"TD, I don't know what to say. None of this is necessary, especially the checks. Y'all didn't hire me. I did it because I wanted to."
He laughs. "That's what Darren said you would say. That's why he said to call them donations. Siri, we did this too because we wanted to. It's the only way we can say thank you. You could have left, but you didn't. You could have played along, but you didn't. What you did was gave us all more than we could ever have imagined. You gave us a night we will never forget. Fucking Fantasies!" He glances over my shoulder.
"Tell everyone I said thank you for their kindness."
"You have an honorary membership and are welcome anytime."
He looks at Aurei again. "I'm going. He looks like a thunderous bull about to charge." He walks backwards to the elevator. "And Siri, what you said last night about whores? I really appreciate that. I don't tell people this, but I'm a bastard child. I don't know who my father is because my mother was a prostitute back then trying to survive." He steps in, then sticks his head out. "And for the record, I was only asking you how you charge for your services, because I'm throwing a bachelor party for a buddy of mine." He disappears as the doors close.
When I turn around, the Thunderous Son of Thor hands me my phone. "What the fuck did the bastard want?"
"He came bearing gifts."
"Gifts?"
"Flowers. We're cool." I slip my hand in his and cinch our fingers. "Come on. I'm starving! How long does it take to cook a ham and cheese omelet?"
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
In the kitchen, Aurei has all the ingredients lined up on the counter. He pulls a bowl out of the cabinet, and hands it to me along with a whisk. "Crack six eggs, add a little milk and whisk." I do as I'm told. He efficiently cuts the ham, a few cherry tomatoes, and some green onions into small pieces then he adds olive oil and butter to a frying pan. When the butter is melted, he takes the egg batter from me and pours a little in the pan, puts the ingredients in and tops it with cheese. "Simple."
"It smells delicious!" I take a deep breath as I walk up behind him and put my arms around him. "You know, we need to talk. I want to face our secrets up front. Boldly. I don't want any devils showing up unexpected and coming between us."
"Eat." He commands as he scoops the omelet onto a plate and hands it to me.
My tummy growls and I sit on the same stool that I sat on when I had cookies with him. "OK, but I want you to hear my secrets from me. I want you to know the real me."
With his back to me, he tells me. "I checked you out on Facebook last night when I got home. I learned a little bit about you."
"No shit. I checked you out too, but you don't give any info up. Only that you are, were, an instructor pilot. Kudos' to that though."
He comes to sit beside me with his giant omelet. "It's because of some of my secrets. I can't afford to."
"Me either. Wow! This is good!"
"I'm going to fatten you up."
"Oh, hell no! We're gonna burn these calories!"
"I like the way you think!" He digs in and we eat in silence.
When I finish, I watch him eat. "You know, your face had the look of thunder on it when you charged out in the hall."
"I felt like thunder when I charged out in the hall. I was going to rip that fucking Son of a Bitch to shreds."
"I know. And he knew. And that's what concerns me. If I tell you all the details of what I do, can you handle it? Or will you want to rip everyone to shreds?"
"There's a difference between your professional controlled environment and bastards that want to hurt you. I can distinguish between the two."
"I hope so, because my professional controlled environment can get pretty down and dirty."
"I understand that. I'm cool with it. I understand lust and that's what you do."
My eyes narrow. "Lust?"
"Yes, lust. You make men and women feel lustful. You make them feel desire. Humans lust for beautiful things, Siri. They look, they lust. It's entertainment. I get it."
"I don't know what to say to that. It's … dead on. So you saw me dance last November?"
"Yes. The first time I saw you, when you walked out from behind the curtain, I was so distracted. I couldn't even carry on a conversation with my bro." He laughs and shakes his head. "Then when you started to dance, fuck, it was all over for me." He slides his hand across the table and I lay mine in it. He strokes me with his thumb.
"How many times have you seen me?"
"Twenty-three." He smirks when my jaw drops. "I never lusted for you. I fell for you. Hard."
