Willow’s gaze darted to Velvet who responded, “She just turned eighteen last month.”
Something was off. The vibe had shifted. Baby could read fear on the girl. She hoped she was reading her wrong and confusing edginess with nervousness.
“Well, I hate to see Tara go, but glad to have you on board.”
Willow offered a faint smile before Baby headed up the stairwell. Ready or not, it was time to earn that greasy paycheck.
Baby heard the music on loop and instantly knew it was a bad sign. Mickey always ran the DJ booth in the evenings unless something major was going on. She rounded the corner in time to spot him standing by the front door with the same three men from earlier. She made her way across the room and attempted to get a better look. The expression on his downturned, chubby face wasn’t good. He was fuming. His beady eyes were extra narrow, surrounded by searing red folds of skin.
The men didn’t appear affected. One man stepped in closer, positioning himself directly in front of Mickey. It wasn’t like him to take such an aggressive move in stride, but to her surprise, that’s just what he did.
The man waited for a few seconds before opening the front door, allowing Mickey the room to walk out first before the three men followed.
Strange.
Something heavy was going down.
Stay out of it, Baby. She pleaded with herself to ignore the obvious situation, trying to work the room. Her mind was consumed. She was haunted by the thought there were dots about to be connected, and she wasn’t going to like the outcome.
She decided to do what she does best. She flirted, flashing her best smile and batting her long lashes. She noticed Velvet and Willow receiving a lot of attention across the room and sympathized with the naïve girl. She didn’t want to be a mentor, but she desperately hoped Velvet was a good role model. The young girl had a long road ahead.
***
Baby finished her third set of the night and was ready to claw her own eyes out. It was becoming more and more difficult to come to work, but today was the worst. With everything going on, it was nearly impossible to focus on anything other than her mother and Lucky. She wanted to trust that everything would be ok, but she knew Slade well enough to know things were going to get a lot worse before getting better.
The club was packed, making the tips tolerable. However, the hours dragged on. Minutes passed like years.
It was Barbie’s turn to take the stage. She left Jewella slouched up to the bar sucking on a cigarette. It was Coral’s night off, which nearly doubled the sets for the rest of the girls. Velvet and Willow were sucking up to a group of roughnecks hanging out by the pool tables.
She observed the young girl and the way she appeared to have it all together. All smiles, running her hand over some dude’s wimpy forearm. She drew her lips together and blew a kiss to another.
This girl was in trouble. Baby recognized all of the signs. She was in over her head and didn’t have a fucking clue.
“Hey, honey. Got time for a dance?”
Baby turned to find one of her regulars standing with his wallet in hand. He was a nice enough guy. Clean, smelled decent. In this line of work, that was a huge plus.
“Sure, Larry. I always have time for you.” Baby looped her arm through his and headed toward the lap dance lounge. “The usual?”
His head bobbed eagerly.
Baby Jade closed her eyes and tuned into the music blaring through the static of the old speaker. Stone Temple Pilots. It was a quick-paced song, which was always good for a lap dance. Less intimate, if that was even possible.
Baby straddled the man and lowered herself, grinding, matching the rhythm of the song. He locked his gaze on her chest, so Baby jutted her breasts closer, slipping the robe off her shoulders.
This was where most men attempted to get all grab happy, but not Larry. Larry the school teacher. He was notorious for blowing his entire paycheck, hours after cashing it in for twenties, and then Baby wouldn’t see him again for another two weeks. Sad really. She used to feel conflicted knowing that she was taking the majority of his money, but who was she kidding. If it weren’t her, it would be some other dancer in some other seedy club.
Life. My life.
The beat from the speakers thumped in her head as Baby Jade turned and planted herself square in his lap. Tipping her head backward, she pulled the clip from her hair, allowing the black locks to cascade down her bronzed back.
She tried to ignore the way his body reacted. She told herself it could be worse than Larry the school teacher.
