by Naomi Porter
The sound of my zipper jerked me back to reality.
I covered her hand, stopping her. “No, Julie.”
She huffed and stared at me. “What’s your deal these days?”
“None of your damn business.”
“You’ve met someone. Haven’t you? That’s what people are saying around here. That the only thing to stop you from fucking anything with a pair of tits and a pussy is if you were dead or you fell in love. But I find it hard to believe a man like you would fall in love. That would require trust and transparency, and you can’t do either.”
Fucking bitch. She didn’t know shit about me.
I stood in front of her. She was still on her knees and glaring.
“A man can change his mind just as quickly as women do. If I don’t want you or any other woman in Club R, that’s my prerogative. I don’t owe you or anyone else an explanation.”
“So you have fallen in love.” She crossed her hands over her chest. “It won’t last, you know. You’ll get bored. And what happens when she finds out what a manwhore you are?”
“You’re a bitch.”
“Yeah, I am. I’m also the kind of girl who knows who you are and can deal with it. Is she a nice girl? Does she know your habits? I bet she doesn’t.” Julia got to her feet and left the breakroom.
“Whoa! What’s with her?” Donovan, one of the owners of Club R, said on a chuckle. “She looked pissed as hell. You turn her down like the others?”
I grunted with a nod. I hated how everyone knew my business.
“Good for you.”
I raised my eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Donovan sat across from me on another sofa. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “Standards is what I was talking about. The women here spread their legs for anyone. And hey, if that’s what they like, good for them. It doesn’t work for me though. Don’t get me wrong, they’re great for a quick fuck. It’s what they like. In the breakroom, utility closet… back seat of your car. But I’m pushing thirty. I need something real, and I’m not going to find it here.”
I studied Donovan. He was a smart, educated man. He didn’t fuck off like his brother, Derek, or the rest of us. But I also knew he had a wounded heart. He never hid the fact and admitted he’d do anything to get his old high school sweetheart back. Sadie was her name, if I remembered correctly. One night he drank half a bottle of tequila and talked nonstop about her. I felt sorry for the dude.
“Because what you want is in Seattle, right?”
Donovan sighed and reclined back. “Yeah, man. Sadie is in Seattle, living her best life… without me.”
“Maybe you should go after her.”
He shook his head. “Naw. She doesn’t want me. You can’t force a woman to love you. So when they offer it, don’t screw it up as I did.”
“I won’t.” I jerked my chin to the door. “Break’s over.”
He threw up a hand and I left.
I wouldn’t screw up with Rita. She was the real deal. I may not deserve her, but I’d do everything possible to make her happy.
It was around midnight when a commotion on the dance floor caught my eye. I elbowed Wolf and we ran over to break up a fight between two guys. The crowd was thick that formed around us, cheering at the two who were punching each other in the face.
“Calm your ass down!” I restrained one guy with his hands behind his back while Wolf got the other. Donovan and a server came to settle the crowd while we dragged the guys out of the building.
“Don’t hurt him… please,” a woman cried and tugged on my shirt. “He was only protecting me from my ex-boyfriend.”
“I’m just taking him outside. You’ll be banned from the club. The owners don’t permit any fighting.”
“Okay. Just don’t hurt him.”
I glanced at the woman. Her mascara was running down her face and she was trembling. She didn’t look much older than twenty-one, and I couldn’t help but wonder why the guys were fighting. But I didn’t ask because it was none of my business.
Wolf and I took the guys to a side door where we kick people out for causing trouble and blacklist them. I could hear Donovan behind us. Wolf and the ex-boyfriend went through the door first. It was business as usual. We did this sort of shit several times a month.
As I passed through the door, Wolf released his man and shoved him aside. Suddenly he pulled a knife and charged toward the man I was still holding onto. It happened so fast. The woman screamed. Wolf went for the idiot with the knife as I turned to block. A burning pain shot through my bicep.
“You motherfucker!” Wolf had the ex-boyfriend in a chokehold with one arm and removed the knife with his other hand.
