I don't know what I was expecting when Cassie asked me to attend a pole dancing workout class with her, but it definitely wasn't this.

My already hesitant feet shuffle through the front entrance of Sashay's Gentlemens Club while my hand stays ready on the door handle. If even one thing seems shady about this place, I'm gone. I've never been much of a runner but if it comes to it, I will dash away from this place like a crazed killer in a ridiculous mask is hot on my heels.

Surprisingly though, what I find inside looks no different than an upscale restaurant where they charge an arm and a leg for a plate of food you can eat in one bite. Well, except for the stage against the center back wall and the pole standing in the middle of it. There's also two smaller stages to both the left and right sides of the room with poles of their own.

"Hello," greets a pretty blonde in a sophisticated yet way too short black cocktail dress. "Are you here for the class?"

I wet my lips and reluctantly let go of the door I'm still holding. "Um, yeah. The workout class, right?"

She nods. "That's correct. It's in the back though." She points to a hallway with directional signs for the bathroom hanging above. "Just head that way, pass the bathrooms, and through the employee-only door. Most everyone else is already warming up."

"Okay, thanks."

The blonde gives me a warm smile before walking behind the bar and for the millionth time today, I really wish Cassie and I had ridden here together.

I had offered last night when texting her for the address but she insisted she was covered. I should've told her it was more for my benefit than her's. Maybe she would've changed her mind then.

But it is what it is and I'm here now. So, with my head held high and my hands shaking, I follow the directions the blonde gave me and head for the back. As I pass the bathrooms, murmurs of people talking begin to drift my way. I push on the employee-only door and nearly die of relief.

The back area looks like a smaller version of the stages in the front. One main one and two smaller side stages. The big difference though is the empty floor around them. There's no seats or tables where horny old dudes can gawk at the girls dancing, despite the fact no one's dancing right now and I wouldn't call most of the people in here girls.

The open floor is littered with half a dozen middle-aged women in loose workout clothes and their bags overflowing with towels and water bottles. The only other ones that don't fit that profile are me, a younger guy with blue hair, and Cassie, who's currently stretching against a back wall.

"Cass," I softly call as I cross the room, stepping between the chatty Cathy's staring at me.

What, never seen a teen girl in a strip club before?

Cassie doesn't hear me though as she extends one leg toward the ceiling and does some kind of split against the wall.

I almost pause in shock at her insane flexibility when I notice earbuds in her ears.

Tapping her shoulder, I try again. "Cassie."

Cass drops her foot to the floor and spins around scowling before her eyes land on me and her face relaxes with a smile. "Lexi!"

She quickly pulls out her earbuds and wraps her arms around me.

"Hey to you too." I laugh and hug her back. "For a second there I thought you were pissed to see me."

Letting go, Cassie leans back and rolls her eyes. "I thought you were one of those nosey chicks trying to ask my age again."

I look over at the other women only to find them side-eyeing the two of us before turning back to Cass. "I thought this was your first class?"

"It is." She nods. "And I've already been asked that question three times since I got here twenty minutes ago. One even asked to see my I.D."

I'm pretty sure my eyes are double the size of beach balls. I mean, I get it. Cassie is like seventeen and technically shouldn't be in a strip club. That said, it's after hours, she's not taking her clothes off, and it's a fucking workout class.

"Please tell me you told them to fuck off," I say with a wicked smile on my lips.

Cassie lets out a short laugh and waves her hand dismissively. "I just ignored her and put my headphones in. No point in wasting my time with stupid."

"True." I nod and drop my bag on the floor next to Cassie's Blair Port Academy Dance Team duffle.

Slipping my jacket off and tying it around my waist, I begin stretching. Though I'm sure my toe touches look less professional than whatever Cassie is doing beside me. My point is only proven when she forms a split on the floor and reaches for her toes in front of her.

Yeah, I'm so out of my league here.

The second that thought fills my head, I catch one of the Stepford wives fall on her ass after attempting some sloppy yoga pose.

Okay, maybe not that far out of my league.

Before I can switch positions and try another stretch, a chick with pinkish-orange hair, a rich tan complexion, and tattoos covering one arm walks onto the main stage. I hadn't noticed before but standing around her are several poles attached to the stage and ceiling. There's at least enough for most of the class if not all of us.

