Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
FREAK
My hand hadn’t been very satisfying, nowhere as good as having Toni in my bed. But I’d slept well after all the driving I’d done this weekend. Now it’s time to remember my first loyalty, after Ace, is to my club, and after my time away, Royals needs my attention.
I have a meeting lined up with Stalker to go through the accounts, particularly about a discrepancy he’s found between what comes in and what goes out.
That’s on our private books, of course, the ones that keep a record of our money laundering.
Due to Stalker’s magic, the only books the IRS will ever see are squeaky clean, balanced perfectly, and are completely fictional.
It’s the difference in our not-so-legit income that Stalker’s concern is enough to involve me.
Someone’s dipping their hands in the cash register, and that is just not acceptable.
So that leads me to bring in Rattler and Paint, the other two members who are regularly assigned to work at the strip club.
The four of us put our heads together to work out who it could be.
The bartenders are at the top of our list as they’d have the best opportunity and access.
We come up with a plan to all be a little more hands-on so we can watch them, and agree to set up cameras in secret.
When we unearth the culprit, he’s going to find out what our motto really means. Nobody fucks with the Kings.
Then comes one part of the job that I don’t resent doing – taking the girls who’d like to work for us through their audition.
Of course, that involves watching them perform their routines on the stage, and what’s not to like about a striptease?
While I like to think I’ve an eye for what will attract more customers, and assess the girls’ assets as well as their moves, part of my judgment is how hard they can make my cock.
The couple that come in on Tuesday afternoon both look promising, though one seems to need a little more practice.
She’s got fluidity of movement, but the way she stripped down to her bra and panties was awkward at best.
But as she’s got the assets to work with, routines can be improved. Once they're both dressed, I give them the normal spiel.
“This is how it works. We pay you a decent retainer, and you keep all the tips. We provide security for the private rooms for lap dances, which is the most we expect you to do.” I pause, catch the two pairs of eyes with mine, and add, “Some of the girls like to provide a more complete service, if you get my drift. If you want to do that, then that’s up to you.
No pressure, it’s not expected. If you do decide it’s something you’d like to offer, there will always be someone around for you to call on if things get out of hand.
There are panic buttons in all the rooms.”
Silky, or was her name Satin? Hell, if I can remember how she introduced herself, asks, “And what percentage of those extra earnings will the club expect?”
“Twenty-five percent.” It’s less than any pimp on the street who’d take most of what they earn and leave them with nothing.
The other girl, Amethyst, the one whose performance had not been so smooth, looks nervous, her hands twirling around each other. “And if we don’t want to be fucked?”
“Then you dance and strip. You can keep it to the stage.” I shrug. “We’re not running a brothel. We just know that some of you girls want to earn a little extra, and this is us giving you a safe place to do so.”
Her friend nudges her. “Ames, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”
Ames scowls. “I don’t even want to take my clothes off on stage.”
So why the fuck is she auditioning at a strip club?
I don’t appreciate my time being wasted.
“Then don’t.” It’s no skin off my nose. An inexperienced stripper can learn.
One who’s reluctant wouldn’t make a good show or help our reputation.
I make a decision on the spot. “You…” I point to the one whose name begins with S.
“Can have the job. You…” My finger moves toward Amethyst. “Don’t sound like you want to work here anyway, and with that attitude, I’d be wasting both our time to take you on.
” Hardly pausing, I turn my attention to the first girl.
“We’ll need your details, your legal name, and address to get you set up on our records. ”
“I want to be paid in cash.”
“Still need your name,” I drawl lazily. “No one works here without a full background check. And if there are any skeletons in your closet we need to know about, we’ll need you to be clean up front.
” Yeah, we might have learned our lesson when a jealous ex tried to smash up the club in his attempt to get his girlfriend back.
The girls exchange looks that can only be described as shifty, which makes my hackles rise. The number one rule is not to invite trouble. I reverse my earlier decision and stand. “Right, both of you can get out of here. Can’t take the risk of anything coming back on the club.”