“Oh my God, oh my God!” the woman screamed and grabbed onto her… current boyfriend?
I gripped my arm as blood oozed out.
“Jesus Christ,” Donovan muttered. “Toby, I need a clean rag.” He was on his phone. “Derek, get the police over here. A customer Nik was tossing out sliced his arm with a knife.” He went silent as he moved me to the side and looked over the wound. “About three inches. Yeah, definitely stitches.” He ended the call.
“I don’t need stitches. Just get me a Band-Aid.”
Donovan snorted. “I call the shots here when it comes to my employees. You’re going to urgent care to get that stitched up.”
I groaned. “I’ll take myself. I don’t need an escort.”
“Nope, I’m taking you.”
We both looked to the right when flashing lights and sirens approached. It would do me no good to argue with the boss. Plus, it hurt like a bitch and there was a lot of blood. I wasn’t dealing with a scratch, so it would be wise to have a doctor look it over.
Once I gave the officer my statement, Donovan and I went to Urgent Care. Surprisingly, I got in and out quickly. Blood covering my arm helped.
Donovan insisted on driving me home. Again, I didn’t fight him because my right arm hurt and I wasn’t sure how well I’d do riding my bike. It was nearly two in the morning when we pulled into my driveway.
“I appreciate the ride and you paying the bill.”
“Hey, any good boss would do the same.”
“I’m not so sure about that.”
“Good thing you’re off tomorrow… er, I mean today.” He winked. “Rest that arm—no heavy lifting. Don’t want you busting the wound open.”
“I won’t. I’ll see you Monday night.”
“Nah, just take the day off. You’ve earned it.”
“Paid time off?”
Donovan laughed, nodding his head. “Of course. Getting injured on the job warrants paid time off. Just don’t sue me.”
“No chance. Thanks, man. See you Tuesday.”
“Take it easy.”
I slammed the car door shut and went up to my front door. I wasn’t in the house ten seconds before my phone chimed.
Rita: Who dropped you off? What happened to your arm?
Nik: My boss. Nothing. Just got a cut.
As I waited for her reply, I went to the fridge for a bottle of water. Strangely it took longer than I expected. Then the doorbell rang.
I opened the door, and Rita’s gaze fell on my arm. Her pretty hazel-green eyes widened.
“What happened?”
“Get in here.” I took her hand and jerked her inside the house and closed the door. “Just a fight between two customers and one pulled a knife.”
“Oh my God!”
I kissed her. “I’m okay.”
“How many stitches?”
I laughed. She was a smart cookie. “Fifteen.”
“Shit. Does it hurt?”
“It’s not bad.”
She made a pouty face. “Poor baby. Let me help you get into bed.”
“I’d feel better if you joined me in bed.”
A smile stretched across her beautiful face. “Granny would have a fit.”
“Just get back before she wakes up.”
She took my hand and
led me to my bedroom. “I’ll stay for a little bit. Let’s get you in bed so you can rest.”
“Nurse Rita, I’d like a sponge bath.”
“I bet you do.” She unbuckled my belt, then unsnapped my jeans and tugged them down, leaving my boxers in place. “Now sit.”
I smirked. “Yes, Nurse Rita.”
She rolled her eyes. “Does shit like this often happen at Club Rendezvous?”
“No. This is a first. But I told you it can get rough there.”
“Yeah, I don’t like that much.” She removed my boots and socks, then my jeans next.
I slipped my arm around her waist and tugged her to me. “I’m okay, baby.” I kissed her chin, then her cheek.
“Let me help you with your T-shirt. We’ll do the left arm first so I can easily slip it off your right side.”
I let her go to work. I liked having someone take care of me for a change, someone other than Nana Bea.
“Can I get you anything? Something to eat? Drink?”
“I got water right here.” I showed her the bottle. “I just want you, Rita. Take your clothes off.”
Her eyes flashed up to mine. “What?”
