Strip Tease

by Karen Erickson

  “You’ll be able to slip past people a lot easier than me. You’re beautiful. They’ll let you have anything you want, even in that wig.”

  She warmed at his compliment, grasping at the top of her head, tempted yet again to tear the stupid wig off. She felt ridiculous. “I look like a fool.”

  “No, you look sexy. Very sexy. Look, if Ginger sees me, she’ll bolt. She’d be too surprised to run if she saw you. I’ll wander around too, ask a few questions.” His eyes pleaded with her, those sensuous lips stretched into a glimmer of a smile.

  “Fine, I’ll go.” She was about to slide out of the booth when their hostess appeared, a martini glass on her tray. She placed the glass in front of Janelle with a flourish and a giggle.

  “Enjoy. The glass is rimmed with chocolate sugar so make sure and—lick it off.” The waitress smiled, a seductive gleam in her eyes. “I’m sure you’ll love it.”

  “Thank you.” Janelle kept her gaze trained on the glass. She could feel the tension coming off Nate in tangible waves. He didn’t like the way the waitress acted toward her.

  “This is for you as well.”

  Janelle glanced up to find the hostess handing her a black velvet mask, soft red feathers fanning from either side. She took it from her, their fingers grazing and the woman shot her a come-hither look.

  “The theme tonight is ‘What the Lady Wants’. If we’re so inclined, we’re supposed to reveal our deepest, darkest fantasies,” the waitress explained.

  Janelle studied the beautiful mask, gulping. If she was going to reveal her deepest, darkest fantasy, then she’d have Nate naked and sprawled across that stage. With her on top of him, licking every inch of his delectable flesh, drawing his cock deep into her mouth…

  Her face flushed. She could feel the heat crawl up her cheeks.

  “What’s your fantasy, sweetheart?”

  Nate’s sexy drawl filled Janelle with jealousy. Every time he talked to her, he was short and to the point. No flirting whatsoever.

  The hostess moved closer to Nate, her free hand cocked on her slim hip. “To be with another woman while her man watches. It’s something I’ve always wanted to try. I just can’t find the right couple.”

  Nothing subtle about her fantasy. The hostess was starting to scare her.

  “We can’t help you with your little fantasy.” Nate grabbed Janelle’s hand, lacing their fingers together. “I don’t share.”

  Her heart tripped at the contact. The constant touching was going to kill her.

  The hostess mock pouted. “What a shame. She’s beautiful. You two are a gorgeous couple.”

  “Thank you.” Nate jerked Janelle closer and she braced a hand on his thigh to keep from falling into him. She curled her fingers into the fabric of his pants, the heat of his firm, muscular flesh burning her palm.

  “Let me know if I could be of further service.” The hostess smiled and walked away.

  “Holy shit, she looked ready to gobble you up,” Nate muttered, releasing her hand.

  Janelle pushed away from him, grabbing the martini and drinking half of it in one gulp. She needed the alcohol if she was going to be able to make it through tonight. “This place is intense.”

  “Sorry.” Nate winced, rubbing the back of his neck. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

  “You didn’t. You’ve been nothing but a gentleman.” And it was true, he had been. For the most part.

  But the look he just shot in her direction made her think he had other, less-gentlemanly intentions toward her. “I should’ve warned you.”

  “I’m a big girl. I can handle it.” She lifted her chin, hoping she looked strong.

  Nate chose to ignore her last statement. “Are you ready to go look for Ginger?”

  “I’m a little nervous now. That woman was ready to attack me.” Janelle smoothed the synthetic hair away from her face, trying to calm her frazzled nerves.

  “You’ll be fine. Just put on the mask and look around for a few minutes. She’ll leave you alone, don’t worry about it.”

  Janelle slipped the mask on, adjusting it so she could see. Nate watched her, eyes smoldering. He licked his lips, his tongue dragging across his lower lip doing strange things to her insides. She scrambled out of the booth, desperate for some distance.

