by Debra Kayn
"I'm willing to partner with you. We'll split the profits that come in through Silver Girls, and I'll take over the expense of the building. Whatever you make organizing the entertainment and managing the girls, you can keep, and you have the apartment upstairs. You'll be making more money without the show." Kurt gave her no chance to refute the claim and continued. "This makes the current contract between us obsolete, since we'll be partners. I'll have another contract drawn up today."
Her hands fell onto her lap. Failure never came easy for her. She strived to make a name for herself, prove that she wasn't like her mother and her childhood left no lasting scars. She'd built a place in the community for herself and was in the process of earning the respect of everyone in Federal.
She could either keep hoping Kurt would change his mind and let her run Silver Girls the way she wanted or she could explain her situation to Kurt, and hope that he found it in him to let her continue the show while keeping to his new plan.
Kurt, who held up on his promise to talk business with her in a mature and responsible way, sat quietly waiting for her to respond. She gazed down at the table. He'd also proven himself last night in more ways than she realized.
He wasn't like the other men in her life.
He was better.
"Can I ask you a question?" she said.
He nodded. "That's what we're doing here this morning, angel. We're putting everything on the table."
Right. She ironed out the wrinkles on the paper napkin with her hands and said, "Do you have a family? Not the members in your club, but parents? Siblings?"
He frowned. "Yeah."
"Tell me about them." She propped her elbow on the table.
Kurt's eye twitched and he looked away before bringing his gaze back to her. "My father's the vice president of the Bantorus MC in Pitnam. He's one of the original founders, so it's impossible to separate club from family when they're the same. I have a younger brother, Lee. He's thirty-one years old. For now, he's riding nomad, and doesn't claim Bantorus MC...but he will, I hope. Taylor's my step mom, and she means everything to my family. Once you meet her—and you will this weekend when the MC rolls into town—you'll find out why there's no one that can compare to her. She keeps my family together. Now if you're done interrogating me, we can—"
"What about your real mom?" she said. "You left her out."
Kurt's body tensed and he shifted on the chair. "She chose not to be a part of my life when she neglected her job of being a mother. I don't consider her my family."
"Oh." She blew out her cheeks and let the air out slowly. "Is she still alive?"
Kurt's mouth remained closed, his eyes staring at her intently, and the palm of his hand flat on the table. She wanted to take back her question, but curiosity got the better of her. Usually, she was good at figuring out what drove a person to be a stripper, a banker, a miner...but Kurt remained a mystery.
"Yeah. She's alive," Kurt mumbled.
The pain in his hoarse answer spoke volumes. She nodded, understanding more than he was saying. He'd known a childhood of mistrust and disappointment, the same as she had. The fact that his mother was still alive meant he might be able to understand why Risa chose the specific route she had to cleanse her past.
"My mother's in prison," she blurted. "When I was six years old, she was taken away from me in handcuffs. I was raised by Nate, a man who told the state of Idaho he was my father. The truth is I have no idea who my father is, because my mom was a prostitute. Everyone in Federal knows my background, knows what my mother was, and knows how I came into this world. My mother is the famous Lou Lou Kohl—the best lay in town, and she started the monthly shows where the men pay her in silver. I continue the tradition, to a lesser degree, to prove I'm nothing like her. Ask anyone, and they'll tell you I never sleep with the customers who come here to enjoy my show."
Kurt said, "You said she was still in prison..."
"Yes." The tenseness in her neck increased. "Her addiction to men was her downfall. One night a fight broke out between two of her customers, over my mother. For reasons I don't know, she shot both men dead. She's now spending life in prison."
"You believe your mom was in the right?" he asked.
"No. I believe she was stupid. That's why my employees are not prostitutes. They work a legal business where the public is welcome," she stated. "I have rules, and the girls follow them. There's no room for errors, and they know it."
"Angel, there shouldn't be pressure to continue what your mother started. Even legally, if you believe that's the only option you have to earn a living, you're wrong," he said.
