by Gow, Kailin
“Damn. She is fine,” Brandon said, slowing the vehicle considerably while we both stared at her as we passed. I was especially grateful for the dark windows on Brandon’s truck when the Mayor glanced over at us, but there was no sign of recognition from him.
“Turn around,” I said, after we’d passed, and Brandon drove a small distance down the road before flipping a U and heading back the direction we’d come. I cracked my window slightly as we approached and let out a wolf whistle.
Scott glared at the truck and his wife, Helen, reached out and pulled Brooklyn closer to her in a protective gesture. Brooklyn seemed slightly confused as she stared at the truck, obviously unaware of who was inside.
I rolled up the window and Brandon laughed. “Good luck hitting that. Her dad is probably taking down our plates and calling security right now.”
“Good thing they’re your plates then, huh?” I smiled, tilting my head to watch Brooklyn in the rear view mirror.
“Shit. I didn’t think of that.”
“Don’t worry. I promise to visit you in prison,” I joked.
“You better keep your nose clean with this girl, Jagger,” he replied seriously. “She could be big trouble. Her dad could cause a lot of problems for you.”
I sighed heavily. “Don’t I know it?”
“I have to say, I’m glad to see you interested in someone again, though. After what Sarah did to you—well, I worried she’d ruined you.”
Sarah. Just hearing her name made anger well up heavily inside me. If I ever laid eyes on her again, it would be too soon. “Let’s not talk about her,” I said, slouching down in my seat, my temporary good mood threatened, once more.
“Sorry, man. I didn’t mean to bring up a painful subject.” Glancing at him, I could tell he was truly remorseful; but still, it ate at me. “Hey, wait! I thought you were working at Leathers, tonight.”
I shook my head. “No. I was supposed to, but Sam needed someone to change shifts. I’m working next weekend, instead.”
“Okay. I just wanted to make sure I didn’t need to sober you up real fast.”
“Nope. I’m good.”
Leaving the park, Brandon headed toward the nearest liquor store, which, in this town, was on pretty much any given corner. That was one thing I loved about living in suburban Las Vegas. There were always plenty of places to get drunk.
Of course, I was also pretty sure that no amount of liquor was going to erase either of the girls from my mind…not the one I never wanted to see again, nor the one I wanted. Period.
Chapter Six
Brooklyn
“We’re kidnapping you!” Bailey’s eyes danced with merriment as she came into the house. “Come on. You need to get changed.”
“And where are you kidnapping me to, exactly?” I asked, watching my best friend as she flipped her long hair over one of her shoulders. She looked gorgeous, clearly ready for a party or something.
My mom appeared in the entryway. “Bailey called earlier and asked to take you to a bridal shower for Shannon. You’re going to spend the night at their house.”
I smiled, happy for any excuse to get away from home. “Thanks, Mom.”
“You deserve it. You’ve been a big help to me this week with the campaign for your dad. Go have a little fun. I know you look forward to spending time with Bailey on the weekends.”
I gave her a quick hug, before running up the stairs with Bailey. As soon as we were in my room together, Bailey shut the door behind us and raised a finger to her lips. “Shhhh. I lied to your Mom.”
Folding my arms, I stared pointedly at her. “What’s going on?”
“Tonight is my sister’s bachelorette party. We’re going clubbing on the strip!” She looked like she was about to explode with excitement.
I shook my head. “There’s no way we’re going to get into any clubs on the strip. We’re underage.”
Reaching into her pocket, she produced two small cards. “Not according to these fake IDs,” she replied with a grin, handing one to me.
Taking it, I stared at it, eyes going wide. “This says I’m twenty one and from Hawaii.”
She nodded. “Yep. Why not? People come from all over the world to Vegas. Shannon has a friend who makes these. She had a fake ID for years and was never caught. Now hurry and grab your things so we can get ready. Don’t forget to bring something club-worthy.”
I snorted. “Because my dad would let me own something that could be considered club attire.” I went to my closet, wondering what I could come up with.
