Hidden (New Orleans Temptation Series Book 2) Read online

  The moans of pleasure are barely audible over the music, but there’s no need to hear it when you see it. You can feel the pleasure painted by their motions. This is the first time I’ve truly missed Phillip. He would have dragged me by my hand and demanded I get on my knees like a good little submissive and have a good time by sucking his cock. And let the truth be told, I really miss that as I look out at the bodies enjoying each other.

  The heat you feel when you walk into a sex club never dulls from experience; it only grows hotter. I take a moment to glance over the room already feeling the slick heat between my legs. My eyes can’t move away from the couple on the circular entertainment sofa. This section is set up for couples that want to be watched. I have crescent-shaped sofas surrounding the large circular sofa in the middle. While her partner fucks her slow and hard, she’s looking into the eyes of a handsome man watching. She keeps her eyes locked with his as she comes. It’s too much for me to bear. I have to stay busy. I need it so bad right now, I can’t watch any longer. I walk over to the bar only to find more trouble. Parke has been leaning on the bar watching me watch the couple with a smile on his face.

  “Oh, wipe that shit-eating grin off your face and give me something stiff.”

  “I have something stiff for you alright, but did you forget that ridiculous rule you have already? One night of having the sex room open and you’re ready to wave the white flag?”

  “No, asshole, I’m not giving in. I just need a fucking drink. Can’t the owner get a drink without all this crap?” I say, waving my hand in annoyance.

  “Yes, ma’am, on its way.”

  I don’t know how long I’m going to be able to hold out. This is torture. I will never tell Parke that, but I really don’t think I will last a week. I will have to rethink this rule of mine, because it sucks balls.

  “There you go, ma’am, crown on the rocks, stiff enough for you?”

  “Perfect. So tell me, Parke, how have you been making out in this room tonight?” I smirk, trying to turn the attention away from me.

  He pinches the bridge of his nose and shifts on his feet uneasily, avoiding eye contact. “It’s fine,” he says, picking up a towel to polish the unused glasses. Here’s that damn feeling again. The déjà vu sends chills up my spine. I turn my head to the side trying to focus on the handsome man before me.

  “Parke, are you sure we’ve never met before?”

  “Where did that come from? We have known each other for weeks now.”

  “I just keep getting this feeling that we’ve met, that we have sat at a bar just like this before. Are you sure you have never been to a sex club before? I’m really beginning to think you may have been at one of the masquerade balls where your true identity would not have been revealed.”

  “I’m fucking positive. How can anyone forget a scene like this?” His hand waves across the entire room making a spectacle of himself. I grab his hand and put it back on the bar. As soon as my hand touches his, I feel a sear of heat course through my body starting at my fingertips. I quickly drop his hand not wanting to start something I can’t stop.

  I whisper, “Calm down, Parke, you can’t go yelling and pointing at people like that.” I look around in hopes no one saw.

  Shifting his eyes downward, he says, “Sorry, but this is a bit more intense than I expected. And trust me, I have never been in a sex club before.” Closing the space between us, he leans over the bar and his hot breath scorches my damp skin. “Had I known what I was going to see tonight, I would have most certainly set up one my hookup buddies to be ready and waiting at the door at knock-off time.”

  I blink wanting to escape his heat and the desire in his eyes. I push back off the bar. “Sorry for the blue balls, but you will need to be more prepared next time you work this room.” I saunter off giving him one quick sultry glance over my shoulder. Good Lord, I may need to take a break in my office to release this stress. Looking down at my watch, I see we only have one hour left until shifts change then things will start to wind down.

  Finally the night is done for the first shift. I had told the entire group to meet me in the back of the club where I sectioned off an employees’ only after party. Once I arrive, everyone has gathered with drinks in hand. I scan the room looking for Jackson. He is the only one missing. Ah, there he is hiding in the shadows in the back of the room watching Sunny. All my girls look amazing tonight, but I am most shocked with Sunny’s transformation. Carmella has really taken to her, helping her with her wardrobe, makeup, hair, and most importantly, self-esteem.

