Blane came from the back just in time, and I nodded at him to start the music. With a wink, he went behind the bar and played the one song I knew would be perfect for a lap dance, the same song I played the first time I showed Kace I could give a lap dance, “Nasty, Naughty Boy.”
Casually, I walked behind Mercy while trumpets blared through the speakers, setting the mood. Rex’s eyes turned dark as I wrapped my arms around Mercy and brought her closer to him. Like we practiced, Mercy allowed me to move her with the music.
Sinking in his chair, Rex spread his legs and got in position for a lap dance. The man wasn’t stupid; he knew exactly what was happening.
I moved Mercy into the triangle zone of Rex’s legs, the perfect position to start conducting a lap dance, and like we practiced, Mercy leaned forward and placed her hands on Rex’s legs. Bending over her back, I moved my hands from her shoulders down her arms until I pressed against her forearms. From there, I came back up to move her hair to the side, exposing her neck.
Rex bit down on his bottom lip as he watched me feel up the apple of his fucking creep-ass eye. Poor Mercy.
Moving my hands back down her back, I backed away and slapped her ass, making the crack of my hand against her skin echo through the room. That was her cue. She turned on her moves and started moving against Rex’s body. She turned so her back was toward him, and with a bend at the waist, spread her legs and gave both me and Rex a view of everything she had to offer.
Why men thought the women’s genitalia was as coveted as the Holy Grail was beyond me. It was a bunch of folds of skin, gah; it wasn’t the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. Mind you, Mercy had a very nice…vagina, but still, not my cup of tea.
Slowly, I worked my way to Rex’s back, while I gradually ran my hand along his body, so he knew I was still with him, still interested. Bending down, I kneeled on the floor and wrapped my arms around his waist, so I could continue to touch him, intrigue him.
Mercy snapped back up and then worked her hips down onto his crotch, while holding onto his legs. A small groan came out of Rex when she made contact with him. Hell, she was doing a good enough job I wanted to groan as well.
Sliding my hands to the front of his shirt, I started to unbutton it, exposing his skin. My hands gradually slipped in and out of his shirt, playing with his nipples and the goosebumps that spread across his body. I had to give it to the man, he did have a nice body. I wish I could say he’s like a flabby old man with sand dollar nipples, but damn, he had it going on under his shirt. It was annoying.
Peeking a look at Rex, I could see that he was totally gone, he was enraptured with Mercy, so I started testing the waters. I ran my hands lower, so they rested on his hip bones. I could feel the strain in his pants from his erection, and I held back the giggle that wanted to escape me.
It was time. I glanced over at Blane, who nodded his head at me, while thankfully distracting Leo, who had his back turned toward me. This was it, this was my moment. Wincing, I moved my hand down to his pockets and was about to pull out his phone when the front and back doors crashed in and a barrage of men holding guns came barreling into the club, making me fall back on my ass, tucked in like a turtle and screaming my ever living brain off.
“Freeze. Put your hands in the air,” men shouted all around, while moving further into the club.
Someone grabbed me from behind and made me stretch out my rigid body so they could push it against the floor and strap some cuffs around my wrists.
What the fuck was happening?
Words like prostitution, investigation, and solicitation filtered through the screams filing in and out of the main house. One by one, from the corner of my eye, I saw Mercy be pinned to the ground, as well as Blane, Rex, Bizzy and Eva, even Leo. Members were brought down as well, and one by one, we were escorted out of the club and into rows upon rows of cop cars that lined the street.
Tears fell from my eyes as I tried to figure out what was going to happen to me. Blue and red lights flashed, causing a scene outside. Jail time was in my near future, because even though I wasn’t doing anything, I was still guilty by association.
For the first time I could remember, I actually feared for my future. I’ve been through hell and back, fighting for a couple of dollars to stay afloat, but this was beyond my control. I was caught red-handed and there was nothing I could do.
I was fucked.
***
Getting my mugshot taken was a less than flattering moment for me, especially since I was in a German milkmaid outfit. My hair was plastered to my face, thanks to the tears, sweat, and smashing of my face against the floor at the club, thank you, police officers. My makeup was dripping off my face, so to say I would take world’s most hideous mugshot was an absolute guarantee. I looked like a poorly liquefied mega-beast. Not my finest hour.
The community cell I was placed in held a combination of New Orleans’ finest. Drunk Diane was sitting in the corner, trying to take her pants off, but luckily was too drunk to work the buttons of her jeans. Hobo Helga was sniffing her armpits while sitting with her legs spread wide enough to welcome a marching band. Sticky Fingers Stephanie was scratching her crotch and picking her teeth at the same time, portraying the whole multi-tasking hand thing, which was quite impressive and rather entertaining, because damn was she digging deep.
Mercy, Eva, and Bizzy were decorated in some oversized jumpsuits to cover up their nudity, and they were huddled in the corner together looking absolutely terrified. I didn’t blame them; I felt the same way.
Honestly, I’ve never been so frightened in my life. I didn’t know what to expect, what would happen to me. Was this going to be on my permanent record? Uh, yeah, duh Goldie. You had a mugshot taken.
