Chapter 40

Later that evening, I parked LadyBug in the bar's parking lot. As I put the transmission in park, I took a moment to glance around. The parking lot was filled with a mix of luxury cars like Mercedes and Jaguars, alongside the usual pickup trucks and beat-up old cars. It was clear that tonight was not a typical night for the bar's patrons. Adjusting my ponytail and wiping away a smudge of lipstick under my lip in the rearview mirror, I opened the car door and stepped out.


The moment I stepped out, the intense heat instantly erased the coolness the car's air-conditioner had provided. I couldn't help but grimace at the muggy, oppressive feeling in the evening air. Within minutes, I made my way through the employee's entrance. The scent of cigars, cologne, and a hint of perfume filled my nostrils, blending with the slow jazz music that drifted from the open doors of the bar into the employee's lounge. A burly bouncer, dressed in a sleek black suit and sporting a small earpiece, acknowledged me with a nod as I exited the lounge and entered the bar. His expression remained neutral, leaving me unsure of what to make of him. We had bouncers, but nothing quite like this imposing penguin.


With one last glance at the bouncer, I made my way toward the bar. The dim lighting of the room caused my eyes to adjust slowly. As I scanned the packed room, I couldn't help but smile to myself. It seemed even busier than I had anticipated. Maybe tonight would bring in good tips. While the bar job paid well, the real money came from the generous tips left by the patrons.


Approaching the bar counter, I stepped behind it, the soft thud of my boots' heels drowned out by the lively music and the chatter of the patrons. I acknowledged Tannin, who was already busy working at the opposite end of the bar, and discreetly stashed my purse under the counter. Taking another sweep of the room, I noticed several other imposing figures, arms crossed, stationed near the VIP room. Leaning in closer to Tannin, I couldn't help but ask, "What's with the goons?"


She rolled her eyes in response. "I know, right?" she muttered, shrugging her shoulders. "Supposedly, our VIP tonight is some sort of big shot in the Mafia world. Goes by the name Lucien... something or other."


Nodding slowly, I began my nightly routine. I meticulously wiped down the already spotless counter with a cloth and polished the already gleaming glasses. Afterward, I grabbed a bottle of house whiskey, poured a shot, and placed it on the counter, ready for my first customer of the night.


The pulsating music coursed through my veins, a rhythmic symphony that ignited an irresistible urge to dance as I scanned the room. The girls I’d hired as bartenders/dancers hadn’t arrived yet, however, I could tell by the electrifying energy of the crowd the evening hinted at an impending night of exuberant countertop dancing.


With effortless grace, my hands moved like liquid, seamlessly pouring another drink and bringing it to my lips. The taste of the shot surged through me, invigorating my senses. A man in a pristine white shirt and sleek black slacks acknowledged me, a nod of approval accompanying his empty glass. I reciprocated with a smile, swiftly preparing him a fresh drink before he could utter a word. Gratitude gleamed in his eyes as he discreetly slipped several twenties into my palm. Anticipation swelled within me, for I knew the tips tonight would be exceptional.


Emily and Audria emerged from the employee lounge, their hips already swaying in sync with the music, their eyes ablaze with an intoxicating blend of excitement and temptation. I inhaled deeply, mentally preparing myself for the inevitable. Countertop dancing nights at the bar were always frenzied, but tonight, an intangible force lingered in the air, foretelling an unparalleled intensity. The whiskey cascaded down my throat, its fiery essence warming me from within, fortifying my resolve for the impending chaos that lay ahead.


The duo looked nothing short of spectacular in their skimpy black outfits, designed to both tantalize and serve. They had the perfect mix of edgy and elegant, a look that could make any man's heart skip a beat. They approached the bar with a synchronized stride, their smiles as bright as the lights reflecting off the chrome surfaces. The crowd parted like the Red Sea, eager to make way for the evening's entertainment.


Audria, the taller of the two, hopped onto the counter with a grace that defied gravity. Her dark hair, styled in loose waves, cascaded down her back as she started to dance. Her movements were fluid, sensual, and precise, as if the rhythm itself were a living entity that had taken possession of her body. The crowd's cheers grew louder as she twirled and spun, bottles of alcohol in hand, never once spilling a drop.


Emily, on the other hand, was a fiery redhead with a personality to match. She strutted over to the opposite end of the bar, her eyes scanning the throng of patrons as if searching for a challenge. When she found it, she leaped onto the counter, her crimson locks flying about her face. Her routine was one of sensuality, the crowd entranced by her fiery spirit and unmatched agility.


The energy in the room grew palpable, the anticipation thick as the air grew hotter with each beat of the music. The crowd grew denser around the bar, the men eager to watch, the women eager to learn. Drinks were flowing faster than I could keep up with, but I managed, fueled by the excitement of the moment. As the night progressed, the VIPs in the corner grew more and more restless, their eyes locked onto the dancers.


A hush fell over the bar as the music switched to a slower tune. Emily and Audria met each other's gaze, and without a word, they began to dance together. Their movements were a dance of seduction, a silent battle for the attention of the VIPs. Each twirl, each dip, each arch of their backs seemed to be a declaration of power and control. The VIPs leaned in closer, their whispers a crescendo of excitement.


As the song reached its climax, the two dancers locked eyes and shared a knowing smile. With a final, dramatic flourish, they leaped from the counter, landing gracefully on the floor, their dance complete. The bar erupted into applause, the sound echoing off the walls and bouncing back to us.


I took a moment to catch my breath, my heart pounding in my chest. It was going to be one hell of a night.