She raised her hand. "Stop right there. You're assuming I don't believe in myself, that I'm settled on being a stripper because I don’t deserve something more respectable out there for me. You're wrong. I'm proud of what I do."
"You enjoy taking your clothes off for men to later fantasize about when they're at home in their bathroom or between their girlfriend's legs?" he said softly. "Not trying to hurt you, but you deserve more than that."
She reached over and squeezed his hand. "I know I do."
"Then kill the show, angel," he said.
She shook her head. "I lost everything by the choices of others. Stripping one night a month is for me. I don't expect you to understand, but I do expect you to respect my choices."
He stood and hooked his hands in his jean pockets. "You've got less than thirty days until another show is scheduled, so we'll talk about this later."
"It's a done deal," she said. "I won't change my mind."
"Right." He looked at her but didn't continue the disagreement, and said, "Come here."
"I'm right here." She held out her arms, showing him she wasn't going anywhere.
"Get over here." He dipped his chin. "Give me a kiss."
"Just because you're bossy, doesn't mean I'll kiss you." She clamped her lips together to keep from smiling when he growled.
"Yeah, but you haven't' kissed me today," he said, standing up from the table.
She stood and paused. "Are you any good at kissing?"
She had no idea why she wanted to tease him. Maybe it was the good mood he brought out in her because he accepted her, despite knowing what her mother did, or it was the relief at sharing her past and no longer having to hide her shame, or maybe it was the deal they'd made or simply because Kurt rolled into town and demanded her attention. She could use a business partner, and as long as Bantorus supported Silver Girls best interest, she'd enjoy the added comfort she'd receive by making more money. Of course, she planned to go over the new contract line by line before she signed anything.
"Better than anyone you've kissed before," he said.
She moved another foot closer. Her breasts peaked, and she was sure he could tell, because his gaze lowered and his lips came apart.
She slipped her hands into her back pockets, knowing the way her breasts pressed against the already too small tank would not go unnoticed. "You make this feel like a competition."
"No," he said. "Just making sure you know you're getting the best."
"But I don't have you." She stepped in front of him, only inches apart, and tipped her head to look him in the eyes. "You wouldn't even take what I offered you last night."
"That piss you off?" he asked, catching a strand of her hair and looping it behind her ear.
Her stomach flip-flopped. He was close enough to take whatever he wanted, and he hadn't touched her.
"At first, yes. Now...no. I liked the reasoning behind it, but I'll admit my self-confidence took a hit," she whispered.
He whispered back, "Then show me how much you like me."
She raised up on her tiptoes, looped her arms around his neck. Done with being patient and wanting him, she kissed him softly and backed off with a smile. His body tensed, and she arched her neck and kissed him again, this time she tasted his lips, stroking the softness with her tongue before pulling away.
His hands landed on her waist, lifting her
higher. She tilted her head to the other side, and captured his lips again, sucking softly, swiping his tongue, and going back for more. Pleasure circled her body, landing between her legs and spiraling out to every inch of her when he didn't make her stop. Her hips tilted forward, under no control of her own. She wanted more. Needed more. Wanted him to take more.
He lifted her off the ground. She wrapped her legs around his waist and sank her fingers into his long hair. Above him, he had to tilt his head, and she took advantage of the position, and deepened the kiss.
Kurt's hands cupped her ass, pressing her against his hardness. She gently pulled away, kissing a line to his ear, and whispered, "You're right...you're good. Very good."
He tilted back his head. His chest quaked against her. She peered down into his dark eyes, warmed with lust. What they were doing was crazy, and she made a life changing decision based on what she hoped was smarts and not infatuation.
He kissed her hard and then set her on her feet, holding her arms until she gained her balance. "Best kiss I've ever had."
She crossed her arms and cupped her elbows, feeling excited and shaky. "Seriously?"
