Phoenix Club 07(36)

“It’s okay.” Maddy said. “You can go.”

Angel looked at him anxiously, the guilt still riding his shoulders. “I don’t…” He licked his lips slowly. “I don’t have to, Maddy. I can stay.”

“I’ll be okay.” Maddy assured him, putting on a brave front. “They usually leave me alone.”

Guilt and uncertainty continued to thwart Angel’s departure. “Are you sure—”

The bedroom door opened suddenly and both Angel and Maddy jumped, gasping. Wade lounged in the doorway, leaning against the frame. “I thought it over and,” He shrugged and looked at Maddy. “I guess it would be okay if you got a job. But,” He added sharply, stabbing a finger at the boy, “If you open your fucking mouth about our personal lives here, I swear to God I will cut out your fucking tongue. You got that?”

Maddy swallowed hard, and nodded. “Yes.” He whispered.

“And you.” Wade turned on Angel. “If you can make five hundred in one go, I don’t see why you can’t make a thousand. If they’ll pay the five, they can sure as hell afford to pay more.” This time he jabbed his finger at Angel. “Don’t fucking give it away. Charge them more. Those horny rich bastards have the money. So when you come home tonight–I expect to see an increase.”

Angel stared at him; he expected Angel to bring home a thousand dollars tonight? Last night was a fluke, Dane had given him his share. But what about tonight? Would he even be able to get the five hundred–much less any extra? Did the guy expect this kind of payout every night?

“Wade…” Angel swallowed thickly. “Not every night is profitable. It just depends on the customers.”

He winced when wade grabbed the back of his neck and squeezed hard, a fierce grin on his face. “Don’t underestimate that sweet ass of yours, baby. You shove it in their faces until they’re begging you for a fuck.” He released him, shoving him back a little. “That five hundred from last night…did you fuck the guy for it?”

Rubbing his neck, Angel frowned, eyes wet. “No.” he said thickly. “I just…danced for him.”

“And did you offer more?” Wade’s voice lowered to a dangerous tone. “Like I told you to? Because I’m thinking if the bastard was willing to pay out five for a fucking dance–he would’ve paid a whole hell of a lot more for a fuck.”

“I…” Angel shifted anxiously. “I did offer.” He lied. “But…he was married and he wasn’t looking to cheat on his wife. He just liked to watch.”

“Just liked to watch.” Wade murmured sourly. His hand snapped out and slapped Angel hard in the face. “Well don’t waste your fucking time with the ones who just want to watch. Find the ones who want to fuck. It can’t be that fucking hard to do in a place like that.” He exhaled hard. “Don’t start thinking your job is dancing. You know why you’re there–so start peddling that ass or have hell to pay.”

Wade walked out and slammed the door behind him. Angel quickly wiped away a few rogue tears then cleared his throat and looked at Maddy who stared back, eyes wet, fearful. Angel forced a smile. “Well, look on the bright side,” he said thickly. “You can get a job.”





***





“You’re in early.” Max grabbed a stool next to Dane at the end of the bar. It was barely five-thirty and Dane’s shift didn’t start till seven most nights.

“Yeah, uh,” Dane cleared his throat and shifted a little on the stool. “I’m meeting up with Angel. He…asked me to help him with the dance lessons.” He took a long drink of beer and swallowed hard, nerves on edge. Would Angel actually show up early? Or had he changed his mind once he came down off the sexual high that their private dance had incited? There was still plenty of time for him to show up. Dane had said an hour or two early. But if he didn’t show by six, he would have to assume he had thought better of their little rendezvous.

Maybe it would be better if he did. Do you really think this could work? He’s a kid–just barely out of fucking high school. You’re well on your way to thirty years old, over a decade older than him. Maybe you should just let this one pass.

“Penny for your thoughts.” Max murmured and sipped a glass of scotch that Dane hadn’t even been aware that Carl had served him.

Dane shrugged. “Just thinking,” he shook his head and looked at the man. “Do you think I’m too old for Angel? I mean, shit, he can’t be more than eighteen.”