Afterglow ❃ l.m.j

• chapter forty •

Buzz flittered around the club as I prepared for my set. I had a good feeling about it. Normani was working tonight, my girls helped curl my hair, and I looked good in my outfit. I was a little bit nervous but the only way to it was through it, right?

I imagined my routine in my head the way I imagine actresses practice their lines. I ran my hands over the leather of my trench coat, the material slick on my hands. One of the security guards escorted me through the club as I held the mic in my hand and headed towards the bar.

I looked over at the DJ booth, throwing Mick a thumbs up. On my cue, the music dropped and a light swept through the club and over to me. When sets of eyes found mine, an array of applause began. I grinned.

"Heaven's Door, how are we doing?"

A few men whooped and hollered. I laughed.

"That sounds good! Well, I hope we're all having a good time because it's New Years Eve and the night is just getting started! Now, I, am making this lovely announcement because I have a favor that I think someone here can help me with."

I looked towards the bar, Normani leaning back against the cooler. Her eyes dragged down my body as her arms crossed against her chest. I ignored the feeling in my chest that her simple presence always gave me.

I hoisted myself onto the end of the bar and crossed my legs. I felt the coat fall away, exposing my thighs. I placed a hand on the security guard's shoulder dramatically.

"Now, I am just dying to perform this song for you guys but it wouldn't be complete without a partner. Someone who isn't afraid to be pulled around, told what to do, stepped on. And I promise I won't hurt you... Unless you like that, of course."

Eager eyes looked up at me, a slew of people already raising their hands. Excitement pooled inside me at the plan that was already going so well.

I roamed my eyes around the room before settling them on a man who seemed near my age, a suit draped over his arms and sultry smirk towards me. There was a hungry look in his eyes. I sought him out from head to toe before pointing in his direction.

He nudged his head with a thumb to his chest. And in return, I moved my pointer finger in a 'come here' motion. The crowd cheered as the man stood up, weaving his way through and around people until he stood in front of me. I reached out to grab his tie, pulling him closer until we were almost chest to chest. His brown eyes peered into mine, as wide as saucers.

I smirked. "And your name?"

His voice was deep. His hands flexed at his sides as he gave me a sloppy grin. "Leo."

"Leo?" I repeated back. He nodded. "Okay, Leo. Well, I choose you, how does that sound to you?"

"It sounds great."

I dragged my hand down his chest, my eyes following until I got to his stomach. I looked in his eyes innocently. "Good. So how about I put this microphone down and walk you through it?"

There was nothing but agreement between Leo and I. I tapped his chest, holding the mic to my lips as I turned towards the crowd.

"Who's ready for a show?" Cheers sounded around the room. "Then let's do this."

I handed the security guard beside me the mic as he moved to help me down. When I stood at my full height, I looked at Leo, my smile soft. I rubbed his shoulder affectionately and instructed him to follow me.

A couple of things were exchanged between us prior to the set including consent and rules as far as touching me went. Gratefully, he was understanding and seemingly just glad to be there.

Everything aligned perfectly in time for the set. A few curious faces watched on as I positioned him on the stage. He was patient in waiting. I took a deep breath, making the best hand gestures to Mick to show that I was ready. He gave me a funny face for the first few minutes until he finally understood, signaling back an okay.

And then the lights dropped.

The music fell all around me like a warm blanket. I smoothed my hands down my body, settling deeper into the persona I held up for the club, someone different than myself.

Did you really think I'd just forgive and forget?

I inched up the stairs. All of the lights in the club were off with the exception of the tea lights alongside the stage. My heel shone from beneath my feet as I placed one foot onto the linoleum. Leo laid there breathing calmly, his chest rising and falling with every count. I picked my heel up, pressing it into his chest softly. I leaned onto my knee and smiled down at him. His lips parted with a gasp at the pressure.

You're a fool, if you thought that I'd just let this go...

For the millionth time today, I dragged him up by his tie, pulling his face towards me. Our lips were so close, it looked as though I was going to kiss him. His eyes dug into mine, searching for a sign, anything. I planted him back down on the floor. In a swift motion, I spread my legs, my foot on either side of him. He was the only one with a clear shot of what the entire room was so close to seeing.

When the chorus dropped, I took a deep breath, unbuckling my black trench coat. In front of Heaven's Door, I stood in my bustier and a pair of matching underwear. There was no gaff to shield my bulge. It was my boldest move yet, one I was admittedly scared shitless about. But I made the commitment, and so I stuck to it.

I dropped my coat onto his trembling my body, falling to my knees just above his face. The grin on my face was mischievous. He blinked up at me in surprise. There was no disgust on his face whatsoever.

I leaned forward, arching my back as I settled into a crawl away from him and towards the pole.

I had everyone's attention now and it felt nerve wracking as fuck. But I hid it well. I gripped onto the pole, leaning back into a body roll as the music eased into the second verse.

So far, so good. Eyes remained on different parts of me. I plastered a smile on my face, raising to my feet to revolve around the pole. I did my best to remember the entire reason I made this decision, my love for dancing and the love that I was working on for myself - all parts of me, not just the ones I was comfortable with everyone seeing.

I'll remember those words when I come for your soul...

I sauntered away from the pole and back to the man who tilted his head upwards to watch me. I crawled back over his body, just narrowly missing his face and arching my back so he had a clear view of my ass. Dollar bills flew all around me. I felt Leo breathe in beneath me. I held my balance as my hands inched closer to his thighs.

I dropped my body down into his lap. I could feel his erection brimming underneath me. I began to grind on him, matching the rhythm of the song. My heels were on either side of his head. A satisfactory smile reached my face as I locked eyes with another woman beside me. An expression of wonder crossed over her features. I maintained eye contact with her while I circled my hips on top of him.

I threw my head back, my hair flipping over my shoulder.

A gun to your head, executioner style, and there won't be no trial...

I lifted up to rotate my body. We were now face to face. His sod colored eyes were now glazed over with complete attraction. I smirked, easing down on top of him and leaning forward. And as the song ended, I brought our faces close, just enough to nearly be nose to nose. His eyes were wide. Mine was confident. And then the last note of the song hit, and the lights dropped again.