by Belle Aurora
My eyes rolled back at the feeling of his tongue on my lobe, but when it registered what he just said, I pulled back, wide-eyed. “Punished how?”
Oh, God, my voice was hoarse. Like, pack-a-day-smoker hoarse.
His lip twitched. “What am I going to do with you, mouse?”
“I have a few ideas,” I muttered as my eyes hooded and I pressed my lips to his, loving the way his tongue dipped in to stroke mine.
And then he was gone. Nas, rolling her eyes, pulled me away and called out, “Geez. Break it up. We’ve got shit to do. You can eye-fuck each other from across the floor, capisce?”
I took my place at the bar. The deejay Sasha had hired played soft RnB throughout the club until things got started. Sasha made his way into the bar, smirking to himself, and came straight for me. He looked excited when he stated, “The line is already three blocks down.” He chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. “Three fucking blocks down.” He pointed a finger at me, smiling as he inclined his head, and then walked away.
I wasn’t sure what that meant.
Sasha was weird.
Half an hour later, and we all took our places, the door opened, and the club began to fill. Once we reached capacity, the door closed once more, and Nas, Anika, and I were run off our feet with flyers for free drinks on entry. We no longer served people at tables or booths. If you wanted a drink, you needed to come to us.
The lights dimmed. The deejay turned down the music, and then he spoke, “Good evening, ladies and gentleman, and welcome to the grand opening of Bleeding Hearts Burlesque.”
The crowd cheered, and I was surprised at the amount of women in the crowd. The deejay waited for the cheer to die down before he went on, “We hope you enjoy what we have to offer. Our girls are dying to meet you.”
The spotlights beamed front and center, and we waited with bated breath.
The deejay’s voice deepened huskily as he announced, “Ladies and gents, I give you…” He paused for effect. The curtains began to open. “…The Diamond Dozen!”
The twelve girls on stage looked like dolls sitting on wooden chairs. Each dressed in a different color of the same costume, the same costume the bar girls were wearing. The bass boomed as The Weeknd’s “The Hills” came to life. It was a slow, sexy song that allowed the girls to show off their moves. It was a song about a torrid affair a woman was having with an addict. The girls moved in sync, working with the chair, gyrating against them, and wolf whistles came from all over.
I saw women watch them, mesmerized, and men gaze adoringly at our girls. When Birdie hired the three new girls only days ago, I wondered if they would be ready in time, but I was proven wrong, and gladly at that.
As the song ended, the girls fell to the floor, faces cast, eyes open, like dolls that had been hypnotized into living by the music and falling as it ended.
The spotlight’s shut off and the curtains closed.
Then…silence.
My breath caught in my throat.
Oh no. Crap, no. They hated it!
My cheeks flushed a moment before the crowd went wild, standing and cheering at the top of their lungs. Whistles and eager roars went out through the air around us, and my heart boomed in my chest. I could safely say that was the scariest moment in my life.
Nas pulled me into her, squealing in my ear and rocking me side-to-side. A chuckle caught in my throat, and then I laughed hard, clutching at her. Then something happened, and I felt tears welling up in my eyes.
My throat tight, I blinked them away.
Everything was going to be okay now. I felt it deep inside me.
Bleeding Hearts would live to a ripe old age.
As people left, others took their places. The club remained at full capacity all night long, and some time after eleven, I received guests. As soon as I saw them, I made my way around the bar, rushing over to my brother and hugging him around the middle before placing a kiss to Uncle Laredo’s cheek. “You came!”
Laredo smiled, wrapping his arm around me, pulling me to his side. “I couldn’t miss my niece’s big night.”
I reached for Alessio’s hand and squeezed. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Alessio looked down at me, pride evident in his eyes. “You did this?”
I scoffed, “No!” Then I looked around. “We all did this. It was a group effort. We all pitched in. Everyone had a job and they totally nailed it.”
“You did good, kid,” Alessio muttered, taking in the new establishment.
That was when Sasha came up behind me. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing here?”