After the dance was over, Baby playfully smiled and tried not to notice the erection pressing against the seam of his slacks as he stood. Larry was a bit deceiving. Small in stature, meek with a receding hairline, lonely deep-set eyes, and hung like fucking John Holmes.
“Was it good for you, hon?” She teased, knowing he could hardly contain himself.
“Perfection, as always.” He leaned in and tucked a couple of bills into her waistband.
Her face was stinging from smiling like an idiot. She kissed the tip of her finger and pressed it to Larry’s cheek. Peering over the makeshift wall, she surveyed the crowd. The tiny hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. The blood drained from her typically glowing face, leaving her pallid.
Drew wandered through the club and made his way to a back, corner table. She watched as he positioned his chair against the wall and shoved the table back, leaving a large open space.
She clutched her quaking tummy, swallowing back the bile bubbling in her throat. As she attempted to wrap her head around what was happening, the front door swung open wide.
Lucky.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Lucky
The moment Lucky saw that son of a bitch pull into the alley behind Bottoms Up, he knew Drew was going to make a move. He marched into the club, allowing his eyes to adjust to the dim light before examining the room.
He spotted Drew in the corner. He blended in, just like any guy hanging out in a strip club, taking in the show. But that’s not what he saw. Drew was calculated. Plotting. Lucky eyeballed Baby across the room.
The panicked expression on her face made the rage boil in his stomach. She was scared. He jerked his head toward the hallway signaling for her to meet him behind the stage. Once they were alone, Lucky slipped an arm around her waist and swept her up before sealing his mouth over hers. She was intoxicating. Her floral scent made him dizzy, and the heat from her lips made his heart hammer against his chest.
Shit, stay focused!
Lucky regained control and relented. He peered into Baby’s face. The fear that lingered in the corners of her sullen eyes made him seethe. The thick, pulsing veins in his arms pressed against the skin as he balled up his fists.
“Has he said anything to you?”
Baby shook her head. “How’d you know?”
Lucky leaned against the wall and tried to appear calm as a man passed on the way to the restroom. He rambled something crude and smacked Baby on the ass, sending Lucky into a rage, slamming the inebriated man into the wall.
“Hey, we don’t need any extra shit right now. It’s cool. Look, I’m fine.” Baby Jade gripped the forearm that was pinning the man to the wall. Lucky’s brown eyes glazed over and bore holes into the man.
He fought the urge to pulverize his fucking face into hamburger meat. He attempted to steady his breathing through clenched teeth. The man was scared shitless, trembling. Lucky dropped his arm and took one step backward, allowing the man to escape.
Baby rested both palms on his heaving chest. “You ok?”
Lucky responded with a curt nod.
“Everything ok with your mom?” She rubbed her hands across his chest, attempting to calm him down.
“Yeah, for now. Yours? Did you see Ma’Linn?”
She lowered her head, and he knew the worry was eating away at her. The only thing he wanted out of life was to keep Baby safe, and it was killing him that he was failing.
&nb
sp; “Ma’Linn’s staying with Momma. She was hysterical, and they’re having to keep her sedated.”
“Shit, I’m sorry darlin’.” He traced her trembling lips with his fingertip. “I guess you saw the Playgirl cowboy out there. I don’t know what he’s up to, but I intend to find out. I’m gonna handle everything, I promise.” He tipped her face up to meet his and planted a gentle kiss on her soft lips. His heart raced. What a fucking mess. Carrie was going to pay for what she was doing to Baby Jade. He would make sure of it. Enveloping her in his arms, he whispered, “I promise.”
Lucky bounced up and down on his heels as he waited for Baby to pack up her bag. He wasn’t leaving this shit hole without her.
“I have to let Mickey know I’m leaving.” She turned to leave, prompting him to grab her by the waist.
“I’m coming with you.”
Baby rolled her eyes, but she didn’t bother to protest. It was pointless. He wasn’t going to leave her side. As they turned the corner, Lucky searched for Drew only to find the corner spot empty. A full bottle of beer rested on the table. He checked the room but couldn’t find the cowboy. Mickey wasn’t anywhere to be found either.
