Max (A Carter Brother series Book 4)

by Lisa Helen Gray

  “Who’s up first?’’ Nay asks. Her ass is literally hanging off the edge of the seat and her hands are rubbing together excitedly.

  “I’m out with this one. The place is too packed for me to join. Not only would Malik get pissed but I’m not willing to risk my babies.’’

  “That’s okay. You’ll have fun watching us make fools of ourselves,’’ Kennedy giggles.

  “True,’’ Harlow winks. “First up is the bride-to-be. And your dare is…’’ Harlow pauses. She grabs something out of her bag which looks like a box of nail filers.

  “I don’t think now is the right time to do your nails,’’ Denny laughs.

  “Oh, these aren’t nail filers. These are your dares,’’ she winks. “And yours, my friend, is to: photo bomb at least three photos, pulling some sort of face, or joining in.’’

  The table erupts with laughter and Denny giggles, downing the rest of her drink. I’d die if that was my dare. Not only do I hate having my photo taken but I hate making nice with strangers. I just don’t have it in me. Then again, tonight, I am feeling overly friendly.

  Standing up, Denny walks off with a swing in her hips.

  “She’s going to do it,’’ Kennedy hoots.

  “This one was one of the easiest. Wait till you see the rest,’’ Harlow laughs. Slowly, we all turn our heads in her direction, a worried look upon our faces.

  “Please tell me no one has to get naked?’’ I plead. Not that us stripping would make much difference when we’re barely wearing anything anyway.

  “No. Oh my God! What is she doing?’’ Harlow laughs, her hand covering her mouth. We all turn to look in the direction she’s looking and all crack up. Denny is standing at a pose, her hands on her hips and has accomplished the ‘duck face’ like she was born to do it. But what has us laughing is the fact she’s doing it behind some chick who is trying to pull off the same pose but failing miserably.

  When she’s done she wanders off, her hips moving to the beat of the music as her eyes scan the rest of the dancers. When she catches someone, she moves quickly across the dance floor.

  “She wouldn’t?’’ I laugh when she saddles up next to a couple taking a selfie of themselves kissing. She’s literally shoved her head in the picture next to them, like they’re not sucking face and smiling. The couple haven’t even noticed, or they’ve chosen to ignore her, because she’s gone before they have chance to separate.

  “That is so fucking funny. I wonder when they’ll notice,’’ Stace laughs.

  “I cannot believe she just did that. She went right up close to them,’’ Kennedy adds laughing.

  “I thought she was going to join in,’’ Nay pipes in next, chuckling.

  “Me too,’’ Kayla giggles drunkenly.

  “Me three,’’ I say, waving my hand in the air. I soon stop when I nearly take out Kayla’s eye with my finger. “Sorry.’’

  “It’s okay,’’ she giggles again, turning back around to watch Denny. She’s moved further into the club, so we’ve lost sight of her. We all stand up searching through the sea of people to find her.

  When I see the orange writing on her top glowing in the dark, I laugh. “There she is,’’ I point.

  “What on earth?’’ Kennedy squeaks. Even my eyes widen in shock. She’s managed to get a lad to lift her up onto the bar. I notice the bartender shouting something at her but Denny ignores her and leans to the side with one hand thrown in the air like she’s trying to pose like a starfish.

  “She did it,’’ Harlow laughs.

  “Uh-oh. The doorman is getting her down,’’ Kayla smirks, biting her lip.

  “So jealous,’’ Stace sighs beside me. That’s when I realise it’s the doorman that we met outside.

  “When Denny gets back it’s your turn, Kayla. Remember you don’t have to do any of them. Some of these can be a bit… I dunno. A bit much. Don’t feel bad if you don’t want to do one of the dares.’’

  Kayla nods at Harlow looking kinda pale. “You okay?’’ I shout.

  “Yeah,’’ she nods. “As long as it doesn’t involve a male I’ll be fine.’’

  “It will be okay,’’ I assure her, praying like hell I don’t get a male dare now that she’s mentioned it. Now I’m thinking about it, the more nervous I become.

  Denny finds her way back to the table, laughing. “I did it,’’ she sings happily. “I swear that couple were doing more than kissing,’’ she shudders, making us all laugh.

