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Josh really wanted to go home. He had had a trying day filled with endless business meetings, the kind that he couldn’t pawn off to his cousin and CCO, Justin—not that the brat would take them for him—and all he wanted was to go back home to his penthouse apartment, eat something greasy (today was a cheat day), all while waiting for his boyfriend to come home. He’d cuddle their spoiled cat, Kuro, which he would allow for five minutes maximum because that demon cat preferred his boyfriend over Josh. (Josh felt the same towards him.)
But as the CEO of the company, sometimes he had to just grin and bear with things, such as a sudden invitation to go out.
Josh tolerated Alexei, who was the son of one of their business partners. It was a telling sign that the man’s father was still CEO of their business rather than handing it over to his son. Josh had a feeling the empire would sooner pass on to Alexei’s more competent younger sister Aleksandra, but that was their family drama not his.
“Come on, Josh,” Alexei said, grinning widely as he handed his papers and folders to his secretary. “I know the best place we can go to unwind.”
“I don’t mind,” Pablo said, stretching his neck and shoulders. “It has been a tiring day. How about you, Justin?”
Justin shook his head. “No, thank you. I still have tomorrow’s presentation to look through.”
Alexei scoffed. “Come on. You’re the CCO and we’re bringing the CEO along.” He grinned at Josh. “You can move that to a different day anytime you want.”
Josh had to hold on to his poker face tightly.
This man was definitely not going to inherit his family’s business.
“Let’s go,” Alexei insisted. “The Pennyroyal is a great club.”
“The Pennyroyal?” Josh and Justin repeated.
Alexei grinned. “Ah, so you’re both familiar.”
“That’s a strip club, right?” Pablo asked.
Alexei nodded. “Best place ever. I’ve been there a few times. Come on. My treat.”
“I…” Josh trailed off.
“We’ll come,” Justin suddenly said.
“Oh.” Alexei raised an eyebrow teasingly. “Now you’re interested, Justin? I guess books aren’t as interesting as a warm body and a lap da—”
Unlike Josh, Justin had never really had patience for Alexei. He cut in rudely.
“If you insist on bringing my cousin along, I would rather come. He does have a boyfriend, you know.”
“Ah, yes, a boyfriend,” Alexei drawled, turning to Josh. “We can probably find a better hookup for you, eh, Josh?”
Yes, Alexei was never going to inherit his family’s company, and if by some miracle he did, Josh was going to immediately sever nearly fifty years of partnership with the damn man and his business.
In the end, Josh had no choice but to agree.
One saving grace was they took separate cars. Josh drove his own, while Alexei took out that ostentatious sports car of his and then immediately grabbed Justin to ride with him.
“If I take Justin, you won’t be able to detour and leave me hanging, Joshie,” Alexei teased.
Justin was making faces at Alexei behind his back, while Josh just sighed and followed.
“I’ve never been to The Pennyroyal before,” Pablo said during the ride.
“I’m more surprised you’re into strip clubs,” Josh commented. Pablo was a good guy. He was in training to take over his family’s export business and he had become good friends with Josh and Justin over the past few months.
Pablo shrugged. “To be fair, I didn’t know that’s where we’re going, but I should have known Alexei was the type to frequent those places, and I just really want to humor the man.” He made a face. “This project needs to be settled as soon as possible.”
Josh chuckled. “I know what you mean.”
Eventually, they arrived at The Pennyroyal, with its iconic red roof and bright neon pink and red sign. There were bouncers patrolling the front and a few people standing around outside. They parked their cars at a paid parking spot nearby, with Alexei already grumbling about paying a few bucks, and then made their way towards the venue.
Pablo let out a low whistle at the photos of the dancers posted across The Pennyroyal’s walls.
Alexei smirked. “Wait until you see the dancers.”
Alexei walked right past the bouncer, who sent him a scrutinizing look but still let him in. He sent the same to Pablo, who nodded to him politely, but the bouncer paused when he noticed Josh and Justin. Justin snickered and walked right in, while Josh just shrugged and followed, tapping the man’s arm as he went.
