clubs embody; sex, money, perfection.

I still remember my first day at
Allure
. Even though I was one hundred percent confident on stage, I was still terrified that first time. I would compare it very closely to how I felt dancing tonight. But that's most of the fun of dancing. The thrill of it. The knowledge that all eyes are on you, watching your every move. It's the one thing that makes me feel alive. Well, one of the the things. Bentley seems to hold the same power over me as dance.

I jump slightly when two hands close over my upper arms from behind but then relax immediately when Bentley drops his chin to my shoulder and nuzzles his face against mine.

“
I'm sorry.” He says, his voice low enough that only I can hear. Turning my face inward, I press my lips gently to his. My way of telling him that all is forgiven. I know it can't be easy on him; watching me on stage like that. He immediately relaxes when he sees that I'm not upset. Sliding into the stool next to mine, he picks up my hand from the bar and kisses the back of it. “Are you ladies having fun?”

“
Hell yeah!” Andrea exclaims from her seat next to me. “This place is amazing. I want to work here.” She raises her eyebrows at Bentley, clearly hoping that he will just offer her a job right here and now.

“
Shut up Andrea.” I laugh, nudging her with my shoulder. “Don't listen to her. She may be nice to look at but I doubt anyone would actually want to watch her dance.” I laugh when she gasps next to me.

“
I am not that bad.” She thinks on it for a moment. “Okay. I am.” She agrees. “But I still want to work for you. This club is unreal.”

“
Scotch on the rocks.” Bentley turns his attention to the bartender, who nods immediately and walks away to retrieve his drink. “If you still feel that way when we are back in Chicago, let me know and I will see what I can arrange.” He says, nodding at the bartender when he reappears moments later with Bentley's drink.

Pinning my eyes on him, I give him a look that clearly tells him to be careful what he says. He smiles widely and then winks, obviously doubting that Andrea would actually be willing to work at
Allure
. And while I have a hard time believing that as well, Andrea has been known to surprise me from time to time.

“
I have a few people to talk to. Are you ladies okay here?” He asks, waiting for our nods before laying a gentle kiss to my forehead and walking away.

Andrea lets out a loud sigh and slumps forward in her seat. “You are so lucky.” She says, turning her body slightly to be able to look at Bentley, who has made his way to a table not far from us and is currently talking to an older gentleman.

“
I am.” I agree, following her line of sight. Bentley catches us staring and nods slightly before turning his attention back to the man.

“
Where can I get me one of those?” Andrea whines, turning back towards the bar.

“
What about Collin?” I ask, turning away from Bentley to face her.

“
Collin is... Well, Collin.” She shrugs indifferently. “I mean, he's sweet and really good in bed.” She lets out a long exhale.

“
And really cute.” I tack on, trying to get her to continue.

“
Okay, yeah he's pretty hot.” She laughs. “But he's no Bentley.” She hits me with her dark eyes, an almost apologetic look on her face.

“
Girl. No one is like Bentley.” I say and we both start laughing.

“
That's true. But even still, what I wouldn't give for a man with his looks and his money. My god girl. You hit the lottery of all lotteries.” She laughs.

“
Yeah, but it's not about the money.” I say, flicking my eyes to Bentley for a brief moment before looking back to Andrea. “I would love him the same if he didn't have a dime to his name. I mean, obviously the initial attraction was based somewhat on his power and obvious wealth, but beyond our first encounter, it really didn't play a factor.”