by L. P. Dover
“I got to get the fuck out of here,” I say to no one in particular. I think about leaving, but know if I do I can kiss the rest of my shifts good-bye. Instead, I grab my box and head out the main floor. Surveying the room, I look for the bachelorette party people. They’re less likely to cheat, but the tips usually suck as well.
Once I zero in on one, I make my way over there.
“Good evening, ladies, anyone care for a lap dance?” I turn on the charm and pull my already loose fitting jeans down over my bulge.
“She’s the bride,” one of the girls says, while the first scoots her chair forward. The bride blushes the color of an apple as I go over the rules.
“She can’t touch you?” one of her friends asks.
“Sorry, no.”
“What about us, can we touch you?” The one asking is a blonde with deep red lips and a rack of fake tits that are popping out of her size small shirt.
“No one can touch,” I repeat and focus my attention on the bride. “What’s your name?”
“Luna.”
“Luna, congratulations on your upcoming wedding.” That’s all I say to her before I start dancing, moving my hips to the beat of the music playing.
For the first time ever, I’m not into it because I’m not into the girl and I know I have to do better. I imagine it’s Kennedy sitting in the chair and it’s our first time. She doesn’t know me and I definitely don’t know her and shit starts to move better. My hands roam over my hips, crotch, and to the waistband on my jeans, pushing them down to mid-thigh. I show her my dick and her girlfriend’s hoot and holler their appreciation.
I start to stroke my dick and the bride licks her fucking lips. I make the mistake of looking at her and find her eyes hooded with lust. Jesus, she’s getting married! My hands move from my dick to my body, through my hair, and back over my chest while my hips thrust toward her. When I see her start to lean forward, I slowly step back, ending the dance.
“Again, congratulations on your wedding,” I say, accentuating the last word.
“That’s all I get?” she complains, thrusting her money toward me.
“I don’t make the rules, sweetie.”
She balks, crossing her arms and glaring at me while I walk away with the cash. I continue to work the room, taking advantage of the packed house. By the end of the night, the wad of cash is starting to make a difference and I’m feeling pretty good about it.
Once the crowd starts to thin out, we start to lose the energy. We’re tired, our legs hurt, and if you’re Donnie or G Money, your dick is about to fall off from all the fucking you’ve done tonight. I rarely saw them and can only imagine what they were doing for private shows this evening.
Weeks ago I would’ve been jealous.
Weeks ago I wasn’t fucking the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.
“Hey, man,” Donnie says, coming up to me. “I asked Christy to book you for my private shows next week so I can take a few days off.”
I swallow hard. “Um … okay,” I stammer, knowing full well I can’t say no just yet. There’s no way I can step foot in those rooms and expect to go home to Kennedy.
“You’ll like the money.”
“How many shows?” I’m curious to know the dollar amount I’m giving up.
“Anywhere from fifteen to twenty.” I mentally calculate how much money I’m going to lose because next week I’m going to have the fucking flu or bite the bullet and quit. That’s almost five grand I’m giving up.
Fuck it. She’s worth it. Hell, she’s worth more.
Donnie doesn’t need to know that, though.
“Thanks for thinking of me.”
“I know you’re looking to get in the rooms more. And if you get booked for the dark room, it’s guaranteed sex and you don’t even have to look at the woman. Best fucking high right there.”
Right, duly noted.
When the last customer leaves, the lights go out and the cleaning crew starts. I think it’s a nasty job because you know damn well they’re cleaning up jizz and picking up used condoms. People are fucking sick with that shit.
Donnie and I walk out together. He gets into a fucking brand new BMW while I walk to my car. One weekend with his tips and I’d be able to buy something new. However, I’d lose Kennedy and it’s not worth it. I’d rather be poor and living in a box behind McDanks than not have her in my life.
“Hey,” someone behind me yells.
I ignore them; it’s usually a pissed off husband or scorned boyfriend. They think it’s our fault that their chick was here trying to get some entertainment and more than likely she went home and asked why his dick wasn’t bigger or if he could move his hips like we do when we stimulate our fucking scenes.
“Hey,” they say again, but I keep walking. “I’m fucking talking to you, stripper boy.”
This time I pause and turn around, subtly moving my car keys in between my fingers. As soon as the asshole comes into light I know I’m about to kick someone’s ass. It’s the piece of shit Chad Bates and he’s fucking drunk.
“Go home,” I tell him, waiting for him to heed my word. He doesn’t, not that I truly expected him to.
“You have a lot of nerve.”
I shake my head. “Sorry, man, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“It’s funny that you work here. I recognize you from earlier. You and that bitch accusing me of cheating on my wife.”
“You’re at a strip club?”
“Because she left me,” he roars. “Are you fucking her? I know you guys like to fuck the customers.”
“You should go home, Mr. Bates. I work for your wife, not you.”
“Bullshit. You’re fucking my wife and now I’m going to fuck with you.” He steps closer, but I hold my ground. “You and that redheaded cunt are going down.”
It takes every ounce of control to not punch him in the face. Calling Kennedy from jail isn’t something I want to do at three in the morning.
“Mr. Bates, I’m warning you.”
