The mystery man

Nick’s POV

Velvet Halo isn’t the kind of place people stumble into by accident. From the outside, it looked like any other expensive building. Black marble, tinted windows, and security guards standing at the entrance. There were no flashy signs to announce what happened inside, but once you stepped through those doors, the usual mix of expensive cologne, whiskey and cigar smoke hung in the air. Rich men filled the booths around the stage, while waiters rushed between tables carrying bottles that cost more than my monthly rent.

This was where I worked temporarily. It wasn’t exactly my first choice, but when you’re a struggling college student with tuition and debts piling up, plus a younger brother to look after, you don’t exactly have much of a choice. Bills don’t pay themselves, and dreams don’t come cheap. I quietly slipped in through the back door, which led straight into the dressing room.

When Jamie saw me, his face lit up immediately. “You’re late again! You’re lucky Naomi isn’t here yet, otherwise she’ll have your head on a spike.” He teased as he pulled out a chair beside me, sat down, and started working on his hair.

I chuckled, applying a bit of bronzer to my cheekbone. “Oh yeah? Well, lucky me I guess.”

Around us, the room buzzed with activity. The music from the main stage filtered in faintly. Some dancers were already rehearsing moves in the mirrors. Others clustered in corners, arguing in hushed tones about who was going to take the lead during the performance tonight. Me? I couldn’t care less. I just wanted to get this done and over with, collect my pay, and head home.

“How’s it going with Leo anyway? Has he started applying yet?” Jamie asked, breaking the momentary silence between us.

I paused, before turning my head to look at him. A small smile crept up my lips. “Don’t even get me started. That kid literally has his life all planned out. He already knows what school he wants to go to, what course he’s gonna study, everything.” I set the brush down for a second, the pride swelling in my chest like it always did when I talked about him. “You know he’s the reason why I do all this. So no matter what it takes, I’m going to make sure he gets into his dream school and does whatever the fuck he wants.” I concluded, beaming proudly.

Jamie chuckled before grabbing a can of hairspray, giving his style a generous mist. “Damn! I wish I had a brother who literally gives two fucks about what goes on in my life.” He teased, and we both laughed.

Just then, the door opened and Naomi stepped in, looking beautiful as always. Poised, commanding, the kind of presence that made everyone straighten up without thinking. “Okay everyone, gather around!” She started, and gradually the room shifted as people headed toward her.

Her eyes surveyed the space, taking in each of us, before they landed on me. She smiled approvingly, that subtle nod that always meant more than words could. “Tonight is the night we’ve been all waiting for. The night we’ve been preparing for, for weeks now. I want you all to give it your best.”

She paused, letting the words sink in. “Tonight we are going to be graced with the presence of politicians, investors, kings, celebrities, every damn important individual you can think of. And there’s a reason why they’re here. And that’s because Velvet Halo ain’t like other clubs. We are the best. And we will keep being the best. So get out there, put on a big fucking smile and show them what you’ve got.”

Then she paused again, scanning the room, watching our faces as some people were already nodding in approval. “Let us make sure they spend every last penny they came in here with. So who’s with me?” She asked, smiling now, in a high-pitched tone that rallied everyone.

“Yeah! Let’s do this!” Various voices in the background chimed in excitedly.

The crowd scattered after that, everyone already lining up the way it should be. I went back to my section of the room, deciding to quickly finish up with my makeup. That’s when Naomi approached me. “You good darling?” She asked, leaning closer as she took the brush from my hand and applied some powder to my forehead.

I nodded. “Yes Naomi. I’m good. I told you, I’ve got this. You don’t need to worry about me.”

She tilted her head, looking at me fully now, her expression softening just a bit. “Well, unfortunately you’re my responsibility so I’m going to keep worrying about you, for as long as I deem fit. Okay.” She teased, adjusting my hair now.

I rolled my eyes at her. “No I’m not Naomi and you know that. Meanwhile I don’t want others to feel like I’m getting preferential treatment from you.”

I defended immediately, but she just shook her head instead, smirking. “Do I look like I care? No darling I don’t. It’s my duty to make sure you’re good, otherwise how will you make me money?” She teased, leaning in as she placed a gentle kiss on my cheek before walking away.

Soon the intro song began, and we all moved out. The club had different sections, so not everyone was on the main stage. Some were assigned to other sections based on their personal experiences with most of the clients. Since I was still new, I was assigned to the main stage.

The lights dimmed, and we all started dancing. Amongst the newbies, I was the best with the pole, so I handled it. I swirled gently, sometimes hanging upside down while my body still moved freely. If there was anything I’ve personally learnt from Naomi, it’s that we shouldn’t get involved with clients. So I’ve learnt to work confidently and professionally while keeping my distance and so far, it’s been working out pretty well.

As the songs changed, we had different dance routines for each one. So we alternated positions, flowing seamlessly from one formation to the next. Now their attention was piqued. Men were watching, the cash kept flowing in the air like confetti. Everything was giving power, control, and luxury.

I had just winked at a man who was looking at me like something he wanted to devour, when my eyes landed on another. He had piercing grey eyes, wore a black suit that looked tailored to perfection, and he sat with the kind of quiet authority that made the rest of the room fade just a little. He wasn’t clapping like the rest. He didn’t look excited or amused. He didn’t smile. He just watched with an expressionless look on his face.

He simply lifted the glass in his hand to his lips and took a sip, while his eyes remained perfectly pinned on me. Almost like if he took them off, I might disappear. The intensity of that gaze cut through the haze of lights, lingering longer than most. It wasn’t the usual hungry stare I was used to on nights like this. There was something deeper, more calculated, and that sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.

I eventually looked away, forcing my focus back to the routine, but one thought lingered in my mind. “Who was he? And why was I suddenly bothered by him?”