Lust (The Stripped Bare Series Book 1) (3 page)

“Morning, Mum,” I grumble, as I enter the kitchen. Sitting myself down at the dining table, my mum places a cup of tea in front of me. I smile my thank you and put my head in my hands. I really shouldn’t have drunk that last glass of wine last night; the effects are certainly felt this morning.

“What are your plans for today, Jasmine?” My father asks as he enters the room. He’s a big man, over 6ft tall and well built with a beer belly, although, he will tell you it’s his keg version of a six-pack. What’s left of his hair is greying and he has a few days worth of grey-black stubble covering his face. My dad has always been my hero. I’ve always been Daddy’s little girl, being the youngest of three. My sisters are a lot older than me; my parents had me later in life. I was a surprise, but a welcome one. Charlotte, the eldest, lives in Manchester with her husband, she’s a journalist for the Manchester Evening News newspaper. My other sister, Rachel, works for the council in Chester, she’s divorced and has two kids. She lives just outside the City. I make a mental note to catch up with her soon, as I haven’t seen her in over a year, although we do keep in touch via Facebook.

“I’m not sure yet, Dad. I think Austen wants to drag me to the park.” I turn to look at a smiling Austen. He carries on shovelling pancakes into his chubby mouth; the kid never stops eating.

“There’s an Alice In Wonderland exhibition on at the cathedral if he’d like to see it?” I turn back to look at him and he nods his head in approval.

“Okay, the cathedral it is then. As soon as you’ve finished breakfast, go get dressed.” My dad gives me a warm smile. I assume that my mum has told him my situation; I know he won’t ask, he isn’t the type of person to pry. I finish my cup of tea, refusing my mother’s attempts to try to make me eat the cooked breakfast that she’s provided, and head upstairs to get dressed. Looking in the bathroom mirror I pause at my appearance. My face is blotchy from the stress and crying, my emerald eyes are bloodshot and have lost their sparkle, and my long auburn hair looks limp and dull. I jump in the shower, letting the warm water wash away all the stress. I wash my hair before getting out and head back into my bedroom with a towel wrapped around me. I sit at the vanity table and blow-dry my hair, brushing all the knots out.

“Mum, do I look okay?” Austen bursts through the door almost taking the hinges off it.

Can this kid do anything quietly?

“You look great, mate. Now, go downstairs and I’ll be down soon.” I finish getting ready, putting on jeans and a thin, knit jumper with a vest top underneath. It is August but the weather in England can never make its mind up. One minute it’s blazing hot, the next it’s freezing cold and throwing it down. I’m just about to leave the bedroom when I hear a loud bang. Instinctively, I panic. I rush towards the door to find Austen, fear washing over me. The sound of a motorbike revving brings me back to reality and I realise that it was just backfiring. My nerves are shot; I need to get a grip. I can’t be scared of every little noise.

We hop on the bus and head towards the city centre. Austen bounces on his seat all the way there. I swear he’s on speed, he never stops. When we get to the cathedral there’s a giant chair outside, I take Austen’s photo while he sits on it with some people, who are dressed up as the white rabbit and Alice. We make our way inside and look at the exhibits. Austen loves looking around at all the Alice themed sets; he makes me read out each story for every image. We walk around the magnificent building, looking at the pictures of the Bible in the stained glass, they’re stunning, such detail in the images. I’m very nervous the whole time and I can’t seem to relax. Every man that I see I have to look into his eyes before calmly walking past. I feel like Alice, I feel like I’m the one down the rabbit hole and this isn’t my real life.

Before we leave, both of us light a candle. As I light mine, I pray to God that the man never finds us. It’s the first time I’ve ever prayed. I’m not a religious person but I feel so at peace walking around that it feels appropriate.

We nip to the shop on the way to the park to buy Austen the DVD of Alice In Wonderland to watch later this evening, even though we must have seen it hundreds of times when he was a toddler.

We arrive at Grosvenor Park just as the sun comes out. We eat ice cream by the pond then I take Austen on the mini steam train. I let him play on the playground for half an hour before we make our way back home. Waiting at the bus stop, I spin around when I hear someone shouting my name.

“Jazz, is that you?” I hear the female voice say. Searching through the crowd of people, I try to find where the voice is coming from. Piper appears amongst the throng of people, she looks flustered. “Jasmine, hey, it is you. I thought it was,” She says, as she finally reaches me, out of breath.

“Piper, how are you? It’s great to see you.” I give her a warm hug. Piper was my best friend in school. I didn’t have many friends but she was always there for me. I haven’t seen or spoken to her in so long, though.

“I’m great. Are you visiting your folks?” I look behind me to see what Austen is doing.