  “Eww, that’s gross,’’ Kennedy chuckles.

  “Who’s up next? This is so much fun.’’ Denny bounces up and down excitedly before moving around the table, taking her seat.

  “Kayla. And she has to: pinch a guy’s ass and walk away. What will it be, Kayla, dare or shots?’’

  Kayla stands up surprising me. I have to suppress a grin when I see the determined look on her face. She looks so freaking cute; her button nose all scrunched up and her fists clenched with a fierce look upon her face.

  “Why not? I’m going to do this. Damn it, yes, I’m going to pinch some guy’s bum and love it,’’ she declares.

  “Maybe not too much. Myles might get jealous.’’

  “Oh,’’ she says, her facial expression falling. “Do you think he’ll be mad?’’

  “It’s for my party. Of course not,’’ Denny answers shocked, but fighting a smile. When I’m around Kayla, I feel more worldly.

  “Then I’m going to do it,’’ she says firmly and nearly trips over one of the chair legs when she starts to walk away. It doesn’t deter her from her mission, though. She marches right out into the sea of people with a look of determination, making sure to stay in the line of our sight.

  She must have her eye on the target already because the next thing I see is her running back towards us laughing her head off. A bloke standing where she once was is looking around curiously but the only people that are behind him are a group of lads. When he walks off in a hurry it makes me laugh harder.

  “Did you see? Did you see?’’ Kayla laughs bubbly. She looks so freaking pleased with herself like she just accomplished a life goal. Then again, from what I’ve learnt about Kayla over the months I’ve known her, I can see why this is such a big deal for her. She’s always so quiet. She keeps to herself and I know from what I’ve heard the others mention that she’s been through a lot.

  “Well done. Did you see his face?’’ I ask, grinning from ear to ear. I’m so happy for her. She’s deliberately moved out of her comfort zone by doing this dare. Maybe that’s what I need to do for once. Just let loose.

  “Of course I didn’t. I ran like a vampire was chasing me,’’ she replies.

  “Have you seen the vampires now on TV? Why the fuck would you run? Damon Salvatore could bite me any day of the week,’’ Nay grins.

  “Oh, I’m team Stephan,’’ Stace laughs.

  “He’s a boring old fart,’’ Nay protests.

  “I’m more of an Edward Cullen fan,’’ Kayla adds, earning nods from Denny and Harlow.

  “Well, fuck you guys, I’m a werewolf fan. Jacob Black all the way,’’ I grin. God, he’s so gorgeous it hurts to look at him. All that golden brown skin, tight muscles and that smile is enough to make any girl melt.

  “I’m more of a superhero fan,’’ Kennedy pipes in. “I love Thor.’’

  We all laugh and agree. Chris Hemsworth is to die for.

  “Okay. Settle down. Settle down. Nay, you’re up next,’’ Harlow grins. She’s already holding up one of the nail filer sticks so I reckon her grin has to do with what is written on it.

  “From the look on your face I can tell mine isn’t going to be easy,’’ Nay whines but is smirking at Harlow.

  “Damn right. Your dare is to: find a condom.’’

  “Please tell me it doesn’t have to be used?’’ Nay pleads, looking as grossed out as the rest of us.

  “Eww,’’ I add, hoping she doesn’t need to find a used one.

  “No. The rules are, unused, and it says you
’re not allowed to purchase one.’’

  “I can do this,’’ Nay tells us. She pours herself another shot, knocking it back in one.

  “Oh and you have ten minutes,’’ Harlow shouts after her.

  We lose Nay in the crowd, but less than ten minutes later she returns from the club waving a foiled wrapper around.

  “How did you get it?’’ Denny laughs. Her eyes are wide with surprise. We’re all surprised. We were talking about it while we were waiting and decided it couldn’t be done. Harlow told us there were harder ones, but still fun to try.

  “It took me a while to pick out the players. When I did I looked for the easiest one. I walked up to him, flirted, then said, ‘Did you know you can guess the size of a lad’s dick by what condom he uses?’ He couldn’t wait to flop that bad boy out,’’ she giggles, throwing the foiled wrapper onto the table.

  “How did he measure up?’’ Stace laughs.

  “Thinks he’s big but it’s all talk.’’