“Wear that tan sparkly tank top you have—the one that has the sequins on it and pair it with those awesome jeans shorts you have with the blinged-out rhinestone pockets.”
“Is that fancy enough?” I asked, biting my lips as my hands moved to quickly retrieve them.
“It will be when you pair them with my strappy metallic rhinestone heels. And I have the perfect bracelets and earrings to go with them. Trust me. You’ll look amazing!”
“Your hooker heels? I’ll break my neck in those things.” I replied with a laugh.
“No, you won’t. I’ll hold you up if I have to.”
Even though I was nervous, I couldn’t help the excitement that coursed through me. I’d been to the strip plenty of times in my life, but I’d never had a chance to participate in the nightlife there. Plus, Bailey’s sister was a riot and I adored her.
Holding up my super short shorts, I scrutinized them. “I hope no one thinks I’m a prostitute in these things. I could just see me ending up in the papers. My dad’s head would actually explode.”
“You’re going to be with a giant group of girls. No one is going to proposition you. Besides, if they did, Shannon would kick their butt.”
I laughed. I could totally see Shannon doing something like that.
As soon as I had all my clothing, pajamas and make up packed into a duffle bag, Bailey and I ran downstairs.
“Here’s some money, honey,” my mom said, slipping a one hundred dollar bill into my hand. “I thought you might like to stop by the store on your way to pick up a gift for Shannon. Get her something nice.”
“Thanks, Mom. I will.” I gave her a kiss on the cheek, feeling a moment of regret for lying to her, but not enough to change my mind about tonight.
“Call me if you need anything.”
“I will. See you tomorrow.”
“Have fun.” She stood at the door watching Bailey and me as we ran out to the bright yellow mustang with black racing stripes that her dad had bought for her sixteenth birthday. I loved her car. My dad would never buy me anything like it. I had a nice, teal green Ford Escort. Dad believed conservative was better than flashy—all for the appearance of his campaign, of course. The only place that philosophy didn’t apply was to our house, which was pretty nice and up-to-date with all the latest gadgets and technology.
Flashing a last minute wave to my mom, we pulled out of the circular drive and headed toward the gate, which opened automatically so we could pass through. We’d successfully made our escape.
“I am so excited for tonight! Shannon’s bestie, Gloria, rented a party bus to take us around town. Shannon doesn’t even know about it.”
“Are you serious?” I asked. I’d seen the buses around and ads for them, but I’d definitely never been in one. “How many people are coming?”
“There are twenty of us—eighteen of Shannon’s closest friends—and you and me. I told her I couldn’t possibly do something this awesome without you; and she loves you, too, so it wasn’t that hard to convince her.”
“Well, I’m glad I get to come, though I’m a little nervous about the whole fake ID thing, to be honest.”
“It’s Vegas, Brooklyn. Sin City. They want to let you in to spend your money. Trust me. No one is even going to look twice at you.”
***
Two hours later I could hardly hear myself think. The party bus was rocking with loud music and girls were drinking, laughing, and dancing. There was
even a stripper pole in the middle of the bus and Shannon was doing her best to shimmy around it—much to the amusement of everyone else.
Bailey had been totally correct on the call for my outfit. Once my hair and make-up was finished and the accessories added—a multi layered bangle bracelet and large hoop earrings—I looked completely ready for a night out on the town. I’d received several compliments from the older girls and even some envious glances, which secretly made me feel good—even though I thought everyone looked amazing. And so far, I’d managed to walk without killing myself in Bailey’s shoes. I was at least four inches taller than normal in them, which made me feel slightly unstable, but they were fabulous shoes.
“Isn’t this great?” Bailey practically yelled in my ear and I could still barely hear her. I nodded in reply, flashing a smile at her. “Want something to drink? They have soda in the bar. Shannon drew the line at alcohol for us.”
“I’d be afraid to drink, anyway,” I replied loudly. “I’d fall off your shoes.” I laughed, and she joined me. “I’ll wait on the soda for now. Thank you, though.”
