THE LYCAN'S STRIPPER MATE

CHAPTER 3

KIERAN BLACKWOOD

"I see you're new here; we have the best girls in town; maybe one of them could satisfy your desire," the woman says, handing me the drink, but I shake my head.

"Only alcohol and guilt can satisfy me at this moment."

The drink burns my throat as I gulp it down, a harsh reminder of the reality surrounding me. But it's not enough. I need more, I need to drown the pain in a sea of temporary oblivion.

As I drink, I watch the club lights change colors, dancing to a mesmerizing rhythm that pulls me into its spiral of chaos and decadence. It's then that a man, with a loud and authoritative voice, announces on the microphone the name of one of the girls.

"Good evening to every one of you, gentlemen, for those of you who haven't met our girls yet, I have the great pleasure of introducing Scarlett, our best dancer."

Applause echoes through the room as a woman stands out among the others, her fluid and seductive movements capturing everyone's attention.

While the men around me are captivated by a spectacle of semi-nude bodies and provocative movements, my eyes remain fixed on the stage, where a woman with dark hair and a black mask on her face draws my attention like a magnet.

Her smile is captivating, casting silent spells on the men watching her, but it's her red lingerie set, perfectly matching the color of her skin, that truly captivates me.

For some inexplicable reason, I can't take my eyes off her, even with so many other women scattered throughout the club, each competing for the client's attention.

The long-haired woman exudes a sensual charm like no other, an aura of mystery that deeply intrigues me.

I continue to drink, my hands gripping the glass tighter than necessary, as I watch her begin to dance across the stage.

Her movements are slow and provocative, hypnotizing every man in the room and inciting them to shout and throw more money her way. The lights change color, creating a play of shadows that envelop the woman in a veil of mystery, making her even more irresistible to the spectators' eyes.

I feel an urgent need to know more about her, about the woman behind the mask.

I turn to the waitress at the bar and inquire about the mysterious dancer on stage. She looks at me with a mischievous smile, as if she knows exactly what I'm thinking.

"Scarlett. She's the best dancer who's ever graced this club. Most men come here just to see her.", she responds, her voice filled with admiration and respect.

The name resonates in my mind, enveloping me in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

Scarlett. A simple name, yet full of meaning.

As I rise from the stool, the men's shouts around me blend with the sensual music filling the club, creating a symphony of lust and desire. I walk among them, ignoring their looks of admiration and lust, my sole focus being the woman on stage.

The music seems to guide me, leading me to the center of the club where I can see her better. She lifts her leg in a hypnotic movement before kneeling on the ground, touching her own body with irresistible grace.

It's then that I notice, almost like a fleeting glimpse, a small pepper tattoo on her waist.

The light changes color again, creating an ethereal aura around her as she dances, but everything around me seems to disappear when her eyes meet mine.

It's as if the whole world slows down, with her fluid and sensual movements becoming a dance just for me.

My eyes widen as I realize the resemblance, so shocking that it leaves me breathless.

"Maya..."

But it's her; there's no doubt in my mind. The eyes, dark as night, had the same seductive smile, and the body moved with celestial grace. She's identical to Maya.

I stand frozen, hypnotized by the sight before me. It feels like I'm seeing a ghost, a manifestation of my deepest desires and my worst nightmares. She dances for me, her eyes fixed on mine as if she knows the power she holds over me.

It's as if time has stopped, and for a brief moment, I'm lost in a feverish dream where Maya is still alive, where I can touch her, feel her, and have her back in my arms.

But then reality sets in, a cold reminder that she's gone, that I can never have her back.

With my eyes still fixed on her, I feel enchanted, trapped in a spell I can't break.

Mentally, I wonder how this is possible; I saw Maya dead before me, and how could a woman so identical to her be here?

I wish to remove the mask from her face.

The pulsating music reaches a new climax as the woman on stage begins to sway, her sensual movements hypnotizing the surrounding men.

Attracted by the enticing sight before me, I approach a man who seems to be the owner of the place, determined to secure a special moment with the mysterious dancer.

"I want her tonight.", I say, pointing to the girl on stage, my eyes fixed on her.

The man looks at me amused, a mischievous smile dancing on his lips.

"Sorry, buddy, but Scarlett isn't available for customers to sleep with.", he replies, his voice tinged with sarcasm.

I don't give up so easily.

"I want nothing more than a private show with her.", I insist, pulling out my wallet and showing the money notes tucked inside.

His eyes widen at the amount of money I'm offering, and he quickly changes his tone.

"Ah, in that case, let's make it happen."

He accepts the money eagerly, agreeing to arrange what I want.

"With a few more bills, you could have her for whatever you want.", he says, laughing, but I remain serious.

With a quick gesture, he leads me through a dark corridor, his brisk steps echoing in the tense silence of the club. We reach a discreet door, and he opens it for me, revealing a simple and dark room beyond.

"Scarlett will meet you in this room when she finishes her performance. I wish you a good night and a lot of fun with her."