  Joining in the laughter, I feel a stitch begin to ache in my side from all the laughing we’ve done tonight.

  “I’m going to do Kennedy and Stace together. Stace, you have ten minutes to collect a man’s pair of boxers. Kennedy, you have to collect a girl’s bra.’’

  “No way. How am I supposed to do that?’’ Kennedy screeches, throwing her head back.

  “Flirt?’’ Nay answers grinning.

  “I can do this, easy.’’ Stace’s voice is firm and challenging when she looks at Kennedy. Kennedy, rising to the bait, stands up with a determined look on her face.

  “So can I.’’

  “First one back wins?’’ Stace grins.

  “Deal,’’ Kennedy agrees.

  In a flash both girls have rushed from the roped up area and disappeared into the roaring crowd that are partying hard.

  “Hey, Harlow, the boss man wanted you downstairs in the next ten minutes. Is that okay still?’’ the doorman standing near the tables asks, pressing an ear piece closer to his ear.

  “Yeah. We’ll wait until the other two girls we’re with come back and then we’ll head down.’’

  “You’ll have to take the back stairs,’’ he tells her, nodding to the exit.

  Harlow nods her head, okay with the plan. I sigh with relief when I realise I’ve gotten out of doing a dare. I don’t think I’d have the courage or the attitude to get someone to give me their boxers or bra.

  “Don’t look relieved. You’re next, Lake. I’ll read the dare before we head down. Yours will be harder cause there’s less people in V.I.P.’’

  “Fantastic,’’ I answer dryly.

  “This night is so freaking awesome,’’ Kayla sings, throwing her hands up to the music. I nod, agreeing and begin wiggling my hips in my seat, loving the music they’re playing.

  Kennedy jumps out of nowhere, swinging a bra around her head. “Whoohooo. I won! I fudging won. Whooohooo,’’ she cries laughing.

  “How did you manage that?’’ we all ask shocked.

  “You didn’t give us rules. I found someone I knew and told her what was going on. Her mate, Emily, happily gave me her bra. Said it was doing her head in anyway,’’ she cheers laughing.

  “There were no rules,’’ Harlow laughs, throwing the bra on the table after Kennedy throws it at her.

  Next thing I know, Stace jumps up behind Kennedy. “Noooo! I lost! How long have you been here?’’ she whines, grinning.

  “About a minute or two,’’ Kennedy laughs, fist pumping the air.

  “You’re joking?’’ Stace giggles. “I promised the doorman a blowjob later if he lent me his boxers. Remind me to give them him back later,’’ she winks.

  “You didn’t?’’ Denny gasps.

  “Of course I fucking did. Did you see him? I’m still dreaming of my mouth around his…’’

  “That’s enough visual right there,’’ Harlow interrupts laughing. “We’ve got to head downstairs. It’s getting busier up here. Lake, your dare is to give the bride-to-be a lap dance.’’

  “How fitting,’’ Kennedy laughs.

  “This is awesome,’’ Kayla giggles, slapping my arm playfully.

  “Bring it on,’’ is what comes out of my mouth and I’m shocked. I’ve never been so bold before.

  “Hit me with your best moves, baby,’’ Denny hollers and I start to giggle.

  “Come on, let’s go.’’

  We all follow Harlow and Denny down some darkened stairs. She said this was to prevent us having to walk back through the crowd to reach the front entrance. These stairs are for the staff to use or something. It also has another corridor for when a fire occurs.

  We walk into V.I.P and it’s nothing like anything I had pictured a strip club to be like. There aren’t any seedy men drooling all over plastic enhanced women, and there isn’t smoke choking the air in the room.

  I guess it’s true what they say. Never believe everything you see on the television. The place is a pretty classy establishment, especially since it’s run by two young males.

  The room is painted a dark red with black woodwork. The bar itself is also black with what looks to be twinkle lights built inside it. Behind the bar it’s lit up enough for the bartenders to see but still enough to keep the sexy, raw, romantic atmosphere to the room.

  The stage is red, and again, the outer wooden edge is painted black. A pole sits at the end of the rectangular stage that leads off from a half-moon shaped stage. There’s two smaller half moon shaped stages positioned on either side of the main stage, both also with a light up pole fixed to it.

