Lust (The Stripped Bare Series Book 1) (5 page)

I sit anxiously tapping my foot against the table, checking my watch again for the tenth time this minute.

“Max, I’m about to go out on stage.” Joanne calls through the door.

“I’ll be right out.” I tell her, checking my watch once more. Entering the bar, I notice that there’s a group of men sat in front of the stage on one of the tables. They’re all chatting loudly, but as the music starts to play their attention is drawn to Joanne. I check my watch once more, where the fuck is she? I need to man the fuck up right now, because I’m acting like an idiot. My head is totally not in the game and it’s all because of Jasmine. I didn’t even know her name until this afternoon when I got into work. I didn’t sleep a wink last night. All I could think about was burying my cock into her sweet little pussy, watching her face flame as I pound into her over and over. It’s making me hard just thinking about it now. She’s meant to arrive for her shift at 5 p.m. and it’s 4:45 now. I anxiously watch the door, waiting to catch a glimpse of her.

A shout breaks me from my trance and I realise that one of the men is trying to touch Joanne. As soon as I notice, I grab him by the scruff of his scrawny neck and drag him towards the doorway. I feel like the biggest piece of crap in the world right now. My job is to observe, to predict when one of these sleazebags will get too hands on, and I’m usually damn good at my job. Yet, today, I’m too busy with my head in the clouds, thinking about some girl, who I can’t touch, instead of doing what I’m meant to do. What a wanker I am!

As I throw him into the street, I spot her. She’s talking to Dex, twirling her flowing red locks around her fingers. She bites her lip as Dex says something and she laughs lightly, tapping him on the arm. I stand horrified as I realise that Dex is hitting on her and she’s eating it all up, flirting back at him. Turning around, I storm back into the club. I gather Jo’s money off the stage and head back into the staff room. Dumping the money, I make my way to the bathroom, taking a deep breath as soon as I get inside. Why in the hell am I letting this woman get to me so much? She doesn’t have a chocolate pussy, she isn’t worth all this shit! Get your act together, man! Do your job! I give myself the mental pep talk and splash my face with some water, before heading back out to apologise to Jo. Maybe, I need to bend her over a table to get her out of my system? Bad idea, Max. Don’t even go there! Yeah, that would lead to a whole other world of trouble.

Jasmine

I’m nervous, but really excited about my first day on the job. I spent the day shopping with Austen. We went to McDonald’s for lunch and I bought him some new trainers for when he starts school. I had to hide my ‘uniform’ from Mum, as I don’t want her asking questions about why I need to wear a short skirt and bikini style top to work in a call centre. I’ll have to make sure I can change at the club, prior to starting work. I prepare myself a sandwich to take with me to eat on my break. I’m not sure if there’s anywhere to get a snack there so I make sure I’m well prepared. Feeling a vibration in my pocket, I lift out my phone to see who’s calling. My heart beats out of my chest when I see Jason’s name lighting up on my screen. I really should answer it, I’ve been putting this conversation off for days but I need to make sure that no one is looking for me. I press the little green button.

“Hello,’ I say, nervously. I’m in two minds about speaking to him, I’m not sure if I want to know what he has to say. 

“Hey, Jazz. How are you? What’s going on?”

“Oh, hey, Jase.” I put on a fake cheery voice. I don’t want him to suspect that there’s anything wrong. “I’m good, thanks. I just needed to get away for a bit, but I’m okay.” I don’t want to tell him where I am. I can’t risk someone finding out. I know I’m probably being paranoid.

“Listen, Jazz. The police have been trying to contact you for questioning. I had to tell them that I don’t know where you are. Can you contact them to let them know you’re safe, please? I’ve been going out of my mind with worry.
”
I listen to the wobble of his voice; it’s filled with worry and confusion. A wave of guilt washes over me at the thought of putting my friend – a friend that has been there for me for the past six years – through all this concern. Jase and Carly were my two best friends in London and I have completely cut them both out of my life. Taking a deep breath, I remember why I’m doing this.

“Sorry, my battery was dead and I had to buy a new charger,” I lie; it’s amazing how easily the lies are coming out of my mouth lately. I actually turned my phone off for a few days. I need to go and buy a new sim card and get a new number, really. “Has anyone else asked about me?” I ask, but I’m not sure I’m ready for the answer.

“Only Carly. She popped in because your landlord said you had moved out. What’s going on, honey? I know the whole finding the body thing shook you up, but are you sure you’re alright? I breathe a deep sigh of relief, if no one has been snooping around then I’m sure I wasn’t seen.