“Actually, I’ve just moved back here. We’re staying at my parents
’
house until I can find somewhere more permanent,” I reply, when I know that little ears aren’t within hearing distance.

“Oh, that’s great, Jazz. Do you fancy meeting up for a coffee sometime then? Or a tea, if you still don’t drink coffee.
”
She looks at me like I’m the strangest person on earth for not liking coffee. “Actually, I’m planning on going out on Saturday night if you fancy coming?
”
She announces suddenly, like sh
e’
s only just remembered.

“I’m not really sure. I have Austen to think about. I don’t like leaving himwhen
I’
ve only just arrived.” I say, worried about leaving him alone when there’s a potential murderer after me. I turn to check that Austen is still safely with me as I pull my phone out of my bag. “Give me your number and I’ll shoot you a text to let you know.” We exchange numbers and I introduce Austen to Piper before the bus arrives. We say our goodbyes and I feel a bit lighter knowing that I have at least one friend around here.

Austen, Mum and I spend the evening watching films, including Alice In Wonderland. We order a takeout pizza, Austen’s favourite Hawaiian with extra pineapple. As
I’
m putting him to bed, he asks, “When are we going home, Mum?”

“I don’t know yet, baby. Why? Don’t you like staying at Gran’s house?”

“Yeah, I do. I just miss my friends, that’s all.” He shrugs. I kiss him goodnight and close the door slightly. I feel bad dragging him halfway across the country like this. He’ll have to make new friends and leave his old ones behind. Why did this have to happen to us?

“So, how was your day?” my mum asks when I get back downstairs. My dad has gone out to the local pub with his friends.

“It was good. Austen loved the exhibition, and I saw Piper, too. She mentioned going out on Saturday but I’m not sure about leaving Austen.”

“Jasmine, you can’t live your life watching over your shoulder all the time. Go out and have some fun.” She smiles at me before having a light bulb moment, announcing, “hey, why don’t you ask Piper if she can get you a job? She works at some call centre place, I spoke to her mum a few months ago, she said she earns really good money.”

“I’ll ask her when I see her. I need to start earning some money soon, we can’t live here forever.” I take a sip of my wine and lean my head back on the sofa, pinching my eyes.

“Are you okay, Jasmine?”

“Yeah, Mum. I’m just exhausted. It’s been a rough few days and I didn’t sleep well last night.” I let out a deep sigh. “I’m so afraid that he saw me. What if he tracks me down and hurts me or Austen, or even you and Dad. I don’t want to put you all in danger.” I feel sick to my stomach when I think about my family being in danger. “Did I do the right thing, Mum? Maybe I should’ve just told the police what I saw?”

“Jasmine, I’m sure everything will be just fine. I’m sure that if h
e’
d seen you, you’d have known about it. Please, just try and relax. If you decide that you want to go to the police, we can go. Your father and I will support you in whatever you do.” She gives me a sincere look and I feel slightly happier about my decision. Before I go to bed, I text Piper to arrange meeting up on Saturday night. I’m excited to go out, but nervous about leaving Austen. I will have to get used to it if I get a job and I know he’s safe with my parents. Climbing into bed, I’m feeling better about my decision. However, sleep still evades me.

Will I ever get a good night’s sleep again?

Jasmine

Saturday evening comes around quickly. I’ve spent the week being productive. I’ve managed to get Austen into a school to start in September, and he’s excited about staying in Chester. On Wednesday, I took him out for lunch and plucked up the courage to tell him that we were staying. I’ve also been actively looking for work, although there aren’t many options at the moment, unless I want to work in McDonald’s.

I’ve made a decision to not go to the police. I’ve realised that I can’t spend my whole life worried that something may happen. Being constantly afraid and paranoid is not a way to live; it’s a way to slowly die. I’ve decided to just try and forget about it. Well, at least during the day, I have.

I spent two hours shopping today, trying to find the perfect outfit for this evening. Eventually, I went with black leggings, which hug my curves, a red strappy top, that shows off my pert breasts and red heels with a black strap. I’ve left my auburn hair down, straightening it to within an inch of its life. I spent time making sure my makeup is perfect, smoky black eye shadow, thick black lashes and soft pink lips. Looking in the full-length mirror, I do a mini twirl before leaving the bedroom. Heading in to say goodnight to Austen, I read him a short story before kissing his sleepy face.

The taxi pulls up outside the house and I say goodbye to my parents before making my way to JD Wetherspoon. Stepping inside the crowded bar, I look around at all the unfamiliar faces. I feel slightly intimidated being in a place surrounded by people I don’t know. I breathe a sigh of relief when I spot Piper stood at the bar, chatting to a bartender. She has her blonde hair tied up into a neat bun, she’s wearing dark blue jeans and a black crop top which shows off her slender midriff, she finishes her outfit with some black strappy wedges. She looks as stunning as she ever did and she has a figure to die for. The bartender is definitely chatting her up, his gaze is all over her, checking her out. As I walk up he glances my way, then continues to stare at Piper. Tapping her on the shoulder, she spins around.