"I don't lie, angel." He nodded. "I'll have the new papers drawn up and swing by tomorrow night for you to sign them."
"I'll need to have someone look them over." She blew out her breath. "I'll have to talk to the girls too, and it'll probably be better if your men weren't around."
"Why?" he asked.
She shrugged. "It appears they're easily influenced when it comes to Bantorus MC."
"How about you?" His mouth curved and he widened his stance. "Are you easily influenced by me?"
She looked away smiling, and then laughed. "Yeah. It seems I am."
He kissed her quickly, walked across the apartment and out the door without saying anything else. She stood alone by the table, filled with more positive energy than she'd ever had. She wanted to rush downstairs and talk with the girls. Not about business, but to share how she was feeling. However, she'd never allowed herself to depend on them. She sank down in the nearest chair. A few days dealing with Kurt and he had her wishing things could be the way she dreamed. That scared her.
Chapter Ten
Kurt rolled over, groaning at the soreness on his hip from the unforgiving hardwood floor, and grabbed his cell. Half-awake, he typed. Hey Dad. Everythings OK. C U in 2 days.
He pushed off the floor, walked out into the hall in his boxers, and stretched his body as he made his way down the stairs into the weight room, ready to get back to what he loved. He'd had too many days off without working things out through punches.
With practiced ease, he wrapped his hands in tape. In two more days, the first riders from Bantorus MC would roll into town. He couldn't wait to see everyone.
He slipped his phone into the docking system, cranked the music to Staind, and moved over to the speedbag. Out of habit, he started hitting the bag slowly, working his way up to a moderate rhythm to work on endurance. While he hit, he went over everything he had to do.
First on his list, he wanted to see Risa again after he was done with club business. Adrenaline fueled him forward, left fist, right fist. Last night, he'd almost pulled in front of the Sterling Building and gone in to see her before changing his mind. The more he was around her, the more he was determined to go slow. Instead of stopping to get his Risa fix, he'd phoned Remmy and gave the order for everyone to make sure no one touched her.
He dropped his right hand and only used his left to punch the bag. Repeatedly, he kept the bag moving back and forth like a pendulum on speed.
Not only was he looking forward to showing his dad and Rain the clubhouse and the warehouse when they arrived, he also wanted to get their opinion of Risa. He'd offered Risa a partnership for the better of the club and without asking permission from the main chapter. If things worked out with the girls staying, the business could turn a nice little profit to help get the ball rolling with the shop and the guns.
Though he sought no one's permission, he hoped Rain approved of his decision. At one time, Rain had made the choice to purchase Cactus Cove and that'd been the best investment for the club. In his mind, a strip club wasn't any different from Bantorus MC running Cactus Cove in Pitnam.
Fifteen minutes later, he stepped over to the body bag. Bouncing on his feet, he went through his warm up routine. Right, left, lower quadrant, upper chest, knee. Three sets of fifty reps and he changed sides. He missed getting in the ring. Nothing filled him more than exchanging hits with an opponent.
A fight would wear off some of the frustrations he struggled with coming to Federal.
He threw one last punch and dropped his hands to his sides, heaving for breath. Hell, if he'd go ahead and fuck Risa, most of his frustrations would disappear.
"Hey, prez," Cutter said behind Kurt.
He straightened as he bit through the edge of the tape on his hand. "What's up?"
"We have visitors. The guys just rode in with them." Cutter walked over to the wastebasket and spit the empty sunflower shells in his mouth away. "Want me to take them to the empty warehouse or have 'em come here?"
Kurt ripped off the last of the tape. "Take them to the warehouse. I'm going to grab a shower and then I'll be out. Let them look around and get a feel for the place without taking them inside any of the buildings."
"Got it," Cutter said, turning around.
"Hey." Stopping him, Kurt lifted his chin. "What the hell is with the sunflowers all the fucking time?"
With a quick glance behind him, Cutter stepped closer. "Can this stay between you and me?"
"Yeah," Kurt said.
