Chapter Six.1: Lex

“You look like you’re dressed for a night out.” Leo commented as I got out of Leo's Rolls-Royce after parking his car, a hint of sarcasm lacing his voice “This is probably the first time I’ve seen you out of a suit.” He added teasingly

“You’re exaggerating too much.” I roll my eyes as I shut his car door and fixed my blue shirt “Rosie picked this for me, saying she always sees me very formal and I don’t wear enough normal clothes just like the other dads at her school.” I sighed “I’m also thankful that my neighbor’s sister is available for babysitting since her nanny’s on family leave.” I added

“Your kid has a point, she barely sees you in casual clothes.” He nods in agreement “You should probably hire a babysitter for her too.” He suggested

“I don’t want to. Remember the last time I hired a babysitter for her?” I reminded him

“Not every girl you meet is Giselle Lex.” He reminded me as well “You have to date around and spend time with people other than me, Rosie, Wilma and your business partners. I know nobody can replace Camille but you deserve to be happy.” He pats my shoulder affectionately as he leads me into his nightclub

“I don’t have time for that Lee, I’m focused on giving my daughter a good-” I stopped mid sentence when we got in the establishment, my eyes darting on the multiple dancers on individual stages as men in crisp suits watch them a few meters away while sitting on individual booths “You brought me to a strip club?! Is this business of yours even legal?” I ask with a frown

“It’s 100% legal! And I promise you that the girls around here can make their own decisions, if they decide to go with a client on their own then Benj and I can only warn them if we know that client has a bad rep beforehand.” He stated as three girls approached us, wearing little cover-ups that can hardly be called clothes

“Good evening Sir Leo!” the girls greet him in unison, the one in the red wig and outfit looks at me seductively, I looked away uncomfortably

“Good evening, Ruby, Bubbles, Fawn.” Leo greets them with a fake smile, and knowing him he must’ve disliked these girls

“Who’s your handsome friend sir?” the faux redhead giggled and winked at me

“He’s my best friend and he’s celebrating his birthday tonight.” He puts an arm around my shoulders

“Oooh we can help him celebrate his birthday, right girls?” the girls crowd me and traced my arm, looking at me innocently, wanting me to pick one of them, I mentally sighed and rolled my eyes

I’m never letting Leo surprise me ever again.

“Leo, the VIP room’s ready.” A gentle yet confident voice said “Girls, don’t you have your patrons to entertain?” she raised an eyebrow

“Yes Mama Benj.” They all huffed in unison and went their own ways, mumbling words as they walked towards different parts of the strip club

“Thank you.” I smiled kindly at her

“It’s not a problem at all, you must be our guest from the looks of things.” She says as Leo nodded in agreement “The VIP room is set up for you sir, please follow me.” She says, leading us to a set of rooms far away from the booths and mini stages

“I’m not coming here ever again Leo.” I whispered as we stopped in front of a door

“Don’t be such a killjoy Lex, you deserve to have some fun, especially on your birthday.” He whispered back as the door opened “You’ll thank me later.” He winks as he pushes me inside the room before I could even say something

“Wait what do you-“ The door was already shut before I could process what was happening “Leo what the f*ck is going on?” I tried to open the door but it was somehow locked

“Angel will take care of you Lex, I’ll see you in a few hours or maybe the next morning. Enjoy my birthday present!” Leo hollered back

“Angel?! Who the f*ck is-” I was so caught off guard that I didn’t hear the music had been playing in the room, I turned around and saw an Angel… a literal angel.

She was wearing a white corset lingerie with matching stockings and heels, a platinum blonde wig that could be her real hair, angel wings to match and a white and gold masquerade mask that covered her tantalizing eyes as she dances sensually.

There’s something familiar about her that I couldn’t figure out.

I was watching with intrigue that I didn’t realize that she was staring at me, still dancing to the beat of the music and not taking her eyes off of me as I felt a small tent growing inside my jeans as she approaches me from the stage.

“F*ck Lex, snap out of it! You can’t just let a stranger give you a b*ner, let alone a godd*mn stripper!” I thought to myself and shook my head as the girl was now in front of me on the side where I stood.

“Happy birthday. Enjoy the show handsome.” She purrs as she was going to remove her angel wings, the prop paid have made it a little harder to move and dance

“Wait!” I sighed, shaking my head “I know Leo must’ve paid you a lot of money for tonight but I can’t accept your services.” I smiled apologetically towards the woman “I didn’t even know he was planning this for me.” I mumble under my breath

She looked at me with confusion “Shouldn’t that be the element of surprise? He told me that you needed a break from working too hard.” She stated

“Yes but I only expected Leo to be with me and not someone else.” I chuckled softly

“O-Oh… I can get him for you if you want to.” She offers and stops the music

“No need, I’d berate him even further if he steps into this room.” I joked, making her chuckle a bit “But I don’t want to be alone on my birthday and I want you to get your payment.” I cleared my throat

She looks at me skeptically “I don’t sleep with my clients sir. Mr. Matthews promised me a hefty sum of money if I danced for you.” She says

“And you don’t have to, I’ll see to it that you’ll be paid for your service, I just don’t want to celebrate my birthday alone.” I say with a sincere smile “I can also order some food and drinks for us too.” I offered

She finally got off the stage and approaches me, seemingly analyzing if I was telling the truth or not. I couldn’t help but admire her beauty as she was now in front of me.

What the f*ck is wrong with me? It had only been two years since I’ve with a woman! I’m not that desperate!

But I know that this woman is different from Giselle or all the women who threw themselves at me…

“Alright, I’ll stay to keep you company Mr?” she offers her hand for a handshake

“Please, just call me Lex.” I smiled and shook her hand

“Nice to meet you Lex, I’m Angel.” She smiled softly at me

Angel … A beautiful and fitting name for her… even if it might be just her fake name.