  Tables and booths scatter the floor in no particular setting and as we’re lead to what will be our seats for the night, I notice only a few patrons sitting around.

  “It’s quiet,’’ I whisper yell as we take our seats. The girls all giggle but take notice of everything around us, just like I am.

  “The next show is at one. I heard Maverick mention having the performances on late tonight because of us coming. He wasn’t sure if we would end up here before now so he made sure to only let the regulars in,’’ Harlow tells us.

  “This place is the shit. Do you think they’ll mind if we test out the, uh, the equipment?’’ Stace grins, winking at Harlow.

  “Yeah,’’ Harlow laughs in return. “I told Maverick he was being stupid warning me to keep everyone off the stage. Now I can see why he did.’’

  “Party pooper,’’ Stace pouts playfully.

  “I’m pretty sure you owe someone a dance,’’ Harlow grins, tapping her chin with her index finger.

  “I need a drink first,’’ I laugh, looking around for the bar. I move to stand up but Harlow stops me. She waves her hand to someone standing near the bar. A woman clad in a short, revealing top, similar to ours, prowls over. Her mini skirt just covers her womanly parts and I have to give it to the woman, she’s rocking her outfit. She doesn’t look slutty but she doesn’t look classy either.

  “Hey ladies, what can I get ya?’’ she asks smiling. Well, if she’s shocked a group of women are here in a strip club to party, she doesn’t show it. In fact, she doesn’t even blink.

  Harlow orders another round of drinks, making sure to order herself a pop. The music turns up a little louder and we have to shout to be heard.

  Just as the drinks arrive a song comes on that everyone loves and we all get up and start dancing. None of us care that there isn’t a dance floor and that the men in the room could be watching us. We just shake our hips, our drinks in hand, and dance to the beat.

  I’m so lost with dancing I don’t notice the song has changed or that Harlow has dragged a chair to where we’ve all formed our little circle. Nay, Stace and Harlow all throw their shoes in the middle.

  The girls begin to clap when Denny sits down, laughing her head off in the chair, her hair flying forward when she tries to cover her face in embarrassment.

  “I’m the one giving you the lap dance,’’ I laugh. “Why are you embarrassed?’’

  With the
alcohol in my system it gives me a confidence boost. I don’t even care if I look like a fool, or that there are professional dancers just behind the black and red curtain.

  Seductively, I move forward, swinging my hips from side to side as I make my way towards Denny in the chair. The girls are all laughing and I fight hard to try and keep my expression neutral. But it’s hard to when you’re giving one of your friends that you’ve not known long enough a lap dance. Even so, I can’t deny I’m having fun and the look on Denny’s face is priceless.

  Laughing, I put my hands on the back of Denny’s chair and grind my hips into her. We’re both laughing hysterically. My nerves are shot by the alcohol so I boldly wiggle my hips down in front of Denny. Both my hands reach out to her bare thighs and with only a few stumbles I wiggle my hips back up, flicking my hair in her face as I do.

  The song changes to Christina Aguilera’s, Dirty, the beat faster than the song before and it spurs me on. Turning so my back is to Denny, I bend over so my ass is in her face, wiggling from side to side as seductively as I can in my state. Running my hands up my body, I close my eyes, letting the music seep into my bones. My hands move into my hair as my ass wiggles down into Denny’s lap.

  The hairs on the back of my neck rise and a tingle shoots up my spine, suddenly aware someone is watching me.

  And not just anybody. My body only ever reacts like this for one person.

  When my eyes open, they reach his straight away and my body tightens. I’ve never seen a look so raw, so primal before. He almost looks like he’s turning blue from holding his breath but it could just be the lighting in the club.

  Max’s eyes look almost black, dilated to the point of no return. My body lights up like it’s aware of Max and is beckoning for him to come to me.

  My body seductively moves back up, my fingers running through my hair, but my eyes stay fixed on Max’s, feeling like I’m only dancing for him now. It’s like I’m in a complete trance. Even my heart is pounding harder than it was before.

  I watch, transfixed on Max, as something snaps behind his eyes. A shiver runs up my spine, heating my whole body.

  My head is screaming at me to step back, to stop goading him, but instead of listening to my inner warning I stand frozen, waiting for him to make his move.