Morningstar by S. L. Armstrong Read Free Book Online

pleasuring the male body. Sex between us was explosive and exhausting, and our love blossomed anew.
    A month after Radueriel reappeared in my life, we reached our first hitch in the relationship.
    "Come with me to work?" I asked, buttoning the black shirt I had donned. I had never invited him to my club; I feared his reaction. I had been lucky that none of my clients had visited me lately, and I finally felt comfortable bringing Radueriel with me. "You can see what it is I do." I winked at him, sitting on the ragged couch in loose jeans and no shirt, barefoot, with a novel in his hands. He looked at me with those bright eyes, a smile lighting up his face. "I'll take that as a yes," I teased. "Well, get dressed or I'll be late!"
    Radueriel hopped off the couch, gave me a quick kiss, and rushed into the bedroom, dressing quickly and joining me in the entryway. "Ready," he said, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Thank you for taking me with you. I grow lonely while you are away."
    I kissed him deeply, swiping my tongue along his, and gripping his hand tight in my own, led him out onto the city streets.
    I was nervous. I stood backstage, looking out at Radueriel seated in a corner, watching the dancer on the stage finishing up. I had never been nervous - I was a professional, after all. But, at that moment, my heart pounded and my palms were sweaty. Radueriel would see me dance tonight, see me perform intimately for the men gathered close, ogling the half-nude bodies offered up for their entertainment. It was also the first time I questioned my means of paying my bills. I was not ashamed, but I briefly considered changing what I did for a living.
    Sebastian passed by me, counting his tips on his way to the dressing room, and I stepped out on the stage, taking my place in the center. I was wearing a red g-string with a pointed tail dragging along the floor and red horns rested neatly in my golden hair. I was The Devil, a popular act and one I found humorous.
    The electronic beat started and the first words from the song filtered into the room. As I danced, I reflected on the words, and I realized how close they fit our circumstances. As I twirled and bowed, thrusting my hips and touching my body, I tuned everyone out - everyone but the owner of two glittering eyes the color of sapphires sitting in the corner of the club.
    Men slipped bills into my garment, but I only saw Radueriel. It was only when one of the patrons surreptitiously pinched my thigh that I was drawn out of my performance. One of my clients, an older gentleman, slipped two hundred dollar bills into my g-string. He was a generous tipper, if not a well-endowed lover, and my heart nearly stopped as I looked from Charles to Radueriel.
    I exited the stage, ripping the money from my underwear, and slammed them down on my makeup table. I looked at my reflection in disgust; blue eyes shone from a pale face framed by long, straight blond hair. My features were both feminine and masculine, but there was always this feral, dangerous glint in my eyes. I was something most men at the club coveted, and few were able to bed.
    We had an arrangement, and I could not refund Charles' money and walk away. No, I would remain and finish my set, send Radueriel home in a cab, and fuck Charles.
    I made up my mind and changed outfits, preparing for my next dance.
    Radueriel was sent home two hours before I finished my shift, and I told him to head straight to bed. He asked me why, but I insisted. I saw the light in his eyes diminish though, and I cast a glance behind me to see Charles eying me as if I were some expensive treat. Which, I suppose, I was, but I kissed Radueriel, put him into a cab, and returned to work.
    Charles drove us to the apartment. I quietly opened the door, closing it just as carefully. "We have to use the living room," I said, nodding to the bedroom. "I have a guest."
    "Oh?" Charles asked, removing his coat and unbuttoning his shirt. He always smelled like Novocain;