“Baby, I could have died tonight. I need a taste. Tomorrow may never come. Life is precious.”
“Laying it on a bit thick, don’t ya think?”
I ran my hand up the back of her thigh and under her itty bitty pajama shorts. My hand tingled feeling her smooth skin. I cupped her bare ass, and my cock sprang to life. I growled. “Fuck, Rita, no panties. Now I really need you naked.”
10
Rita
NIK GROWLED AND squeezed my ass cheek. “Fuck, Rita, no panties. Now I really need you naked.”
I gently placed my hand on the side of his face and kissed him. I could feel his dick grow firmer against my leg and his hand traveling to my butt crack, sliding down. I was so damn wet and throbbing with need. But Nik was hurt tonight, and I didn’t want to cause him any more injury.
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Then get undressed and you won’t.”
“But your arm.”
“I don’t need my arm for what I want to do to you. Now take those fucking clothes off so I can fuck you with my tongue.” He bit my lip hard and I clenched. I wasn’t an idiot. I’d wanted this since the day I laid eyes on him.
“How will you do it?”
He tugged my bottoms down and they pooled at my feet. I removed my tank top, dropping it on the floor. Nik growled again as he palmed my breast, then squeezed it. He sucked on my nipple, and I nearly came on the spot.
I let my head fall back, pushing my breast farther into his mouth. “Oh yes.” We were so doing this now. I couldn’t stop even if the house were in flames.
Nik released me with a pop. “Get on the bed. Now.” His gruff, demanding voice made me shiver with need. “I want your feet at the edge of the bed, legs bent.” He dropped to his knees on the floor. I finally understood how he would do this.
I got into position quickly.
“Open up for me, baby. Let me see your pretty pussy.” He kissed a trail up my inner thigh as I spread my legs for him, obeying his every command. “This is going to be fantastic. You’re not completely bare like some women who wax all their hair off. I like a little hair to rub my nose in.”
I stilled. What in the hell did he just say? His statement was like a bucket of ice-cold water dumped on my exposed hairy lady parts. Surely he hadn’t meant to offend me, but the last thing I wanted to hear about was him eating out some other woman with a hairless pussy.
“Jesus, Nik, shut up. You’re ruining the moment. I don’t want to hear about the other women you fucked with your tongue.” Okay, Rita. Calm the fuck down. I may have gotten a little more impassioned than I intended.
Nik raised his head and locked his eyes on mine. “Shit. I’m sorry.”
The pain in his eyes made my chest burn. “It’s fine. Proceed.”
“No. It’s not fine.” He wedged himself between my legs, covering my body with his. His hands went into my hair. I noticed the slight wince when he used his right arm. “It was a stupid thing to say. I don’t do a lot of talking normally, but my mouth seems to run wild with you. I’m sorry, Rita.” His lips crushed mine, and he totally stole my breath away while grinding his cock against me.
“Make it up to me,” I said against his mouth.
He kissed me hard, a feral glint in his eyes. He was making my heart race with anticipation. I was clenching and so damn wet, I worried if it would bother him. Some men didn’t like to go down on a woman if she was super wet. Or that had been my experience… twice.
“Gladly.” He moved back down.
Nik wasted no time getting right to it. His slick tongue swiped against the sensitive skin just above my tight puckered hole and glided up and over my slit. My pelvis rocked into his face. I nearly came undone. He licked me over and over, pressing firmly with a flat tongue.
“Oh Jesus. Oh God! Oooh God!” My body writhed on the bed. I couldn’t get enough; it felt so incredible.
“We’re not in church, Rita! Fucking say my name!” Nik changed from leisurely licking to ravenously eating.
I’d never experienced anything like it. My orgasm formed in quick succession as he eagerly nibbled on every part of me, sucking and humming like I was the best damn meal he ever had. Hearing him making so much noise added to my enjoyment.
