Mantis

12. Victor's asylum

Around our trio, there was a little commotion. People who had been dancing nearby formed a circle around us, and through the crowd, Alek was already squeezing his way. He passed by me and Victor, asking me in passing if I was okay, and when I denied any injuries, he grabbed the blond guy by the shirt and led him out of the room.

Victor stood there, staring at the scene in disbelief.

– And us? – he finally asked, rubbing his cheek and the black eye that was already starting to bruise underneath.

– I know the owner better than my own mother. I come here like it's my own place – I replied, shrugging innocently. – Come on. Let's get you patched up.

I took the bewildered Victor off the dance floor and led him towards the stairs. Ignoring the curious glances, we climbed upstairs, where I immediately led him to an empty break room.

– It's a good thing he didn't give you another black eye, or you'd look like a panda – I said, handing him an ice pack that Victor applied to his face. – You shouldn't have approached him.

– I thought maybe if he was getting too pushy, you might need help. You were dancing so... – He paused, evidently searching for words to describe what he had witnessed, and sparks ignited in his eyes. – It was like sex on the dance floor. That guy practically ravished you with his eyes. And not just him.

I smirked slightly, and the little creature inside me did the same. I knew exactly how it worked on them. On him too. After all, he was a testosterone–packed alpha male. I could still see how he looked at me. I wasn't just a friend he randomly met at the club anymore.

– And that's exactly what he wanted – I muttered, unable to wipe the triumphant smile off my face. – He wanted me to give him a blowjob so bad, he'd strip right there on the dance floor if he could.

After doing everything I could to ease the pain from the hit, I led him to the table where Lu and I had been sitting earlier, but neither of us could focus on the conversation because people passing by kept sneaking glances at us. I tried not to pay attention, but when Mirabela, who had been lurking in the shadows until now, approached and insisted I introduce her to Victor, I gave in.

I told Victor to wait for me at the table, and I grabbed Mira by the wrist, quickly pulling her along with me to the dancers' dressing room, where my things had been earlier. In record time, I put on my pants, threw on my jacket, and stuffed the frilly skirt into the bag with other items I had taken out earlier when Mira insisted on dolling me up.

She watched me the whole time with an unusually mysterious expression, not saying a word.

– Well, what? – I finally asked, because she was looking at me differently than usual.

– He's cute. And he looks at you like something to devour – she muttered in a low voice, with a mixture of approval and wild satisfaction. "Is this some new strategy? Because if it is, it's working wonders.

I gave her a heavy look. Just like a child. The woman was over thirty years old, yet she acted like an overexcited teenager.

– It's not a strategy – I replied with a patient tone. – Vic is just a friend from school.

– He doesn't look at you like just a friend – she pronounced with the authority of an oracle. – He likes you. Beware. He's not the type who politely keeps his hands to himself.

I smiled benevolently at her. What wouldn't she say?

– You sound like my mom – I muttered, zipping up my backpack.

– Because I'm your second mom.

I smiled at her gratefully, as I always did when she said that.

– Don't worry – I said, sending her a reassuring look. – Everything's under control. I'll put him in a taxi with frozen peas, and in the morning, I'll call to ask how he's feeling, and that's it.