Lust (The Stripped Bare Series Book 1) (6 page)

Max

Why am I so pissed off? It’s not like she’s my girl. She’s a free agent, she’s free to flirt with whoever she wants. So, why do I feel jealous that she isn’t flirting with me? Making my way back into the club, I walk straight into Jake’s office.

“Just had to throw some arsehole out for touching Jo.” Jake nods but doesn’t look up from the computer screen. I sit in the chair and sigh deeply. “Oh, and the new girl just arrived.” My tone makes him look up.

“What’s wrong with her?” Shit, I didn’t mean that to come out like that. I don’t want to get the poor girl fired just because I can’t control my emotions.

“Sorry, boss, I’m just pissed off. It’s been a bad day. She’s fine.” She’s very fine. In fact, she’s beautiful, too beautiful.

“Good. Go and introduce her to Liz and get her started. I’ve got a lot of shit to deal with tonight so I don’t want to be disturbed. You deal with any problems.
”
He throws a name badge across the table. I nod my head, stand, and walk out of the door. Taking a deep breath, I head towards the changing rooms. I pause before entering, my breathing ragged. Should I knock? I’ve never knocked in my life; I’m not about to start now.

Throwing open the door, I stop in my tracks when I’m confronted by the sexiest arse I’ve ever seen, and believe me, I see a lot of arses. I lick my lips, and imagine pounding that beautiful backside with my cock.
Shit, Max, get a fucking grip!
Quickly, I try to control myself and do what I came to do. I feel like such a twat, I’m being an arsehole and I can’t stop myself.

After introducing her to Liz I make my way to the stage to help Candy get ready for her set. I watch Jasmine from the corner of my eye, constantly. The way she walks in those six-inch heels that Jake insists the girls wear, is almost funny. It’s obvious that she isn’t used to walking in heels. My mind starts racing and all I can think of is taking those shoes off and licking her from her heel to her….
Stop it now!
The night goes so slowly, it’s almost painful. It’s a good job there are no more idiots in, because my head just isn’t on the job tonight.

I manage to make it through the rest of the night and breathe a sigh of relief when closing time comes. Just as I’m about to grab my jacket and helmet from the staff room, I bump straight into my tormentor. I grab her by her waist to steady her and it’s like a tiny bolt of electricity shoots through my hands. Her curves fit perfectly in my palms and I imagine what it would be like to feel them against my bare skin. Looking down into her eyes, I soften. I can’t stay angry with her. It’s not her fault that I’m such a jerk. I ask her about her night, mainly because I don’t know what else to say to her. Really, I should apologise for being an idiot, but I don’t. I let her walk away and follow her with my eyes as she walks out of the door.

Grabbing my jacket and helmet, I stick my head into the office to let Jake know that I’m leaving. I make my way out onto the road, pausing as I see Jasmine and Dexter walking down the path. I watch as Dexter puts his arm around her shoulder and pulls her in towards his chest. My blood starts to boil; I rev the throttle on my bike, slip the visor down, and speed off in the opposite direction.

As soon as I get home, I crack open a bottle of Jack. I don’t even bother with a glass, swigging it straight from the bottle. I don’t know why this is making me so incensed? Dexter is a free agent, so is Jasmine, I’ve shown no signs to either of them that I’m interested in her, and I don’t date the girls in the club anyway. I’m confounded by my emotions. I have never felt like this before, it sucks balls.

Half an hour and half a bottle of Jack later, Dex walks through the door.

“Alright, dude?” He has a massive grin on his face and I feel like I’m about to chuck my guts up. The fact is, I envy him. I envy how easily he talks to women that he likes. The worst thing about all of this is that if he really wants to date her, then I can never go there. We are best friends, we are like brothers, and there’s a code: we don’t date girls the other one likes. It’s my own fault, I should have made it clear that I liked her from the start; he would never have gone after her if I had. But, of course, I’m too pig headed to admit that I like a girl. I don’t have time to date anyway; I have other things to deal with. My life is too full and I certainly don’t need another woman in it.

“Yeah, you?” I don’t really want the details about how amazing his night has been and how fantastic Jasmine is.

“Yeah, I’m great, thanks.” He pauses but I don’t reply. “Well, I’m off to bed, see you tomorrow.” He walks out of the room and I take another swig from the bottle. I’m going to feel this tomorrow.

“Hey, Pipe. You almost ready?” I stick my head in the door of the changing rooms. It’s almost time for her to go out on stage. I feel like crap, my head is banging, and I really need a day off work. I didn’t sleep a wink last night, thoughts of Dexter and Jasmine together, invaded my mind.