Fuck.
A door outside of the cell opened and a few police officers came through, looking into the cell. I prayed they were here for me, but then again, I hadn’t even made a phone call yet. If anything, they would be here for Sticky Fingers Stephanie, since she already had her one phone call, plus she was just in the cell for shoplifting. I was in here for possible prostitution. Damn, I was so fucked.
The balding police officer walked over to the cell and nodded at me. “Milkmaid, your time is up.”
Opening the cell door, he escorted me out and held onto me as he weaved me through some hallways.
“Um, is everything going to be okay?” I asked, not really knowing what was going on.
“You posted bail,” the man said, as he went behind a desk and started filing some paperwork.
“Posted bail? By who?”
Who knew I was even here? There was no way it was Rex, because the man himself was locked up. I was pretty sure he was in more trouble than I was, and then it hit me. Rex was in jail, and so was Leo. They were busted, the one thing I wanted.
An overwhelming weight was lifted off my shoulders as I thought about the possibilities of what this meant. I could go back to Jett; I could finally be with the man. Rex and Leo’s names were tarnished. Even if they were able to post bail, they still had a black mark on their names.
“Miss, sign here,” the police officer said, growing annoyed.
“Sorry, I was daydreaming. I do that often. Usually it’s about something stupid like what would happen if you shook a bottle of soda up with a paint shaker and then poked it with a needle. I think it would explode in my face, which is why I haven’t tried it yet, because I’m too terrified. What do you think?”
Working his jaw, he pointed at the paper and said, “Sign.”
“Oh, yeah, sorry.” As I signed the paper, I asked, “Um, who posted bail for me?”
The officer pulled the sheet from under my hand and ripped off the bottom half. “That man over there,” he pointed, as he handed me my paperwork.
I glanced over and my heart stopped as I saw Jett putting something in his coat pocket. He glanced up in my direction, and for the briefest of moments, the world stopped, and everything around me faded as I made eye contact with the one
and only man that owned my heart.
Like I was a complete stranger, he shifted his eyes away and walked out the door, not taking a moment to wait for me.
“Am I excused?” I asked, wanting to run after him.
“Yes,” the officer said, annoyed with my questions.
Not giving the officer a chance to lock me up for something asinine I might say, I took off toward the front to catch Jett. I thought he might possibly be waiting for me outside with an idling town car, but when I exited the police department, the street was clear of any cars except for a faint gleam of red taillights pulling away.
Why didn’t he wait for me?
18
“When I Was Your Man”
Jett
“With the recent findings against Rex and Leo, and Zane Black dropping out of the race, you are automatically awarded Lot 17,” George, my lawyer, said excitedly through the phone. “I couldn’t be happier for you.”
“Thank you, George,” I stated solemnly.
I should be excited, I should be celebrating a well-earned win, but there was not one bit of excitement running through my body. Instead, rage boiled in the pit of my stomach, waiting to erupt.
The picture Rex sent me was constantly on replay in my head.
She told me to my face there was nothing going on with her and Rex…that I was the one who held her heart, but she lied. She fucking lied.
“Are you there?” George asked, a little concerned.
“I am. I’m sorry George. I’m just a little tired. Do you mind if I call you tomorrow to finalize the details?”
“That’s perfectly fine. Get some sleep. I know how stressful this whole campaign for Lot 17 has been, but rest easy, you’re the owner now. You can finally make the park you wanted. You’re a good man, Jett.”
Swallowing hard, I nodded, even though he couldn’t see my acknowledgement, and then hung up the phone.
Lot 17 has been an entity that has inspired me, disappointed me, hurt me, dragged me through the mud, and given me hope. I’ve been waiting for this day, the day where I found out I was able to secure the property for the kids, but when it came down to it, without Goldie by my side, I just felt empty.
A part of me wanted to leave her to fend for herself after Masquerade was busted, but I couldn’t do that. I saw the frightened look on her face when she was escorted out of the club and into the cop cars. I couldn’t be the one responsible for keeping that look on her face, that was why I posted her bail, but that was it. I couldn’t let her talk to me after that.
I was burned from the inside out; there was no soul left in me. I was a heartless man, the definition of bitter and foolish. To think a woman would be able to look past my faults, my demanding exterior, and see me for the man I want to be was an irrational thought.
The bitter taste of my bourbon did nothing to soothe the ache that took up place in my chest, nor did it help me forget. How could I forget? How could I forget the sassy mouthed, honey-haired girl who captured my heart?
It was impossible.
A small knock came at my door, and without turning around, I beckoned whoever was on the other side to come in. My thoughts were lost in the darkness of the streets as little footsteps padded across my floor and the click of my door shutting echoed through the room.
I didn’t have to turn around to see who it was. I should have known she would have come to me after she left the police department.
“Jett…” she practically whispered.
Involuntarily, my eyes shut from the sweetness of her voice. I missed her so God damn much, I didn’t have the strength to face her. It would be too painful.
“Jett, please turn around.”
With shaky legs and an unsteady heart, I turned my chair and came face to face with my Little One.