Content to sit back and watch the others and their crazy antics, I felt quite amused as we made our way into the city. The girls cheered when we turned onto the strip, the dazzling display of brilliant lights flashing everywhere, beckoning the throngs of people into their attractions.
The bus traveled slowly through the busy street, finally turning into the lot of a giant hotel and parking at a theater entrance adjacent to it. A huge marquee with the word LEATHERS was lit up, the silhouette of a muscular man beside the word.
I grabbed Bailey’s arm tightly, my eyes round as saucers. “We’re going to Leathers?” I exclaimed in shock and she nodded, more laughter bubbling from her lips. “It’s a male strip club!” My heart was racing. I’d never been to a strip club.
“No, it’s THE strip club,” she said, giggling as we followed the girls pouring out of the bus.
“You knew?” I asked, softer this time, since we were outside and I didn’t have to compete with the loud music in the bus.
“Of course. I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d chicken out.” She slipped her arm around my shoulders as I stared at the giant marquee, nerves flitting through my entire system. “Don’t worry. It’ll be awesome.”
I wasn’t so sure about that. Glancing around, I hoped there wasn’t anyone who’d tell my dad what I was doing. Then again, no one who my dad knew would be caught dead here. And, as far as the other girls…I didn’t know many of them, but I was pretty sure they wouldn’t rat me out, either.
Entering the plush lobby decorated in red and black, I watched as a couple of the girls went toward the novelty store on one side of the room full of Leathers merchandise—tank tops, thongs, feather boas, calendars, and the like—while the others lined up at the giant double doors, waiting to enter.
“Welcome to Leathers’ All Male Review,” an unseen woman’s voice boomed over the sound system. “Tonight’s show is guaranteed to get you all hot and bothered. We’d like to remind you this is a non-tipping show; so keep those dollar bills in your pockets. However, it is an audience participation event, meaning there may be some one-on-one contact or dancers who may mingle among the crowd, at times. We encourage you to scream, applaud, drink, and have a great time!”
The giant doors opened to heavy, pulsating music pouring through the sound system and all the girls squealed as they began hurrying into the theater.
“Audience participation?” I asked Bailey, timidly.
She laughed, still hanging onto my arm like she was afraid I was going to bolt. “Relax, Brooklyn. It’ll be fun.”
“Just promise me you won’t let me get dragged off somewhere,” I said, staring at the giant screens flanking either side of the stage, providing a slide show of black and white photos of shirtless men and their names. Glancing down at my feet, I paid careful attention to the steps down to our table, not wanting to turn my ankle in these shoes.
Our group was seated at five separate tables, located directly front and center to the stage, near enough that whoever was on stage would be close enough to determine our eye color. As soon as we were settled, several waitresses began filtering between us, taking drink orders.
“Can I just have an ice water?” I asked when the waitress came to me, feeling like hydration and staying cool were probably the best things for me right now.
“Ice water?” Her eyebrows shot up a bit, as if no one ever ordered that. “Sure, no problem.” She quickly jotted down my order and disappeared.
“Are you excited?” Bailey asked from where she was sitting across the narrow table from me. Her eyes were positively sparkling with excitement.
I chuckled. “Ask me after the show.”
“Oh! He’s hot!” Bailey said, pointing to one of the massive screens. I glanced up and my heart stopped dead.
A giant picture of Six was plastered on the screen, with his name “Six” scrawled underneath it. A fine sheet of sweat broke out on my forehead and I wasn’t sure if it was from surprise or from seeing Six’s gorgeous upper body completely exposed.
The picture flashed to another guy, but all I could see was Six’s image burned into my retinas. I grabbed Bailey’s hand for support.
“Fun, huh?” she said, not having an inkling about my inner turmoil. I simply nodded, unable to speak, my throat felt so dry. I practically grabbed my water from the waitress when she returned, downing it quickly. “You okay?” Bailey asked. “You look seriously nervous.”
Finally picked up on that, did you?