“Jazz, you made it,” she says, as she pulls me in for a tight hug. It feels so natural, as if we haven’t been estranged for so long.

“I wouldn’t let you down,” I state. “What are you drinking?”

“Vodka and Red Bull. I’ll get them, what do you want?”

“I’ll have the same, thanks.” I give her a warm smile as she turns back around to face her admirer. He goes off to get the drinks and she pays him on his return. He pouts when we leave to find a seat. We take a seat near to the window and I glance outside at all the people walking past, ready for their night out.

“What have you been up to, how come you’ve moved home?” Piper asks, as soon as we sit down.

“It’s a long story, but I needed to get away. It wasn’t something I planned but now I’m here I’m happier with the decision. I just need to find myself a job and get settled.
”
I realise after I’ve said it, that I’m surprisingly happy with my decision. I love being around my parents and Austen loves the attention.

“I’m sure you’ll find something soon. What type of thing are you looking for?”

“I dunno really, possibly bar work or waitressing as that’s what I’m used to, but I’ll take anything if the mone
y’
s right.” I don’t want to ask her outright about the possibility of a job at her company. I haven’t seen her for so long, it would be cheeky of me. I take a sip of my drink, glancing around at my surroundings. I like the feel of the Wetherspoon branches, there’s no music so it’s easier to hear what people are saying to you, the only downside is that it sounds like a swarm of bees when everyone is chatting at once. “So, what have you been up to? Are you seeing anyone?”

“Nope, I’m free and single at the moment. To be honest, as soon as men find out what I do for a living, the relationship part seems to halt, instantly.” She shrugs. I give her a curious look; I thought she worked in a call centre? Why would men not like that?

“I’m a pole dancer, Jazz,” she says, as I almost choke on my drink.

“Oh, my mum said you worked in a call centre?” I splutter, wiping my chin, and laughing to myself. Her admission has shocked me but not in a horrified way, it’s just not what I was expecting her to say.

“That’s what my parents think. It’s not like I can tell them that I take my clothes off for a living, is it?” She laughs.

“Yeah, I guess not.” I take a large gulp of my drink
.
“So, is it good money then?” I’m intrigued, although, I don’t think it is something I could ever do.

“The money is amazing and I love the job. Yes, there’s some sleazebags that try to get too friendly, but we have security to keep them off us. There’s a strict no touching policy and it’s not like I’m whoring myself out to men. It’s art.” She seems to genuinely enjoy what she does, who am I to judge her?

“It sounds like you really enjoy it,” I state. She takes a sip of her drink, nodding.

“You should pop by some time, Jake is always after new girls.” I blush at the thought of taking my clothes off for strangers. I have a good body with curves in all the right places, it isn’t as toned as Piper’s but I’ve always been confident in my skin.

“I’m not sure, Pipe. I mean
…
I have nothing against the job or anything, it’s just, I don’t know if I could do it,” I stutter.

“When I first started I was so scared that I threw up before I went on stage. The nerves were horrible. But, as soon as I got out there and did it that first time, I felt powerful, it was amazing. I go out there every night and I make men want me, I make men pay money to see me. It makes me feel desirable.” I can understand her reasoning for loving this job. When we were kids, Piper and I were inseparable. We met in infants school, so we were around five or six at the time. Our parents were friends so it was obvious that we would become friends, too. During high school, Piper was regularly bullied and because I was her friend and I stood by her side, I was bullied too. Piper was gorgeous even back then, she was tall and slim, but she had bucked teeth, which is what she was teased about. They would call her some horrible names. I’d try and stick up for her but then I’d be called names, too, mainly picking on my ginger hair. We always stuck together, though. When she got braces she was so happy and I was delighted for her. By the time we went to college, she had gorgeous teeth and we were both filling out and becoming beautiful women. The teasing stopped but I know that what we went through had affected her emotionally.

“I tellyou what, we will nip in later. Wait till w
e’
ve got a few drinks inside you. You can see for yourself.” She winks at me.

We finish our drinks and then head down the road, towards Cruise nightclub. We skip the line to get in, as Piper knows the head doorman. I could get used to this, it’s great having a friend who knows people. We walk in and my first impression is, this place is massive. Wow, seriously, as far as nightclubs go, it’s pretty swanky. I’ve been in a few clubs in London, some bigger than this, but for a small city, it’s pretty spectacular. There are six rooms spread out between three floors, each room bringing a different atmosphere. We head to the disco lights of Manhattan and order ourselves some drinks. We can barely hear ourselves think over the bass of the music playing in the room, several people are gathered on the dance floor moving their bodies to the rhythm. Finally, the bartender appears and Piper shouts over the throng of people.