  “Thank you, everyone, for an extremely successful grand opening. I could not have done it without you each and every one of you. Drinks are on the house, but don’t get crazy. I need your asses back here tomorrow. Enjoy and relax. Y’all deserve it.” I walk to the bar for another crown on the rocks as I never did get a minute to hit my office to relieve my stress. Oh no, and here comes the stress builder.

  “You mind if I sit next to you?”

  “Of course not,” I say, lying my face off to Parke.

  “Look, again I have to tell you I’m sorry. I’m sorry for trying to make you uncomfortable back there in the sex room. Let the truth be told, yes, I was very uncomfortable back there. That’s not my cup of tea, yet it was exciting but odd. I assume I will get used to it, right?”

  “Sorry to say, but no, you won’t. It will always have you high strung, but hey, I’m sure your latest hookup won’t mind.”

  Looking down at his drink, I notice he actually looks a bit embarrassed. “That was a joke. I don’t have a hookup on speed dial, so hopefully, I won’t have to file a workers comp claim for a carpal tunnel injury on my wrist next week.”

  I spit my crown across the bar and laugh hysterically. Covering my mouth trying to cover the mess I made with that stupid little napkin you get with a high ball, I look at him as a friend and not as a sex object. “I needed a good laugh. Thanks, Parke.”

  “I’m glad I could be at your service. You know, I’m really a nice guy if you would get to know me. I know nice guys never go far, but hey, you refuse to go there with me, so we might as well have a good platonic time, right?”

  I raise my glass to his. “To a good platonic time.” We sit at the bar for over an hour just talking and laughing. It felt so nice, nice to not have the sexual tension. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sexually attracted to him, but the no sex rule with our new platonic good time has really helped us both relax and ignore the tension. For once, I’m going to try this get to know a guy thing out.

  Chapter 8

  Sunny

  I finally wake up Friday somewhere around 1:00 p.m. remembering I had agreed to go to the mall with Carmella. I must be nuts going to the mall on Black Friday, I think as I lift my head off the pillow. But I need better fitting clothes and some basic makeup of my own so I don’t have to keep mooching off Carmella. The tips were great last night; I made $450 in cash. And that was just from dancing on a box with all my clothes on. This is going to be a pretty good gig. I love all the girls. They’re so welcoming and seem to be truly genuine. After a month or two, I should have enough to move out of the shelter and into my own place. Who knows, maybe sooner! But I don’t want to overestimate how much I will make in the exotic room. Carmella offered me her small extra bedroom, which was super sweet of her, but I don’t want to impose.

  Shit, I told her I would be ready for 1:30. I must have drank a lot to have slept this late with everything going on around me. Most of the women have been up and busy taking care of things, like washing clothes, doing chores, or just hanging out and chatting. I jump out of bed grabbing things to head to the shower. Twenty-five minutes later, I have my frumpy clothes on and I’m out front waiting for Carmella to pick me up.

  When I see her car come around the corner, I start to wave and walk to the curb ready to get out of here.

  “Hey, chick, you ready to hit the mall and get rid of those crappy clothes?” she asks, waving her hand like a wand up and down my body.


  I look down at the dingy borrowed shirt and the jeans that are way too big, “Hell yes, I can’t wait. Quit talking and drive, bitch,” I say with a smile.

  “I’m glad you’re coming around. Let’s get the hell out of here.”

  The mall is not far out of the city into the suburbs. Once we pull into the parking lot, we notice today is probably the worst day to go shopping for clothes. It’s packed! Oh well, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. We park in a spot that feels like a million miles away and trudge toward the mall. I keep myself aware as my gut tells me that I’m being watched.