Placing her hands on her curvy hips, a wide smile stretches across the girl's face. "How's everyone doing today?"

The room of mostly desperate housewives cheers encouragingly.

"Perfect." The chick flips her bright hair over her shoulder. "I'm not gonna waste your time with a bunch of chatter. Most of you have been here before so, go ahead and take a pole while Foxy gets you started." She points to the side of the room where the blonde who greeted me upfront is currently standing.

The blonde waves to everyone with the same welcoming smile she gave me earlier.

"As for the rest of you," the chick on stage continues. "I'll come around to introduce myself and get some info before we join the others."

As soon as she jumps down from the stage, the rest of the room fills with voices once again. Every single woman sitting down gets to their feet and prances their way toward a pole. The more eager ones don't hesitate to shove their way through in order to get a pole that's front and center as if people are actually going to be watching them.

The newbies are left standing on the floor. And by newbies, I mean me, Cassie, and the blue-haired guy.

"Cassie!" The girl with pink-orange hair nearly shouts as she crosses the room toward us. Without hesitation, she throws her arms around Cassie for a hug. "I'm so happy you could make it."

Cassie returns the hug as best she can while getting all the air squeezed from her body. "Yeah, me too. Though not sure some of your students like having such young competition here."

The chick leans back but keeps her hands on Casie's shoulders as she arches a sharp eyebrow. "Did someone give you trouble?"

"It's no big deal." Cass waves a dismissive hand before turning to me. "But I want you to meet someone. Sasha, this is Lexi. Lexi, this is Sasha, Dolly's girlfriend."

Sasha's eyes widen as a large smile pulls at her ruby lips. "Jace's Lexi?"

The amount of pride that swells inside me at having her say that is almost unbearable. It used to bug me when the people from Jace's world knew my name right away. Now, it just makes me feel like I belonged even before I knew it myself.

"That's me." I nod before being pulled into a hug from Sasha.

"I'm so happy to finally meet you," she says before pulling away. "I don't get to come around the barn or Dolly's shop a lot lately since I opened this place but I've heard so much about you. All good things though, I swear."

A question reaches my lips before I can think better of it.

"So why did you decide to open a...um..." My words trail off as I realize how rude I'm being.

Luckily, Sasha laughs and says, "a strip club?"

I nod and my face grows warm with embarrassment.

Sahsa shrugs. "Cause so many are own and run by guys who are only worried about filling their pockets. I danced most of my adult life and when I got enough to get out, I decided to open a club where I can make sure my girls are taken care of. I have the best security team so they don't have to worry about customers getting handsy, and if something comes up with their kids, I'm a more understanding boss."

"Wow, that's actually really cool," I say with a nod, my eyebrows raised with a surprising sense of respect.

"Thanks." Sasha smiles before someone clears their throat behind her.

The three of us turn around to find the blue-haired guy standing behind Sasha. Now that he's closer I realize he's younger than I first thought. Probably even mine or Cassie's age. And as I stare at both him and Sasha, I begin noticing some similarities in them, like their warm honey eyes, naturally tan complexions, and delicate bone structure.

"Oh, right," Sasha says, linking an arm with the guy and pulling him into our little huddle. "This is my little brother, Elijah."

"Little?" Elijah scoffs before pretending to flip imaginary long hair over his shoulder. "Please, honey, I'm taller than you."

Sasha rolls her eyes before waving a hand at me and Cassie. "El, this is Cassie and Lexi, they're about your age."

I give myself a mental pat on the back for guessing his age correctly before offering a little wave. "Hi...love the hair."

The dark blue tips to his nearly black roots really do make his eyes seem to glow. The shimmer in his gaze only grows as he smiles. "Well, thank you. Beauty knows beauty, right? And you two are just too gorgeous."

"Thanks!" Cassie and I both say at the same time.

Letting go of Elijah's arm, Sasha starts backing up towards the stage as she clasps her hands together. "So, you three ready to get started?"

Elijah waste's no time in lining up with me and Cassie before shooting us a sly smirk. "Let's show these bitches how it's done."

I don't know what Elijah thought we should be showing, but after the first half-hour of having Sasha walk us through some beginner steps, it becomes pretty damn clear I'm not showing these ladies anything special. My sense of rhythm is decent but the ability to hold myself in the right position while also keeping my grip on the pole is nearly impossible.

