Stripping Callum (Last Hangman MC Book 6)(24)

“That’s because I never really have been. I’m happy I have a family again, but I feel empty.”

“And someone from the female gender will help you with that.” She grins, proud of herself that I confessed.

“Shut up.”

“Don’t tell a pregnant woman to shut up. You know I’m right. You know the right one will come along. Our first love isn’t always the right one. I know how much you loved Alina and will always love her, but maybe she wasn’t the one for you. I’m sure she was an amazing woman, but who knows what happened in her past. Maybe it’s not on you but on her. Maybe someone had beef with her and wanted to make her pay, not you. Did you ever think about that?” I’m quiet for a minute.

“No, I never thought of that. I always thought it was because of me. It had to be. She was the sweetest woman you could ever meet, no one could ever want to do her any harm.”

“You never know. Didn’t you say she dumped someone to be with you?”

“Yeah…”

“Maybe he was the one behind it. You never know.”

“It’s pointless trying to figure it out. It’s been fourteen years.”

“I know, and you know I’m always here if you ever want to talk about it.” She pats my arm.

“I know, I wish I could forget all about it.”

“No, you don’t, because if you had or did, you wouldn’t be my Callum.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

“I’m always right,” she scoffs.

“You and Alina would have been friends.” I smile sadly.

“And you’d have been in deep shit with the both of us against you.” She laughs.

“Tell me about it.” I chuckle, thinking about my beautiful Alina. I miss her every day. It’s not getting easier, but you learn to live without the ones you love. The support from my brothers and sister is what keeps me going in moments like these. I don’t know how I managed on my own.





Annabella

It’s been a few weeks since I found out that Gail was stripping, and it’s been playing on my mind.

On one hand, it would mean a lot more money for me and Elijah, and on the other hand, it would mean taking my clothes off for perverted men when I’m a young mom. I’m not sure that’s something I could cope with. Well, I wasn’t sure, that was until one night when Gail and I went to the strip club when she had a night off. We had a blast. It’s awkward to see women strip at first, but once you get into the groove of having a drink, having a laugh, and having fun, you end up having an amazing evening.

The manager of the club came to greet us that evening and asked if I was interested. I wasn’t sure at the time, but it got me thinking. If he thought I was stripper material, then why not give it a try? I know it’s not the best example to give, but I could do with the extra money. He offered to let me try out and see if I enjoyed it, and if so we would work on a contract and schedule so that I don’t have to hire a babysitter for the nights I work.

I thought he would be a creepy man and give me a bad vibe, but he’s such a sweetheart. He’s nice, funny, and takes really good care of his girls. He seems to make sure they are safe and happy. If they have any concern or want to break the contract for any reason, he won’t make a fuss of it and just lets the girl go.

Tonight is the night. I’m giving it a try. It might be a bad idea to do this, but I’m young. Despite having a kid, I still have a great figure and why not. It’s easy money, and I don’t have to f*ck anyone for it. The pay is good just to take off your clothes.

Raising a kid costs a lot of money: clothes, toys, food, medical bills and school. All of my other bills are cut in half because I’m sharing an apartment with Gail. I’m really grateful for all she did and is still doing for Elijah and me, but I still wish I didn’t have to scrape so much to make ends meet. This might be the perfect opportunity to save up money for a better life for Elijah and me in the future.

I take one last glance at myself in the full-length mirror that’s propped up against the wall. My ruby red hair is shining under the lights, my blue eyes are contrasting with the red of my hair and accentuated by Gail’s expert hand at doing stage makeup. My skin, already looking pale on a regular basis, looks even paler with my new red hair dye. My petite frame is encased in a black bodycon dress that has a zipper on the front, down the length of the dress. My legs are wrapped in black stockings, making them look longer than what they really are, or it could be the high heel shoes I’m wearing.

I smile at my reflection. I rarely take the time to look at myself, like really look at myself, but I look good. Even if I’m about to do something I might regret, I’m feeling myself.

“You’ll rock their world,” Gail says placing her hand on my shoulder, smiling at me in the mirror.

“I hope so. God, I’m so nervous.” I blow out a breath.

“Don’t be. You’ll be perfect. I believe in you. And just so you know, if I swung that way, I’d totally tap that ass tonight.” She chuckles as she smacks my ass playfully.

“Should I worry about you coming onto me in my sleep?” I raise a playful eyebrow at her.

“Nah, you’re safe. Jackson is enough to keep me busy at night.” She waggles her eyebrows and sits in the chair next to the mirror.