He looked imploringly at Karen for a little help before turning his attention back at me. "Kara, this isn't a joke. Somebody set fire to your studio. I want to catch them, and you're making jokes."
"I'm not!"
"She isn't?" He looked back at Karen.
Karen shook her head. "Most women tend to find Kara a little…"
"Over the top?"
"Let's go with that."
"So, no men on your list of possible suspects?"
"Oh, no. Men adore me."
"I'm sure they do." He laughed and took another sip of his coffee.
"Do you?"
He blinked. "Do I what?"
"Adore me?" I smiled cheekily and took another sip of my coffee.
"I have to go. Text me a list of names when you have a moment. I'll look into them." He quickly pushed his seat back and practically scrambled out of the donut shop.
"I think he likes you."
"Well, he hasn't shot me. Yet."
Karen handed me a donut. "Do you really think it was one of them?"
I took the offered treat and nibbled a sliver out of the cruller, thinking about each and every one of them before shaking my head. "No. I don't. They might key my car or try to fuck one of my boyfriends, but I don't think any one of them is capable of lighting a match."
"Who do you think did it?"
"Probably the same person who's been attacking people. The Bickering Bandit, or whatever they're calling them."
"Them, not him?"
"No. I had a run in with them. I couldn't tell if they were male or female."
"Wait. What?"
"Daniel and I were attacked, but…uh…Daniel scared them off."
"Oh my God. Why didn't you tell me?"
"It was no big deal. Neither of us were hurt, and the bandit took off. Case closed."
"Is it? Did you let the lieutenant know?"
"Kinda slipped my mind until now."
"You think they're pissed because they couldn't get to you?"
I shrugged and finished the last of my donut. There was just something about French crullers. Sweet, not too sweet. And it was like eating corrugated air. You could pack away five or six of them before you noticed it.
"Well, be careful. And don't go anywhere alone."
"I'll be fine. Same goes to you."
"Oh. I have pepper spray and a taser in my purse." She reached into the bag on the table, and I heard the crackle of electricity. "Let those bastards try anything with me."
I opened my mouth to warn her, but I stopped myself. There was no way to tell her without raising her suspicion. I liked Karen, but she was the last person in the universe I would share my secret with. It would get around faster than if I showed up at the next PTA meeting with wings, horns, and a tail. Instead, I just covered her hand with mine. "Be careful, Karen. I mean it."
"I will."
"Good."
Chapter 19
"Hey, beautiful." I smiled at Alana and stepped out of the door to let her into the house. She blushed and ducked inside.
"I just heard, are you okay?"
"Yeah. My clothes were toasted, but I was fine."
"What about Sage?"
"Just got off the phone with her. She's doing fine, and they should release her sometime tomorrow. They're just worried about all the smoke she inhaled." I sighed, more than a little worried about my friend. She was going to be fine physically, but she had taken the destruction of the studio worse than I. She had been looking forward to a new start and getting out on her own. Now she was jobless, but not homeless. She was going to stay in our spare bedroom until the studio was fixed. I needed to make it happen sooner rather than later. That decision had drastically changed our date plans. I'd planned something romantic, but I had a feeling Alana wouldn't be too disappointed.
"So, where are we going?" I added a touch of clairvoyant aptitude to Alana's repertoire.
"It's a surprise," I answered with a small laugh.
"Why am I afraid?" She wrapped her arms around my waist and leaned down for a soft kiss. She smelled like strawberries, and I melted into her embrace, running my hands up her back.
"Because you know me," I said as I pulled away from her kiss. "We better stop, or we'll never make it to dinner."
"I'm good with that."
"But we'll miss all the fun."
"That's what I'm afraid of."
"Missing the fun?"
"No. Your idea of it." She slapped my butt as she headed for the front door. I couldn't help but grin as her skirt covered ass swayed seductively down my hallway.
Once we got in her car, she revved the engine of her late model Camry. Probably to keep the engine from sputtering out. "Want me to drive?"
"What? Don't like my teachermobile?"
"Do you?"
A sad look crossed her face, and she shook her head. "No."
"Me neither. Come on, let's take my car. You can drive."
Without turning the key, she let go of the gas and shut the engine off all on its own. "Okay," she said embarrassedly.
Squeezing her knee in sympathy, I smiled and got out of the deathtrap as fast as I could. "I'ma smack your brother for letting you drive that heap."
"There's something wrong with the fuel injectors. It was an eight-hundred-dollar fix that neither one of us could afford."
"Ouch. Well, once you guys move in with Daniel, the money you save on rent can start going toward a new car. Or repairs. Or whatever." Reaching in my purse, I pulled out my keys and tossed them to Alana.
"Are you really sure you're okay with us moving in with Daniel?" Her mouth frowned in concern.
"Are you kidding me? Hmm. Let me think about that for a minute. Yes. I'm really good with it." I grinned at her as we got into the SUV.
"Nice ride."
"Thanks."
"So, where we headed?"
"Do you like steak?"
"Only meat I'll willingly put in my mouth," she said with a musical giggle.
"If you're trying to make my panties wet, I'm not wearing any."
She stopped short in the driveway, the tires giving a short chirp. "Seriously?"