Well...nearly impossible for me.

Cassie and Elijah look like pros performing every move Sasha throws at them. Even the stuck-up Freecaster housewives are left in awe and a little bit of jealousy. When they finish a series of poses that Sasha swears are just more beginner steps—which I'm calling bullshit on—we all decide to take a break and cool down. Who knew failing to pole dance could work up such a sweat?

"I don't think this is for me," I say sitting against the back wall and unscrewing the lid to my water bottle.

Elijah grunts from his spread-eagle position on the floor while Cassie is practically bouncing from one foot to the next between sips of water.

"Oh come on, Lex. This is only the first class," Cassie says with a pout on her face that doesn't match her hyper energy. "Besides, these moves could come in handy one day."

Elijah props himself up on his elbows and wiggles his eyebrows at me. "Oh, you got someone special for those moves?"

"Mhmm." I nod. "My boyfriend, Jace. Though I doubt I'm gonna impress him by falling on my face."

Cassie snorts at that and takes another sip of her water.

"Oh, honey," Elijah says with a wave of his hand. "With a face and body like yours, he won't be paying attention to any slips or falls. Not unless you do it on top of him."

Cassie snorts again and nearly chokes on her water. After getting it down and coughing up her lungs a few times, she finally adds, "do not give me that image again, please. That's just..." she shivers with disgust. "Ew."

"What, is he ugly or something?" Elijah asks with a confused pinch to his sweaty brows.

Cass shakes her head. "It's not that, it's just he's my cousin and I don't wanna know anything about what he does in bed."

Elijah flips his attention to me once again. "So he is drop-dead gorgeous?"

"Definitely." I nod with a wicked smile that matches his.

"And you two are serious?"

"Very."

"Ugh!" Elijah groans, placing the back of his hand to his forehead and falling back to the ground. "I just love, love."

Cassie and I can't help but giggle at his dramatics. In fact, sitting here and talking to the two of them is enough fun on it's own, I might consider coming back next week just for them.

Cassie finally settles her bouncing and slides down the wall beside me. "Speaking of serious, what do you and Jace have planned for after graduation?"

My throat immediately closes up.

With everything going on lately, Jace and I just haven't had the chance to talk about the future. I don't even know if he wants to go to college after or stick around here in Freecaster. Though I imagine with his work at Dolly's and his bond with the Guardians...there could be a strong chance he doesn't plan on going anywhere.

What do I wanna do?

"I don't know," I whisper both to Cassie and my own question.

"You two haven't talked about it?"

I shake my head as knots begin to form in the pit of my stomach.

"Well, you might wanna get on that," Cassie says with a supportive bump of her shoulder against mine. "Do you at least know what you wanna do?"

Allowing my gaze to stare off as if I can picture my future in the distance of this room, I say, "I wanna cook. Maybe bake."

"At a restaurant?" Cass asks innocently.

"Maybe?"

"So...culinary school," Elijah adds.

I shrug, feeling the knots tying tighter in my stomach. "That was the plan."

"Was?" They both ask at the same time.

Blowing out a deep breath, I rest my head against the wall and look up at the ceiling. "I'm pretty sure I missed application deadlines for most schools, and it's not like I'm some straight-A student. I mean...I'm not bad...average maybe."

Elijah rolls over to lay on his stomach and look our way. With his chin resting in his hands and his feet kicking back and forth in the air above him, he says, "Freecaster community has a decent culinary program and they accept applications all year round. That's where Sasha got her business degree while she was still dancing."

My eyebrows rise to my hairline as I maul over his words.

Community college isn't bad, and I'd still be right here in Freecaster in case Jace decided to stay too.

One thing is for sure though, I need to talk to Jace about this before making any kind of decision. I can't picture my future without him. He's it for me, no matter what.

When Sasha calls for everyone to return to the stage, I take one last sip of water and slowing get to my feet. My muscles are already sore and I can only imagine how much worse I'll feel tomorrow.

"So, you gonna come back next week?" Cassie asks as we walk out the front doors of Sashay's together.

I nod. "Yeah, I'll give it one more go and see how I feel after. But I'm positive I'm not gonna get any better."

