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THE MUSIC THUMPED LOUDLY, casting a glow of red and blue lights over the crowd. Bodies swayed beneath dim chandeliers, tables lined the walls, with the stage taking center stage.
Dancers climbed poles while others strutted across the floor in high heels. Men watched from booths and bars, some tipsy, others murmured to girls in lace, while cigarette smoke mingled with the fragrance of perfume and sweat.
This was The Crystal Ballroom, opening at seven and packed by nine.
When the doors swung open, three sharply dressed men stepped inside. Their clean suits and pricey shoes turned heads as people parted to let them through. The music continued, but the atmosphere shifted.
Lloyd, behind the bar, stopped drying a glass. He tensed up—his hand shook a little. He had a knack for spotting wealthy patrons likely to drop big cash and leave hefty tips that could pay rent.
He hurried over, sporting a tight Hawaiian shirt and a forced smile.
"Welcome! What can I get you fine gentlemen? Table? Beautiful girls? Drinks?"
The man in the middle stepped forward. He had striking Asian features, reminding Lloyd of the Korean boy bands his daughter adored. His dark eyes and commanding presence made the room fall silent. Dressed in a crisp, dark gray suit, he scrutinized Lloyd without a single word, his expression flat. Just a subtle raise of an eyebrow sent a chill through Lloyd.
Why was he so anxious? Maybe it was the man's eerie quietness or the way he seemed to own the place already. Lloyd plastered on a bigger smile, but it felt awkward.
The taller, lighter-skinned man beside him chuckled, slapping Lloyd on the shoulder.
"Chill out, man! Let's get the best table, top-shelf drinks, and your prettiest girls. We're here to celebrate our bro's birthday!"
Lloyd nodded eagerly.
"Of course! Whatever you want."
'If you can afford it...'
He signaled one of the floor managers.
"Set them up in the Gold Room," he instructed. "And bring Roxy, Jade, and Vera into the mix."
Turning back to the group, he said, "Follow me, gentlemen. You're in for a treat."
As they followed him, the men remained silent while staff and dancers observed them, no doubt wondering about the source of their wealth.
Lloyd led them through a narrow hallway lined with red velvet curtains and dim lamps. The bass was quieter here, but the tension lingered. At the end of the corridor stood a door with a gold plaque: VIP ROOM - GOLD. He opened it and gestured for them to enter.
Inside, the room was spacious, adorned with black leather seating, low glass tables, and a private stage. The mirrored wall reflected a warm amber glow, and a small bar stocked with drinks stood in one corner.
"This is the best we offer," Lloyd said. "No interruptions, full service, complete privacy."
He turned to the men, hands clasped.
"And I'll send in our top girl," he added with a smile.
The Asian man remained quiet, taking a seat without even looking at Lloyd.
Lloyd glanced at the cheerful one, hoping for a sign of interest.
"She goes by Violet Candy," he said. "Absolute best in the house. Can't get her cheap, though."
"Oh, I've heard of her," Scott said, smirking as he pulled out a thick wad of cash without counting it.
"Then what are you waiting for? Bring her in," he urged.
Surprised by the cash he just saw, Lloyd nodded quickly and left the room without another word.
The door closed, and the music played softly through the walls. The three men sat in silence, eyes glued to the stage as they waited.
Kai leaned back in his leather seat, legs crossed, one hand resting on the armrest while the other tapped lightly on his knee. He didn't seem impressed by anything—gold trim, dim lights, or the plush surroundings. His expression remained neutral, and his eyes half-closed as if he had already checked out.
"I don't want to be here," he stated flatly, glancing at the stage. "We've got better things to do than sit around getting drunk."
Scott let out an exaggerated sigh, leaning back against the couch like Kai had just offended him.
"Come on, man," he said. "It's your birthday, not a board meeting."
Dale, already enjoying a glass of scotch, chuckled and pointed his drink at Kai.
"He's not wrong. Lighten up a bit," Dale encouraged. "This is The Crystal Ballroom VIP. People pay thousands to breathe the same air in this room."
Scott leaned in, elbows on his knees, grinning.
"We didn't drag your grumpy self out here just for you to sit there and judge us! You're twenty-nine now. It's time to learn how to have fun."
Kai gave him a blank stare. "I have fun when I'm not surrounded by smoke, noise, and silicone."
The door swung open without a knock minutes later. Three women stepped inside, each one tall, confident, and dressed in tight black leather that barely covered their skin. Straps crossed their bodies in all the right places, leaving little to the imagination. Their makeup was bold, their hair perfect. They walked in with smooth, practiced steps, each holding a bottle of high-end liquor like it was part of their act.
The girl in front wore blood-red lipstick and heels that clicked sharply with every step. She moved to Scott first, bending low to pour his drink with a slow, teasing smile. He grinned up at her, watching every move. Dale lifted his glass without saying a word, eyes on the second girl who already had her arm over the back of his chair.
The third girl, with dark eyes and sharp cheekbones, walked straight toward Kai. She leaned, bottle in hand, lips parting like she was about to say something smooth. One hand reached for his shoulder.
Kai didn't move much, but his tone cut through the music.
"Don't touch me."
His voice was calm, but firm. The girl froze mid-motion, hand still in the air. Her smile faltered. For a second, she looked confused, then embarrassed. She took a small step back and glanced at the others for direction.
Scott nearly choked on his drink from laughing.
"Oh come on," he said. "You act like she tried to rape you."
Dale smirked and raised his glass again. "You've got the self-control of a priest."
Kai didn't look at them. He stared at the untouched glass in front of him and spoke without emotion.
"They're disgusting."
The girl flinched slightly, pretending not to hear as she turned to refill Dale's glass instead. Scott waved a hand, still laughing.
"You are no fun. I swear, we need to get you laid once before you die of stress."
Kai's expression didn't change. He leaned back again, fingers tapping slowly on the armrest.
Scott snorted, laughing. "You're such a buzz kill! You walk into a strip club like it's a funeral."
Dale raised his glass. "Cheers to that."
Kai remained silent, focusing on his untouched drink.
Scott grinned and gestured to the stage. "Well, if you don't like them, wait until you see the next one."
The lights dimmed slowly, shifting from gold to a rich purple haze that enveloped the room in warmth. A slow, sensual beat flowed from the speakers, making the atmosphere feel charged. The crowd quieted, and all eyes turned toward the private stage.
The girls who had been pouring drinks stepped back, their roles complete for now. One of them flashed a teasing smile in the direction of the stage.
"Gentlemen," she said, her voice smooth and playful, "I present to you... Violet Candy."
The curtain drew back, revealing her.
She stepped forward with deliberate grace, wearing a deep violet outfit that hugged her curves perfectly. Silver accents glimmered in the light, flashing subtly with her every move. No need for extra bling—her presence alone filled the room.
Her hair cascaded down, shiny and loose, flowing with each step she took toward the pole up front. She never glanced at the audience, eyes fixed ahead. Every inch of her exuded control and elegance, as if she owned the stage.
Kai, who had seemed so bored before, shifted in his seat. His fingers, which had been tapping on the armrest, fell still. For the first time since entering the club, he looked alive, his attention locked on her.
She approached the pole slowly, hand curling around it effortlessly. As the music deepened, her body began to move in sync with the rhythm, her hips rolling, back arching, legs crossing fluidly, every motion smooth and precise.