I nodded.
She slammed the car into park, lifted herself off her seat and shimmied her silk panties down over her feet. I caught a brief glance at her small patch of blonde hair before she pulled her skirt back down almost to her knees. She handed me her panties, leaned over, and whispered, "Now we match."
She put her panties in my hand, their warmth turning me on almost as much as the lust that came with them.
"Let's eat," she said sultrily, and put the Escalade back into reverse.
"Not while you're driving. I don't want my car wrecked."
We pulled into the parking lot of the steak house closest to our final destination. "Are you sure about this place? Seems kind of pricey." She stared at the entrance over the dashboard.
"Yep. C'mon. Let's eat."
It was pricey, but busy. But then again, the people of Bickering weren't hurting for money for the most part. We got a booth for two and put in our drink order. Alana tried to order a Coke because she was driving, but I shook my head at her and ordered a second glass of wine. "We can call a cab if we have to. This is a date. You're supposed to be having fun."
She blushed and nodded to the waitress.
"Be right back with your drinks. Do you want an appetizer?"
"No thanks."
She nodded at me, closed her book, and headed toward the bar. I had slid into the same side of the booth as Alana, and she leaned against me when we were alone. "Thanks."
"For what?”
"Taking me on a date. I can't tell you the last time I've been on one."
"Why? You're beautiful. I would think the girls would have been lining up to take you everywhere."
"Welcome to Massachusetts," she said with a huff of disgust.
"What? We're not in the bible belt. I would think same sex relationships wouldn't be a problem."
She shook her head. "This is the burbs, Kara. Everyone is married or divorced and looking for their next opponent. The few flings I've had were always with married women wanting a little excitement in their lives. And always ended when they wanted to include their husbands."
"Oh." I let my fingers glide over her cheek. "Is this your way of telling me not to suggest Daniel in our play?"
She chuckled, and lifted her head from my shoulder. "No. I didn't think you would. You're…different from most of the people around town. But yes. Don't. I'd rather you just break it off with me now, if that was your plan. Daniel and my brother have been friends forever, and he's definitely in the brother category. And the has a penis category. Sorry."
"I never had any intention. But I'm glad you told me in case he ever got any ideas." I kissed her slowly. Until the clank of glasses broke it. The waitress gave us a shy smile and pulled her order book back out. "Are you ready to order? Or did you need a few…minutes."
"I'm ready." I was actually starving.
"Me, too."
"Prime rib, medium rare."
"And for you?"
"I'll have the same, but medium well."
"I'll have those right out and bring you some more drinks."
She nervously took our menus and scampered off. She might have been old enough to serve drinks, but I doubted she could order them. "I think we make her nervous." Alana returned her head to my shoulder.
"I think she's jealous of me."
"Ha! I doubt that. We're probably the first women she's ever seen openly…"
"Openly what?"
"Into each other." She tilted her head and kissed my shoulder.
My hand snaked its way into her lap, and I gently rubbed her thigh. "I am."
"You are what?"
"Into you. Definitely."
She leaned up and kissed me. When she pulled away, the eyes of the people at the tables around us were openly staring. "Oops." She sat up and put an inch of space between us.
"Fuck them." I scooted closer to her and held her hand under the table.
We were saved by our waitress setting our food in front of us. We ate in silence, but the warmth of our smiles was more than enough. The food was fantastic, but the company was better.
"Did you guys save room for dessert?"
"Nope. We've got that covered." I winked at her and smiled when she blushed.
"I'll bring your check." She smiled and took our empty plates.
"You're gonna kill that poor innocent girl."
I chuckled and smiled at her when she brought our bill. "Thanks."
She nodded and scurried away again quickly.
When I opened the bill, she hadn't charged us for the wine and put a smiley face next to her 'You are a beautiful couple' note. Laughing softly, I showed the note to Alana before I stuffed more than enough cash into the black leather book and set it on the table. "Ready?"
"For what?"
"It's a surprise."
"As long as there isn't a bunch of guys dancing in G-strings. I'm up for anything."
"Nope. No guys." I took her arm and headed toward the Candy Shoppe.
She stopped us at the door, looked at the sign in wild eyed amazement and flashed me a grin. "You're taking me to a strip club?"
"Yep." I smiled back at her, but I was filled more with relief than happiness. I hadn't been too sure how she would feel about going to a titty bar on the first date.
"Woah. I haven't been to one in…years."
"I'm kinda surprised you have."
"College. It's how I found out girls were way hotter than guys. That, and my roommate. We spent a lot of time at the one by the college."
Sighing, I walked in and raised my voice over the throb of the music. "I miss working."
"Dance for me sometime?" She bumped my hip with her own.
"Definitely."
We made our way to the exact table Brady, Daniel, and I had sat at the last time we were there. "Welcome back," the same waitress said as she put a couple of cocktail napkins down on the table in front of us. "What can I get you?"
"Bottle of champagne."
She blinked in surprise. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, please. And let Michel know that Kara is here, if he has a moment?"
Instead of answering, she nodded and headed for the bar. I used the moment to look around and smiled at Alana, who was enraptured with the dancer on the stage.