Cassie giggles at that, her soft laughter lingering until we finally reach my car in the parking lot. When I look around the area for any sign of her white PT Cruiser, I quickly realize it's nowhere in sight.

"Do you need a ride?" I ask, unlocking my car.

Glancing up from the phone in her hands, Cassie shakes her head. "Nope, I already got a ride."

"Someone special? Like the boyfriend maybe?" I ask, leaning against my car and arching an eyebrow at her.

I vaguely remember a cute guy from the club that night I went out with Cassie and Josie months ago, but it's been so long, it's hard to get a decent image in my mind. Besides that night, everything I know about him is strictly due to what Cassie told me last weekend. Not knowing much more than that, I feel a sense of duty to check out this guy again. It's what Jace would want to do but most likely won't ever get the chance as long as Cassie can help it. Not that I blame her.

With a small smile on her lips, Cass nods. "Yeah, Pax is coming to get me. He dropped me off earlier too."

"That's why you didn't wanna ride with me. Much more fun to ride with your guy."

I completely get it. Lord knows I take any chance I can to ride with Jace on his bike.

"Yeah, riding on Paxton's bike is so much fun." She tilts her head back towards the sky as her smile grows wider. "Ugh, there's just nothing like it."

A laugh bubbles out of me. "Sounds like you love his bike more than you love him."

Cassie quickly drops her head to look at me, her smile wavering a fraction. "I wouldn't say 'love'...we're not exactly there yet."

"Oh, right." I shake my head, feeling stupid for even saying such a thing. "I was just joking."

"I mean...I care about him a lot. But we're not there yet," she says,

"Of course. It's still new. There's no need to rush."

Cassie nods and nibbles on her bottom lip nervously.

I don't want to press too much, but I get the sense there's more she wants to say. Last weekend she mentioned her boyfriend wanted to take things to the next level with sex, and that she wasn't ready. I wonder if that's still bothering her, and if so, maybe I need to have a talk with this guy.

I open my mouth to ask if there's anything on her mind but the sound of a loud bike engine roars into the parking lot, effectively cutting me off.

Turning around to face the biker, Cass and I stand patiently as he gets closer. His bike is nice. I have no idea what model but it's pretty with a matte gun-metal grey paint job and lots of chrome. His full-face helmet matches the bike and hides his face completely.

When he pulls up in front of us, he kicks the stand down and shuts off the engine just in time for Cassie to approach and wrap her arms around him. He returns the hug, his hands traveling down to her ass where he squeezes two palm fulls of booty and leggings.

Okay, that's a bit much.

I shake my head at that thought and quickly try to school my face, making sure there are no signs of disgust. I'm not sure why it bothers me so much. Maybe because it's a bit raunchy to do that right in front of a stranger, but then again...Jace and I have been known to get carried away too.

Stop trying to look for a problem, Lex.

When the happy couple finally tears themselves apart, Cass turns to me with a smile that's bigger than the shine in her eyes. "Lexi, I want you to meet Paxton."

The boy lifts the shield of his helmet enough for me to make out a small section of his face, but the only distinguishing features I can see are his dark blue eyes and a scar through his eyebrow. Other than that, I doubt I'd be able to point him out in a crowd full of people. Part of me wants to ask him to remove his helmet all the way, but honestly, it's not my place and I'm not this dude's boss.

"It's nice to meet you," I say, holding out a hand.

Paxton's gloved hand extends and grasps mine for a firm shake. "You too. Cass has told me a lot about you."

"Same," I say, knowing damn well I've only gotten bits and pieces during movie night.

An unknown emotion flashes in his eyes but it's gone so quickly I almost wonder if I imagined it and the chill I could've sworn ran down my spine.

A relaxed smile fills his face as much as his helmet allows. "All good things I hope."

"Of course."

He wraps a possessive arm around Cassie's shoulders and pulls her in close to him. It's such a simple and endearing move, and yet I can't help but bristle at the sight of it. I don't remember getting this kind of feeling that night at the club, but things were loud and crazy in there, so maybe that's why.

Looking down at Cassie, Paxton asks, "how was the class?"

"So much fun!" she answers, her hyper excitement from earlier quickly returning as she practically vibrates in his hold. "Sasha says I'm a natural and next week, she's gonna start me out on some harder moves."

