Dancing with the Devil || Book 2

47

Theo's pov
I watched a stripper slowly slide down a pole in hopes that I would throw a stack. We were at a private millionaire's club so these hoes were used to way more than the usual stripper salary. I gulped some whiskey while women sat on each side of me, twirling their stiff wigs in excitement.

I barely looked at them or their half naked bodies as I glanced at a tv that was mounted like we were in a sports bar. No, seriously- who fucking hangs up a tv in a strip club? Especially when there are so many bitches to fuck in here?

My phone rang glowing my Media consultant's name. I ignored her calls, swigging more whiskey until I saw her walk up to me in business attire with a phone held up to her ear.

"wow. I didn't take you as the type of woman to land one of these gigs" I joked, watching her frown in her pastel blazer. She had her arms crossed like she was pissed. But I was pissed- I'm still sober and she found me already.

"We're leaving Athello. NOW"

"Oh but we were just having some fun" I played around with a stripper's breast; making the slut giggle.

"Leave right now or I quit Hendrix" she spoke sternly so I knew she was serious.I got up to follow her out, dropping a stack of money for the women to fight over.

Once we got outside the club, Janine started going off.

"I have worked so hard to keep your image of a family man but you cannot just keep sneaking to strip clubs Athello"

"It's a private club Janine. Only millionaires are in there. get off my dick" I mumbled as we walked to my car.

"Are you kidding? Those women can run their mouths regardless and begin undoing my hard work. You car isn't even hidden! All it takes is one paparazzi photo and you're DONE. You are lucky that Rebecca has put in so much work to help your company and your image. If you keep toying with my work- that engagement will be for NOTHING"

"GOOD. I never wanted to get engaged Janine!"

Janine sighed as the car went silent for a second. She was older but sharp like a lawyer. She has been my family's media consultant since I was a kid but was technically "on call" to fix my image when things went...awry.

For example, if my wife dies, if my dad is caught being a drunk in public, or if my girlfriend that I'm deeply in love with leaves me overnight by vanishing completely off the grid.

I didn't want her to fix my image at all this time but of course my mom called her. She's been harassing me for four months ever since. Forcing me to put on a facade to upkeep my playboy title rather than just letting me cope.

"You have to let her go Athello." Janine starts, making me grip my steering wheel.

"She's long gone and you need to maintain your business before that disappears too. Your image is very important-"

"I. fucking. get. it. I'm already letting you guys use me in every way- just be grateful for that"

Janine was used to my attitude..In a fucked up way, she was like a distant family member. One that you only ever saw on thanksgiving sometimes.

"You and Rebecca need to overcompensate for these strip clubs you've been going to.I booked you guys a romantic vacation starting tomorrow."

"You've got to be joking. You know I don't actually care to marry her right?? Or have you forgotten?"

Janine ignored me as she continued.

"We won't announce your arrival to the owners. You'll surprise everyone and the gossips will spread the news on their own. The media will write articles that you guys are happy and we will have plenty of smiley photos to share with blogs. It's simple."

"whatever Janine. This is your stop"

She smiled, hugging me before she left the car.

"Oh and you owe me $40 for that dang Uber to the club" she playfully joked.