Billionaire's Stripper novel Chapter 3

LYDIA

I never lied to my father before. However, I told him I was working at a computer software company. Luckily, I had a full college scholarship. The stripper job would allow me to pay his medical bills. I couldn't believe I, Lydia Rena Carmichael, would become a stripper.

My cousin Karena, who grew up around the corner from me, turned me onto the idea of stripping. She said with my cute face and body, I'd do well. Her body was stacked. Voluptuous breasts, tiny waist, big ass, and thick thighs. Her dark chocolate complexion gained her the attention from the high rollers. She was willing to go farther than I'd ever be willing to go. There was an older customer who'd give her ten stacks just for sucking his dick in the parking lot.

Once Karena met Bryce, she was able to get off her knees. She said she didn't mind sucking dick, but she wouldn't allow every man to fuck her. Not sure what Bryce said to her because he received the royal treatment. You could look into his eyes and see he liked her a little more than he'd like to admit. Her high cheekbones, slanted eyes, and long jet-black hair had several men hypnotized. She was like me mixed, black and Cherokee Indian.

I had jet black hair too, but I colored it blonde just to switch it up a bit.

Karena taught me a few routines before my audition. I did well. They hired me on the spot. My first night on the job, my nerves were out of whack. I felt the acid rising in my throat. My eyes scanned the crowd. The hungry stares were hard to accept. My thoughts became consumed with why I was stripping to help my dad. The second I focused on the goal; each night became easier.

The money I was raking in was definitely helpful. Soon, my father's medical bills were almost under control. I moved into an apartment. It was a place of serenity and refuge from the world. If I could, I'd sit in my apartment, listen to music and day dream about what it would've been like to sit and have coffee with my mother. Sometimes I imagined how great of a grandmother she would've been to my future children. I doubt I'd ever get over the loss of my mother.

Listening to the lecture in finance class, I took notes on my laptop while my recorder recorded my professor's words. It was important I didn't let my thoughts drift to Hayden. I didn't need a man disrupting my education. I had to stay on track. I'd graduate with my Bachelor's degree in Computer Science in June. Immediately, I'd begin the MBA program in the fall. Glancing at my watch, I realized I had three more classes. Then I was done for the day.

"Lydia," I heard at my back.

Walking toward my red Honda Accord coupe, I glanced over my shoulder.

I smiled. "Hey Curtis. How are you?"

"I'm good. Did you understand the lecture in Finance today?"

I pointed toward my backpack. "My recorder recorded all the gibberish. I'll read the chapters this week before the test Thursday." I unlocked the driver side door.

"Let me get that for you." Curtis removed my backpack from my shoulder, opened the door, placing my bag on the back seat.

"Thanks Curtis. That bag is heavy."

"If you wouldn't walk so fast after class, I'd carry it for you."

I smirked. "Thanks. I need to get some studying in before I go to work."

He smiled. "Can I take you out on Saturday?"

"Curtis, you're sweet. But I need to focus on school."

I grabbed his hand, holding it tight. "Thank you, for always thinking about me. I don't mind hanging out as friends, but nothing more. Maybe we can study next week for physics."

Lowering his chin, he frowned. "I would always think about you, Lydia." A bitter smile took his lips.

The hairs stood on my arms. Curtis was nice, but I wasn't interested in dating him. He was attractive. However, right now, I couldn't get Hayden out of my head. It wouldn't be fair to Curtis to date him, knowing he wanted more than I was willing to give.

He rubbed his dark brown clean-shaven chin. "Alright, Lydia. We can study next week, just as friends."

Excitedly, I pulled him into a hug.

"Thanks, for understanding."

He held me longer than he should've. It felt like needles prickled my back. Slowly, I pushed back from him. Sometimes Curtis made me feel uncomfortable.

"See you later, Curtis."

"Bye, Lydia."

On the drive home, I remembered back to my work shift last night. Not that I was looking for Hayden, but I didn't see him in the club. Ok, I admit, I looked around the club for him a little. He said he would be there every night. Who was I kidding? I knew I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up. It was all for the best that I forget about him.

Someone tapped my arm. "Scrumptious." I turned toward the voice.

"Hey, Cherry!"

"Hey, girl. There's some dark and mysterious guy sitting in the back corner. He's asking for you."

"Thanks, Cherry."

It was nothing new. Repeat customers often asked for me, but they usually didn't sit in the back corner of the club.

Slowly, I strutted in my silver glitter stilettos toward the mysterious man hiding behind dark gold frame aviator sunglasses and a black baseball cap. Leaning forward slightly in the smoke-filled club, I recognized those sexy slender lips. I stopped in my tracks. My heart plummeted to my feet.

Hayden rose, pulling me toward him. This man... shit, was going to kill me. The nerve endings all over my body tingled. Not to mention it felt like the butterflies would never stop flipping in my belly. I hope he couldn't see I was shaking.

He sat leaning back against the long black booth bench, pulling me onto his lap.

My fingers breezed through my long, blonde hair. "Hayden, what are you doing here?"

The devilish smile curled his lips. "I told you I'd be here every night until you went on a date with me."

I folded my arms. "Well, you missed a night. You weren't here last night."

He smiled again. "You were looking for me?"

"No! It's just...I'd know if you were here. I covered every inch of this club last night."

"It's ok, baby. You don't have to admit you were looking for me." His hand slid up and down my shaky arm.