Strip Tease

by Karen Erickson

  He wanted to know if she was loud in the throes of an intense orgasm or if she was restrained.

  An instant erection surged against the fly of his pants and he shifted in his seat. She noticed, turning toward him with a questioning look, and he smiled at her, hoping she wouldn’t say anything.

  She didn’t. She rested her hand on the inside of his thigh instead.

  Nate grimaced. What the hell? The woman was trying to kill him. Not that he’d protest. Her touch was light yet her palm burned hot against his thigh. Her fingers played with the inside seam of his pants, flicking at it once, twice, three times. He tore his gaze away from her, desperate to get a hold of himself.

  He needed to change the direction of his thoughts and try to forget the woman of his newfound dirty dreams was touching him. Arousing him.

  Turning to watch the happenings on stage, he realized his mistake.

  The woman’s arms were wrapped around the man’s neck and her head was thrown back, her chest like an offering to him. The man took it, the bra already tugged down below her breasts, her rosy nipples long and hard as he twisted first one then the other between his fingers. The woman gasped at his rough touch and the man pinched her nipples even harder, making her cry out. In pleasure or pain? Nate couldn’t quite tell.

  He swore he could feel the entire crowd lean forward in anticipation, collective breaths held as they waited for the man’s next move. Nate leaned toward the stage as well, his breath lodged in his throat, his entire body hungry for what he was watching.

  Hungry even more for the woman whose hand was slowly sliding farther up his thigh.

  A rip sounded, loud and harsh in the quiet room as the man tore the delicate bra from the woman’s body and threw it off the stage. The black necklaces lay in stark contrast against her pale skin and the man curled the end of one necklace around his fist, tugging on it until it tightened around her neck and the woman moaned.

  “Do you think they’re going to have sex up there?”

  Janelle’s breathy question rang in his ears, vibrated throughout his entire body. She didn’t sound offended. No, more like she was curious, maybe a little aroused. Rapt in watching the performance, seemingly entranced by what unfolded in front of her, her hand kept stroking his thigh almost absently, making his hard on stand at full attention.

  If she moved her hand up maybe another inch, she’d be touching him right where he wanted her.

  He broke out in a lusty sweat just thinking about it.

  The woman on stage went down on her knees before the man, her hands stroking his torso, her heavy breasts swaying with her movements. Her hands slid around the man, cupping his buttocks and she pulled him toward her, pressing her face against the front of his pants.

  “This is unbelievable. I can’t believe they’re doing this,” Janelle murmured.

  “I’ll say. Let’s get out of here.” He couldn’t take it anymore, couldn’t take Janelle touch him while it was all unfolding before them on the stage.

  The unmistakable sound of a zipper being drawn ripped through the air and Nate released his hold on Janelle, trying to slide out of the booth. The little show was getting way out of hand.

  Damn if their hostess materialized out of nowhere, her arms crossed in front of her ample chest. “You can’t leave during the show sir, I’m sorry,” she whispered.

  “Uh, well, me and my lady need to get out of here, you know? We’re a little worked up over the performance.” He winked, hoping she’d fall for it.

  Hell, she should. It was all true—at least for him.

  The woman smiled, her straight white teeth practically glowing in the dark. “Honey, we’re all worked up and they’ve only just begun. Don’t worry though. You don’t need to let anything stop you. No one else does.”

  Nate glanced around the room, realizing the hostess was right. People seated in the various booths were locked in passionate embraces, at the very least touching each other intimately. Many of them kissed. Some of them fondled, and he swore he saw a naked breast in the booth to the right of theirs.

  He turned to find Janelle watching him, hunger in her blue eyes and she licked her lips invitingly. Her breathing was accelerated, he could tell by the rapid rise and fall of her chest and she reached for him, grabbing his hand.

  She was aroused. Over him. He’d be a damn fool to turn her down.

  Nate closed his eyes when she settled against him, her arm draping across his front, hand resting against his hip, her mouth directly by his ear. She melted all over him, her breasts cushioned against his chest, her thigh pressed to his, and he knew he should push her away.

