31. Luxtyn

31

LUXTYN

W alking out onto the stage, the bright lights zoom in on me. I focus on being Blondie, my new, hot, badass stripper alter ego, who needs to catch the eye of these guys so I can find out if they kidnapped my mom.

I sway up to the pole at center stage, swinging my hips to the beat of the music, and slide my hands up the sides of my body. The bedazzled black mesh material Liana let me borrow molds to my body and sits perfectly over my black lace pushup bra and matching cheeky underwear.

I know thongs and G-strings are the preferred uniform for a stripper, but there's no way I was going to prance my ass around in that. At least what I have on is sexy, but essentially the same coverage as a bathing suit.

Arching my back against the cool metal pole, I run my hands lightly through my wig, acting as if I'm really feeling myself while stripping off the mesh halter top and matching high-waisted skirt.

Extending my arms over my head, I grab a hold of the bar and hoist myself up, then do a backflip against the pole so my front is now flush with the beam. Catcalls and hollers come from the men, and bills are being thrown in my direction.

I continue to dance and pull myself up onto the bar, adding spins with the beat of the music whenever I see fit. The club is loving it, and I have to admit, it's freeing being up here, showcasing the strength and technique I have. I can see why strippers do what they do.

Before I know it, the song has come to an end and I pinpoint Giuseppe Silvestri, who's standing and clapping, which I'll note as a success since I didn't even completely strip.

Mauricio has returned, taking his spot right next to Giuseppe, which has my stomach bottoming out immediately. How the hell is he back already?

I have no idea when he returned, but that means Matteo is no longer being held up in the private room with him. And if Matteo's not in the room, that means. . .

I squint as I scan the room. I'm panicking, but I have no reason to. I look like a different person with my hair and makeup, but I still have this gut wrenching feeling in my stomach that someone's watching me. And I'm not talking about the random patrons here for a good show.

My eyes graze over a familiar hulking figure up against the far wall before quickly snapping back to it.

Matteo.

Time slows, and I freeze as I make eye contact with him. There's no way he recognizes me. I barely recognize myself.

I keep telling myself that, but his eyes widen, as if recognition is dawning on him. At that moment, I spin on my heel and nearly fall over but latch onto the pole to remain upright.

Grabbing the two mesh pieces of my outfit off the floor, I hurry off the stage to where Izzy's waiting for me with open arms and all of our things. My eyes widen and I barely choke out the words "Izzy, he's?— "

"I know, I saw him. I'm so sorry, Lux." Her worried gaze darts over my head as if she's waiting for someone to show up behind me.

"But he didn't recognize me, right? I mean, I-I'm in a costume. Everything about me is different. I barely recognize myself."

She rubs my arms, doing her best to calm me. "I know, I know. I wouldn't recognize you either, but I'm really sorry, Lux. I don't think I can say the same for my brother."

"She absolutely cannot say the fucking same for her brother," a voice growls out from behind me.

My heart stops at the same time as Izzy's eyes widen like she's seen a damn ghost. It wasn't long ago that Izzy and I were sitting on my bed going over this plan, and at that moment, I had zero care in the world if Matteo caught us. But now that we're here, now that I've been caught red-handed, I can't say I feel the same.

I slowly spin and bring my eyes up to meet Matteo's. It's dark back here, but his hardened gaze is cold, sharp, and searing through me.

He stalks toward me, causing me to tilt my head back to keep eye contact with him.

"Teo—" Izzy says.

"Walk toward the back side entrance, Isabella. Enzo's out there waiting for you," he orders with a controlled ferociousness.

"I'm sorry, Lux," she whispers from behind me.

"Now, Isabella!" The anger in his tone sends goose bumps erupting over my body.

Izzy disappears, leaving Matteo and me alone. He slides his coat off and wraps it around my shoulders. The sincere offer lifts a weight off my chest, and I release a deep breath.

"Don't mistake that act for kindness," he snarls before leaning down to whisper, "I'm going to make you pay for what you just did out there." The threat sends a chill straight to my bones, freezing me on the spot. He pulls away from me, keeping his eyes fixed on mine.

"Matteo—"

"Don't. Fucking. Speak. Luxtyn." He grabs my hand and pulls me toward the exit, not glancing back once as he drags me out into the parking lot.