I'm speechless.
He takes our plates to the sink and runs the hot water. I take my place next to him to rinse. "What dancing have you seen?"
"I've only seen you free styling the runway." He leans down and pecks my lips. "The first time you were working up a couple of lucky fellows on the edges. I couldn't get that out of my mind. You are so contagious!"
I smile. "Must have been a birthday boy."
He turns the water off and dries his hands on a towel. "It was one helluva birthday present."
He hands it to me and I dry mine. "I hate I didn't see you in the crowd. I might have pulled you out and made an exception for you."
He wraps me up in a quick hug. "I always sat at a table in the back."
"Why?"
"I don't play well with others."
"I thought you said you were ok with it."
"I am. I don't mind watching you dance and knowing you turn them on. You turn me on too. I just can't sit next to them and have them slapping me on the back because you turn them on. I don't play well with others. I won't share their lust like that."
I frown leaning back to stare into his eyes. "I hope you can handle my secrets, Aurei."
"I will, Wild Thang. We are committed. Forever." He closes in for a kiss.
Wild Thang. Committed. Forever! I suck his tongue without the drive to fuck, only connecting with him, and it is the sweetest, most romantic kiss ever!
He pulls back. "Let me finish getting ready."
I let him go and admire the view as he walks to his bedroom. As soon as he disappears through the threshold, I miss him. I ask as I follow him in. "Have you seen a Surreal performance?"
"I might have. I saw J-Lo dancing in the crowd." He says as he puts on his shirt. I watch silently as he pulls on his socks, then his boots. "If it was Surreal, she is killer good. Is she a friend of yours?" He asks as he buttons his shirt. "Surreal, not J-Lo." He laughs.
"I guess you could say we are pretty good friends. We're in business together."
"Cool. What kinda business?"
"Several actually. One old, one new, and one in the idea stage."
"You can tell me about them tomorrow. We'll make Sunday, our day of confessions." He grabs a belt and threads it through his pants.
"I don't think I should wait until Sunday. You maybe, but I need to get this off my chest." Knowing he will learn before Sunday with the flowers and cards, I control the confession now. "I guess you didn't stay to see if it was Surreal?"
"No." He says as tucks his shirt in. "I was stalking the club looking for Seary."
I wait until he tucks the tip of his belt in. "Well, you couldn't find me because I am Surreal." I announce to him.
He stops stunned. "No shit!"
"No shit!"
"Well, I'll be damned!" He stares at me, digesting it. "Your dress last night was the real deal?"
"Yep. That's my Black & Blue Baby." I smile at him while he thinks about it.
He sits down on the bed and reaches for my hand. "That explains a lot. No wonder I couldn't find you or get any information on you. That makes perfect sense."
I put my hand in his and step between his legs. "Now, that's a top secret, secret. If you blab to anyone, I'll have to kill you and them."
He squeezes my ass. "Your secret is safe with me, Wild Thang. That's one I'm happy to learn and happy to keep." I run my fingers through his hair. "So… being a star, you have been h
idden away, haven't you?"
"Yes."
"For years?"
"Yes."
"Isolated?"
"Not too bad. I have a pretty normal life for a Vegas headliner, but it's not the life of a showgirl and def not the life of a simple dancer."
"Lonely?"
"A little." I lean down to kiss his head. "OK, more than I want to admit."
He lays back on the bed, pulling me down on top of him. "You don't have to worry about that anymore, Angel Thang."
I put my head on his chest and listen to his heart beat as he cradles me. I feel so safe here in the arms of my Fucking Golden God.
His phone goes off and the ringtone is "Same Love." It's Ann.
I pick my head up and look at him. He winks. Pushing off him, I stand up then reach out. He takes my hand and I tug, pulling him up. "Ann is going to keep calling till she knows I'm on my way."
"Does she know I'm coming?"
"No! I can't wait to see the look on her face." His phone rings again. He answers it and points to the bathroom. I nod and go in to pee. I push the door to, but don't shut it all the way. I can hear him talking to her.