“Yep, give me two minutes.” I go to head back out, but she stops me. “Hey, Max.” I turn back around to face her.

“What?” I don’t have time for small talk.

“What’s your deal with Jazz? She said that you don’t like her.” My heart thuds in my chest. What the…? I don’t want her to feel like I hate her. I suddenly feel bad. This is my problem, not hers. She hasn’t done anything to deserve the animosity I’ve shown towards her.

I shrug
,
“I’ve nothing against her, she’s a nice girl. I’m just going through some shit at the moment.” She looks at me and gives me that sympathetic smile that pisses me off. It’s not Piper’s fault that I hate sympathy.

“How’s your Ma?” Piper knows all about my mum, she was there with me when I first had to put her in the home. She knows my feelings towards it and I know that she now thinks that this is why I’m pissed off.

“She’s good. I’ve just got back from lunch with her. She had a good night.” To be honest, she looks worse and worse every day. She’s become so thin that there’s barely any fat left on her. I’m so afraid that I’m going to lose her.

“I’m glad. Give me a few and I’ll be out, okay?” Nodding my head, I leave. I make my way out to the bar, my dick twitches when I see her. Why does she have this effect on me? It would be so much easier if my cock weren’t running my brain. Piper starts her set and I watch Jasmine, whose eyes are transfixed on the stage. She looks in awe of Piper’s performance and I get a knot in my stomach at the thought of her being up there on that stage, men ogling her. She looks up and catches me watching her, I give her a small smile, she beams back and I watch as her face lights up. My expression soon fades when I spot Dex walking up behind her. She turns around to greet him and he kisses her on her cheek. That small, but intimate gesture has me wanting to hurl.
I
want to kiss her.
I
want to feel her soft, milky, porcelain skin against mine.
I
want to grab her silky auburn hair roughly, whilst I take her from behind and
I
want to taste her and tease her mouth with my tongue. Instead, I turn around and walk away, leaving them both behind.

Jake lets me go home early, but instead, I go to a bar just outside of the city. I need to blow off some steam and I need to get laid. There’s a girl who works here that has been after me for ages, I’ve blown her off a few times previously. She isn’t really my type, but I need to stick my dick into someone, I need to try to get Jasmine out of my mind.

“Hi, Max. Long time no see.” Her face lights up as I walk to the bar and take a seat. Pushing her chest out, she presents me with her large breasts. It’s pathetic, really.

“Hey, Julz. Double Jack, please.” I sit down on the old, worn bar stool and lay my helmet on the bar. She passes me the drink and I take a mouthful, savouring the burn as it slides down my throat. I glance over my shoulder at a group of old men chatting in the corner. 

“So, how come you’ve not been in lately?” I don’t want small talk, I need a quick shag, but I guess I should bide my time and be nice to the whore.

“Been busy, working,” I shrug. Taking another gulp of my drink, I pass it back over, motioning for another. I watch her arse sway as she walks over to the bottle. It’s not as nice as Jasmine’s, but it will do.

Half an hour later and I have her pinned up against the toilet door. Her mouth tries to find mine but I push her off, I don’t want to kiss the broad, I just want to get my dick wet. I turn her around and push her face into the door. Slipping her knickers down I tease her hot, wet entrance before slipping a condom on and ramming my cock inside her. I pull on her tangled, blonde hair as I hammer my dick into her. It doesn’t take me long, all I can think of is Jasmine. I was meant to be forgetting her, but it seems she’s all I can think about. I jerk out the remnants of my orgasm, pull the condom off and zip my trousers back up. Julz goes to say something but I cut her off, holding my hand up.

“Thanks, I needed that. Don’t expect a cuddle, though.” She pouts and straightens her skirt, pulling her knickers back up. I can’t even remember if she came or not, and I couldn’t care less if she didn’t. I walk out of the door, grab my jacket and helmet, and get the hell out of there.

Jasmine

Dexter is lovely. He’s funny and smart and he’s nice to look at, but he isn’t Max. I hate that I feel like I’ve led him on, although I’ve not actually said that I want to date him, I haven’t said that I don’t. I hate letting people down, but I just don’t fancy him the same way that I do Max. That first moment that I saw him I felt something inside of me. Yes, he’s a complete moron who has done nothing to suggest that he even finds me remotely attractive, but I feel the sexual tension whenever we are in the room together. When he touches me I feel the spark of electricity shoot through my veins.