  “You look like a completely different person,” he said, his voice husky, his gaze drifting over her. Prickles of awareness washed over her heated skin at his unabashed appraisal and she wished she’d had more to drink.

  She was in for a long night.

  “Is it true, what you said to her earlier?” She didn’t know why she asked.

  “Is what true?” He glanced up, his dark brows drawn together.

  “That you don’t share.” She’d enjoyed hearing the possessive tone in his voice, the way he drew her to him and held her close, though she knew it was faked.

  Would he be possessive in bed, demanding? Would he consume her, show her in no uncertain terms that she belonged to him and no one else? The idea of belonging to him, being possessed by him sent a thrill coursing through her that was hard to deny.

  His eyes flared, never leaving hers as he shook his head slowly. “I never share. What’s mine is mine.”

  “Right. I get it,” she said weakly, aroused beyond belief. Her nipples were hard aching points, rubbing against the silk of her dress since she wore no bra and her panties were soaked. All because of what he said, how his demanding words made her feel. “I’ll be back.”

  Janelle rushed away before he could say anything else. Not like she’d become his. No man had ever tried to take over her life—she wouldn’t let them.

  Her earlier thoughts of Nate possessing her dissipated and logic set in. She wasn’t a piece of property to be bartered over and traded at whim. She left that sort of thing up to her sister and a long time ago, her mother who’d believed the promises every sleazy man had made her.

  Not Janelle, though. Never her.

  The club buzzed with the low murmurings of conversation, the clinking of glasses accompanied by the sexy beat of the music. Janelle headed toward the bar, her gaze darting in scattered directions, hoping for a glimpse of Ginger.

  Everyone was dressed up, especially the employees, making it hard for her to truly see anyone. Women wore elaborate masks covered in glitter, sequins and feathers, clad in revealing lingerie, Janelle felt downright overdressed in comparison.

  Approaching the bar, she pasted on her most seductive smile, flashing it at the bartender when he turned.

  “Hi, there.” He winked, propping both hands on the edge of the counter. “What can I get you?”

  “Oh, I’m not thirsty.” She threw back her shoulders and thrust her chest out. His eyes dropped immediately to her displayed cleavage. “I’m looking for someone.”

  “Honey, I can be of service to any of your needs.” The bartender grinned and Janelle had to admit he was cute.

  Though he wasn’t nearly as gorgeous as the man who waited for her.

  “I’m looking for a woman. I think she might work here.” She caught a flicker of disappointment in the man’s eyes.

  “Go on.” He nodded his encouragement.

  “She’s about my height, blue eyes, pale blonde hair,” Janelle continued. “Her name is Ginger.”

  Frowning, he slowly shook his head. “Doesn’t ring a bell, and I’d remember a woman named Ginger. But hardly anyone who works here goes by their real name, darlin’.”

  “Oh.” Disappointment filled her. Why would she think she’d find her sister with the first person she questioned? Talk about hopeful. “Well, thank you anyway.”

  “Hey.” His sharp bark halted her from turning completely away. He smiled, resting his hands on his hips. “Want to get together after the show? Have a drink? It’ll be on the house.”

  “Oh, thank you, but I’m afraid I have to decline. I came with someone.”

  “You can ditch him if you want. He’ll find someone else real quick, don’t you
worry.” He winked. “Not that you’re replaceable or anything...”

  Just the idea of Nate’s hands full with the curves of another woman made her want to scream with jealousy. “I don’t think so, but thank you anyway.”

  She left the bar, unease filling her. They weren’t going to find Ginger here, she could sense it. Something told her Ginger wasn’t here.

  But she had to keep looking. Heading toward the opposite end of the club, she spotted a partially open door that lead backstage. If she could sneak back there, maybe she’d find out something.

  She came to a stop, shaking her head. Damn it, how she wished she’d brought a photo of her sister. She didn’t even have a picture of Ginger on her phone. It would’ve make things a lot easier.

  As she drew closer to the door, she could see a group of women in matching costumes running around frantically, as if positioning themselves in anticipation of the start of the show. Janelle peeked around the door, trying to catch a glimpse of their faces.