  It was unethical. He was neck deep in an important investigation, one he’d been working on for months, and he was ready to blow it to get into a chick’s panties. A woman he had no business getting involved with, since she happened to be the sister of one of his prime suspects.

  Doing anything beyond questioning this woman was wrong. Forbidden.

  Erotic moans sounded from the stage and Nate had to force himself to open his eyes. The woman’s mouth was stuffed full, her head bobbing up and down as she gave the man a blow job. The man’s head was thrown back, his hands tightly wound in her hair, his hips thrusting again and again.

  All Nate could think of was Janelle doing the very same thing to him. Her wet and warm mouth wrapped around him, tongue licking, hands fondling his sac. Naked and submissive in front, her breasts swinging with her every movement as she brought him endless pleasure.

  Christ. He felt like he was going to burst. The smell of sex permeated the room, musky and hanging heavy in the air and someone, somewhere, was most definitely getting some.

  It made him want to be one of those getting some, too.

  “Nate.” Her voice was a thready whisper and he looked at her, surprised at what he saw.

  Janelle gazed up at him, arousal clearly shining in her sparkling eyes. She licked her lips, the pass of her sweet pink tongue making him ache inside.

  He wanted to feel that tongue sweep across his hardening flesh. Wanted to feel her tongue tangling with his when he kissed her.

  “Yeah?” His voice was gruff and he cleared his throat, desperate to clear his head.

  “I want you to kiss me,” she whispered, tilting her head so that her lips brushed against his ear lobe. She tightened her arm around him.

  Her sudden change in behavior confused him, though he didn’t want to question it. Maybe she’d simply fallen under the spell of the sexual atmosphere, much as he had.

  “Please.” The single word rang in the heavy air between them, holding there in the silence that followed.

  She wanted him, hopefully as much as he wanted her. And she wasn’t afraid to ask for it.

  He cupped her dewy soft cheek, tracing her skin with his fingers. Their gazes locked and he felt like a drowning man. Ready to give it all up and jump into the sea of her eyes, lose himself inside her.

  “Do it.” Her mouth moved against his, the breeze of her sweet breath making his lips part, desperate for a taste. “Don’t think, just kiss me. Hurry, before I change my mind and tell you to stop.”

  No better words were ever spoken. He pushed all nagging thoughts aside and pressed his lips to hers, their mouths meeting again and again in simple, breath-stealing kisses. He licked the center of her lower lip and she parted for him, giving him access. He took it, tasting her, moving in closer, sliding his arm around her slim waist.

  She broke the kiss first, turning to look at the couple on stage. “Watch them. Isn’t it beautiful?”

  Now the woman was on her hands and knees, facing away from the man, waving her barely covered backside back and forth, trying to tempt him. He swatted her left cheek, the loud smack startling in the hushed silence of the club.

  The woman yelped and then moaned low in her throat, her back arching provocatively. A chorus of moans rippled low and needy throughout the room. Nate couldn’t believe what was happening.

  One quick grasp and the
woman’s black panties were gone, revealing the pale globes of her ass. The man ran his hands up and down her skin with slow, deliberate movements, murmuring soothing, unintelligible words just before he smacked her again. She cried out in delight, a shiver moving through her.

  “You call that beautiful? How he’s smacking her?” Nate was incredulous.

  “What would you call it?” She studied him, her gaze genuinely curious. He snuck his other hand between them, tracing the exposed skin of her chest, dipping his fingers between the hollow of her breasts.

  “Hot. Sexy as hell. A major turn on. Beautiful? Not really.”

  He heard the man’s hand connecting with the firm skin of the woman’s buttocks again and again. It echoed throughout the room, he could actually feel the arousal in the place rising to the breaking point and realized he was close to it as well.

  It wouldn’t take much for him to throw Janelle over his shoulder like a primitive caveman and haul her out of here.