“Yeah, I’m fine, Jase. I just need some time away. I’ll be in contact and I’ll let the police know that I’m safe and well. Thanks for letting me know.”

“Okay, babe. Please let me know if you need anything. I’ll see you soon, yeah?”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll call you.” I lie. I hate lying to Jason, he’s been a great friend to me over the past few years and it breaks my heart that I probably won’t see him again, well, not for a while, anyway. I need to put Austen’s safety first, though, and that means no contact with London. I’ll nip to the phone store on my way to work and pick up a new sim card. I should really contact Gavin and let him know where we are, although I doubt he will even notice. The last time he bothered to call to see how Austen is, was over six months ago. He’s too busy with his new family to give a shit about us.

I say goodbye and goodnight to Austen before I jump in my car and head to Lust. After finding a parking space, I make the rest of the journey on foot. It’s not easy walking the cobbled streets in the six-inch heels that Jacob insists we wear, but I just about manage to make it to the club without breaking my leg. As I walk towards the door, I spot Dexter stood alone.

“Hey, Dex. How are you?” I ask. I need to get on the good side of my ‘protectors’. The security of the club is vital, especially with my situation right now. It’s also another reason why I was so excited to land myself this job. I don’t feel afraid when all these big burly men are nearby.

“Hiya…Jazz, is it? Sorry, I’m hopeless with names.” I smile at him. He’s cute, but not really my type. I’m more into the dark and brooding type.

“Yep, that’s me. You working all night?” He smiles back at me and he has a cute little cupids bow to his thin lips.

“I sure am. Max said we had a newbie starting called Jasmine. I’m guessing that’s you?” He winks at me. My insides giggle like some ridiculous schoolgirl and I unconsciously twirl my hair around my finger. What the hell is wrong with me? A bit of male attention and I act like a teenager again, instead of a twenty-eight year old divorcee. I need to get laid. I think I miss sex.

“I’m nervous as hell, Dex.
”

“You’ll be fine,” he says, trying to reassure me. “Just give me a shout if you need me. I can be your knight in shining armor. You won’t need it, though, you’ll do great.
”
I tap him lightly on his bulging biceps and smile warmly at him. I could get used to working here if all the men are as friendly as Dexter. “Have ya worked a bar before?”

“Yes, I used to work at a restaurant in London. It’s not the same as this, though, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it. Everyone seems really nice.” I watch him taking in every word I say, it’s refreshing to have a man actually listen to me without them staring at my tits. He keeps his eyes trained to my face, watching my lips. I like him; he could be a great friend to have.

“You’ll be fine then,
‘
n everyone here’s great. We’re like a big family.” He winks again.

“I better go inside and get ready. Thanks, Dex, I’ll speak to you later?”

“Ya sure will, darlin’.”

I head inside, waving and nodding my head at the girls that I pass by. I make it to the dressing room and quickly change my clothes. I’m just about to take my leggings off when I hear the door open behind me. I turn around expecting one of the girls, but instead I’m greeted by the broad man from the other day. Quickly, I cover myself up.

“It’s okay, love, nothin’ I’ve not seen before,” he says. His tone is harsh and I wonder if I’ve done something wrong. His demeanour has totally changed. He was playful when he winked at me, and now he’s a totally different character.

“Did you want something?” I’m almost too harsh with my questioning. I don’t know the routine around here, is he even allowed to just walk into the girls
’
changing room?

“Jake asked me to give ya this name badge.” He hands it over and I take it, sucking in a deep breath when my hand touches his skin. His reaction remains unchanged. “He also asked me to introduce ya to Liz, she’ll be training ya on the bar. Scotty will be coming in soon to start your training on the pole. You’ll need to be here early in the morning for that.” His tone is clipped.

“Yeah, sure, that’s fine.” I smile. I don’t know why he’s behaving like a pig. I’ve got my work cut out for me if I want to get on his good side. That’s if he has one. “I was thinking, aren’t I little old to be training to dance the pole?” I’d been thinking it, and I’m sure the men would like to see someone a little younger.

“Listen, sweetheart, if the boss says you’re good, then you’re good.” He turns and walks out of the door. I finish getting ready and then follow him out. He’s waiting for me, leaning up against the wall, his arms are crossed which causes his biceps to strain against his shirt. He walks out towards the bar and I follow behind like a good little girl.