As Dexter was walking me to my car last night, I turned and saw Max ride off on his bike. I started to wish that it were him that was putting his arm around me when I shivered from the cold. Anyway, am I really ready for a relationship with anyone? I’ve Austen to think about and I need to start looking for a flat soon. Plus, I can’t risk putting another person in danger if anything were to happen to me. My head is still a mess; I need time to sort my life out.

I took Austen to the zoo today. We spent hours looking at all the animals. He loved the giraffes, especially the baby one. We took a picnic and ate it on the grass in front of the lions, which he also loved; the male was pacing up and down the cage waiting for feeding time. Austen walked up and down, following him for ages, in the end I had to bribe him with ice cream to get him to move. Dad is taking him to the cinema this evening while I work. I hate that I have to work unsociable hours, but it’s good that I get to spend time with him during the day. I don’t know how I’ll cope when he starts back at school, but we will find a way. I’m still not sleeping well. Nightmares of people chasing Austen and I haunt my mind. I wake, terrified. Every person that I see, I wonder if they’re here to kill me. The longer time goes on, the more at ease I will be. I need to give it time. I witnessed something horrific. You don’t just get over that in three weeks.

Tomorrow morning I’ve got my first lesson with Scotty. I’m nervous, but excited. I’ve been watching the girls when they perform and they are so elegant. The control they have in their arms and legs, I’m not sure I have enough muscle strength to be able to do what they do, but I’ll give it a go. I park my car and head towards the bar, pausing when I hear someone shouting my name behind me. Whipping my head around, I notice Dexter running up the street. He’s wearing jogging pants and a tight white vest. I take a glance at his well-defined body and lick my lips. I’m not mentally attracted to him, but physically he isn’t a bad second choice.

“Hey.” He bends over, trying to catch his breath.

“Hi, Dex. You been for a jog?” I ask the obvious.

He laughs. “Nah, this is how I walk.” He gives me a cheeky grin.

“I’m late, are you walking that way?” I move my head in the direction of the club and start to walk. He follows like a little love struck puppy. Guilt overwhelms me. I need to tell him that I have no interest in dating him, or anyone. Which is actually a lie, because if Max did show an interest I wouldn’t be able to resist. I don’t know why, but the attraction is just too strong.

We make it to the club. Dexter goes off to have a shower and get changed before his shift and I head to the dressing room to get changed before mine. I make my way out to the bar just as Piper is starting her performance. I’m apprehensive about watching her, but I’m also intrigued.

‘
Close
r
’
by Nine Inch Nails starts to pound out of the sound system as Piper walks along the stage dressed in a pink robe. Her hair is tied back in a high ponytail, and she’s wearing at least an eight-inch heel. I listen to the reaction of the crowd as she gets closer to the front of the stage, the men love her and I can see why. The sexual tension in the air is palpable.

She stops in front of her audience and bends over, looking over her shoulder seductively, I’m captivated by every move she makes. She slowly takes the robe off one shoulder and then pulls it back up, covering herself. She turns around and does the same on the other side. She then sits on the edge of the stage, dangling her feet off the side. Leaning back on her arms, she throws open the gown, whistles resonate throughout the crowd and I witness at least ten men throwing money onto the stage. She stands up and makes her way to the pole, in nothing but a tiny pink bikini that barely covers her nipples and pubic area. I want to look away. I don’t want to see the girl that I’ve known since we were kids practically naked, but I just can’t look away, she’s bewitching. My eye catches on Max stood at the side of the stage, he smiles and I get a tingling down below. I beam back, just as Piper prepares to work the pole.

“When do you start your training? Dex asks from behind me. I turn to face him. He kisses me on the cheek and it throws me slightly. I wasn’t expecting it. I take a quick glance behind me to see if Max has seen, but h
e’
s disappeared.

“Tomorrow actually. I’m nervous. Piper is really good, I don’t think I could ever do that.” I go to make my way back to the bar; I’ve spent too long watching the performance instead of doing what I’m paid to do. I need to set the record straight with Dexter. I don’t want to hurt him but the longer he thinks that something will happen between us, the worse it will be.

“You’ll be just fine,” he says, following me.

“Hey, Dex, can I talk to you after my shift?” I need to get this over with, but not right now.

“Yeah, sure. I’ll wait for you when you finish.” He smiles and bounces off in the direction of the door.

