When we arrived at the bar, The Lollipop, I wasn’t sure what to expect. From the outside it looked like any run-down building, but inside it came alive. It had flashing neon lights that strobed across the black walls, which cast rainbow hues on the bodies that were grinding chrome poles and holographic décor. The heavy, heart-thumping bass was unapologetically sexual and didn’t make my current migraine feel any better.

I scanned the room and was between impressed and disappointed. It was the typical scene of shirtless, skinny men dancing in heels and harnesses. Some were giving a lap dance to certain men. It was the same thing like all the other bars I’ve gone to. And if it wasn’t for the fact Alex owned this place I would have just walked out.

Looking between my brothers, Victor was already enjoying himself as he danced to the music. On the other hand, Andrew looked like he was done with this place. “This is a circus.”

I shook my head as I kept looking around. The seating arrangements were at least decent. And the number of dancers per stage was reasonable. At that, I may have lingered at one of the performers as he started to remove his crop top. Perhaps this place wouldn’t be so bad for a few moments.

“Hey!” The moment I heard that voice I started looking around and saw the person we came to meet with. Alex was stepping around the bar as she waved at us. I still couldn’t believe that after 7 years she still looked the same. Tall, slightly muscular, long red hair with blue cords. And it seems today she was wearing only a mini skirt and a tube top. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite depressed billionaire. You made it.”

I allowed her to hug me the moment she got in arms reach, before she grabbed my face between her hands. “How have you been since the crash?”

Alex flexed her right arm, revealing the neon threads that were infused with her veins. “As you can see, I’m doing great.” She then waved my brothers and I over to follow her to the bar.

As I sat on one of the stools, I took note of the range of alcohols on display. Some of which I wouldn’t mind drowning in. “You mind giving me my usual?” I watched as Victor casually spoke with Alex, before bringing my attention back to the dancers.

Times like these made me so grateful for the autopilot my car has. Even though Victor refused to tell me directly the coordinates to this place. Regardless, I could appreciate the view. Especially the dancers who were dangerously showing what he had between his legs. Not to mention the way another dancer seem to give a lap dance that threatens to be public nudity. Maybe that one would be fun for a few moments to celebrate my birthday with. “You ready?”

I looked back to Alex, just in time to watch her pour Victor a drink. “For what?”

Alex clapped her hands in front of herself as she wiggled side to side. “Well, once Victor called to let me know you were coming, I called in a favor.” That got my attention, and so I turned fully to her. “Technically, today is his day off. But I did my best to convince him that it was very important.”

“Who is this guy?” Alex glanced at Andrew, then looked back at me.

“The guy I so lovingly ask to help celebrate your birthday is one of my top staff. He handles rowdy clients, an incredible bartender, and get this.” Alex leaned over the counter and her smiled grew. “He’s one hell of a dancer.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re talking about Queen.” I instantly looked behind me to catch one of the dancers walking this way. “His day off is the only time the rest of us are able to earn extra cash.”

“Don’t worry, Bryan. Queen is only coming for a special request.” Bryan walked back to the dance floor. As he did so, I couldn’t help admire the way his behind fit in those too tight of a extra mini skirt. But I eventually turned my attention back to Alex.

“Does this Queen guy even have a real name?” Alex folded her arms before continuing to talk.

“Well, you see…” Alex proceeded to adjust her top. “Nobody really knows his name. All I know is one day he just showed up 3 years ago, and requested to work here. I didn’t even get a chance to say no, until someone tried to grope him. At that point I saw he would be a perfect bodyguard for my club and it developed from there.”

“What the hell?”

“It’s not that big of a deal. So, are you excited?”

“I guess.”

“Oh, I should warn you.” Alex rested her arms on the counter of the bar as she leaned forward. “Queen always wears a helmet. Like, seriously. He never takes it off.”

“How come?” I agree with Victor on this one.

“I guess for security reasons. I only ever seen his face once, and that was after… Well, you see, Queen does have his reasons. Anyway, once he gets here you’re going to have to remove all your tech, no exceptions.” Something about this was odd and made me just want to leave. No way was I meeting someone like that. “Come on big boy. I promise it’ll be worth it.”

…

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