How had I never known about strip clubs? Clearly I'd been missing out on the more interesting side to Midgard. No! I wasn't here for distraction, I was here for a discussion! There were other women up on the stage, all individually dancing, and the Midgard men worshipped them, as if they were Godesses. What power, to hold against the males of earth. Like me, most were dressed respectfully, but decency ended there, the way they openly admired the dancing women. And oh, they were admirable.
I pushed through the milling men, and tried to catch Toria's eye, but it remained above the crowd. "How the hel am I supposed to get an audience with that woman!" I yelled out my frustration. Perhaps I should simply jump up there and drag her off.
"Which one?" A blonde man standing nearby asked.
"The redhead."
"The Phoenix?"
"I suppose?" I hoped we were talking about the same woman.
"Head over to the purple neon door over there, but don't hold your breath, her attentions' a pretty penny." He pointed to a door all the way around the other side of the stage. Nodding in thanks, I pushed my way slowly across the room to the narrow door. A man blocked it, built like Volstagg, and I was sure not to be messed with. Oh, but I liked to mess.
"Looking for something?" He asked.
"To pass."
"VIP only." The man's eyes narrowed, biceps bunching.
"Lovely," I gave him my best smile. "That's me."
"I don't think so."
"Then what must I do, to pass? I require an audience with the uh, the Phoenix." The man laughed.
"Do you have the funds for that sort of audience?"
"I'd say so." I bluffed. Unsure why I'd have to pay to speak with someone.
"Very well." The man turned and called out to someone behind him. "This cad wants an audience with the Phoenix." The guard stepped aside and I entered a dim corridor where another man covered in tatoos waited.
"Two grand for an hour with her." He grinned, exposing jewelled teeth.
"Fine." I conjured a wallet from my suit jacket, and pulled out a wad of notes, handing them over.
"No funny business, there will be a camera on you." The man warned, directing me to a candle lit room swathed in lace drapes, a rich leather lounge in the centre of the room. "Sit." I sat, and he grabbed a length of black material. I instinctually ducked my head away.
"What are you doing?"
"Blindfolding you. Don't worry, she'll untie you."
"Okay..." Perhaps this was a Midgardian custom. I allowed the fabric to be tied securely. I had nothing to fear. I was the God here among mortals. I'd play their strange games a little.
"She won't be long. Enjoy." Bootsteps receded and the door clicked shut, leaving me in solitude to wait.
Ten minutes had passed before I heard the door open and softly close, and the sound of approaching footsteps.
"You wished to see me?" It was her, Toria, but her voice had a playfulness to it and I smirked, relieved she'd came.
"Yes." I chuckled, "Although I'm not exactly seeing." I pointed out the obvious.
"All part of the game." I felt fingers graze my cheek and jolted.
"What are you doing?"
"Playing." I felt her step between my legs, hands going to my hair, fingers trailing through it. "You sound familiar..."
"I should hope so, but I really must insist you stop whatever you're playing at. I came to talk." The hands paused, and it had admittedly felt good, too good, but I wasn't here to play games.
"Wait a sec..." The material was pushed over my head and she gasped, jumping back. But then, she moved forward, kneeling between my legs, staring up at me.
"What are you doing here?" She hissed.
"What are you doing here?" I retorted, confused. "Wait, are you trying to seduce me?" She blinked at me, confused.
"You paid for this." She leaned back on her heels, frowning.
"To be seduced?" I scoffed at her. "Please, I don't need to pay for female attention."
"You just paid two thousands dollars to spend an hour with me. What were you expecting exactly?"
"Not to be jumped!" She reeled back, then seemed to think better of it, and rose, leaning in so her face was close to mine.
"If you think I'm going to have sex with you, you're at the wrong establishment." She hissed.
"I don't want to have sex with you, I want to talk!" I rushed out. "Will you give me some space to think!"
"You want to talk?"
"Yes."
"You paid two grand to talk?"
"Yes!"
"You're mad!" A disbelieving laugh escaped her.
"You're not the first to call my antics mad, but I am speaking the truth." I raised my hands, close to my body, a peace guesture.
"I have... many questions..." She trailed off. "Put your hands on my shoulders.
"Why?"
"Because we're on camera, and I won't get paid if I'm seen not doing my job."
"But I don't want seducing." I muttered, carefully placing my hands on her shoulders.
"And what exactly is your job?"
"Really? Where have you been living, under a rock?"
"Something like that." I deadpanned. "I thought this was another bar, like the first one I met you in." I said lowly, aware of the camera. "I must say, I do like it. Quite an appealing set up." I gave her a quick up and down with a shit eating grin. Midgardian or not, the girl was stunning.
"I thought you were here to talk."
"I am."
"Then eyes up here." Another chuckle escaped me, but her expression was not amused. She appeared worried, even a little afraid.
"Who are you, and why did you track me down?"