"She's hot," I whispered into her ear.
She nodded and blushed as she gave me a shy smile. "She is. Not as hot as you, but still hot."
That earned her a kiss. "You're already getting into my non-existent panties. No need to butter me up."
"I don't know. A little butter might be fun."
I flashed her a toothy grin. Alana was like that. Shy and demure, but still playful when it counted most.
"Kara. A pleasure to see you again. What can I do for you?"
Michel stood behind us and spoke at a normal volume, knowing full well I would be able to hear him even over the cacophony of the club. "Have a minute?"
"For you, of course."
"I'll be right back, Alana. Watch my drink."
She nodded and turned her attention back to the stage. At least she was distracted while I did a little business. Michel led me through the crowded club to his ornate wooden office door, ushering me inside and closing the door behind us. "I heard about your studio. You have my sympathies."
"Which is precisely why I came to see you."
"If it is for a loan…"
I shook my head, nipping that in the bud before the silence became awkward. "No."
"Then what can I do for you?"
"I need a contractor."
"And what makes you think I know one?" He hadn't missed the inflection in my voice. He knew exactly what I was after, and it wasn't a burly guy in plaid.
"You're a vampire who owns a strip club in the suburbs of Boston. I'm pretty sure you didn't get where you are through permits, bank loans, and inspections. I had a heavy blow dealt to me. I want to recoup what I had and give it some protection."
"Contractors are not cheap. And someone may notice."
"Like who?"
"Whomever set fire to your building."
"I don't care. I'm going to have guards around the place once it's fixed. They won't get a second blow in."
He sighed heavily and rubbed the stubble on his chin.
"Fine. I shall have them meet you at the proposed location tomorrow evening. Will that suffice?"
I cranked out a smile for him. "I would be indebted to you."
"That is one place you do not want to be, cher."
"Fine. You will have my gratitude."
"Something tells me, that is exactly where I want to be." He smiled at me and stood up, offering me his hand. "Enjoy the rest of your evening. And your companion."
"Oh, I will." I chuckled softly and left him sitting there. I had a hot date waiting.
And she wasn't alone.
One guy with a beard and a leather vest had taken my seat. His less intelligent looking friend had taken the seat on the other side of a very uncomfortable looking Alana.
"Do not hurt them, cher." Michel's voice caressed the back of my neck as I strode purposely in their direction.
"No promises."
"Signal my bouncers if you require assistance."
I waved at him over my shoulder just before I got back to the table. "Excuse me. You're in my seat."
"Well, looky here. Another one, Vinnie. Looks like you get to have this one." He reached over and patted Alana on the leg. "What's your name, sweetheart?"
"You can call me her girlfriend."
"No shit. Dykes?" He looked at Alana and back to me. "Pretty sure my friend and I can change your minds."
"Sweetie, it's because of pieces of shit like you that we prefer the company of each other. Please leave."
"You got a problem?"
"Yes." I sat down at the last empty seat and put my elbow on
the table. "You see, I love eating pussy."
"I ain't got a problem with that, as long as I can watch."
"That's great. But the problem is, if I were to eat two greasy pussies like you and your friend, I would get heartburn. So, run along, douche nugget."
His face went from intrigued to angry with each word I said. By the time he understood what I was saying, he had reached apoplectic. "You fucking cu–"
He didn't get to finish his sentence before I slapped him out of his chair. He hit the floor with a roar of surprise, and I winced when I realized he had put his open mouth on the disgusting floor of the strip club. Personally, I would rather have licked the floor of a movie theater. Or a subway car.
He was getting up on his hands and knees when I kicked him in his very exposed ass and smiled when he slid forward at least five feet across the slick polished concrete. He was going to need two showers. I was pretty sure that was his quota for the year.
"Leave, Vinnie." I didn't even look at his larger friend.
Apparently, I'd been wrong about his friend. He had more brain cells than his buddy. He got up and left the table in a big old hurry. I looked up just in time to see Michel give me a small salute from across the room.
"How did you do that?” Alana sounded more in awe than afraid, so at least I had that going for me.
"Guys like that piss me off. Adrenalin," I lied smoothly. I needed to tell Alana what I was before we got too serious, but it wasn't the time or the place. "Sorry about that."
"Sorry? Thank you. I asked them to leave at least twenty times. They didn't believe I was here with somebody. They were sure I was a dancer."
"I can see why. You have a dancer's body."
"Volleyball."
"Want to get out of here?"
She just smiled and nodded. I stood up and offered her my hand. She reached out to take it, when I saw a wave of horror cross her features as she opened her mouth to scream. Normally, the odds of a human sneaking up behind me were slim to none. However, I relied on my hearing and subtle changes in the air currents around me to sense danger. There was nothing supernatural or magical about it. Standing in the middle of a strip club with giant speakers, cheering, bottles clanking, and people shouting, my senses were more than a little dulled. If it weren't for the change in my date's expression, I would have taken the knife in the back. It wouldn't have killed me, but there would have been a lot of blood and explaining to do. As soon as I realized the danger, I dropped to the ground just as the blade traveled over my head.
Succubus Soccer Mom: A Reverse Harem Tale Page 18