“No, I’m warning you. I couldn’t understand how my dumb bitch of a wife figured out my secret, but now I know. It’s perfectly clear to me. You’re fucking Jennifer and you set me up. It seems the owner and I will be having a chat tomorrow.”
“You’re wrong.”
He shakes his head. “No, I don’t think I am. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer. Let the bitch know that I’m counter suing. She isn’t getting a dime of my money and you can tell her it’s because she got on her knees to suck your dick instead of mine.”
Chad Bates walks off, calling to a group of girls waiting by a car. His arms go around two of them and he kisses one of them and then the other while the third rubs up on him. It seems he’s not having any trouble moving on from his failed marriage.
In my car I pull out my phone and text Kennedy to let her know that I’m on my way home.
Home.
I don’t even think of my apartment as home anymore, but her house. We’re going to have to talk about that, but everything is so nice. I don’t want to assume anything.
What I don’t want tell her is about my encounter with Chad. That’ll have to wait until the morning, preferably after I’ve fucked her senseless.
All night long I could tell there was something on Hunter’s mind, but he never spoke about it. We made love and went to sleep, and I thought for sure he’d wake up in a better mood. I was wrong. I know he doesn’t like spending time at the club anymore, but I don’t think that’s it.
Something happened that he’s not telling me about. I can only imagine what that something could be. My stomach clenches and I can feel the jealousy stirring. I hate him being around other women; especially when he’s entertaining them. What if something happened between him and another woman? It makes me sick to think about it. What makes me even more insane is the jealousy. I’ve never felt like that before about any man.
I walk into the kitchen and Hunter pours me a cup of coffee. It’s Friday, o
ur last day at the office before the weekend break, only he doesn’t get a break—he’ll be at the club.
“You tossed and turned last night,” I say, taking the cup.
His jaw clenches and he’s yet to look at me. “I have a lot on my mind.”
“I can see that. Is there something you need to tell me?” I snap the words and he jerks his head toward me.
“Are you angry with me?” he asks, softening his voice. The muscles in his face relax and those brown eyes of his regard me with concern. Just one look at his face like that and all the insecurities go out the window.
Sighing, I set my coffee on the counter and wrap my arms around his waist. I lay my head on his chest and his heart pounds away. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. It’s just you’ve been acting funny since you got home last night. Makes me think something happened at the club.” His body tenses and I know I’m right. I let him go and step back, my chest aching. He stares at me and I can’t read his expression. “Did you cheat on me with another woman?” I choke out.
“What?” he shouts, eyes widening. He rushes toward me and grabs my shoulders, his face frantic. “Why the hell would you think that?”
“So nothing happened between you and another woman?”
He grabs my face, his brown eyes boring into mine. “Fuck no. I would never cheat on you, Kennedy. I’m falling in love with you for Christ’s sake. I would never fuck that up.”
My eyes burn and it’s as if all my insecurities float away.
“I … I’m sorry. I never should’ve assumed.” He kisses me and I melt in his arms. “But I know there’s something you’re not telling me.”
“You’re right, there is. When I got home last night all I wanted to do was make love to you. I didn’t want to ruin the night.” Letting me go, he grabs my coffee and nods toward the kitchen table. “Sit down and I’ll tell you.” I sit and gulp down my coffee. I have a strange feeling I’m not going to like what he’s about to say. “Last night when I was walking to my car, I ran into someone,” he begins.
“Who?”
He huffs. “Chad Bates.”
“Oh my God, did he recognize you?”
“Yep, and it doesn’t end there. He claims Jennifer and I are fucking. He’s going to get his lawyer to counter sue.”
I scoff. “He can try. We both know he doesn’t have a leg to stand on. We’re the ones who have the proof.”
“What pisses me off even more is the cocksucker left with three other women. He’s such a fucking douche.”
“That he is. But is that all that happened?”
Grasping my hand, he shakes his head. “I think we’re going to have problems with this one, Kennedy. I saw the expression on his face. He’s the type of man who’s not afraid to hurt people. I can handle him if he comes after me, but I don’t want him going after you or Jennifer.”
I understand him completely. Even I saw the rage inside of Chad. Instead of asking Jennifer why she wants a divorce, he responded with violence. “I’ll be fine,” I say, squeezing his hand. “I’m a big girl. Besides, I have you to keep me safe.” I smile, hoping it’ll get the worried look off his face, but it doesn’t. Hell, even I can’t deny I’m a little nervous about the situation. Chad Bates is a powerful man with many connections. But whatever happens, I’m not going to let him win.
“I’m not with you twenty-four-seven,” Hunter murmurs.
I bite my lip. “No, but you could be.”
His brows furrow. “What do you mean?”
Glancing down at our clasped hands, I smile. “You could always move in with me. I mean, it’s not like it’ll be that big of a step. You’re practically living with me now.”
He lets go of my hand and tilts my chin up with his fingers. His eyes twinkle and a small grin splays across his lips. “Is that really what you want?”
“Don’t you?” I counter. “I know it’s all happening so fast, but—” Not letting me finish, he grabs the back of my neck and pulls me to him. His kiss is hard and demanding and I willingly open for him, enjoying the taste of his lips. “Does this mean yes?” I ask, breaking away from the kiss.