“I am. But I’m excited, too.” That was no lie. Even the bouncers wouldn’t be able to drag me from the room at this point. I’d cement myself to the floor before I’d miss the opportunity to see Six on this stage.
It didn’t surprise me that Bailey didn’t recognize him. I only knew him because of Tommy; otherwise our social worlds didn’t cross paths much, and I’d purposely tried to keep from drawing her attention to him.
The house lights flickered and suddenly everything was plunged into darkness. A loud male voice boomed over the speakers, “Welcome to Leathers! Hang onto your seats! It’s show time!”
Music exploded through the speakers as bright strobe lights beat across the theater. Smoke flooded the stage and all beams turned at once spotlighting a row of ten leather-clad men standing on the stage with their heads bent.
I spotted him instantly; and, of course, he was directly in line with our table. Good heavens above, he was hot. My heart exploded, going into over drive.
Screams and applause burst through the air. The men’s heads snapped up, revealing leather half masks on their faces, but I would’ve recognized those icy blue eyes, even if I hadn’t known it was him. Immediately, the men began gyrating in unison, to more screaming in the house.
I knew the exact moment he recognized me because he faltered in his routine, stopping to stare, and a slow smile slid across his face. He stepped out of line and pointed directly at me before he popped quickly back into his choreography.
“He’s pointing at you!” Bailey squealed in delight.
I couldn’t move, unable to take my eyes off him as he ripped open the vest he was wearing and shrugged out of it, as did the others.
I wasn’t going to survive this night.
Chapter Seven
Six
I was pretty sure my eyes were playing tricks on me as I stared down at the table of women directly in front of me. Brooklyn Hall was starting to seep her way into every part of my life. Now I was imagining seeing her here at Leathers. Then I saw her best friend beside her and recognized her, as well. I couldn’t stop the slow smile that crept across my face.
That little vixen. She was here illegally. She must have a fake ID.
Realizing I’d fallen out of step, I moved forward and pointed at her, trying to make it look deliberate before I fell back into the routine. As far as I was concerned, from this moment on, I was dancing exclusively for one girl in
the house, tonight. I couldn’t pull my eyes away from her and she was looking only at me—a very good sign, as far as I was concerned.
Thoughts ran rampant in my head. What is she doing here? As soon as the song was finished, I ran off the stage to get ready for the next number while the MC, Max, kept the house riled up.
“What the hell was that out there, Six?” Dusty asked, as we quickly changed and grabbed our props for our ‘Men at Work” number.
I laughed. “Nothing. I got a little distracted when I saw a girl I know in the audience.”
Dusty smiled. “A good surprise, I take it?”
“A very good surprise.” I slipped the construction hard hat on my head.
“So, I’m guessing you know who you’re grabbing for your solo number tonight, then?”
I couldn’t wipe the damn grin off my face. “Yep. And I’m going to enjoy every second of it. I’ve been itching to get this girl underneath me for a while.”
We hurried back on stage as the music for our next number started. I had to admit, I was thankful these routines were so ingrained in me that I didn’t have to think about them, because I was totally distracted. All I could see was Brooklyn.
When it was time to go down off the stage—I jumped off, running to climb up on her table. Screams of women filled the air as the other guys did the same. Staring at Brooklyn, I grabbed the bottom of my wife beater and seductively pulled it off, swinging it over my head before tossing it to her.
I was grinning like an idiot as she balled it up in her lap, her blush obvious in the wild bursts of lighting. Time to go back on the stage.
I hopped off the table and hurried back to my spot, moving in time with the others as we bent and grabbed the bottoms of our breakaway jeans, ripping them off, revealing the leather G-strings we wore beneath. Frenzied screams blew through the roof as we turned, flashing our mostly bare butts to the audience. I wished I could see Brooklyn’s face right now.
As soon as the number was finished, I ran off to the dressing area. I had a break during the next number to prepare for my solo that would follow. Snatching a towel, I wiped the sweat off my body before changing back into my tight breakaway leather pants and my half mask. I grabbed my cologne off the counter, misting on a bit.