The Pennyroyal was famous for being a burlesque-themed club, with its red and gold velvet walls, sultry lighting, and the stage setup complete with thick red curtains and gold tassels. Scantily-clad men and women in flattering and erotic costumes—or sometimes with hardly any clothing at all—were dancing on the tables and on stage, surrounded by cheering and hollering patrons waving their bills at them and waiting for the chance to slide them into garters, waistbands and wherever else they could tuck them in. Bouncers in black were patrolling the place, watching for wandering hands, illegal recording, and rowdy customers.
Alexei led them towards a booth and sat down, immediately waving for a server. Pablo followed, studying the venue and talking to Justin, who looked incredibly amused. Josh just followed, nodding when a passing server paused curiously and caught his eye.
They got seated in the round booth—Alexei, Justin, Pablo, and then Josh.
“Are you sure this is okay?” Pablo murmured as Alexei started ordering drinks for them. “Won’t your boyfriend be mad? You mentioned him a few times—I don’t remember his name, sorry—but I remember you always sound happy when you do.”
“I don’t mention him much because he’s a private man,” Josh said, shrugging. “But he’ll be okay with this, don’t worry. In fact, he’ll just find it funny when he finds out I came here.”
Pablo still looked unsure and Josh appreciated that he was a decent man, unlike Alexei who he noticed tugged shamelessly at the edge of the server’s short skirt just as she was leaving to get their drinks.
Suddenly, a sensual sort of music started coming from the speakers around the club and the various dancers on top of the tables started leaving. The lights on the stage started flickering. It seemed like the main show was starting.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to The Pennyroyal,” a woman drawled, voice sounding sexy and seductive at the same time. “We have planned a wonderful show for you beautiful people, so get ready.” She paused for a moment to let the crowd cheer. “First for the night is Rosemary. Have fun, darlings.”
The curtains parted and the first dancer came out, a young woman with long hair wearing a skimpy dark green number that shimmered everytime she moved. Her hips swayed as she walked, which garnered her cheers. Alexei himself let out a holler, which Josh noticed made Justin wince.
Josh only had half an eye for Rosemary as she performed on stage. Alexei, on the other hand, was completely enthralled, cheering loudly and enthusiastically. Pablo was a more reserved audience, simply clapping his hands, though a flush was apparent high on his cheeks at the risque show. Justin was on his phone, ignoring the whole thing.
The server returned, carrying a tray of drinks. Josh had already assumed that Alexei had shit taste in liquor, so he tried to be prepared at whatever he had chosen. He blinked when the woman placed a glass in front of Josh.
“What’s that?” Alexei asked, narrowing his eyes. “I didn’t order bourbon.”
The woman paused, eyes flitting towards Josh. “Oh, but sir, it’s…”
“It’s fine,” Josh cut in, grabbing the glass. “I prefer bourbon, actually.”
“Can I have a club soda?” Justin called out, ignoring the drink Alexei had chosen for them.
The woman nodded, smiling at Justin and bowing her head politely before leaving.
Alexei frowned at her retreating back. “That broad’s not getting a tip from me.”
Pablo grumbled something under his breath, hiding his glare behind his beer.
Rosemary ended the show with a rather impressive split and most of her clothes off her body. Josh and Pablo clapped their hands. Justin was sucking on the straw of his soda. Alexei was still a bit ticked off at the order.
Rosemary exited the stage, and was then followed by two more dancers—a petite man with pale skin and dark hair named Mint and then a tall and willowy woman named Juniper.
“The dancers move quite well,” Pablo commented. “Their choreography is impressive, as are the costumes.”
Josh was so surprised to hear that unusual comment—especially at a strip club, of all places—that he blurted out.
“The Pennyroyal has a resident choreographer.”
“Really? How did you know that?” Pablo asked curiously.
The host came on suddenly, interrupting them. Her voice was a seductive susurrus resounding around the club.
“He’s here to make your fantasies come true. I’m sure you’re all excited to meet him. Can I hear you scream for Shiso?”