“Hey, chica. You heading out?”
Velvet’s gaze darted from her to the shoulder bag. Willow sidled up next to her, silent and doe-eyed.
“Yeah, something came up. I finished my sets and need to let Mickey know. Seen him anywhere?”
“Think he’s in a meeting with Slade. Want me to give him a message?” Velvet’s long hair fanned out across her shoulder as she tilted her head to one side.
Baby glanced over at Lucky, who gave her a swift nod.
“He’ll be pissed, but just let him know I had something to take care of.”
Velvet smiled, flashing a bright, toothy smile. “Si’. Everything ok?”
“All good. Thanks again,” Baby said. She scanned Willow, who was darting her wide, dark eyes around the room and nibbling on the inside of her cheek. “Hey, make sure you watch out for the new girl, huh?”
“Chica, I got this. You go handle your business.” Velvet waved her hands in the air, shooing her away.
Lucky tugged on Baby’s arm, indicating it was time to leave. He didn’t want to deal with Slade tonight. He needed to gather his bearings first. He felt as if he was in the middle of a war zone without any ammunition.
***
Baby swaddled her arms tightly around Lucky’s waist. She didn’t say anything about getting on the bike, but he could feel her reluctance. She stalled, pressing her lips together, eyeing the motorcycle. She shifted back and forth before finally taking the step to get on, nestling her body behind his. Resting her head against his back.
She never moved, not until he pulled up to the manor and parked the bike on the freshly manicured lawn.
He hopped off and helped Baby to her feet.
“What are we doing here?”
“This is the only way I know to keep you safe.” Lucky glanced around the property before unlocking the front door.
Baby froze. “I’m not going in there.” She took a step backward. “I’ll be fine at home.”
Lucky bound down the steps and picked up her silky hands, caressing them in his. “You can’t be serious. Mickey’s your fucking landlord. You’re not safe there. Besides, my mother’s not here, and Ma’Linn is staying with Rozalie. It’s time for you to quit taking care of everyone else and let me take care of you.”
Hot tears pooled in her haunting, green eyes.
Still holding her hand, Lucky walked up the steps with Baby reluctantly trailing behind. Once inside, he locked the door and guided Baby Jade up the stairs. The quiet house was a welcome change of pace after being at the hectic strip club.
“Want a tour?”
He was relieved when she shook her head. All he could think about was losing himself in her. Baby, his salvation.
He made his way down the hall, through his bedroom, and into the bathroom. He could tell by the wide-eyed look on Baby’s face that she found the ornate room as obnoxious as he did.
“It’s just a bathroom.” He started the shower before stripping off his shirt. He watched as she drank in her surroundings.
“Not like any bathroom that I’ve ever seen.”
Lucky dipped his head to make eye contact. “Hey, look at me.” His heart skipped as her green eyes focused on him. “It’s just you and me here. The room is just a place. No different from anywhere else, other than the shitty decorating. It’s just you and me. Ok?”
She nodded slowly as Lucky lifted her arms over her head, taking off her shirt and tossing it to the floor. He undid the clasp on her bra before stripping away her shorts. The skimpy thong made him hard. He attempted to fight the urge to throw her down and fuck until sun up. That’s not what she needed right now. She needed to feel safe, secure and adored.
As he unzipped his jeans, freeing his throbbing erection, his heart raced as Baby Jade slipped off the small piece of fabric that served as her panties. She looked around, scanning the door.
“Hey, just you and me,” he reassured her.
She followed him into the scalding shower, steam filling the room. He caressed her shoulders, allowing the water to massage her delicate skin. Her body reacted as he moved his hands down her body. Her pink nipples were hard and begging for his attention.
Using his tongue, he dipped down between her tits before devouring each rosy bud. Baby moaned with pleasure. She had no idea what she was doing to him. The sensual sound of her breathing served as his undoing.
He clamped his mouth down over hers, his tongue lashing the inside with angst. He wrapped her legs around his waist and felt her lock them tightly around his back. With one eager movement, Lucky entered her. His entire world was literally in his arms.
