When he pulled off him, Max was trembling. He released Dane’s hair and gripped the sheets, chest heaving. Dane smiled as he moved up over the top of him and kissed his lips, slipping his tongue sensually into his mouth, moaning softly as he drew out the kiss. Max let go of the sheets and rubbed his hands up Dane’s back then down over his ass. Their kiss released gently and Max shuddered hard. “You’re an amazing lover, Dane.”
“You’re not so bad yourself.” Dane murmured against his lips and grinned then kissed him again. “Turn over.” He whispered. “I’ve only just begun.”
***
“Don’t be nervous.” Ricky smiled. “It’s a small crowd. Just block them out and let me guide you. I’ll stay close so you can follow my movements.”
Angel nodded, his gut tight with tension. He didn’t like being on stage, but it was kind of a necessity if he wanted to keep his job as a stripper.
“We’ll keep it simple.” Ricky was saying. “It’s not like we’re in some Dance USA contest or anything.” He grinned. “We’re just out there to tighten the men’s crotches and loosen their wallets. Trust me, it don’t take much. Most them are already cock ready when they walk in here.” He squeezed Angel’s shoulder. “So relax, baby. You’ll do great.”
“Yeah.” Angel whispered doubtfully. He’d been on stages plenty of times in the shitty little clubs, but very little dancing actually took place. This was different. There was an art to real seduction, and the guys here were artists. Angel just wasn’t sure he was as well.
He glanced around as some of the other boys wished him luck. Dane was nowhere to be found. He’d seen nothing of the man when he’d come in for work. Why it even mattered, he didn’t know. The guy wasn’t interested, and it was probably best that he wasn’t. Angel didn’t need the distraction. He had enough to deal with at home. He needed to focus, start collecting cash. Otherwise, Wade would keep bringing in the other men.
Angel trembled at the recent memory of the man from last night. His body still ached, but such aches were something he’d grown accustomed to. He’d had to learn a long time ago how to push down the pain and keep doing what he did. If he complained too much, or tried to resist–Wade would beat him. So he’d created a room in the back of his mind in which he’d lock up the hurt and pain, and just pretend it wasn’t there.
“Ready?” Ricky cocked an eyebrow and grinned.
“No.” Angel murmured, then smiled.
Ricky slipped his arm across his shoulder and walked him towards the rear entrance to the stage. “You’ll be great. I promise.”
A low sigh slid up his throat and he cast one last look around for Dane, but the man seemed to be M.I.A.
***
The two young men emerged onto stage and the men in the audience raised their voices, eager for the show. It was a small gathering, which was probably just as well for Angel’s sake. The boy was clearly nervous as hell up there.
Cole walked over closer to the stage area and stood at the back. When Angel caught his eye briefly, he smiled and winked, giving the kid an encouraging nod.
“How do you think he’ll do?” Gabe asked, appearing at his side.
“He should be fine.” Cole murmured. “Ricky will see him through it.”
Gabe rubbed a slow hand over his mouth. “It should be Dane up there with him.”
“He should be.” Cole’s eyes darted around the club. “Have you even seen him this evening?”
“Earlier.” Gabe said. “But then he just disappeared.”
Cole grunted and returned his attention to the stage. The music came on, an upbeat song that wasn’t too fast but had a moderate beat and nice dancing rhythm. Ricky rested his hands on Angel’s hips and began to move both of their bodies together. Angel fell into the rhythm nicely. He had a natural grace and movement, but his nervousness still shown through. He was doing good though, following Ricky’s lead, allowing his body to sway and rock gently, seductively. The men watching were displaying no complaints as they moved closer to the edge of the stage.
Quite skillfully, Ricky danced both himself and Angel close to the men, allowing them to stuff their G-strings with bills.
“He’s doing good.” Cole murmured. Gabe nodded silently.
The routine continued to go well and Angel seemed to be relaxing–until Ricky moved him up against the pole. A sudden stiffness gripped the boy and he froze, clutching the metal rod in tight fists.
“What’s wrong with him?” Gabe asked low, tight.