  Hell, he was tempted to take her right there in the club, until the both of them couldn’t see straight, couldn’t walk, couldn’t think. Could only feel.

  “I imagine you’re the same way.”

  He paused, his finger lingering in her cleavage. “What do you mean?”

  “Like the man on stage. I bet you’re very commanding in bed. You like to take charge.”

  “I don’t mind when a woman takes charge.” He paused. “Sometimes.”

  Continuing his search of her, he allowed his fingers to circle around her entire left breast. She wore no bra and he was tempted to yank it to the side so those babies would spill into his hands.

  He remembered them briefly from the night at the hotel suite. Perfect tear drop shaped, topped with the prettiest pink nipples he’d ever seen. Nipples that probably tasted as sweet as they looked.

  Unable to help it, he nudged the fabric to one side, offering himself a glimpse of her breast. Her nipple was tight, hard and he wondered if she ached as much as he did.

  “Touch me,” she whispered.

  He did, brushing his thumb against the peaked tip, a low moan rippling from her throat. He lifted his gaze, watching her, and she stared at him in return. Her lids were heavy, her glossy lips parted.

  This was getting out of control fast. And he wasn’t doing anything to stop it.

  “I bet you like it even better when a woman gives herself up to you. Right? Allowing you to take over, take control?”

  He’d like this woman to give herself up to him, surrender completely. Could only imagine her naked and spread eagled across his bed, her skin glowing, her lush body open and welcoming him like a gift.

  “Yeah,” he said through gritted teeth, wincing in pain as he shifted. He was hard as a rock, ready to burst from Janelle’s softly spoken words and the images they conjured up.

  Hell, he’d take her any way she wanted, as long as she was willing.

  “I don’t think there’s any guessing involved when it comes to what you want.” She leaned in and kissed him, her tongue darting out to lick. When he tried to lick back, she retreated. “I’d give myself to you. I’m curious to know what kind of lover you are.”

  He weighed her breast in his palm, marveling at her baby soft skin. “Then let’s get out of here so you can find out.”

  His voice was a low growl, his entire body tense and ready to spring. Glancing toward the stage, he saw the man was now thrusting deep within the woman from behind, the slap of skin on skin like music to Nate’s ears.

  Eager to experience that personally with Janelle, he leaned in, swiping his tongue quickly across her exposed nipple. God she tasted sweet.

  “I want you.” Nate nudged the other side of her dress away, both of her breasts bared to his gaze. The sight of her lush, feminine curves sent a surge of lust hurtling through him. He felt like a feral beast, ready to take, to possess.

  “No, not here,” she whispered, her eyes widening. “Wait.”

  Loud screaming came from the stage, catching their attention. The couple was in the throes of an intense orgasm, the man thrusting once, twice against her, grunting like an animal. The woman trembled from head to toe, her body a quivering mass of flesh. A keening cry escaped her one last time and the man slumped over her, cradling her with his arms.

  The stage went dark and the music stopped. The entire room erupted in uproarious cheers and whistles, the clapping like a ripple of thunder moving throughout the room.

  “Let’s get out of here,” Nate said, his entire body poised and eager, ready to escape.

  Hell, he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to walk out of the club without attracting attention. His cock was hard enough to hinder normal movement for at least a few minutes.

  “I don’t know if we can leave yet.” Janelle nibbled on her lower lip and she looked away.

  Apprehension filled him and he shook his head as she slid away from him. “We’re leaving now, before you change your mind.”

  She turned to look at him, shock etched all over her face as she yanked her dress back into place. Her lips parted as if she was about to say something but they were interrupted.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, our premier dancers are now wandering the floor, ready to bring you even more pleasure.” A seductive, teasing voice floated out of hidden speakers, and the lights came back up, the misty red glow casting the room in erotic shadows.

  “Another show will begin in thirty minutes. Please enjoy.”

  Scantily clad women strutted throughout the crowded room, elaborate masks hiding their faces, though Nate could tell every single one of them was beautiful. Their bodies were utter perfection. Lush breasts, taut stomachs, sleek curves.