"I'm running a little behind. I'll be there in an hour. Ok. Yeah. No. I've got to make a stop then I'll be right there. Chill, would ya? He's not going anywhere. Hey, I'm bringing you a surprise. I'm not telling. It's a surprise!"
When I come out, he hands me his phone and goes in, but doesn't close the door. I lean on the door frame and watch him brushing his teeth. "What's happening at the farm that we need boots?"
He spits, swishes and spits. "Ann got a new horse. I told her I would come ride with her." Finished, he comes out to me, holds his hand out and I place the phone in it. He drops it in his shirt pocket then slides his fingers between mine. "Come on. Let's go."
As we step into the hall, his phone goes off again. I laugh. "She's persistent!"
He hands it back to me. "Text her. Driving."
"Just one word?"
"Yep. Any more and she'll know it wasn't from me." He winks. Clear, concise communication. Mrs. Smith was right about pilots.
I text Ann as he leads me down the hall. When we enter the elevator and the doors close, we look at each other and grin. He pulls me into his arms and I drop his phone in his shirt pocket. "My turn." Laying my hands on his shoulders, I push him back against the elevator wall. He slides down, spreads his legs and I step in. Bringing his face to mine with one hand, I kiss him deeply, sticking my tongue in his mouth. He allows me to kiss him, but he shifts my shoulders and pushes me back onto his arm, cradling me as he gently sucks my tongue and slips his hand inside my bra. He cups my tit and pinches my nipple. When the elevator reaches the lobby, it dings our arrival, but Aurei doesn't stop kissing or stroking me as the doors slide open. Only when I hear an embarrassed cough, do I try to push away. He stops kissing and pinching, but doesn't release me. Breathless, I smile into his eyes. They crinkle with his smile as he stands. His hand slides out of my bra as I move away and I look down to see a flash of nipple. I adjust my shirt as he stands and waits. Then he cinches our hands, and lets me lead him out. There are three tweenager boys gawking as we exit. I can't resist the urge to tease them. I take the back of my hand and wipe it all the way across my face, ear to ear. "Ah, he tastes so good!"
Aurei simply says a casual. "Good morning, boys."
As the elevators door shut, we hear them say. "Damn! Fuck! Crucial!"
I giggle as Aurei opens the door for me. "Bad Thang!"
We walk to his truck, hands swinging, me bouncing in my boots. He opens the door for me and I climb right up. "Where is the farm?" I ask him as he steers the truck down the drive to the highway.
"On the south side, close to the Florida line." He stops at the intersection. "If you're going to be my co-pilot, you have duties."
"OK. What are they?"
"It's your job to check the traffic flow and confirm if it's safe to enter the traffic pattern."
"OK. What do I say?"
"Clear right, or not clear are the only approved communications. No one's coming is not."
I laugh. "Ok. Got it." I lean my head so I can see the oncoming traffic. "Clear right."
"And lose the hat. I like your hair down." He pulls out and we head in the opposite direction from last night.
"Bossy, aren't you?" I giggle as I do it.
"Not Bossy. Strai…"
"Straight line. Not curved. Got it!" I fluff it out for him.
"It's a beautiful mane!"
"Yep."
When we have been on the road a few minutes, he says. "Tell me how you came to Vegas and how you became Surreal."
"When I graduated from FSU, Piper, my roomie from London, and I flew to Vegas to blow off steam. We ended up staying the summer. We had a blast! We found a cheap but clean place to live, got jobs at Coyote Ugly and made enough to play. But when Labor Day rolled around, she had a job waiting for her at home, and she left. I wasn't ready to return. As Karma would play out, the day Piper left, I waited on Bart, the owner of Been Jammin'. I had been crying in the bathroom before I asked him for his order and he noticed."
"Let me guess. Your eyes were glowing."
"Yes. He invited me to his club that night and I went. I had a blast. That's the first time, I met Cat and Brutus."