My eyes wide, I spoke up but choked on my words. “I-I invited them.”
Sasha glared at me. “What the fuck for? They need to leave.”
I stood between my uncle and brother, glowering up at Sasha. “No, they aren’t going anywhere.”
Sasha’s jaw ticked before he took on a reasonable expression. “Listen, boys. You got your own club to run. You need to go.”
Alessio wrapped an arm around me. “No, we don’t. We closed for the night.”
Sasha looked from Alessio to Laredo. “It’s Friday night. One of the busiest nights of the week. Why the hell are you closed?”
My voice caught in my throat while my heart sank. Here goes nothing. “Because I asked them to.”
Sasha’s confused look had not wavered.
I shrugged and explained myself. “We needed people to get in the doors tonight. It was important, Sash. I don’t want to lose this place. None of us do. So I asked them to close for the night,” I swallowed hard, “to give us a fighting chance.”
Sasha’s expression cleared. His brow furrowed before he looked to Laredo, his voice low. “Why would you do that? You don’t owe us anything.”
Laredo nodded. “I know. But when Mina told me about what you had planned, I found myself curious.” He shrugged. “Winning is no fun when there aren’t any worthy competitors around.”
Alessio agreed with a less than friendly smile thrown in Sasha’s direction. “Yeah. It’s no fun takin’ shit from a man who’s got nothin’.” He added, “I’m waitin’ for you to get so high up that you’ll break somethin’ when you fall. You get me, Leokov?”
Sasha stared at him, not blinking before he barked out a harsh laugh. “Fuck you, prick.” Then he did something ballsy.
He held out his hand to Alessio.
And my heart skipped a beat.
Alessio glared at that hand a long while before reaching out slowly, taking Sasha’s hand and shaking it firmly. “Nice place you got here.”
Sasha smirked. “I know.”
Alessio grinned and it pulled his scars tight. “God, you’re a fucking asshole.”
Sasha smirked harder. “I know.”
Oh, my stars. Had my selfish actions just mended the rift caused by years of hatred?
I watched Sasha release Alessio’s hand and hold out the same hand to Laredo. The older man smiled gently as he took it in his and shook it lightly.
Um, yeah. My small smile widened. I think they did.
Chapter Forty-Five
Mina
It was a week after opening night, and news of the new burlesque act in town had tongues wagging. Our social media page had well over ten thousand followers in that single week, and although it saddened us all, Sasha had wisely made the decision to no longer open every night. Now, Bleeding Hearts was a strictly weekend establishment, opening Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
This gave the girls time to practice during the week and learn new routines without the pressure of rehearsing and working on the same day.
Rumors of the girls’ beauty spread fast, and soon The Diamond Dozen were the hottest girls in town. Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse. Our audience had indeed doubled, tripled even.
Sasha revealed that in our opening weekend, we had earned more than what we normally made in an entire week, and that was including all the free drinks we had given away with flyers.
Th
e relief in the room was palpable. Shoulders slumped and people sighed out loud, others laughing happily. Lev pulled me into his side and I gripped his shirt tight, smiling into his chest.
Everything was working out. It was unbelievable. Miraculous, even.
The following Monday came quickly, and when the front gate bell went off as I passed the kitchen, I stared into the small CCTV, watching the car window open. She lowered her sunglasses, looking directly into the camera, and without a second thought, I buzzed her in.
I waited uneasily for the doorbell to chime, and as soon as it did, I threw it open.
The petite blonde in the long maxi-dress removed her glasses then smiled gently. “Hey, Mina.”
“Cora,” I greeted softly. “What are you doing here?”
She dipped her chin, sighing quietly. Then she blinked at me a long moment. “Can I come in?”
I thought about it. I probably shouldn’t have let her in, but something about this girl screamed ‘safe.’ I nodded, moving back to allow her room to pass. She stepped in and smiled once more, but it was tired. “Thanks.”
She moved into the living room and waited for me to enter before she sat on the sofa beside me. “Is Lev home?”
