Phoenix Club 07(38)

A notable rise and fall of Dane’s chest signified his quickened breath–and full understanding of just what Angel was implying. He smiled, eyes weighted with desire. “I guess we’ll see.”





Chapter Sixteen


Devil in Those Angel Eyes





Dane’s apartment was large with a huge open area that housed a sofa, television and stereo in one sectioned off corner. In another corner was a multi-station weight machine–no doubt the source of the man’s exquisite body. On the far side was a slightly raised kitchen, not too spacious, and a set of open stairs that led up to what looked like a loft; surely the bedroom. Angel shivered as his eyes lingered perhaps a little too long up there.

The guy had been right; there was lots of open floor space. He was also right about living the simple life. The place wasn’t stuffed full of possessions, other than his entertainment devices and workout machine.

Dane cleared his throat and motioned him deeper into the apartment. “As you can see, there’s plenty of room.” He stepped around Angel, his hand lightly touching the small of his back, causing a rush of shivers to race down his spine and tingle his butt cheeks. Dane stepped up into the kitchen. “Do you want a drink?”

“Uh, no.” Angel swallowed through a tight throat. “Thanks.”

“I can turn down the thermostat,” he said and grabbed himself a bottle of beer from the refrigerator. “If it’s too warm. I usually turn it way down when I work out.”

A sudden vision of Dane pumping iron exploded through Angel’s head; body slick with sweat, muscles hard as steel, veins bulging, face pinched in determination, hot breath bursting from his lungs.

“You all right?” Dane chuckled, suddenly right beside him again. He sucked on the bottle then smiled. “You look a little flushed. Maybe I should turn down the heat.”

It won’t help, Angel whimpered silently. “No, it’s okay. I’m fine.”

“Okay then.” Dane walked towards the stereo. “We should get right to it. We have to get back to the club in less than two hours.”

“All right.” Angel breathed, his heart pounding.

“So what do you want?” Dane asked. “Something fast and upbeat?” He glanced at him and smiled, “Or slow and sensual?”

Oh please, slow and sensual. Angel pressed his lips tight and shrugged. “You’re the teacher. I guess you should choose.”

“Mm-hmm.” Dane nodded slowly and went through his digital collection. “Well, since Ricky taught you plenty of the upbeat stuff, perhaps…” He punched in a selection then walked back to Angel as an instrumental piece began to play with a soft beat that instantly grabbed the body and made it want to sway. “Perhaps we should go in the other direction. Diverse customers call for diverse dancers. Got to be prepared to give them what they want.” His lips twitched as he moved closer. “Are you prepared…to deliver up what’s desired of you?”

Angel’s breath rushed through his nostrils. “Yes.” He whispered.

Chuckling low, Dane murmured, “I do mean within reason, of course. Some of those men…they’ll want so much more than just the dance, and offer a pretty penny for it. The money can cause a boy to use bad judgment.”

“I’m not a whore.” Angel said quietly. “I’m a dancer.”

“There you go.” Dane smiled. “That’s the proper mind set.”

If only it were the truth, Angel thought sickly. What would Dane do if he knew the real reason Angel took a job at the club? Would he tell Max? Get him fired? It doesn’t matter, because you’re not going to tell him. And you’re not a whore–you’re doing what you have to, to get Maddy out of a bad situation. He knew it was true, but the thought of soliciting sex from the customers made him feel like the very thing Wade was forcing him to be.

Dane slipped off his shoes. “It’s easier to dance barefoot. At least that’s how I prefer it.”

Following his lead, Angel removed his shoes as well then smiled evasively at Dane. “Would probably hurt less if I step on your feet.”

“Aw, I don’t mind.” He murmured. “Step on my feet all you want.”

“I’ll try not to.” Angel laughed softly, then nearly choked on the laugh when Dane peeled off his tank top as well. Angel stared at him, quite certain his hunger shown through crystal clear.

When Angel started to remove his shirt as well, Dane shook his head. “No, leave it on. Undressing is part of the seduction.”

Angel nodded. “Okay.” He said quietly.

Taking hold of his hips, Dane began to sway slowly to the music, urging Angel to do the same. “Now a lot of this will be a replay of what we did in the booth.” He smiled. “Do you mind?”