Amethyst’s mouth drops open, but it’s Silky, or Satin, who gets to her feet and positions herself in front of me. She’s tall for a girl and is only a couple of inches shorter than me. For a moment, I muse that it’s a shame to let her go. Some customers have a kink for a taller girl.
“Please, hear me out?”
I don’t want to listen to a sob story. I’ve heard them all before. But I’ve nothing pressing to get to, so, unusually, this once, I decide to hear her out. And then I’ll reinforce my decision not to employ either of them. I jerk my head up and down.
She gives a glance toward the other girl, then clasps her hands together, in entreaty or prayer.
Neither of which means the fuck to me. “Ames is my sister. I’m running from my ex, whom I left in Phoenix.
He beat the fuck out of me when I left the first time, and beat the fuck out of Ames too, just to teach me a lesson.
We waited until the bruises disappeared to try to escape again.
This time, we made it, but our money’s almost gone.
I, we, need this job. Please, I beg you. Give us both a chance.”
It’s a similar theme I’ve heard time and time again.
It’s not that I’m unsympathetic. The Kings don’t lay hands on women, and have a low tolerance for those who do.
But as she’s standing right in front of me, I can’t miss her assets.
And the way she moved was spectacular, and that height of hers…
While I’m not known for being a victim to a sorry tale, I surprise myself when the next words out of my mouth are, “A week’s trial for you as a dancer.
Ames, how do you feel about being a server?
Still means wearing a pretty revealing uniform, but at least you won’t have to get naked.
Just one condition. I want the name and address of this ex of yours, and every detail you can tell me about him. ”
“Are… are you going to kill him?” Amethyst’s eyes have gone wide.
“You got the money to pay me to?” When both girls shake their heads, I do the same.
“You think the Kings are in the business of ending every lowlife around?” I wouldn’t seek him out, but with the info she’ll give me, I’ll make sure everyone’s on the lookout in case he follows her here.
Then, if he brings trouble to our door, he’ll find himself warming Words’ cremator.
Not that the girls would ever know that.
“Get out of here. Go ask for Stalker. He’ll get you all set up.”
Silky, or Satin, grimaces. “We had to flee, leaving everything behind. We’ve no ID, not even our driver’s licences. Will you give us some time to get replacements?”
Fuck, what is wrong with me? I find myself saying, “You’re only here on trial.
If you pass that, I’ll expect your documents no more than two weeks later.
” I’m the manager. I do have leeway. While it’s the dancer I really want, I have some sympathy for her wanting to protect her sister.
Toni’s taught me how important family can be, and I admire them for sticking together.
“Thank you, er…”
I point to the patch on my cut. “Freak.”
I eye them both as they walk out. Amethyst, I wouldn’t touch, she’d certainly not be willing, but I wouldn’t have minded putting Silky/Satin through her paces.
But, of course, now, while I’m still hoping that Toni might have a place in my future, strippers, like club girls, are out of bounds.
If I could pat myself on the back, I would do so.
Who would have thought I’d have this being faithful thing down pat?
Wednesday evening, while I’m drinking with Saint and Bullseye, I get a call from Toni. Excusing myself and asking her to hang on a minute, I take my phone to my room and settle myself on the bed.
“How you doing?” I ask when I’m comfortable.
“I’m sorry, did I interrupt something?”
I chuckle. “Only me shooting the shit with my brothers. You want anything in particular, or just want to chat?” I’m hoping it’s the latter, that she’s as crazy to hear my voice as I am hers.
“It’s about the suggestion that Ace should come here when he starts his summer break.”
Ah, yes. We’d agreed to thrash out the details. “You have further thoughts?” I’m hoping she’ll say she’ll be taking more leave and coming down to us. It would make things far easier.
“Well, yes and no. Freak, I’m sorry, I won’t be here the weekend after next. I’ve got to go away for a training course, and it’s going to last three weeks. I was only told today. But I’d really like to see Ace before I go, so could he come and stay this weekend?”
Is she saying she’d like to see me, too? I test the waters. “You so eager to see me again?”
“Of course,” she murmurs in a sultry tone.
To be sure, I ask, “You want both of us to visit?”