"Brutus sounds like a bodyguard."
"Yes."
"I hoped when I found your gun, he wasn't an old flame I was going to have take care of."
"No. Not an old flame, just an old friend. At the height of the night, it must have been around 3, Beyoncé's 'Dance For You' started to play. By this time, I had had more than a few drinks and was feeling bullet proof. I couldn't help myself. The dancer in me came out. I became Beyoncé on that bar stool and the dance floor. By the end of the song, the rumor had spread like wild fire throughout the club that Beyoncé was actually there. It was crazy wild! Everyone thought I was Beyoncé. We tried to 'sneak out' the back. Ha! It was so easy to fool everyone, even the paparazzi. People see what they want to see; and they believe what they want to believe. That night, in the back of that limousine riding around Vegas, both Seary and Surreal were born. Bart told me, 'Fame is addicting.' And it is." I stare out the window. "I can't imagine now not dancing. Anyway, Bart is my agent. Cat is my manager and my best friend. I moved in a condo below her, and I live the high life. They trained me on the stripper pole and to do lap dances. Seary models his promotions and events exclusively, but my main job is Surreal. Do you have any questions?"
"Yes, who are the celebrities?"
"I've done Beyoncé, Madonna, Rihanna, Katy, Christine, Brittney, J. Lo, even Miley. If the video is hot, I learn it and perform it, live. It is an easy deception because video's have costumes. I don a wig and we have great make-up artists. We do either a flash mob style performance where we are all in the crowd when we start, or we do a full stage production. It's always late in the evening so everyone is stoned, high or drunk. And because I am killer good, you know. Seriously, it only works because the celebrities bought into the idea. They'll stop by, do a quick appearance and boom, we are the talk of the town again. Miley has made an appearance since I've been gone, and Taylor Swift has agreed to do it too. Anyway, we never advertise the performances. It is always a hit or miss for the customers, which keeps them coming back. It's a win win for everyone. We pay the real stars a hefty royalty fee and Bart pays me a hefty performance fee." I look at him. "I stipulated it in our negotiations in the back of the limo that my job is to dance. I have one rule I live by."
"Just one?"
"One's enough, if it's the right one. Rule #1, no touching."
He laughs out loud, "That's one hell of a rule for a Vegas girl."
"Yeah. Bart was pretty shocked when I told him back in the limo. I explained to him though that it was a hard rule. Non-negotiable and that any erotic entertainment I provided would be through suggestive dance, and I reserved the right to decide if I perform nude. Since you missed Surreal's Reveal Dance
, you missed my signature pole dance."
"I'm sorry now I didn't hang out to catch it."
"It's killer. When you see it, you never forget it."
"Why?"
"I do a spectacular diving drop and an arching stretch that pushes my tits out the open heart. The crowd always gasps when I fall and clap when they see my tits."
"Fuck! I'm really sorry now I missed it."
"We branded the Blue Heart and we actually sell Blue Heart merchandise."
"I'll be damned, and this is the long story that goes with your little blue heart?"
"Yep."
"That's fucking brilliant!"
"It turned out to be. We sell a ton of merchandise too."
"What kind of items do you sell?"
"We have pics and posters of me in various positions on the pole which Surreal autographed. We also sell t-shirts, glasses, cups, beer mugs, magnets, just about anything you can put a simple Blue Heart on."
He laughs. "Like my coffee cup this morning."
"Yep."
"I'm impressed!" He looks in the side mirror, puts on the left blinker, and enters the turn lane of a red light. We sit there in silence as he maneuvers in the traffic. "Are you rich?"
"Yes."
"How rich?"
"Very." I watch his reaction at that news but his face doesn't change. Most men would either become VERY romantic now, or they would become intimidated. No reaction. That's interesting.
He breaks my musing. "Can I have an autographed poster and a t-shirt?"
UNTOUCHABLE (Siri's Saga Book 1) Page 23