Chuckling, he lifts me up and sets me on the table, his hands rough as he pulls up my skirt. “You have no idea.” Before I know it, his pants are unzipped and he’s pushing into me. “You won’t be able to get rid of me now.”
I lock my legs around him, holding him tight. “I don’t want to.”
We made it through Friday at the office with no interruptions from Chad. The court date has been set and I have two weeks until I get to hammer his ass into the ground. What really shocked me was how quiet it was at the office, almost like the calm before a storm. At least I have Hunter to keep my mind off of it.
“Looks like this is all of it,” I say, helping Hunter load the rest of his boxes into his car. Everything is pretty much out of his apartment except for his furniture. We’re going to have it put in storage for the time being.
Grinning, Hunter shuts the trunk. “It is. I’ve been staying at your place for so long it feels strange being back here.”
“You can always move back if it doesn’t work out,” I tease.
“That’s not going to happen, love. You’re mine now.”
Giggling, I get in his car and we head back over to my house. Soon, he’ll have to start getting ready for his shift at the club. I wish he would just quit and work for me. I have a feeling it’s what he wants to do, but he’s too prideful to ask. What is it with men and asking women for help?
The day is hot so when we arrive at my house, Hunter takes off his shirt and unloads all the boxes. I think I spend more time watching his muscles work than I do helping him. By the smirk on his face, he doesn’t seem to mind. He sits on the front porch and I run inside to get us both some water.
“Does it get old having so many women admire you?” I ask curiously.
He takes a sip of his water and sighs. “It does now. I used to love it, but there’s only one woman I want looking at me.”
He tries to put his arm around me, but I move away. “You’re sweaty,” I laugh, not really caring that he’s getting it all over my shirt. I just like to tease him.
Chuckling, he guzzles down the rest of his water. “It’s never seemed to bother you before.”
“Well, it does now. I don’t want you touching me.” His eyes twinkle and I jump up and run away before he can snatch me.
“Oh, you just messed up now, sweetheart.” I take off down the front porch steps into the backyard. He chases me and I laugh so hard I can barely breathe. I hide behind a bush and he rushes past, circling back around to the front of the house. Once everything goes quiet, I sneak out of my hiding spot to the side of the house. I peek around the corner and Hunter’s there.
“Gotcha,” he shouts, trying to grab me. I scream and run away, back around to the front of the house. It’s not long before his arms grab me around the waist and we’re tumbling to the ground, the grass tickling my body.
“Who’s sweaty now?” he laughs. I’m pinned to the ground and he rubs his skin all over me. I laugh so hard I end up gasping for air.
“You’re so going to pay for that.”
Taking my wrists, he pins them above my head and leans down, his teeth nipping my lip. “I’ll help you clean off in the shower. How does that sound?”
“Fantastic.” He gets up and lifts me with him, but I didn’t realize we had company until I glance over at the driveway. “Oh, shit.”
“What is it?” Hunter peers over at the man and woman getting out of what has to be a rental car. They live in California and I had no clue they were flying in. Although, it’s not going to be hard for Hunter to tell who the woman is with her bright, red hair. We look exactly alike. “Is that …”
“Yep. It’s my parents.” I haven’t seen them in months, but more importantly, I’ve never seen them look so shocked. A lot’s changed since the last time they were around.
“I can’t believe you didn’t call to
tell me you were coming into town,” I scold.
My mother shrugs. “We wanted to surprise you.”
It’s not every day you get a surprise visit from your parents; especially since mine are from California. “I’m glad you did. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you and Dad.”
She runs her fingers through my hair, her gaze roaming over my face as if she’s trying to remember it. “I’ve missed you, Kennedy. You’re so beautiful. There’s a glow to you now.”
“That’s Hunter’s doing,” I tell her.
Her gaze finds him through the kitchen window. “He’s absolutely the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. I love his smile.”
I laugh. “So do I.”
Her red hair and green eyes are the same as mine. The only difference between us is our height. I got my long legs from my father. “Why have you kept him a secret?”
I’m not about to tell her I met him at a sex club. I stand beside her and watch him as he talks to my father. Once they got started talking about football, my mother and I couldn’t get them to shut up. That’s why they went outside. My father looks the same with his salt and pepper colored hair, but he’s starting to lose some of it. He’s still one of the most handsome men I knew.
“I’ve been busy,” I reply, which is not exactly a lie. “Plus, our relationship is kind of forbidden right now.”
“Why? Because he’s younger?”
“No, because he’s an intern at my office.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh wow.”
“Exactly. His age doesn’t bother me. Once he graduates, it won’t matter if people see us together. It’s not like we’re really strict on keeping it a secret.”
She bumps me with her shoulder and smiles. “You look happy with him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.”
I shrug. “He makes me feel things I never thought existed. He even met Aaron not too long ago as well. He’s also dating someone else.”
Sighing, she pulls me in for a hug. “I’m just glad you’re happy. I’ve been worried about you for so long. It’s not easy living so far away from my only daughter.”