  Though not a one of them aroused him like Janelle.

  “Want a lap dance?” Janelle’s eyes twinkled from behind the mask, her lips curved in a teasing smile.

  Nate was glad to see her getting back into the groove, though he wasn’t sure he was up for her suggestion.

  Correction. He knew he wasn’t.

  “Hell, no. You know what I want. Let’s get out of here.” He didn’t want to play any more games, didn’t want another woman near him. Not when he had the chance to be alone with this woman.

  One of the dancers stopped in front of their table, her hands resting on slim hips. “Good evening.”

  “Hello.” Janelle leaned forward eagerly, her hand immediately going to the inside of his thigh again. She clutched him tight. “Are you a dancer?”

  “I’m whatever you wish me to be.” The woman smiled, her crimson lips full and shiny.

  “Janelle.” He said her name in warning. He had no idea what she was thinking, what she was planning, but figured he wouldn’t like it. The gleam in her eyes was too mischievous.

  “Let me do this. You’ll like it, trust me.” She tilted her head toward the woman with a serene smile on her beautiful face. “We’d like to engage in your services.”

  “Would you care for the lap dance, or would he?”

  That idea made him sit up straight. No way did he want to watch some voluptuous dancer twist and turn around the woman he wanted so desperately, his entire body ached for her.

  Did he?

  No. Of course not.

  “He wants it.” Janelle turned to him, licking her upper lip. “Right?”

  “Not really,” he muttered.

  “One hundred for ten minutes,” the woman said. “That is, if he’s agreeable. I don’t dance for someone who doesn’t want me to.”

  “Holy shit.” No wonder these girls danced for a living. The money they made was just short of ridiculous.

  “Give her the money, sweetheart.” Janelle’s smile was angel sweet, though her eyes flashed with vixen heat.

  This woman was trouble. And the problem was, he liked it.

  Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew a folded one hundred dollar bill and handed it to the dancer, who tucked it into the bodice of her pale pink corset. A giant man suddenly appeared, yanking the table away from where it
sat in front of them, as if it weighed nothing with quick, efficient movements. The woman sidled closer to Nate.

  His legs spread automatically at her closeness and the woman stepped in between them, her musky perfumed fragrance tickling his nostrils. She looked good, she smelled good, and there was enough gleaming flesh exposed to tempt a saint.

  Yet he wasn’t tempted in the least.

  A low murmur of music suddenly sounded from the walls of the booth, startling both Janelle and Nate. The pure efficiency of the place was enough to impress him. He’d never seen such a classy yet erotic establishment.

  The dancer never missed a beat, merely moved closer to him at the first heavy note of the music, her breasts swaying directly in his line of vision.

  “No touching allowed. The second you touch me, I quit.”

  The dancer’s words were vaguely familiar, reminding him of Janelle’s dance at the hotel suite. Glancing at Janelle, he caught her watching them with rapt attention. “That won’t be a problem.”

  The dancer smiled, her hips slowly starting to sway. “Hmm, you’re one of those types, huh?”

  “What do you mean?” Since when did an exotic dancer become so talkative? Usually they gyrated on your knee and then left you in the lurch with a raging hard on and nothing to show for it.

  Not that he had any personal experience, beyond the attempted dance by Janelle. And what a memorable dance that had been. He still dreamed about it.

  “A one-woman kind of man. You only have eyes for your lady. She’s a lucky gal.” Her movements more pronounced, the dancer’s hands smoothed over her hips sensuously. “Your dance begins now. Enjoy.”

  * * * *

  At first, Janelle had been amused at the look of panic in the detective’s eyes. Her lap dance suggestion had clearly shocked him. She had no idea why she’d made it in the first place. To make him uncomfortable, as he always seemed to do to her?

  Well, that certainly went along with her usual M.O. Heaven forbid, she let anyone tip the scales and have something on her. She preferred to be in control. A habit left over since childhood when her mother hadn’t been around and Janelle had taken care of her desperately needy sister.