The remainder was a sated blur.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Baby Jade
“Did you hear that?” Baby shot upright in the bed, tugging the sheet up over her bare breasts. Frozen in place, her breath stalled in her throat.
Lucky stirred before pushing himself up on his elbows. “Naw, what’d it sound like?”
As the words left his mouth, a loud crash came from downstairs. He bolted from the bed and snatched his jeans up from the bathroom floor. Slipping them on, he glanced over at Baby and put his index finger up to his mouth, signaling for her to remain quiet.
She nodded. He opened the bedroom door and disappeared down the dark hall.
Her heart raced as she bounced from the bed and tossed on Lucky’s t-shirt. She fumbled through the clothes on the floor until she found the pair of panties that he had stripped away right before they made love in the shower. She peeked out the door. The empty hall made her regret not taking him up on that tour.
As she rounded the corner at the bottom of the stairs, Baby heard voices. She followed the muffled sounds, tiptoeing down the dark hallway and down the elaborate staircase. The entire house was pitch black, except for a light streaming out from a cracked door at the end of a long corridor. She wrapped her arms around her slight waist and inched closer.
“James, why do you insist on being enemies? Don’t you remember how amazing we were together?”
Baby Jade’s stomach pitched. She swallowed hard to fight back the bitter sting of rising vomit. Her eyes pooled with uncontrolled tears. She drew in a deep gulp of thick air, praying that she didn’t lose her shit in the middle of the infamous Gauthier Manor.
“You need to grab your fucking shit and get the hell out of here. Whatever this shit is, it ain’t gonna happen. Not now. Not ever.”
Baby pressed herself into the wall. She wanted to run, to put as much distance as possible between herself and the whole screwed up mess. How did she get herself into one fucked up situation after another? Was any of this worth the bullshit? Worth the inevitable heartache?
“Come on, you know you miss this.” The woman’s icy innuendo was calculated and provoking.
“What the fuck? Put on your damn cl
othes.”
Baby’s muscles twitched. Heat flooded her temples, leaving beads of sweat along the back of her neck. She heard shuffling and a loud sigh followed by the female’s muffled voice.
Lucky’s primal voice echoed off the walls. “Don’t you fucking touch me,” he growled.
Without thinking, Baby bolted into the room. The sight of Carrie standing in nothing but a single strand of pearls and her white laced underwear with her arms wound around Lucky’s neck was her undoing. She seized the scantily clad woman by the shoulders and shoved her to the side. She balled her fists. Her nostrils flared as she faced Carrie. Her street instincts boiled. She wanted to hurt her, not just for this, but for every ounce of pain she had ever caused Lucky. She was to blame for him being so fucked up. Now it was her turn.
Baby didn’t know what she expected from her, but she didn’t expect the bitch to snicker.
Baby’s fiery eyes widened. She struggled as the adrenaline pumped through her veins, ready to pounce.
Carrie grinned. The kind of spine-tingling grin that left a person with chills. Instead of grabbing her black dress from the floor, Carrie placed one manicured hand on her hip and the other tucked under her chin. Her dark, sinister eyes scanned Baby.
“Well, I have to say, I can see the draw. Aren’t you a lovely specimen?”
Baby Jade snapped her head back. She glanced down and realized that she was wearing nothing but Lucky’s shirt and panties. The audacity of this bitch was fucking mind blowing.
Like a ton of bricks, the reality of her surroundings came crashing down. She was standing in a million-dollar house in the middle of the Garden District. She never felt comfortable enough to grace the sidewalks of this area with her presence, much less to be standing in the private office of one of the wealthiest men in the country. In her damn panties, no less.
Her chest swelled. Her mouth was dry and a throbbing pain hammered behind her eyes, but Baby pulled her shoulders back. With her chin high, she responded. “Can’t say the feeling is mutual.”
Bourbon Street Royalty: Jaded Series, Book Two Page 12