I don’t see Max again for the rest of the night; Piper said he took off early for some reason. She told me that she’d talked to him about why he has been off with me, explaining that he has some family issues. It’s good to know that it’s not me that he has the problem with. The night goes smoothly and quickly. Panic washes over me when I realise it will soon be time to finish and I’ll have to set Dexter straight. I exit the changing room to find him leaning against the wall, the exact spot where Max waited for me when I first started. He smiles the biggest beaming smile at me when he sees me exit, and I can’t help but feel sick and ashamed about what I’m about to do. Maybe I should just go on a date with him? I mean, would it really hurt to see if I could have feelings for him? I shake my head, I can’t do that to him, I can’t lead him on and then let him down later. Throwing my coat around my shoulders, Dexter helps me slip my arms into it, he’s being a gentleman and it makes me feel even worse about what I’m about to do.

“Where do you want to go?” he asks. I realise that maybe he thinks I want to go on a date with him now?

“Um,” I stutter. I was just thinking he could walk me to my car and I’d tell him then. I hadn’t really thought this whole thing through
.
“Is there a bar or late night café open anywhere?” I guess it would be better to do this properly.

“Only McDonald’s, at this time of night.” I look at my watch, it’s 2.a.m. I yawn, suddenly feeling very tired.

“Yeah, I guess Maccies is as good as anywhere.” I grin.

We make our way along the cobbles towards the restaurant; Dexter walks close but doesn’t touch me. He gets me a tea and himself a chocolate milkshake. I laugh when he sits down and starts drinking it like Austen would.

“So, what do you want to talk about,” he asks. His eyes light up and I don’t know if I can do this. I’ve never had this problem before. I’ve had guys want to date me lots of times, but I’ve always said I’m not interested. I don’t know why Dexter is different, maybe it’s because he’s just so sweet, and the fact that he’s good looking doesn’t help.

“Dex, I really like you.” He smiles bigger now and moves his hand across the table to stroke mine. Reaching for my cup, I take a small sip. It burns my tongue, but I need the reality check right now. “You’re kind and sweet, and you’re a good looking guy.” His face drops and I think he knows where I’m going with this.

“Here comes the ‘but’,” he says, looking down at his hands on the table. I feel like my heart is sagging into an empty pit of darkness. It would be so much easier if he was an arsehole, but he isn’t.

“I’m sorry, it’s not you, it’s me. I’m not after a relationship at the moment. I’ve just moved back from London and I need to sort myself out first before I even think about dating.” I don’t mention Austen. I’m not sure why I don’t mention him. I don’t want to use him as an excuse, though.

“I get it.” He looks up and smiles a genuine smile. “Maybe when you’re settled we could go out for drinks?”

“Yeah, sure. Can we still be friends?” I feel guilty about lying to him but what am I meant to say? ‘Hey, Dex, sorry but I want to fuck your best friend.
’
I don’t think that would go down well.

“Of course,” he nods his head and tries to smile, but I can tell that he’s upset. “Friends,” he murmurs.

We finish our drinks and he walks me back to my car, he kisses me on the cheek and gives me a warm friendly hug before pulling away. “See you tomorrow, Jazz.” He winks and then turns away looking deflated.

I yawn as I arrive at the club at 10 a.m. I’ve barely slept and feel like crap. I’m glad I have the night off tonight. It’s Saturday and I’ve promised to take Austen out for tea and bowling. The bar is eerily empty as I walk in. Dumping my bag in the changing room, I head out towards the bar. Scotty, or at least who I assume is Scotty, looks up at me from his iPad with a massive smile spread across his face.

“Well, aren’t you delicious,” he says, his tone giving away his sexuality, immediately. He has short spiked platinum blonde hair and is wearing what appears to be a leotard of some sorts. He has little freckles covering his nose, just like Austen, which makes me smile. “Are you ready to start?” he asks, looking me up and down. I’d asked Piper what I should wear, and she told me just my gym clothes. I’d laughed; I haven’t been to a gym in months. So, I bought myself a pair of shorts and a sports top and that will just have to do.

Nervously, I make my way over to the pole and Scotty stands behind me.

“Now, before we start you need to loosen up and do some stretches.” I follow his lead, stretching out all my muscles. We do a few lunges and I feel like I’m going to pass out with exhaustion already. I’m so unfit. When we are done he introduces me to the pole as if it were a person. I try not to laugh as he tells me that I should treat it with respect.

“Now, we are going to start with a basic move: the fireman spin.” Sounds easy. He positions my hands on top of the pole just above my head and spreads my legs apart. “Right, I want you to walk around seductively, twice, then I want you to lean back and cross your feet around the front of the pole so that you spin.” I start to walk around the pole, trying to remember how the girls do it when I’ve watched them. I cross my legs but I don’t think I manage to do it right because I end up on my arse, sprawled on the floor.