Her face was covered in smeared make up, her costume—which was hideous—was crumpled and dirty, and there was a small red patch on her face, probably where she was pressed against the ground. Even though her hair was in disarray and her bravado was lacking, she was still the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, trying to steady my voice.
“I-I thought you would want to see me,” she said with a shaky voice, her hands twisting in front of her.
“And why would you think that?”
I could tell with every angry word coming out of my mouth that I was hurting her, but I had to protect my fragile heart.
“Because I told you I would be back.”
“You’re back because you got caught, not by choice.”
“That’s not true, Jett. I was going to be back here tomorrow, actually. Right before the police showed up, I was going to steal Rex’s phone and gather evidence. I had it all planned out.”
“Did you?”
“I did,” she said, puffing her chest out.
“And what were you going to do with the ‘evidence’,” I said while using air quotes.
“I was going to give it to you, so you could show someone, and finally win Lot 17. I was trying to help, Jett.”
“I didn’t need your help, Goldie. I had everything under control.”
I could see the moment her attitude switched from scared to pissed. It was almost comical.
“You had everything under control? So, hiding me away, keeping me in the dark and fraternizing with a kiwi is having it under control? Well, shit, I would hate to see what it’s like when you’re completely out of your mind. It would be rather entertaining.” She crossed her arms and looked down at me.
“I knew what I was doing,” I said strictly.
Blowing out a frustrated breath, she asked, “Does it really matter? It’s all over now, can’t we just move on? I told you I would be back, and here I am.”
“Do you really think it’s that easy?” I asked, while standing. “Do you really think you can walk back in here as if nothing happened? You stole the one and only thing I asked for you to give me. You stole my control. You took that away from me. You didn’t trust the fact that I could take care of you.”
“I did too!” Goldie shouted. “I just was sick of hiding under a rock, living my life in a shadow. I wanted to live my life with you, Jett. I wanted to help protect you; I wanted to help.”
“I didn’t need your help,” I gritted out.
Throwing her hands up in the air, she said, “God, you’re infuriating. You can’t control the world, Jett. Sometimes you have to put your trust in others.”
“When I put trust in others, they end up hurting me. You can’t trust anyone in today’s society, not even the people you think would never hurt you.”
Goldie sucked in her breath at my statement. “Are you saying you don’t trust me?”
Losing my temper, I punched my desk and shouted, “You left me! You grabbed my heart from my chest and left me. You left me to go to the one person who could make or break me.”
“To save you!” Goldie shouted back. “I did it for us.”
“You wanted to save me, Goldie? You wanted to protect me? Then you should have fucking stayed; you should have protected my heart, which I’d handed to you. You took advantage of it, though, and gave me back my collar.”
Tears welled up in Goldie’s eyes as she ran her hands through her hair in frustration. “I did that to help you, to help us, Jett. I want to live my life with you. How come you can’t understand that?”
“Then you should have stayed,” I stated, while turning my back on her and gripping onto the edges of the window.
“What happened to having faith?” she whispered, throwing my words back at me. “What happened to having faith in the power we have, Jett? Did you just forget that?”
Gritting my teeth, I swung around, pulled out my phone from my pocket and opened up the picture Rex had sent me. I tossed the phone on my desk for her viewing, and said, “My faith went out the window the minute I realized you lied to my face. Not interested in him, Goldie? Then fucking explain that picture.”
&nbs
p; I watched as she pulled the phone toward her eyes with shaky hands for better viewing. Her eyes widened as she studied the picture. She shook her head and then put the phone on my desk.
“Do you really think that’s me?”
“Are you going to deny it is? Don’t bullshit me, Goldie.”
Nodding her head and pressing her lips together, she started to back away from me, making her way toward the door.
“Are you going to deny it?” I repeated, needing to hear her answer.
“I don’t need to answer that question. You, out of everyone, should know better, Jett.”
“So, you’re going to deny the fact that is you in the picture…that Rex is fucking you from behind?”
Anger billowed up in her face as her hands clenched at her sides. She charged toward my desk and opened my pone back up, shoving the picture in my face.
“Look at it,” she yelled. “Look at the picture. Tell me what you see.”
“Don’t belittle me,” I said, looking away.
“Belittle you? Seriously? You’re the one who thinks that I have zero loyalty where you’re concerned when all I’ve been is loyal to you ever since I walked into this house. You’ve been the only man I’ve thought of, that I’ve wanted to be with, even before I officially met you. You owned me the minute you ordered your drink at Kitten’s Castle, so how dare you fucking say I have no loyalty to you? You’re the only person I’ve ever wanted to be a part of my life.”
She took a breath and flashed me the picture again. “This, Jett, is Mercy, one of the girls at Masquerade.”
The stubborn me came out and said, “And how can I believe you?”
“Well, I would like to say you trust me, that you kept your faith in me while I was gone, but, apparently, that’s not enough. Look closely, Jett, is there a heart-shaped birth mark above this girl’s tailbone?”
Flashes of Goldie’s unique birthmark ran through my head as I studied the picture. All the color from my face drained as realization dawned on me.