Josh’s eyes were already on the stage, but he noticed the way Justin’s head jerked up just as the crowd went wild. What surprised Josh was that Alexei started cheering too, far louder and wilder than before.
“There he is,” Alexei murmured, his eyes trained on the stage. It was loud enough to be heard by all of them.
Josh didn’t have to look to know that Justin was grinning fit to burst.
The curtains parted and out came the most gorgeous man Josh had ever seen in his life, clad in a tiny vest that barely hid his nipples but accentuated his firm abs and thin waist and black shorts with gold buttons that looked spectacular against miles and miles of smooth tan skin. He had gold strands woven into his dark hair that matched the gold chain necklace around his neck.
Shiso moved gracefully across the stage on feet encased in tall, strappy heels that made his legs look miles long and showed off his pretty calves. He had a tiny smirk on his face as he faced the crowd, sharp eyes lined with gold and black makeup, and lips dotted with what looked like glittery lipstick. Unlike the other dancers that built up to the pole, Shiso headed straight for it just as the music began.
Unlike most of the other dancers, Shiso’s dance focused more on the performance compared to the stripping aspect. Then again, the way he flexed his abs and the long, graceful lines of his back and neck, as well as the artful way he moved, more than made up for that.
“Damn,” Alexei murmured, looking at the stage with a lascivious look on his face. “Look at that man.”
Justin looked about five seconds away from tossing his soda in Alexei’s face, but a shake of Josh’s head stopped him. He didn’t like that look as much as his cousin did, but Josh could see about a dozen other people with the same looks. He was used to it.
“Amazing,” Pablo sounded awed as he clapped his hands. “The choreography looks flawless.”
Yeah, Josh had always liked Pablo more than Alexei.
Josh enjoyed the show. Pablo was right. It was a beautiful routine. Even the way Shiso slid off his tiny vest or the way he unbuttoned his shorts low enough to reveal a hint of gold and more skin was part of the show. And it was still quite artful, as were all the dances that The Pennyroyal produced.
They were too far to be too close to the stage, but when Shiso did an artful turn on the pole and tossed his leg out, Josh noticed that the dance seemed oriented towards their direction rather than directly towards the front of the stage.
Oh.
Josh smiled.
“Pretty good,” Justin said, humming.
The crowd—and Alexei—cheered loudly, hands and bills of money flying, and voices from men and women alike hollering for the lithe dancer.
Josh gulped when he noticed that the rigorous routine had a light sheen of sweat appearing across Shiso’s body. Combined with the gold on him, it made the man absolutely sparkle.
Damn.
The performance eventually ended, and Shiso did an artful bow on stage. Some people were on their feet applauding, including Alexei.
Josh noticed that Shiso looked towards their way for a few moments before leaving the stage.
Alexei sat back down with a huff.
“Best strippers in this place, I should say, him and Sage. Gorgeous, too. What I wouldn’t give…” he trailed off, waving at a server for some more drinks.
Justin was making a face at him, but Josh shook his head again.
Pablo had a hand on his chin, musing loudly. “I think I want to meet whoever choreographed that, because that was gorgeous. The dancer is too, but the dance itself looked like sheer art.”
Yes, Pablo was awesome.
“As I was saying,” Alexei said after he had ordered more drinks. He already had a few empty ones in front of him. “Shiso and Sage are two of the best. Gorgeous and beautiful men. Damn.” He looked far too lustful for Josh’s taste.
“Oh, look. He’s headed this way,” Justin suddenly said.
Their heads turned and Shiso was indeed making their way towards their booth, eyes intent. He was still in his stage costume, save for a sheer and short black robe left untied that fluttered as he walked. Even his shorts were still unbuttoned.
Damn. What a vision.
“Oh my God,” Josh heard Alexei mutter as he straightened his shirt.
Shiso smiled politely at some of the patrons who complimented him, though the next act that had started had garnered more of their attention. The bouncer that was shadowing Shiso protectively also put them off. The occupants of Josh’s booth, on the other hand, only had eyes for the approaching figure.