“Yes!” I screamed when he inserted a finger, then another. He rubbed my clit and I blew. “Nik! Oh, Nik!” I buried my fingers in his thick, black hair and pressed into his face. I held him there as I bucked and clenched around his fingers.
I panted as I came back down to earth and loosened my grip on Nik’s head. I never felt so open, so relaxed.
“Fuck, Rita. That was one big-ass climax.”
I issued him a lopsided grin and blew out a breath as my body melted into the bed. “You turned me to jelly.”
He was back between my legs and kissing me. I could taste myself on him, smell me all over him. It aroused me. I looped my arms around his neck and kissed him back with the same hunger he’d devoured me with moments ago.
Nik slid his good arm under me, and I was lifted up and placed on a pillow. He broke the kiss to pull a blanket over me.
“What are you doing?”
He killed the lights. “We’re going to bed.” He rolled me onto my side and curled behind me.
“But, I wanted more.” I was glad he couldn’t see me pouting, but my voice had betrayed me and he probably heard my disappointment.
“You’ve had enough for tonight, sweetheart.” He lightly stroked my arm.
Sweetheart?
“What about you?” I swung my hand behind me and wrapped it around his solid erection.
Nik stiffened. “No, baby. We’re done. I’ll be okay.” His arm went over my stomach.
Was he for real? What man would decline to get his?
“Nik. Seriously. Let me get you off like you did me.”
His lips were on my neck and his grip around my waist tightened. “Baby, I feel amazing. Better than I’ve ever felt. Let me hold you.”
Well, shit. How could I refuse him?
“If you’re sure. I like to give as much as I like to receive.”
“I can tell that about you. All the more reason for me to be selfless tonight. Hell, you’re the first woman I’ve ever treated this way.”
I believed I was, and it stunned me.
I covered his hand with mine and settled in against him. “Okay, Nik. But very soon, I’m going to make you come so hard, you’ll see stars and never want another woman again.”
“Rita, I’m already there.”
11
Nik
I GROANED WITH my eyes still shut as I felt my arm throbbing. Last night came flashing back. Club R and the fight Wolf and I broke up. My arm getting sliced open, then stitched up. Rita and her sweet pussy. I could still smell her on my face. And falling asleep in each other’s arms
.
Wait.
I turned to the spot beside me. It was empty. I sat up much too fast and saw stars. Not the stars Rita had told me she’d give me when making me come hard. No, I was tired and felt weak. I reached for my cell phone and saw a note beside it, with a fresh water bottle and ibuprofen.
I smiled, lifting the paper. This woman knew how to take care of me, that much was for sure. My smile grew wider as I read the note.
Neighbor Nik,
Imagine me kissing you good morning. I didn’t want to wake you but needed to be home before Granny woke. I’ll be back at noon like we planned.
XO,
Rita.
Strangely, I could feel her kissing me. Tomorrow morning, I’d get to wake up with her in my arms, and I couldn’t wait.
Who was I? I almost didn’t recognize myself anymore. Part of me wanted to let my guard down with Rita. To let her into my heart completely. I wanted to trust her. Trust that she wouldn’t abandon me. But maybe I was being an idiot. Even though she wasn’t like any other woman I’d been with before, I wasn’t sure I wanted to chance letting her in.
She was sure as hell nothing like my mother, who I could hardly remember anymore. My mom never wanted me. Since the day I was born she regretted not getting an abortion. That was why Nana Bea was more like my mother than my grandma. I was six when my mother left me.
The last words she ever said to me came roaring back. I’m leaving, kid. Don’t fuck up your life as I did. Keep your dick wrapped up.
“Mommy, where are you going?” I’d asked with tears in my eyes. In my heart, I knew though. I knew I’d never see Marilyn Tevez again. Before, she would leave for days at a time but she’d always told me when she was coming back. This time had been different.
“You don’t have a mommy, Nik. Nana Bea is all you need.”
“Don’t leave. I love you. Please, Mommy. Don’t leave.” I’d wrapped myself around her long, skinny leg, holding on with a death grip.