  “Hey, get away from there. The show is about to start.” A sharp jab in the middle of her back made Janelle straighten with a yelp. She turned to find their hostess glaring up at her, her hands resting on slim hips.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I was curious to see what the dancers were wearing.” Janelle smiled, silently cursing her luck. Now she had to deal with little-miss-horny again.

  “They’ll be out later. Then you can ogle their costumes all you want.” The hostess took Janelle’s hand and led her away from the door. “I think you’re lost little girl.”

  Janelle restrained the urge to roll her eyes. Letting go of the hostess’ hand, she followed her. Damn it, she’d almost made it backstage.

  “No one is allowed to wander around during the performance, and it starts in less than two minutes. We need to get you back to your table.” The hostess waved an impatient hand, scurrying along at a rapid pace, despite her five-inch heels

  Janelle hurried after her, she could feel the front of her dress slipping with every step. Glancing down, she found her breasts were practically hanging out, especially since she wore no bra. She’d have to adjust her dress when she got back to the table.

  In front of Nate. Would he be tempted? Didn’t all men enjoyed a flash of cleavage?

  You don’t want to tempt him. You don’t want him, period.

  Her mind screamed in protest, but her body was revved up and ready for action—specifically from Nate.

  God, she was pitiful.

  “Here you are.” The hostess stopped at their table, her voice a naughty little singsong as she smiled at Nate. “Don’t worry. I left her in one piece for you.”

  Nate glared at Janelle as she sat down, his brows drawn together. She blatantly yanked on the straps of her dress, adjusting them and he watched her every move.

  “Don’t tell me you fooled around with that waitress,” he growled.

  Her mouth dropped open. “What? No! I was trying to get backstage when she caught me. The show’s about to start and she said no one’s allowed to wander around so she brought me back here.”

  “Really?” A dark brow arched and Janelle had the sudden urge to screw with his head.

  If he wanted naughty, wanted to believe she’d do something with the hostess, then so be it. She’d give him an earful.

  “Why? You don’t believe me?” She lowered her voice to a sultry tone. “Does it excite you, the thought of me being with another woman while you watch? Are you into the kinky stuff, Detective Banks?”

  Hell. The man provoked her and she couldn’t help herself. Thinking she’d fool around with some oversexed waitress, how dare he?

  Nate watched her, his gaze intense, his lips parting as if he were about to speak. He didn’t say a word and she literally squirmed in her seat.

  God, he made her uncomfortable.

  “Say something,” she whispered harshly. “I know you want to.”

  Reaching out, he touched her, drew his finger down her cheek, along her jaw. “I don’t want care what you’re in to. But tonight, you’re with me, and you’re going to play by my terms. So remember, I don’t share. And I definitely don’t watch. I’d rather participate.”

  A shuddering breath escaped her when his finger dropped from her face. His words knocked any sense she had straight out of her head. She’d wanted to mess with his mind and instead he just blew hers. Without a doubt, he’d be controlling in bed. Intense and focused, bringing her insurmountable pleasure again and again and again...

  “Did you find out anything about Ginger?” she asked, desperate to change the subject, switch her focus to anything else but the sexy man sitting too close.

  “No, not really. I asked around, talked to the doorman briefly but got nowhere. How about you?” He appeared surprised by her abrupt change of subject.

  Janelle shook her head. “No. No one has heard of her.” The lights dimmed once more, blanketing the large room into complete darkness. “I guess it’s starting.”

  “Come here.” Nate hauled her close, slipping his arm around her, his big warm hand cupping her bare shoulder. She shivered at his touch, her entire body humming with pleasure at the contact. “Let’s enjoy the show.”

  Chapter Four

  Janelle’s curvy body fit neatly against his, her heat enveloping him, her sweet scent tantalizing. Nate tilted his head and sniffed, trying to be subtle, desperate to breathe her in. The bad wig and silly mask looked damn good on her.

  Everything looked good on her.