As Shiso came closer, Alexei stood up, hands out.
“Shiso, you were amazing on sta—”
But the dancer walked right past him and towards Josh, stopping until he was looking down at the seated man.
“Hello.”
Josh stood up, holding out a hand. Shiso placed his palm over it and Josh kissed the back of it.
“The show was gorgeous, and so are you.”
Shiso’s neutral expression cracked and Josh watched as those pretty brown eyes softened and a sweet smile bloomed on the other’s face. Shiso leaned in, whispering into his ear.
“And just what are you doing here, sir?”
“I was invited,” Josh said back in a low voice. He could see a fuming Alexei glaring at him from over Shiso’s shoulder.
Josh suddenly felt a bit vindictive. He reached into his back pocket, relieved he had some loose bills in there, though what he had pulled out was a crisp thousand. With a sure hand, he reached towards Shiso’s hip and slipped the bill right in his waistband, rubbing his thumb against the edge where leather met soft skin.
Alexei saw it. He turned redder.
“Thank you, sir,” Shiso said, eyes shining in amusement.
“Hey, Shiso,” Justin spoke up.
Shiso stepped back and turned to him. He raised an eyebrow at the absolutely mischievous look on Justin’s face.
“How about giving my cousin a lap dance?” Justin asked.
Alexei let out a shrill laugh. “That’s crazy. Shiso doesn’t give—”
“Why not?” Shiso suddenly cut in, completely ignoring Alexei. “I’ll make an exception for him.”
“Justin, Josh has a boyfriend,” Pablo said, elbowing him, looking confused and a bit uncomfortable.
Justin snorted, while Josh chuckled.
“You must be Pablo,” Shiso suddenly said. “Josh has told me a lot about you.”
Pablo blinked. “Um, what?”
“I’m known as Shiso, but feel free to call me Ken,” he said, smiling warmly at him. “Josh has said good things about you.”
Josh touched the other man’s waist and looked at a confused Pablo.
“I wish I could have introduced you under better circumstances, but well…” Josh nodded at Alexei. “Anyway, meet my boyfriend, Ken.”
“What?” Alexei exclaimed. His mouth shut tight with a clack when the bouncer moved closer. His voice lowered. “Your boyfriend is a stripper?”
Josh glared at him, as did Justin and Pablo. Ken just rolled his eyes.
Those words? Coming from the man who brought them here? And was convincing Josh to cheat on his partner?
“Ken does it for fun,” Josh said, shrugging. “He loves to dance.”
“I don’t need to work,” Ken said. “Sir already gives me everything I want.” His eyes twinkled. “So an exclusive lap dance isn’t too much of a bother.”
Justin snickered, while Pablo cracked a smile. Alexei was red and sputtering.
Ken held out his hand, which Josh took, intertwining their fingers gently. Before he left, he paused. Josh honestly liked Pablo. He leaned towards him and whispered.
“The Pennyroyal’s choreographer goes by Sage. He doesn't give private dances, but tell one of the servers you want to compliment his choreography and they'll let you meet him. He’s even pickier about people than Ken, but he’ll like you.”
“Oh, uh, thank you,” Pablo said, flushing.
Justin had squeezed in close enough to hear it and he looked both amused and determined, no doubt aiming to keep their other friend Stell, also known as Sage, away from Alexei.
Ken clicked his tongue and tugged on Josh’s hand impatiently, leading him towards the back rooms.
“Are you really going to give me a lap dance?” Josh asked as he followed his boyfriend.
“I made a promise, right?” Ken chuckled.
“How’s this any different from the ones you give me at home?” Josh teased.
Ken grinned. “Oh, just you wait, sir. This will be worth it.”
Josh smiled at the gorgeous man in front of him.
“You’re worth it.”
Ken rolled his eyes, but the flush on his face was obvious.
“You’re a sap.” He opened one of the doors and flicked the switch that said ‘Occupied.’
“Now get in there. I’m in the mood to dance.”
Josh grinned. “Yes, dear.”