“Lizzy, this is Jasmine.
”
He introduces me to a tall lady. She must be in her late twenties like myself. She has short blonde hair, which is spiked at the top, and she has tattoo’s covering the top half of both of her arms.

“Call me Jazz,” I state with a smile, talking to both of them.

“Jasmine,” he says, ignoring my request to shorten my name, “shall be working the bar, until she’s trained on the pole.” He looks at me.

“Thanks, Max. Hi, Jazz, I’ll show you the ropes but I’m sure you’ll manage just fine.” She smiles at me. So his name is Max? I wonder if it’s short for Maxwell, or Maximus or even Maximillian. I chuckle at my inside thoughts. I’m such a doofus.

He walks away towards the stage where one of the girls is getting ready to perform, so I make my way behind the bar and start getting myself acquainted with my new workspace. I’ve done bar work at the restaurant before I was a waitress. This should be a doddle. Lizzy shows me the ropes and I find myself really enjoying myself. Piper comes in to see how I’m getting on; she isn’t working this evening, so it’s nice to see her.

“How’re you doing?” She asks, as she takes a seat on one of the bar stools in front of the black marble bar. I start making her usual drink.

“Yeah, it’s going great. Thanks so much for arranging this, Pipe.” I hand her the glass and she takes a swig.

“Not bad,” she says and I laugh, it’s only vodka and coke. “Don’t thank me, it will be good having you around. I’ve missed you over the years.
”
I think about how much I’ve missed her, too. When I left for London I was young and stupid. We had drifted apart since finishing college and I felt like I had nothing back home to stay for. Gavin made sure that I needed him more than I needed friends. When I look back now, I realise that he was a manipulative narcissist. He had no flaws whatsoever. To me, he was the perfect man. He was charming to my family and his friends loved him. However, as soon as we were married he didn’t want me to have any contact with friends, and he restricted when I could call my parents and what I could say to them. I was so stupid. I didn’t see anything wrong with this at the time. I loved him and I was having his baby. Then, he worked all the time and I became emotionally detached from everything and everyone. I didn’t speak to Piper for over two years. When I finally got free and managed to get my life back on track, I caught up with her on Facebook. “How’re you getting on with the boys?” I look around the bar to see if Max is near.

“Dex is lovely, and I met James, too, he was really nice. Max doesn’t like me, though.” I shrug.

“What do you mean? Max likes everyone, usually.” Well, that makes me feel even worse now. Maybe he’s just having an off day.

“He was a bit short with me, and he refuses to call me Jazz, which is strange.” Maybe it’s not strange, but he did call Lizzy, Liz.

“I’ll have a word with him, find out his deal. He’s probably in a bad mood. Don’t take it personally.”

“Ta, Pipe.” She finishes her drink and then goes out the back to see one of the girls. I go to serve a group of gentlemen, who are gathered in one of the booths. One of the men, a chubby fella, with short hair and a large nose, looks me up and down as I approach. I need to get used to the slimy men staring at me this way. Normally, I’d want to punch them in the throat, but it’s my job to let them ogle me, and I get paid for it, so I have to just suck it up and control my emotions.

“What can I get you gentlemen?” I smile politely at them.

“A lap dance would be good,” the podgy man says. I want to throw up a little in my mouth but I control it. I need to get used to this, especially if I’m going to be working the pole. I guess it just comes with experience.

“I’m sorry, gentlemen. I’m just your waitress for the evening. I’m sure one of our girls would happily accommodate you, though.” I explain. I take their order, after a few grumbles, and head back to the bar to get their drinks. When I return they tip me five pounds, I’m stunned. If that’s the tip for serving a round of drinks in this place, then I’ll be able to afford a flat in no time.

The evening ends quickly and I’m pleasantly surprised with how fast it has flown by. I head into the changing room and get out of my outfit. I grab my bag and keys and head out of the door.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” I say, as I walk into a rock solid chest. He grabs me by the waist and I look up into Max’s eyes, they soften.

“It’s okay.” He shrugs, his demeanour changing again. “How’d your night go?” Is he asking because he’s genuinely interested or is he asking because he’s practically my boss?

“It was good, I enjoyed it.” I smile up at him. I really want him to like me, not because he’s nice to look at or because he had some sort of weird effect on me when he touched me, but because he’s my protector, the person who will keep me safe when I’m working.

“I’ll see ya tomorrow night, then.” He moves over to let me past; I pause before heading down the corridor towards the doo
r
.