“I do,” she says breathily. “And Freak, I’ve been thinking. You were right. Ace is almost sixteen. He won’t give a damn if we sleep together.”
Fuck yeah! My fist pumps the air. “There’s no way I can fuckin’ resist what you’re offering, babe, and Ace will be over the moon to see you so soon.
It’s a fuckin’ shame about your training course, but we’ll sort out something else for when you’re back.
There’s no problem. I’ll bring Ace after he gets out of school on Friday.
” And, of course, have to get Bullseye’s permission to miss church, or have him move it up again.
Neither option will go down well with Prez, but consequences be damned.
This is too good an opportunity to miss.
I realise she’s still talking. “And I’ll cook something for the three of us. I can’t wait to see you, Freak.”
“Me neither, darlin’.”
“Freak?” Her voice sounds hesitant.
“Yeah, Toni?”
“I’m sorry if I came across a bit uptight last weekend. I’ve been beating myself up about being Ace’s aunt. As his only connection to his mother, I felt all types of pressure not to fuck up and to do what was right. I’m sorry if I made you feel I was cutting you out.”
“I appreciate you wanting to be there for Ace.” My words are sincere. “But we come as a package, and although it’s early days, I reckon we could all find our place with each other.”
“I'm still worried about Ace if we don’t work out.” I can’t help but admire her for putting my son first.
“Wouldn’t even be pushing for it if I wasn’t already certain, sweetheart. And give Ace some credit. He’s old enough to understand, especially if we find we don’t fit together, we present it as an algorithm that doesn’t work.”
She outright laughs. “That would do it.”
I ease back on the pillow, feeling more relaxed than I have since I drove to Flagstaff last week. “So, Friday, huh? Am I going to get to see this vibrator of yours?”
Another chuckle. “Only if you can’t get the job done yourself.”
“When did I ever disappoint?” I challenge.
“Well, I was just thinking of an old man like you after such a long drive.”
I snort. “Looks like I’ve got to prove myself. You better be ready for me, woman.”
“Oh, I’ll be ready, Freak.”
“What about now? Are you wet just talking to me? Because I tell you, Toni, my cock’s rock hard just hearing your voice. Will you put your hand in your pussy, and tell me?”
For a moment, I can hear nothing on the end of the phone. Swearing at myself for pushing too hard, too soon, and just about to extricate myself from the awkward position I’ve put myself in, I suddenly hear a sharp intake of breath. “I’m wet, Freak. I’m so ready for you.”
“Go to your bedroom and get out your vibrator,” I command.
“Freak…”
“Do it. You won’t regret it.”
There’s the sound of feet thumping on stairs, then something I interpret as the opening of a drawer.
“Take off your pants, skirt, whatever, and panties.” I give her sufficient time, then ask, “Are you naked?”
“I am.”
In the meantime, I’ve opened my pants and taken out my dick.
Palming it, I tell her exactly what I’m doing.
“I’ve got my hand around my cock now. Fuck, it’s so hard for you, darlin’.
” I use the weeping precum to lubricate.
“Turn on your vibrator.” I wait for the buzzing to start.
“Now, gently move it over your labia. Don’t go straight to the good part. Let it build up your anticipation.”
“Oh, Freak. Are you rubbing yourself?”
“Yes.” I manage to get the word out, but the sound of the toy she’s using and the breathy sounds coming out of her mouth are starting to drive me crazy, and I’m not sure how long I’ll last.
“Can I touch my clit now?”
I give her permission.
The next few moments have no conversation, just us both making a lot of sounds as our excitement and passion ramp up.
“Get there, Toni,” I rasp, unable to take much more of those moans which are driving me fucking crazy.
Then I hear a loud intake of breath, followed by a sharp, screamed exhale. I picture her face when she was under me last and flood my hand, not caring I’m making a mess.
Heavy breathing on both sides lasts for a while, and then I tell her, “Even phone sex with you is fuckin’ amazing.”
She still sounds breathy as she confirms, “Same here, Freak. But I wish I were experiencing the real thing.”
“Friday,” I promise her.
“Friday,” she repeats firmly.
Then, with our goodnights, we end the phone call.