Page 103 of Cruel Steps
“Some bigwig in VIP and a popular local band in Ignite.”
“Ah. That explains it. Did Hendrix hire new guards, too?” I asked, pulling my outerwear off.
“Yep. There’s one new guy who is sexy as fuck.” She fanned herself. “I think he goes to Hayward. You might know him.”
“Doubtful. I only know a few people.”
“Well, I bet he’s hard to miss. The man is sex on a stick.”
I laughed at JoJo’s antics. I pulled out the pink wig and secured it to my head. It wasn’t my preference for dancing in, but it would be okay for one night. JoJo convinced me to put on neon eyelashes and hot pink lipstick. I looked ridiculous, but the effects would be cool under the black light.
“Five minutes,” Hendrix shouted into the room. Everyone hurried to lock up their stuff and finish any last-minute touch ups. JoJo and I walked out together, separating from the other girls as they headed toward VIP and Ignite. We took our spots in the crowd. The room went dark, and the crowd hushed. The platform rose from the floor with me on it, and I held onto the railing. Music blared, and lights flashed in tempo, offering a glimpse of the room but not staying long enough for anyone to make it out until it hit the right note and all the lights came on.
Hendrix had used black-light paint on posters to hang around the room and they lit up along with the dancers on the stages. Our rails were also coated in the paint, so they glowed around the room. The effect was incredible, and as the crowd took in everything, excitement built. The music and lights flashed simultaneously, and I moved to the music. This wasn’t my favorite type of music, but the crowd’s enthusiasm and environment pulled me in, and I lost myself to it.
The next few hours flew by, and I only had one more dance shift before it was time to go home. I grabbed water from the bar and drank it while walking to the back. A hand blocked my path, and I stumbled, spilling water down my chest.
“ID.”
“Seriously?” I shouted over the music. I gestured toward my outfit. “Clearly, I work here.”
“Sorry, Wildcat. No ID, no entrance.”
My body stilled. What. The. Hell.
“Holden!”
He stepped into the light, his smile smug as he eyed me. His aquamarine orbs took in the outfit I wore. “Never thought I had a thing for neon, but it looks good on you, Em.”
“What are you doing here?” I scowled.
“I work here.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Is there a problem?” Hendrix asked, stepping to my side.
“Yes. He won’t let me through.”
Hendrix frowned. “This is Mer. She works here.”
“Sorry, Boss. She didn’t have her ID.”
“None of the dancers have their IDs!” I threw my hands up and turned to Hendrix for support. His brow deepened, and I had the sneaky suspicion he wouldn’t back me up.
“That does create a security risk. I’ll have to think about that. Anyone could pretend to be a dancer and get back there.”
“Boss, I know you’re going overboard after what happened to me last week, but it’s not necessary.”
“Yes, it is,” Holden growled. I rolled my eyes and ignored him. Hendrix caught the action and glanced between the two of us.
“Do you two know each other? I forgot you both went to Hayward.”