  He’d never admit it, but the little waitress’s words made him jealous. Janelle’s slightly disheveled state when she’d returned to the table had thrown him. Made him wonder if they really had wandered off, engaging in a quick embrace.

  Nate shook his head. Her accusing words had provoked him, turned him on. Immediately a vision of the two women wrapped around each other had flashed in his mind.

  He wasn’t lying. He didn’t share. No matter how hot and willing the women were, that sort of thing didn’t fly with him.

  But indulging a fantasy of the mind? Well now, that was more than allowed…

  “Let go of me,” she said through clenched teeth, her entire body tense.

  “No. Come on, Janelle, relax. We have to portray a certain image.” He gently stroked her bare shoulder, his fingers lingering, and she shivered. She had the softest skin. Was she as soft everywhere? Would she let him map her body with his hands, his mouth?

  “No one is paying attention to us. You don’t have to pretend you want to touch me.” She glanced up, her eyes fierce beneath the mask. Damn, if she only knew the truth. What would she do if he kissed her?

  Nate took a deep breath, tearing his gaze from her. He needed to gain some control. They were in the middle of a club and he was on duty. Not the right time to indulge in a beautiful woman who tempted him beyond reason.

  The waitress magically appeared before their table with another chocolate martini on her tray. “For you to enjoy while you’re watching the show. Have fun, you two.”

  She set the drink in front of Janelle, shot Nate a wicked smile and then buzzed away.

  “What did she mean by that?” Janelle’s expression was inquisitive.

  Nate shrugged, unable to concentrate. It was as if he were living in another world. All thoughts of finding Ginger had disappeared, the investigation, Billy D, all of it. He could think of nothing else but this soft, sexy woman sitting close, looking like his every fantasy personified.

  He could probably blame it on a lack of any sexual interaction for the past few months. Hell, he could blame it on this club, how the place literally reeked of sex, but he knew it was more than that.

  There was something vulnerable beneath Janelle’s tough girl exterior. A hint of sadness, as if the weight of the world sat on this woman’s shoulders, and for some odd reason, something he wasn’t quite ready to understand, he wanted to be the one who helped relieve her troubles. If only temporarily.

  The music faded and the velvet curtains parte
d. The spotlight grew until it shone upon a couple who stood in the middle of the stage. A woman, tall and thin, was dressed in a black bra with gold detailing and a pair of miniscule black panties.

  Nate couldn’t help but admire the woman, her long legs enhanced by garters and sheer black stockings, her feet clad in the highest red shoes he’d ever seen. Multiple long necklaces made of glittering black stones hung from her neck and clung to her voluptuous chest. She wore an elaborate mask over her face. It was embellished with brilliant peacock feathers that stood like a crown above her eyes.

  The man was dressed in a white dress shirt and black pants, his head shaven completely bald and a simple gold mask covered the upper half of his face. He was big and intimidating, nearly twice the size of the woman.

  The woman slowly wound around the man, her arms circling his back, one leg coming up to wrap around his hip. The man reached out, one meaty hand holding her leg in place as he thrust his groin against hers.

  The music resumed, its beat heavy, sensual, almost tribal. The spotlight changed color, casting the couple in a soft golden haze. They began to dance, swaying to the beat, their gazes locked, bodies entwined.

  Janelle grabbed her new drink, gulping from it, her hand trembling when she set it back on the table.

  “Are you all right?” He whispered the question close to her ear, wishing the wig was gone. He wanted the real woman, not this fake one they’d both created.

  She blinked up at him from behind the mask, her lush lips parting in surprise. “I’m fine, a little thirsty.”

  “Just checking,” he said with a smile. He trailed his fingers along the slope of her shoulder, down her arm, then back up again.

  She didn’t protest, which was a good thing. Returning her attention to the stage, she watched the couple continue their sensual dance, but Nate only had eyes for her.

  He wanted her. He wanted to know if she liked hard kisses with thrusting tongues or slow, soft lingering kisses that lasted for hours. He wanted to know what it would be like, buried deep within her, having her wrap around him like she didn’t want to let go.