I checked the clock on the wall. He was still working out. “He should be home any minute now.”
“Okay.” She swallowed hard. “Do you mind if I wait until he gets here?”
“Not at all.” I stood. “What are you having? Coffee? Juice?”
She smiled then sighed. “Coffee would be great, thanks.”
I stood, went into the kitchen, and then returned with two mugs of coffee, both black. “I didn’t know how you took it,” I told her as I handed her the mug.
“Black is perfect.” She sipped at her coffee then asked, “How are things?”
My lip twitched at her attempt at small talk. “Things are good.” My smile faded. “How are you doing?” I reached over to place my hand on her knee. “I’m so sorry about Irina.”
Cora shrugged. “Thanks. I’m getting there, you know? Mom called me. She asked me to fly out and pack up Irina’s house, so…yeah…that was…” Her breathing hitched. “…painful.” She looked into her coffee, tapping a fingernail on the ceramic of the mug. “Irina wasn’t like me. She let my dad dictate her life. I never did. I told my parents I didn’t owe them anything. That was why I moved out when I was eighteen.”
She smiled. “I don’t know if you know this, but I lived with Nastasia for two years before it all turned sour, which was totally my fault. But Irina was the golden child, you know? I was the black sheep.” She frowned and muttered, “And look at where it got her.” Her eyes shut tight and she admitted on a whisper, “I hate my dad. I hate him so much, Mina.”
I didn’t know what else to say apart from, “I’m sorry.”
When she laid her hand on mine and squeezed, my heart ached for her. “Thanks for letting me in today.”
I checked the clock again. “Lev will be home any minute now.”
She smiled, but it was forced. “I just hope he doesn’t kick me out.”
I wouldn’t let him. Corinna Alkaev may have said things she didn’t mean to old friends, but she didn’t deserve to be punished for them forever. I would make Lev listen. I didn’t know how, but I would.
We made polite small talk for the next five minutes before the back door opened, and Cora stiffened. Lev walked into the living area and took one look at our guest before he stilled. He looked down at me, a questioning expression on his face, and I smiled encouragingly. He blinked at me, and then recovered quickly, making his way into the room. “Corinna,” he uttered.
She smiled up at him, but it shook. “Hey, Lev.”
He was sweaty and red in the face, but he sat by me in his workout gear and asked calmly, “To what do I owe the pleasure? Have your parents sent you? Because I told them—”
She shook her head and spoke, cutting him off. “No, they haven’t sent me.” She nearly rolled her eyes. “Since when do I do their bidding anyway?” She quieted her voice. “I haven’t spoken to them since after Irina died, and don’t plan on speaking to them again until they can admit they screwed up.”
Lev seemed mildly stunned by what she had said. “Then why are you here?”
She took a deep, quivering breath before she laughed lightly and shrugged, placing her hands in her lap. She whispered a pained, “I miss my niece.”
From the way Lev went rigid beside me, I knew he did not like that statement. It was so open. He didn’t like not knowing exactly what a person meant. I needed to intervene.
“You want time with Lidi then?” I asked her gently.
“I just want to see her again. I don’t care how. You name the time and place. I just—” She looked to Lev, imploring, “I know you hated Irina, but she wasn’t always a hardass. And Lidiya is all I have left of my sister.” Lev’s jaw ticked. She sighed, dipping her chin. “I know you don’t trust me, and that’s fair, but I will do anything you want. I just want some time with Lidi.”
The front door opened, and Nas walked in. “Yo, shorty!”
“In here,” I called, suddenly anxious about Cora’s presence.
Nas went to walk into the living room and fell short a step, looking directly at her ex-best friend. Cora stood and swallowed hard. “Hey.”
Nas looked the woman up and down before entering the room and speaking slowly. “Hey, yourself.”
Cora’s bottom lip began to tremble and her eyes filled with tears. When she dipped her chin, her tears falling to the ground, Nas moved, and what she did surprised me. She placed her arms around Cora just as a sob escaped her. Nas held her tightly, whispering, “I’m sorry.”
