Jax's Dilemma:Insurgents Motorcycle Club (Insurgents MC Romance Book 2) (4 page)

Cherri chewed the shards of ice left in her glass. “Emma put me in charge.”

“Yeah? That’s cool. You’re always organizing the back room and stage, so it makes sense. Mandy’s been a pain in the ass for the last several months. She screwed things up all the time, and we had no direction. She’s an addict.”

“So, you think the other dancers will be okay with me taking her place? I don’t have a choice, you know.”

Lexie laughed. “We all know Emma, and she scares the hell outta us. I’m pretty sure all the girls will be fine with it, except for Peaches. She’s wanted to be in charge since she got here.”

“I know Peaches won’t like it. She hasn’t liked me from the start. I don’t know why, but she’s always been a bitch to me. I don’t want Mandy’s position…” Cherri chewed on her straw.

Reaching over, Lexie grabbed a Diet Coke from the ice chest on the bar. As she opened her can, she said, “She hates that Jax can’t keep his eyes off you.”

Cherri looked at Lexie, wide-eyed. “What? I don’t have anything with him or any other guy around here.”

“I didn’t say
you
were into him. I said he’s got the hots for you in a major way. All the girls know it, and it kills Peaches, ’cause she’s obsessed with being his ol’ lady. Like
that
is gonna happen.” Lexie rolled her eyes.

“So, that’s why she’s such a bitch to me? How stupid is that? Anyway, aren’t they together? She keeps telling me that every chance she gets, and she’s all over him when he comes into the bar. I thought they were dating, or something.”

“Damn, girl, you
are
green. First off, Jax isn’t the dating type. Hell, most of the bikers aren’t—they fuck, but don’t date. For now, Peaches is his main fuck, but she’s not his only one. He’s been fuckin’ three other sluts at the clubhouse. My friend Brandi told me. There’s no way Peaches is his girlfriend. And
absolutely
no way she’ll be his ol’ lady.”

“Well, if they’re fuckin’, then what’s her problem?”

“ ’Cause Jax’s got it for you, even though he’s bangin’ her. He calls here every day to see if you’re dancing and what time you go on. He just called now askin’ if you were here. I bet his ass will be here in a few. If you were smart, you’d take him up on his offer. It doesn’t hurt to make a friend with one of the Insurgents.”

“I don’t want to start anything with him.”

“I’m just telling you to think about it. He’s a nice guy, but he
does
fuck too many women. I guess as long as you know that and are cool with it, he’d be a good one to have on your side.”

“I don’t know.”

“Why don’t you have a man around?” Lexie asked.

“I just don’t need a man in my life complicating things, that’s all. There’s a guy who comes here a lot, you know, the older guy who sits by himself at the back table?” Cherri said.

“Oh, you mean Gunner? He’s cool. He’s a big tipper, and underneath all that rough exterior is a total sweetheart.”

“He kinda creeps me out. He’s always sitting in the back, just staring. He’s an Insurgent, right?”

“Yeah. He’s a bit of a loner and doesn’t hang too much with the young guys like Jax, Axe, and Chas, but he’s decent. He comes to see you. He always checks out the new girls.”

“Big tipper, you say?”

“
Great
tipper.”

“I guess I’ll have to be friendlier next time he comes in. I need the money,” Cherri said with a sigh.

“Don’t we all?”

“I better head to the back and get things in order for tonight’s line up. Good talking to you, Lexie.”

“Later, girlfriend.”

Cherri walked to the back room, hoping her new position would be a smooth transition with the other dancers. She wanted to do a good job since she knew Emma trusted her, which meant a lot to her, especially since she had only been at the club for a short time. The extra money she’d earn in her new position was a godsend. She thought about what Lexie said about Jax and that old guy, Gunner. She needed someone who would pay her well for services rendered. She was too scared of her attraction to Jax. Deep down, she knew if she started something with him, she’d be doomed because he made her feel things she never felt before. No, she didn’t want anything to steer her from her goal of getting out of there.

I’ll cozy up to Gunner tonight, check it out and let him decide if he wants more.

Peaches’ giggles grated her nerves as she walked out to the bar area. Immediately, Cherri spotted Jax on a chair with Peaches straddling him, her breasts smashed against his chest as his hands dove under her skirt, rubbing her ass. Cherri’s chest tightened and her stomach gurgled. For a split-second, a deep sense of emptiness consumed her. Shaking her head, as if that would erase the image of Jax and Peaches clutching each other, she dashed for the bar, hoping he wouldn’t spot her.

