Deadly Embrace Jackie Collins (the reader ebook .TXT) 📖

be very tasteful,’ he’d assured her. ‘You’ll wear the same lavish costumes, make the same extravagant entrances, except you’ll show your breasts. Is that such a terrible way to make twice your salary?’

‘I–I don’t know,’ she’d said hesitantly.

‘What’ve you got to lose, my dear? You’re famous as it is in Vegas. You’re one of the most beautiful showgirls in town. So cash in and make the big bucks while you can.’

‘Isn’t it kind of sleazy?’

‘Not any more. All the big hotels are taking their best girls topless. We’re an expensive, classy show. We have to keep up with the competition.’

‘I’ll think about it,’ she’d sighed.

She’d thought about it for a couple of weeks, and then decided she had nothing to lose. The costumes were expensive and gorgeous, and she knew they’d present her in a stylish way. Plus, there was no man around to get upset and jealous and, as the company manager assured her, the nudity would be brief and tasteful.

The lure of making twice her salary finally convinced her. She was putting away everything she earned for Vincent’s education, and the extra money would be an enormous help. Being a single mother was not easy, so…if showing her breasts would double her savings, why not?

When she informed the company manager her answer was yes, he was delighted. ‘You’re gonna kill ’em, Dani,’ he’d said. ‘They’ll be flocking to see you.’

And that was the truth.

Her loyal fans were also delighted, they even started an official fan club.

She enjoyed her two separate lives. Life one: mother of Vincent, going to PTA meetings, swim meets, and little-league baseball, no makeup, no fancy clothes, just another mom who baked cookies on open school day. Life two: Dani Castle, famous showgirl, glamorous, gorgeous, a lurer of men, all of whom she rejected.

Which life did she prefer? There was no choice, she’d choose being Vincent’s mom any day. If it wasn’t for the money, she’d give up all the glamour in a second.

Earlier that night, between shows, a man had appeared in the dressing room she shared with Penelope, and handed her his card. He was a representative of Playpen–a glossy magazine for men. ‘I’ve heard plenty about you,’ he’d said, ‘and we’d love to photograph you for the magazine.’

‘I’m not interested.’

‘You should be. We pay a lot of money, and only deal with the top photographers. You show it on stage, why not show it in our magazine?’

She’d taken his card and said she’d think about it. Her standard answer.

Perhaps that was why Penelope was in such a bad mood, because he had not approached her.

Eric was fussing around, trying to fix Penelope’s train. ‘For God’s sake!’ Penelope kept on complaining. ‘You’re as clumsy as a hog!’

Their intro music started, and Eric backed away thankfully. ‘Heads up, tits out, have a good show,’ he said.

‘Not if you have anything to do with it,’ Penelope sniped, grabbing a handful of ice to liven up her nipples.

And so they made their entrance to the strains of ‘The Most Beautiful Girl in the World’.

Chapter Thirty-five

Michael and Dani: 1974

Michael ordered a bottle of champagne. He had every intention of making this trip special for Tina and Max since they’d done so much for him. Earlier he’d slipped the bell captain at the Estradido a hundred bucks to get them tickets for Elvis the following night. ‘Do it, an’ there’s more where that came from,’ he’d promised.

A female photographer stopped by their table.

‘Yes, please!’ Tina exclaimed, posing between her two men, big smile firmly in place.

After an excellent dinner of steak, lobster and chocolate soufflé, the show started. First a line of gorgeous dancing girls. Then an extremely clever magic act, followed by a group of astounding Chinese acrobats, who made the audience gasp in amazement.

Michael’s eyes scanned the chorus line–just in case. Max was practically frothing at the mouth, while Tina was guzzling champagne like it was going out of style.

And then came the showgirls, parading to the strains of ‘The Most Beautiful Girl in the World’. Six tall, statuesque, topless beauties, clad in satin and lace, with flowing marabou-trimmed chiffon trains and faux-diamond tiaras. In high heels they were all six feet tall, moving with stately grace as they glided down the magnificent double staircase and struck a pose.

Max let out a low, appreciative whistle. Tina elbowed him in the ribs.

Michael was transfixed. The girl on the left was Dani. The girl from his past. The one-night stand he’d never forgotten. She was a little older, probably a whole lot wiser, and breathtakingly radiant.

For the first time since Beth’s murder he felt something–an attraction that was undeniable. It must be almost ten years since they were together–she’d probably forgotten all about him, or wouldn’t speak to him. Maybe she was engaged. Or married.

He had to find out.

As soon as the show was over, he was on his feet.

‘What’s your rush?’ Tina asked. ‘Let’s finish the champagne. We can’t waste it.’

‘Gotta go see an old friend,’ he said. ‘I’ll meet you in the casino.’

‘What old friend?’ Max wanted to know.

‘Where in the casino?’ Tina asked.

‘Don’t worry about it, I’ll find you.’

‘Michael—’

He didn’t hear her. He was already on his way backstage.

A strange thing had happened to Dani while she was onstage. She thought she saw Michael Castellino.

Standing in position, attempting to stay as still as possible, she checked out the audience, and tonight there was a man at one of the front tables who looked remarkably like him. She couldn’t see that well, what with the stage lights and all, but still…

No. It couldn’t be. Too much time had passed, and she didn’t want him coming back into her life, finding out about Vincent and trying to stake a claim.

She looked away, hoping that would make him vanish. But when she glanced back a few minutes later, he was still there.

Only it wasn’t him. The bright lights were playing tricks with her