“We will have two cocktails, please. Hold the tails.” I watch her wink. The bartender blushes, but quickly controls himself, smiling back and flirting with her. I wish I had the same pluckiness that Piper exudes. She hands me my ‘Jizz Fizz’ cocktail, which consists of vodka, rum, orange juice and a drop of Bailey’s in the centre, and we go to find a table.

We spend hours dancing. Piper can really move; all the men flock around her, she lets off this sexual aura, it’s incredibly intense. I find myself wanting what she has; I’d love to be as confident when talking to men as she is. We eventually head back outside. As soon as the cool air hits me, I start to sway.

“That was so much fun,” I shout, as we head out of the door, the music still ringing in my ears making it difficult to determine the volume of my voice. I have a massive grin on my face, and for the first time in a long time, I feel alive. I’m not just a waitress in a city so big that I’m a minute speck, not worthy of being noticed. I’m not just an ex-wife and mum, I’m a real person, having fun, doing the things I should’ve done as a teenager. I feel like I could do anything right now. “Let’s go to this club of yours.” I wink at Piper. She links her arm in mine and we trot off down the cobbled streets, towards Lust.

When we arrive outside Lust, there isn’t much in the way of advertisement for it, apart from the sign which states that it is a ‘Gentlemen’s Club’. Two large men in suits guard the door to the entrance, Piper greets them both by name, introducing me to Dexter and Shane. I say hello to both men. Shane looks like the elder of the two men, he has a beard and long brown hair, he seems more of a hippy type than a security guard. Dexter, however, is hot! He has long black hair, which hangs over his forehead, and broad shoulders. He has unique grey eyes and the cutest smile.

“Nice ta meet ya, Jasmine,” he says, with a wink. My knickers melt; he has a Cheshire accent but there’s a hint of Irish in his tone. The intensity with which he’s staring at me has me clenching my thighs together.

“Nice to meet you too, Dexter. Please, call me Jazz,” I reply.

“Stop hitting on my friend, Dex,” Piper says, as she pulls me away and into the club, I follow behind, nervously.

I’m not sure what I was expecting, maybe some seedy pole dancing club full of sweaty old men, a shabby bar and a few half naked women? That’s not what is in front of me, though. Instead, I witness elegance and class. We walk past a booth where a group of men, all dressed in their finest outfits, sit on plush red velvet sofas.

At the bar, two girls in skimpy, but classy, outfits serve drinks to customers. There’s a stage in the middle of the club where a girl is performing for the men, who sit transfixed by her skills on the shiny metallic pole. It is a beautiful place, full of deep reds and black furnishings. None of the girls are actually naked, they are all covered, apart from the girl on the pole, who has just taken her top off. The men all keep their hands to themselves, placing notes on the stage at her feet when she has finished her performance. I watch as she leaves the stage, including her notes, and goes behind a curtain, towards the back.

A man appears from the side of the stage, it’s dark and his face is hidden by the shadows, he collects the notes and then disappears behind the curtain, too. Piper motions for me to head towards the bar, and I realise that I’ve been stood staring at my surroundings for far too long.

We order our drinks then make our way towards one of the tables.

“Hey, Pipe, you working tonight?” A petite redhead asks as we sit down.

“No, Vix, it’s my night off. This is Jasmine. She just moved back to Chester after living in London. I wanted her to see where I worked,” she replies. They start a conversation about one of the regulars and I zone out, paying attention, once again, to everything around me. I notice that the man who gathered the money has headed back out towards the bar. His muscular physique peeks my interest. I watch his broad shoulders strain against his white shirt, and his suit trousers are taut against his solid arse. His black hair is short, buzz cut at the back but longer at the sides, and he’s wearing an earpiece. I silently beg for him to turn around so that I can see if the front is as delicious as the back.

“Earth to Jazz.” I hear Piper call.

I turn around, “Oh, sorry. I was just taking it all in. It’s very nice, not at all what I was expecting.” She gives me a small smile.

“Vix was just mentioning that Jacob had asked around for new girls. Sally is going off on maternity leave so we’re short a girl on the bar. You said you wanted bar work?” She asks.

I don’t hesitate in my reply, “Yeah, I’m up for an interview. I could really do with the money.” I turn back around, but the man has disappeared again. Damn it!

“I’ll speak to Jake later on for ya and then I’ll let Pipe know,” Vix says. She stands and takes her drink off the table. “It was nice meeting you, Jazz. I hope to see you again soon.” She smiles warmly at me.

“Thanks, Vicki. It was lovely meeting you, too, and thanks for talking to your boss.”