“Hiya, Cherri,” Peaches said between her moans.

Cherri tipped her head in response, cursing the bitch under her breath while avoiding any direct eye contact. Over the rock tune playing on the local station, she heard Jax say to Peaches, “Later, babe. I got stuff to do.”

“What the hell? We’re both getting off. Can’t your
stuff
wait?”

“I said off.
Now
.”

Cherri heard a soft thud and the scraping of a chair against the floor. Thinking if she just engrossed herself in the employment ledger, she’d be left alone, she lowered her head, staring at the numbers and words.

“How are things, sweetness?”

She jumped on her bar stool when Jax’s breath tickled the back of her neck.

Not looking at him, she shrugged. “Okay, I guess.”

“Heard you’re the one in charge of the dancers now.” His mouth brushed her earlobe, making her skin pebble in anticipation.

“Word travels fast.” She kept her eyes focused on the ledger. Cheap perfume invaded her nostrils.

“Whatcha doin’, honey?” Peaches smacked a wet kiss on Jax’s cheek.

“I’m busy talkin’ business. I’ll catch you in a few.”

“What’s the business?” Her voice had an edge to it.

“Not your concern. In a few, okay?” Jax pushed her off him.

From the corner of her eye, Cherri saw Peaches glaring at her.
I
so
don’t need this shit.
“I think we’re done here.” Sliding off the stool, Cherri turned toward the back room.

“We’re not done here, sweets. We haven’t even started.” As Jax nudged her back toward him with one hand, the hairs on Cherri’s arms stood up as shivers coursed through her body. She wheeled around, connecting with his smoldering gaze. Holding his stare, she ran one finger up his arm, feeling the goosebumps pricking his skin.

“Then let’s get started,” she murmured. Her body shifted to high-alert: blood rushed to her temples, her mouth was dry, and her legs clenched, causing a spasm of pleasure to spread through her core. Peaches’ hiss of disgust brought Cherri back to the moment, and her porcelain skin stained red when she saw Jax’s knowing grin break out on his face.
He’s adorable when he smiles. How can one man have this effect on my body? He’s sex in leather, and I have to stay far away from him.

Peaches stormed out of the bar, her stilettos clacking on the wooden floor. Cherri watched her as she slammed the back door.

“Your girlfriend’s pissed.”

“She’s not my girlfriend.” Jax trailed his finger along Cherri’s jawline.

“That’s not what she says. Anyway, you two looked pretty cozy not too long ago.” She shifted from one foot to another.

“You jealous?”

“Nah.”

“Or are you wishing it were you straddling me, rubbing your sweet pussy against my cock? I know I’d rather have you, but you’re playing hard to get for some reason, and I don’t go for that shit, sweet one.” Jax bent his head and lightly brushed her throat with his lips.

“I’m not playing anything. I’m just not interested. You got Peaches and plenty of other sluts who’ll fuck you, so no need to pursue me.” She touched her throat where his lips had been.

“Pinewood Springs can get mighty lonely in the cold, winter nights. An icy one like you is gonna want some heat. When that time comes, I’ll be here, waiting for you.”

“Oh, I’ll manage. I always do.” She smiled sweetly at him.

His gaze moved down to her lips then back to her eyes, making her body tingle all over. Tilting his head, he kissed her gently while his hands squeezed the back of her neck. He pulled back, smiling, his eyes twinkling. Cherri, lightheaded, grabbed the back of the stool, steadying herself. No man had ever kissed her like that. The tenderness of it brought tears to her eyes. She had to get away from him before she broke down and sobbed like a blathering idiot.

“Emma has confidence in you. I do, too—I know you’ll do a good job with the dancers. Mandy was a fuck-up. You have some work ahead of you, but you’re smart, so you’ll be able to get things back on track. Just remember to stay on Emma’s good side. She can be a bitch. If you ever have a problem, let me know. I can take care of it.”

Waving to Holt, Jax threw his leather jacket over his shoulder. Cherri, transfixed by his movements, watched him. He turned around when he was near the door and said, “I’ll always be here for you, baby girl, no matter what. You remember that.” The metal door clanked shut behind him.

“Are you okay, Cherri?” Holt asked.

Nodding, she struggled to regain her composure.
This is so lame. What the fuck? Why did he have to go and kiss me like that—like he cared and he didn’t just want to get in my pants. Why doesn’t he leave me the fuck alone? I don’t need this shit. Not. At. All.