Cora clutched to her like a lifeline and let out a broken, “No, I’m sorry. The things I said to you…”
Nas shook her head, squeezing gently. “Forgotten.”
The two women embraced for a little while, and when they separated, Nas sat next to Cora, taking her hand and holding it in hers. Something told me that no matter how strong Corinna Alkaev thought she was, she had reached her breaking point.
Nas looked at me. “So, what are we talking about?”
Lev responded, “Corinna wants to see Lidiya.” He paused a moment before he said, “And I am considering it.”
The look of relief on Cora’s face was evident, but she masked it with excitement. “Really? Because I don’t even care if we stay here the whole time. I could have a picnic with her in the front yard and stay out of your hair. I promise not to get in your way or anything.”
Lev looked down at Nastasia’s hand, which still held Cora’s. “You were once like family, Corinna.”
Her lips trembled again and she uttered quietly, “I know I fucked up. And I’m so sorry.”
Lev stood. “I see no reason why you can’t see Lidi every now and again.” He looked at the little woman and told her, “She doesn’t have her mother anymore. I’d like for her to have access to someone who knew Irina when she was a child. Someone who can show her the good side of Irina.”
Cora’s face sad, she responded quietly, “I can do that. I can be that person.”
Lev nodded. “I know you can.” He checked his watch and muttered, “Mirella took her to the park. They’ll be home soon enough. You’re welcome to wait.”
He didn’t say another word, just turned and walked away.
My heart warmed, and that warmth spread throughout my entire body.
God, I loved Lev. He was a good man.
I stood too, looking down at a stunned Cora. “I’m guessing it’s been a while.” I turned to Nas and smiled. “I’ll give you guys time to catch up.”
My feet took the stairs two at a time—no small feat for a short girl—until I made my way into our bedroom, opening the door to find Lev in a state of undress. He looked up at me then threw down his boxers, leaving him in the nude.
My voice soft, I told him, “You’re a good man, Lev Leokov.” Then I started to undress.
; His eyes landed on my bare stomach and he watched as I undid my bra. His voice came out husky. “I need to shower, mouse.”
“No,” I told him, hooking my thumbs into my panties and lowering them. They fell to my ankles. “You need to get me dirty.” I stepped out of my panties and moved toward him. When I reached him, I looked up into his face, the picture of innocence. “And then we’ll get clean together. Okay?”
His hands came up to rest on my hips and he squeezed lightly, his eyes hooded with lust. “Who am I to argue with my betrothed?”
I grinned as his lips descended. “Suck ass.”
We spent a long time in the shower.
And when we were finished, I was far from clean.
I was deliciously mussed.
Chapter Forty-Six
Mina
I watched in quiet amazement as the extended Leokov family met, hugging and kissing and chatting as laughter burst out of people left, right, and center. Normally, in situations like this, I would have felt out of place, yet somehow this amazing group of people included me like it was no big deal.
I didn’t care what they thought.
It was a big deal, for me.
We had made the half-hour drive to attend the small wedding that Lev explained would be held at his cousin’s club, The White Rabbit. I’d never heard of the place, but when we got there, I immediately understood the appeal.
I got it. I did.
It was freaking hot.
Who wouldn’t be taken by an Alice in Wonderland themed club? From the giant bronzed Cheshire cat, to the whimsical, artistic paint on the walls, my chest panged with regret from not bringing the good camera Sasha had bought for Bleeding Hearts. It didn’t matter; I whipped out my phone and snapped away happily at almost everything in sight.
Lev told me I’d need to dress up for the night, and when he sent me to buy an appropriate evening gown with Nas, the two of us came back arguing. I still couldn’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on something I’d only wear once or twice.
We compromised in the end, buying me a stunning black dress that cost a hundred and fifty dollars. It was a cocktail–style dress, and although it wasn’t what I was sent to buy, I could see myself wearing this little number again and again, totally getting my money’s worth. When I came home and modeled it for Lev, he agreed that it was lovely.