  Even though the mall is packed, I am able to find some awesome sales and pick up everything I want and then some. I am a bit disappointed in myself to realize I spent every dime I have. Oh well, I will make more in a few hours I think, allowing a smile to cross my face. Tonight is my first night in the strip club, and I have to admit, I have some butterflies. I’m not sure why though. I’d stripped for a year before getting involved with Rex. I had a fake ID and started work six months before my eighteenth birthday in an effort to try to help Grammy with the bills.

  When we pull up at the shelter, I don’t know what comes over me, but I can’t take it there anymore. They have been extremely nice and helpful, and I’m so thankful for them, but there’s no privacy. Without Joe and the shelter, I may not be alive. But it’s time to go, time to spread my wings. I turn to Carmella. “You mind if I take you up on that spare bedroom offer?” I say with the saddest puppy eyes I can manage. She squeals and wraps me in a suffocating hug.

  “Of course, I can’t wait. It’s going to be like high school all over again, but this time, I will have a best friend.”

  “Thanks, Carmella, give me a minute, and I will go grab my bag and say my goodbyes.”

  “Alright, bitch, I’ll be here waiting.”

  Tonight is my first night in the strip club and it’s almost curtain call. I had a shot of tequila before coming out to help settle my nerves. It has not kicked in yet, but the curtain opens anyway. There are three of us on stage, which helps a bit, but my hands are still a little shaky. Express by Christina Aguilera blares from the speakers. I throw my head back, close my eyes, and let, the music take over. Opening my eyes, I stare up at the two massive crystal chandeliers above the stage and think about how perfect this song is for the club. It’s a burlesque song with a hip-hop vibe and it’s sexy as hell. The costumes we have on tonight are old-school burlesque colors of black and red. I have on black striped thigh-highs with red satin bows at the top, ruby red platform heels, and a black skirt trimmed in red lace with a large plume of long red feathers attached to the back of the skirt. The top is intricately beaded rhinestones that shimmer like diamonds from the lights shining down on us. Oh, and how can I forget the top hat and gloves? Samantha loves satin gloves and hats. I have to admit, I’m glad all of the hats have black veils that cover our eyes. We can still be seen, but it’s just the level of protection that helps me get comfortable with being on stage.

  I take a deep breath. You can do this, you have done this before, and you know the dance. I bring my face down to look out at the crowd as we strut to the music. It only takes me a moment before I remember what it feels like to work the crowd. How empowering it is to be in control of their minds and pockets right now. From here on out, I put myself on stripper autopilot. As I move through the song, the clothes come off, and it feels good to be in control of my body and my life. I use this dance to remove Rex from my soul. When the curtain closes, the three of us rush to pick up the money before the next set.

  “Hot damn, girl, you rocked it out there,” Dixie says, helping gather our tips. “You didn’t even move like that in practice, where did that come from?”

  I look up at her and giggle. “I don’t know. It just came out. I’m ready to be in control of my life and my body. It just poured out of me.”

  “It was fucking hot, girl, and it made the money pour right out of their pockets. You’re going to kill it during your solo later.”

  I blush as we rush off stage laughing together and heading back to the dressing room. I’m so stoked with my new confidence I want to celebrate. “Do a shot with me, Dixie?” I demand.

  “I don’t usually drink when I dance,” she says, raising one eyebrow at me.

  “Come on, don’t be a pussy, just one.”

  “Did you really just call me a pussy?” she yells.

  “I’m sorry. I got carried away. I didn’t mean to offend you,” I say, looking down and feeling embarrassed. When I look up, she is hysterically laughing at me. “What? What’s so funny?”

  “You. I’m not offended asswipe, I’m just fucking shocked to hear you call me a pussy. That’s something I would call you, not the other way around. But I have to admit, I’m glad our southern charm is rubbing off on you. One shot, I will have one shot with you to celebrate this new assertive you.”

  I wrap Dixie in a big hug. “Thanks.” We do one shot that goes down hot and fast. I’m pumped and ready for my solo, but I have about thirty minutes to wait backstage. I hang out chatting with the girls when Carmella barges in with her typical flare.