Glancing at the clock, she said out loud, “Fuck, it’s already three o’clock. I gotta check the line-up and get the dancers ready for tonight. See ya later, Holt.” Cherri scurried to the back to make sure all the dancers had arrived and everything was in order for the evening show. Thursday nights were always busy at Dream House, and she wanted to show Emma and Jax—yeah, Jax—that she could do this job and do it well.

In the back room, Peaches greeted her with a dour face. “Fuckin’ leave my boyfriend alone, slut!”

“He told me he’s not your boyfriend.”

“He didn’t tell you shit, you jealous bitch. Find your own man, and fuckin’ leave mine alone.”

“I don’t want your man, so don’t get in my face about it.”

“Bullshit! I see the way you flirt and throw yourself at him. Back the fuck off. I’m gonna be Jax’s old lady, and I’ll beat your ass if I see you making moves on him again.”

“Why don’t you tell
your
man to leave
me
the fuck alone? He’s the one sniffing around my ass all the time. I can’t help it if you’re my replacement.”

“You slut!” In one swift move, Peaches had Cherri by the hair and shook her like she was a limp doll. Cherri, regaining her balance, hauled off and punched Peaches right in the stomach, eliciting a yelp from the enraged woman. Peaches swung at Cherri, who hit her back as they both screamed and cussed at each other. A few of the other dancers gathered around, some egging Peaches on, others in Cherri’s court.

“You fuckin’ bitches, break it up! This ain’t no fightin’ arena.” Holt pulled the two women apart. Twisting out of Holt’s grasp, Peaches lurched at Cherri, hatred brimming in her eyes.

With a handful of Peaches’ hair, Holt yanked her back. “Fuckin’ stop, Peaches, or I’m gonna kick your ass outta here for tonight.” His harsh voice stopped her in her tracks. She had worked long enough at Dream House to know that when Holt gave a warning, he always acted on it if he was ignored.

“Just tell this slut to stay away from my man. I don’t fuckin’ want to see her near him, or I’ll beat the shit outta her!”

“I’m not tellin’ her shit. Anyway, it looked like Jax was the one making all the moves. I’ve got a bar to stock, and I don’t have time to babysit bitches with man problems, got it?”

“What the fuck’s goin’ on ’round here? Why are you all standing here not even lookin’ ready? Cherri, what the fuck?” Emma’s scowl sent the dancers dashing to their dressing tables to put on their makeup for the night’s performances.

Cherri, pissed for succumbing to a rumble with Peaches over Jax, said in a small voice, “Sorry, Emma; it was my fault. I’m in charge, and I shouldn’t have let things get out of hand.”

“You’re fuckin’ right ’bout that. Don’t let it happen again. I won’t tolerate this shit. And Peaches, you better fuckin’ fix your attitude, or your ass is outta here for good. And newsflash—I don’t care that you’re fuckin’ the Sergeant-At-Arms. I’ll throw your ass out, and the Insurgents, including Jax, will back me. Do I make myself clear?”

Peaches looked at Emma, defiance in her eyes. “Whatever.”

“No, not ‘whatever,’ bitch. You give respect, you get it back; you don’t, then your ass is history. No more warnings. Cherri is now your supervisor, so you show her respect. If not, you’ll have to answer to me and I promise you, it ain’t gonna be pretty.”

“Why did you give
her
the position? You know I was next in line.”

“I do what I think is best for the club, and I don’t need to explain myself to you. Get your ass washed up and start prepping for tonight.”

Once Peaches stomped off, Emma turned to Cherri. “I’ll chalk up what happened as inexperience, but don’t ever let shit get outta hand like this again.”

“I won’t. I better get going. I have to get ready for my dance set.”

“Oh, yeah, you’re not lead dancer anymore.”

“Why, because of this? Am I being punished?”

“No. You won’t be dancing at all. You’ll be in charge back here with the dancers and help in the front with tables and whatever else comes up.”

“What? Not dancing? But I need to dance. I need the money, and that’s where I make it. I make more in tips for one hour of dancing than I do waiting tables for a full shift. I need the money, Emma.” Cherri’s voice cracked.

Emma threw her a sympathetic look. “I understand where you’re comin’ from, I really do, but this isn’t my decision. There’s nothing I can do. I’m sorry.”

“Whose decision is it?”

“It comes from the Insurgents. I can’t go over their heads. What they say goes—no arguments.”

“The Insurgents? You mean the club doesn’t want me to dance? Why do they care? I bring them a lot of money. You’d think they’d want me to strip.”