"You gonna show me any of those moves?" he asks with a sickly charming grin.

Cassie bats her eyes innocently but the smile on her face is nearly as wicked as his. "Maybe."

He leans down and whispers something in her ear that makes her giggle and nearly makes me gag. But I have to quickly play it off as he lifts his head and locks eyes with me.

"What about you, Lex? You looking forward to next week's class?"

I shrug. "Eh, somewhat."

"Oh, come on," Cassie goats. "It's going to be a blast. Please don't make me come by myself."

"You would do just fine without me," I assure her with a playful roll of my eyes. "Besides, I'm sure Elijah would keep you company."

"Elijah?" Paxton's tone drops and his attention snaps to Cassie.

She doesn't even flinch or maybe she just doesn't notice the shift in his attitude. Either way, she waves a dismissive hand. "Sasha's brother."

His scarred eyebrow raises into his helmet. "So there was a guy here?"

"Yeah, but I'm pretty sure he'd much rather watch you dance than me," Cassie answers, clearly aware of her boyfriend's jealousy despite the casual look on her face.

"Yeah." I nod, feeling the need to back her up. "He kept asking me about how gorgeous my boyfriend is. I think he's tempted to give me a run for my money."

Paxton's body visibly relaxes. "Oh, that's right, you're dating Cassie's cousin, huh?"

"Yup." I nod.

"That's cool. One big happy family," he says before adding. "So what about next week? You really gonna leave my girl hanging all on her own?"

Cassie's big sky blue eyes light up with a puppy dog pout I'm sure she's had perfected since she was a kid.

I sigh dramatically, trying to hide my grin. "Fine, I'll come next week."

"Yay!" Cassie claps and dips out from Paxton's arms to wrap me in a hug. "Thank you, thank you!"

When she pulls away, I point a stern finger at her. "But, I make no promises that I'm going to more after that. Next week might very well be my final pole dancing day, then it's retirement for me."

"If you say so," Cassie says with a devious smile that already has me imagining this same conversation come next week.

"Well, babe, we better get out of here. I wanna eat before dropping you back off at school," Paxton says, handing her a spare helmet.

Cassie gives me one last final hug before latching the helmet on her head and climbing on the back of the bike. She waves her fingers at me while Paxton brings his bike back to life with a roar.

Before flipping his shield back down, he shoots me a smile and nods towards me. "See you next week, Lexi."

I can't explain the chill that runs through my veins at his words but I shake it off and wave to the two of them just as they pull off.

You're really starting to lose it, Lex.

But...maybe that's what happens after being with a Guardian for so long. Could I just be seeing warning signs that aren't there simply because I now know what kind of world Jace lives in?

Eh...maybe.

Opening my car door, I slide into the driver's seat and crank the engine. My phone is in my hand before I know it and I scan the screen for any messages or missed calls. There's nothing a small shred of disappointment slithers its way through my system.

I want nothing more than to hear from Jace today, but he's got some secret mission with Wilder. He didn't give me many details. Just that his father is involved, and that I might not hear from him till later.

I don't like it, but at least he isn't keeping me completely in the dark.

Finally driving out of my parking space, I make one final wish to the world that Jace stays safe today. I don't know what I would do if something happened to him.

Hey, loves! As always I'm so sorry for the late post. Life has been beyond hectic and I'm trying my best. Just know I won't ever forget y'all, one way or another, I will get these updates out. Even if it takes me a little longer than I'd like. But fingers crossed things get easier so I can writer more.

On that note, to make up for the late posting, I had promised this on Instagram and even shared a little teaser, but here it is, the new cover and title for book 3 in the Guardians series a.k.a. Josie and Kade's story.

Hope you all love it!

Now, onto the questions of this chapter!

What did you think of Elijah and Sasha? Were you happy to see Lexi and Cassie spend some more time together? What do you think Lexi should do about her future and college? Were you surprised to see Paxton show up? And, what are your predictions for the next few chapters? 

I know a whole, whole lot didn't happen this chapter but I swear it's all important in some way or another. 

As usual, leave your thoughts in the comments and if you like what you read, please hit that star button! I look forward to hearing from all of you!

A teaser for chapter 29 will be posted on my Instagram and Twitter before the full release here, so keep a watch out for that!

Until next time, loves! 💜 xoxo