  “Hey, bitches, y'all ain’t fucking up my makeup with all that bumping and grinding up there, are you?”

  Her eyes go directly to me. “I’m talking mostly to you, Ms. Sunny? You were unbelievable up there. I almost threw you a twenty, I was so worked up watching you.”

  “Oh, stop it, don’t embarrass me,” I snap at her.

  “That was nothing to be embarrassed about. You had every man in the room drooling and emptying their wallets. You should see the fucking line at the ATM waiting for your next number.”

  “You are full of shit. There’s no line.”

  “Go see if there’s a line,” she giggles as she moves over to me. “Let me check on that tattoo and see how it’s making out under the lights and sweat.” I turn to let her inspect my back. “Looks good. I’m as good at makeup as you are at stripping baby,” she says proudly.

  “Yes, you are, but hopefully, we won’t have to worry with that too much longer. Monday is my appointment with Jackson’s sister and I’m so excited.”

  The door swings open, and Samantha yells, “Sunshine, you’re up in five.” The door closes behind her, and I’m ready to feel the power of the music.

  As soon as the curtain opens, I see Jackson off to the side of the room. I feel a surge of heat travel from in between my legs to my face. He’s so hot standing there all serious leaning on the wall with his arms folded and watching me. The music starts and I dance with my eyes trained on him. Occasionally, I have to pay a bit of attention to the other men as they are the ones throwing me money, but I have a hard time looking away from him. I try to figure out what the look is in his eyes. His eyes are so intense, his emotions are hard to pin down. My number is up and the curtain closes. Dixie runs out to help me pick up my clothes and money.

  “That looked like a private show, Sunny,” she says under her breath.

  “Oh no, is that bad? You think Samantha is going to be mad?”

  “No, it was sexy. Every guy there wanted to be Jackson. Did you see the money on the floor? Did you even feel the hands putting hundreds in your G-string?”

  I look up at her in shock realizing while I knew where I was and what I was doing, I truly did not feel their hands. Yes, they can put money in our G-strings, but I have to be more aware of the faces out there. I can’t just let my guard down like this.

  “Shit. No, I didn’t, and I have to get my head in the game.”

  “While it was sexy, yes, you do. You have to remember who in the hell slipped you hundred-dollar bills so you can remember those faces for next time.”

  The night goes by in a blur. I had a lot of fun dancing and hanging out backstage with the girls. It’s 2:00 a.m. and my shift is over. I’m exhausted and anxious at the same time. Tomorrow is my first night in the sex room. I’m not real sure how that will work out. I have never been one to watch porn
, and it always made me nervous when people at the club would just have sex right there in front of everyone. There, I could just walk away from it, but here, I’m going to be in a hanging birdcage for two shifts of two hours each.

  I sit in the dressing room before the club opens, fidgeting with my nail polish. My stomach rolls with anxiety, and I really don’t think I will be able to do this. I look up at the clock on the wall to see it is almost time. The door swings open, and Samantha rushes in with a pissed-off scowl.

  “Sorry, girls. I’m sorry to say whoever was working in the sex room tonight, you can go home for the night. The members have expressed concerns about being watched by the dancers when the dancers are not participating. I expressed to them that y’all have signed a confidentiality agreement, but I have received several calls and will have to do a survey of all the members before I make a decision on this. Until then, sorry ladies, it’s off limits.”

  I let out a sigh I didn't realize I was holding in. I feel relieved but then think about the money I will miss out on. I really need the money to help save for school. Just as the thought crosses my mind, Samantha continues to speak.

  “I know you all count on your tips to make ends meet, so I have an envelope with each of your names on it with a little something extra from me to help. I will send emails out to the members in the morning and have a plan worked out by Monday. But don’t worry. If we don’t have girls in the cages, we will work it out. I have had awesome feedback about the box dancing, so I can always add more boxes. I also have had requests for more girls in the exotic room, so no worries, we will work it out.”