Cutter ducked his chin, lowering his voice. "Got word my grandpa died."
"Jesus...sorry, man." Kurt placed his hand on Cutter's shoulder and squeezed. "Do you need time to get on the road?"
Cutter frowned. "Prez, he died when I was twelve."
He studied Cutter. He'd never known him to be big on talking, but he couldn't link sunflowers with the passing of his grandpa. "And the seeds?"
"Promised my pops I'd eat a bag of sunflower seeds and think of the good things in life when I found myself stressing." Cutter scuffed the toe of his boot against the floor. "I'll be fine. I'm not big on change, but once Federal starts feeling like home, I'll be fine."
Kurt looked away to keep from laughing. "You do your pops proud, man."
"Yeah, I hope so." Cutter nodded. "Besides...it gets my mind off of slicing one of these dumb fucks, ear to ear, that I have to put up with all day long. Sawyer's real close to having his pathetic excuse of a flavor saver cut off."
Kurt glanced down at the buck knife strapped to Cutter's belt. Brother by choice, not by blood. This time Kurt laughed. That was the Cutter he'd known for the last five or six years. Anyone mess with him, and he cut the fight off in a blink with his knife.
"I'll go out and talk to the guys," Cutter said.
Kurt walked back to his room, hopped in the shower, and no sooner got out to dress. Tucking his pistol into the back of his jeans, he scooped his vest off his duffle bag, and headed outside.
The warehouse sat a hundred feet south from the clubhouse. A vacant concrete building, it'd soon turn into where they assembled and stored the guns. He accounted being at the right place at the right time for the downfall of good luck at winning the bid when the abandoned mining property came up for sale.
The Federal charter would be able to carry on business outside of town, while still protecting their investment behind the Cyclone fence. Thanks to Rain's guidance and his father's belief in him, he was proud of what he'd accomplished. Even more so as he walked outside to set up the deal that'd have them securing their territory in Federal.
Three men stood within the circle of Bantorus members in front of the building. Kurt lifted his chin in greeting when they all turned at his approach.
"Mike," he said, shaking the militia leader's hand. "Glad you could make it.
"Pleasure's ours." Mike slapped the shorter m
an to his right on the shoulder. "This is Todd, and the guy drooling over your place here is Dave."
Kurt shook Todd and Dave's hand, sizing them up. "We have a secure setup here. I think it'll work well for our plans.
Todd, carried his weight around his middle, and had a crew cut. Dave, taller and more slender, wore the customary camouflaged trousers and field hat of the militia. The pistols on their hip were expected and his men knew to keep an eye on them.
"Come on in, and I'll show you what we're working with." Kurt stepped inside the warehouse, flipped the light switch, and lit up the bare area. The cool, damp air settled over him. There wasn't even a wrench or tool bench in the place.
"Are you sure you're up for business?" Mike walked to the center of the room.
The voices echoed off the concrete. Kurt gazed around, seeing the place through their eyes. "We have a shipment of our supplies arriving in two days. By the weekend, we'll have everything set up and our first delivery under our belt. No worries."
Mike nodded. "You're doing us a favor, and we respect your stance here in Idaho. It's hard to order weapons from out of state and until you brought another option into the valley, ordering a large enough shipment for our group and the others in neighboring counties without compromising ourselves following the federal regulations was impossible. There's just not enough security to handle the level of arms trade we're planning on...and we have families to think about."
Kurt remained silent, letting him talk. The militia, the only group in the United States, who worked with law enforcement on a daily basis, yet supported their country, servicemen and women, while prepared to make a statement regarding their freedom of rights and the rights of the second amendment were people Bantorus MC could respect.
Stepping in and doing business with the militia would keep Bantorus out in the open, but there were also hidden dangers. Storing the supplies on Bantorus land would invite those who sought to intercept the exchange of guns. Desperate times, a fallen economy, made men desperate. He felt confident that they could handle anything that cropped up.
