Our Little Game

Julian Barker

The bass thrummed around him in the dull lit club, the air fogged by the smell of stale cigarettes. The unwavering gaze of deep blue eyes fixated on the stage situated in the middle of the room, barely taking the time to blink lest he miss any single movement of the enchanting body wrapped around the pole. This is an all too familiar scene for the man named Julian Barker.

Nearly every weekend the man found his seat in the far back corner away from wandering gazes, his stern expression warding off any approaching suitors. He truly shouldn't even be here. Being spotted in an establishment such as this would be the means of his demise, especially if it was by one of his own colleagues. Everything, every move that the business man made was intricately planned to avoid this whilst still indulging in his favorite addiction, Quartz.

A rough chuckle escaped his parted lips intertwined with white smoke as he intently watched the lithe form dancing tantalizingly in front of him. The hunger in his eyes only intensifying as they trailed over the soft curve of round hips, stage lights occasionally brushing over pale skin down to the toned legs that never seemed to end.

"Ah, Mr. Julian Barker. Surprised to see a man like you in a place like this.."

Those words hit him like a bucket of ice cold water, his stomach lurching as his fiery gaze snapped to meet the eyes of his approacher. A rather stout man with tanned skin stood in front of him, his lips curled in a rather sleazy smile to reveal rows of uneven teeth clamped around the end of an unlit cigar.

"The name's Dante Talbot. I own and manage this establishment.."

Julian's brow furrowed as his eyes glanced over the man stood before him, taking in his appearance. Dante looked like he was ripped straight from a cheesy mobster film from the five dollar bin, complete with a wifebeater tank top and gold chain nestled amongst thick black curls of his chest hair. Julian made a gruff noise of acknowledgement in his throat which was barely heard above the music swirling throughout the room. Julian lifted his cigarette to his lips as he took a long drag while lifting a dark brow at the other man before clearing his throat.

"Ahem. Well, what can I do for you Mr. Talbot?"

The grin splitting the man's face faltered for a moment before he slowly took a seat next to the businessman, resting a thick arm across his shoulders. His hand slid into his pants pocket, fishing out an intricately designed business card with red metallic script that read "Smoke & Mirrors."

"Mr. Barker, it is my job to notice things around here. You seem to come here quite often, no? I'd like to offer such a loyal customer a free dance. Just give this to the bouncer and tell him I spoke with you."

Julian's eyes drifted back to the body on stage at the sound of the offer, watching as fishnet-clad thighs gripped the metal pole. Talbot's smile almost grew predatory as he gave Julian's shoulder a firm shake, his eyeline following Julian's to look up at the performer. A chuckle rumbled in his chest as his green eyes shifted back to the other man.

"Ah yeah..I see you've taken a liking to Quartz, eh? Well, I suppose I will be getting out of your hair now. You have yourself a nice night, Mr. Barker."

With that, the shorter man stood from the booth but not before he gave Julain another smile that made his skin crawl. He trusted that man just about as far as he could throw him. Just as the song faded to a close, Julian turned his gaze back to the stage once more. His eyes trailed up long toned legs, over soft hips, and up a pale flat chest to rest on the boy's angelic face. Piercing blue eyes fanned with thick black lashes caught his gaze as Quartz made his way off stage, tall black heels clicking against the rough wooden flooring.