Rivals in Rhythm

“I don’t know why I let you drag me out tonight. I hate clubs.”

"Oh, stop complaining, Rodger. Once you get a few drinks in your system, you’ll be just fine.”

Rodger griped from the time I picked him up until the time we got inside the club. All of that changed when we were greeted by a couple of bottle girls who were already expecting me. At first, they side-eyed Rodger. But everything was cool once I let them know he was with me.

When we got to the section Bentley had waiting for me, there was a chilled bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice. A bouquet of flowers, a gift bag, and a note from him. Rodger wasn’t happy to see me being pampered by another man, but he ignored it when one of the girls made eye contact with him.

“Ooo, someone’s getting some attention.” I teased.

“Yeah. Right,” he blushed. “You’re lucky I like you. I never come to clubs.”

I believed him. As nerdy and uptight as Rodger was most days, I couldn't imagine him being in a crowded room full of sweaty people who were dancing and having fun. He was more of a video game, comic con kind of guy.

“So, what are we doing here tonight?” he asked. “You get a tip or something?”

“Nope. Bentley set this up. But it’s a good time to scope the scene. Maybe ask the other girls who work here a few questions. I don’t know. Something might come up while we’re here.”

I poured us both a glass of champagne. Even though Rodger wasn’t much of a drinker, he accepted the drink and sat back to enjoy it. We had a designated driver that night, thanks to Bentley, so I encouraged him to let loose for a change.

“That girl is cute, huh?” I asked. “You should ask for her number. She keeps looking over here at you.”

The bottle girl who complimented him couldn’t keep her eyes to herself. From across the room, it looked like she was admiring all that he had to give. But when I saw her whisper into another girl's ear and point at him, I got curious to know what they were talking about.

“I don’t see Silvia here tonight,” I said. “I thought she’d be here.”

“Some people take days off,” Rodger replied. “Just because she works at a club doesn't mean she’ll be here every night.”

What he said made sense. I don’t know why I had a weird feeling in my gut about it, but I did. Because even though she had hobbies outside of Club Lure, Silvia seemed like the kind of girl who would never skip a day of having fun.

“I never realized how big this place is. What is it, three floors?”

I looked around to take in Rodger’s vision. Bentley’s place was huge. Three floors, six dance floors, and four bars. I believe the club held about 500–600 people. Whatever the number, it was impressive.

As we sat in our section, people watching and scoping the scene, I thought about Bentley. The dancing strobe lights reminded me of his hands caressing my hips as we danced at his glam party. I smiled to myself, craving that feeling all over again. The feeling intensified when I finally decided to see what he bought me.

“You’re getting in too deep,” Rodger warned. “Now he’s buying you gifts. Luring you in little by little.”

“Maybe so,” I joked. “If I happen to get lost, send a search party for me.”

The gift bag was an expensive one with velvet handles and a magnetic fold. When I reached inside, I felt three boxes stacked on top of each other. The first box was a slim jewelry box that held a gorgeous ink pen with my name engraved on the clip. The second box was a beautiful diamond necklace that I was afraid to accept. And last but not least, a Hermes clutch that I knew cost at least four months' rent.

“Wow,” I said. “He’s really applying pressure.”

Rodger ignored me and poured himself another glass of champagne while I admired my gifts. I ignored him too. I was too in awe to acknowledge anything other than my desire for Mr. Thomas. And just when I silently wished he was there that night, a smooth voice spoke from behind me.

“You made it, I see."

I was startled. Surprised. Aroused. Everything in between. Until he locked eyes with Rodger, and I saw confusion in his eyes.

“I did.” I smiled, trying not to make things more awkward than they already were. “This is my friend, Rodger. We work together.”

The stare down between them felt dangerous and unpredictable. Rodger’s eyes darted from one end of Bentley’s frame to the next, and Bentley’s eyes did the same to him. I felt like I had made a mistake asking Rodger to come along. But I didn't know Bentley was going to show up.

“Nice to meet you, Rodger.” He held out his hand, and Rodger reluctantly shook it.

“Yeah. You too.”

The air was thick with tension. I feared I had ruined my chances of getting any more information or closeness out of Bentley. Although he didn’t look completely angry and turned off by me, I could sense it in his tone when he spoke.

“You two enjoy the rest of your night. If you need anything, the girls will take care of it.”

He placed a single kiss on the back of my hand and walked away without looking back. I wanted to go after him and apologize for bringing Rodger, but Rodger stopped me.

“Look at you,” he scoffed. “I thought you were only in this to figure out what happened to Ivy. Why are you lusting over this guy so hard? It’s not like you two can have a real relationship. He’s a gangster. You’re a reporter. His lifestyle goes against everything you stand for.”