SinSatiable

by Shelia E. Bell

He kissed her on the forehead and left. She watched as he walked down the stairway and a smiled covered her face and his.

  CHAPTER 15

  Aisha couldn’t believe she’d succumbed to Elisa’s offer to visit The Lynx. All of her instincts had told her not to go, but yet, here she was standing in what she’d classified as none other than a high class strip joint. If her pastor could see her now he would probably stroke out. Not to mention her daddy and her mother. And Tameria? What would she think of her Holy Roller best friend now? Stepping inside The Lynx, her previous thoughts were put on hold as she walked into the magnificently luxurious foyer.

  “Elisa, this place is like wow. It reeks of money.”

  “Honey, this place is money. Come on, let me show you around. The Lynx is designed like a five star hotel with private suites. An individual suite runs anywhere from five to ten thousand dollars.”

  “Whaaat? That’s unbelievable. Why so much?”

  “Because these guys mean business. Some of them live in the city and own their suites and come and go at their leisure. Others live out of town and fly here for a few days or a weekend and they want to guarantee their exclusivity.”

  “Okay, I understand that much. But what’s there to hide?”

  Elisa stopped walking and glared at Aisha. “Most of these men have families. They’re owners of corporations and a few are even movie stars.. The Lynx provides them with a means to freely do whatever it is they want to do within the confines of these walls. Remember when I told you that some of the girls are private entertainers?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, take me for instance. I have two gentlemen here that I entertain exclusively in the privacy of their suites. One comes the fourth weekend of every month and the other gentleman is here a few times a month. Then on my free nights, I might dance for some of the regulars and make several hundred or even a thousand or more a night. I mostly do that on the dance platform, not in the suites. Come on. I’ll show you where the open area is.”

  “What’s the open area?”

  “It’s where the bar and the dance stage are located. Follow me.”

  They got back on the elevator and Aisha noticed the number pad next to the fourth floor button. “Hey, what’s on the fourth floor that requires a keypad?”

  “It’s the owner’s private space. No one’s ever been up there except a select few and I mean a few.”

  “Are you?”

  “Am I what?” Elisa asked.

  “Are you one of those select few?”

  “Nope, and I don’t think any of the other ladies who work here have been there either. And plus, I don’t even know the owner. None of the girls here do.”

  “That’s unbelievable. Why is everything so secretive? I don’t understand.”

  Elisa sniffed and wiped her nose. “Aisha, like I already said, this is no run of the mill kind of place. Most of these men live totally different lives outside of these walls. They pay for their privacy and they pay handsomely. I don’t know who owns this place and I really don’t care. “Now, come on, let’s go see what you can do.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I’m talking about dancing.”

  “No, no, I can’t.”

  “Yes, you can.” They walked through the open area. Some of the men were dressed in fine Italian suits and others in more leisurely attire. Aisha’s eyes grew big as she watched two ladies dancing seductively on a raised stage. They caressed the pole like it was a man. Their breasts bobbled up and down slowly, and Aisha saw that they had the full attention of the gentlemen seated around the tables.

  “Here’s my dressing room.” Elisa ushered her into a well designed, expensively furnished room that reminded her of a hotel suite. She went over to the mini - bar and fixed herself a martini. “What can I get you?”

  “Nothing, I don’t drink. Not really.”

  “There’s a first time for everything. Let me fix you an apple martini. I promise to go light on the alcohol. You’ll love it. It’ll help ease some of your jitters.”

  Aisha paused before she nodded her head. “Okay.” Tonight she was definitely not the Aisha people were used to seeing. Everything was evolving so quickly for her. She’d gone from a do right, uptight Christian woman to sitting among a room full of sinners in nothing more than an upscale strip joint. It wasn’t that she looked down on Elisa or any of the other ladies she’d seen at The Lynx, but no one could ever have told her that she would be in the midst of them contemplating if she was going to be one of them. She sipped on the apple martini. It was slightly bitter but tasty and though Elisa told her she only put less than a shot of liquor in the drink, Aisha’s head felt lighter by the time she finished the drink. Strike two, she thought and glued her eyes on the empty glass. Not only am I sitting among these people, I’m drinking with them. Maybe she was looking down on them. Her mind reflected on the words she’d read in the Bible though she couldn’t recall what passage. There was a man that said he found himself standing around some sinners looking at and listening to what they were saying and doing. Before long he was sitting among them and soon he found himself not only sitting among the sinners, but he was actually doing what they were doing. Aisha felt somehow that she was on her way to doing the same thing that she once criticized people like Elisa for doing. How had she arrived at this point in her life? Now was the time for her to get up and get as far away as she could from The Lynx and all that it represented. But she didn’t budge from her chair. Instead she watched as Elisa changed into a skimpy one piece outfit that reminded Aisha of Frederick’s of Hollywood lingerie. Aisha couldn’t move. It wasn’t until she felt Elisa touching her on her shoulder when she focused in on her surroundings again and came out of her daydream.

  “Aisha, you look like you’re in a trance or something. Don’t tell me that one itty bitty apple martini has you drunk?” Elisa laughed.

  “No, no, it’s nothing like that. Look Elisa. Thanks for trying to help me save the studio. But really, I don’t think this is the way. I just don’t. I’ve got to get out of here,” Aisha declared and proceeded to stand up.

  “Okay, okay. Tell you what. Can you just hold on for about an hour or two? I have to at least do a few dances before I can leave. Remember, this is my job. You can stay here in my dressing room or you can come along with me and sit in the open area. I’ll tell one of the other girls to keep you company. How’s that?” Elisa offered with sincerity.

  “I guess that’ll be all right. And Elisa?”

  “What is it Aisha?”

  “I’m sorry I had you to bring me all the way out here for nothing. I really am.”

  “Hey, don’t worry about it. Now come on. Let me introduce you to Kim. She’s been working here for about three years. She’ll be glad to sit with you while I do my thing. And you’ll see for yourself, how easy this job is.”

  Aisha watched as Elisa confidently strolled out on the stage. With each step she took, she captivated her audience. The beat of the music along with the martinis she’d had, drew Elisa into a world that was void of anything going on around her except the music. Elisa’s seductive moves across the dance stage oozed sexuality. Aisha realized how talented Elisa really was. If only she’d chosen to use her skills in another environment she would be the envy of many in the art of dance, including Aisha. Sneaking looks at the men scattered around in the open area, Aisha could tell they were mesmerized by Elisa’s performance. Elisa swayed her hips with each beat of the song playing. Several poles were on the stage as well. Elisa danced her way over to them. Her long dance legs caressed the pole while she moved her hands and butt in a manner that Elisa had only seen girls do on the movie channel. Yet, Elisa didn’t look vulgar at all. Aisha studied her expert moves and choreography and felt herself drawn into Elisa and her talent. She was actually an excellent performer. Taking another sneak peak at the men, Aisha noticed there were note pads of some sort in front of each man. From time to time, Aisha would see them write something on the
pads. She leaned over and asked Kim what they were doing. Kim explained to her that at The Lynx if a man wanted to show his pleasure for the dancer, he would keep something like a running tab. The note pads had each dancer’s name on it and whatever amount he wanted to give her was placed on the pad and turned in to Jason. Jason was a wealthy banker who was also on the board of directors at The Lynx and the overseer of the girls. In turn, Jason collected the money at the end of the night and after taking The Lynx’ fifteen percent the rest would go to the dancer. When she and Elisa finally left The Lynx, Elisa had made a cool $2,300. And that was for less than two hours of dancing. Aisha was astonished. Could this possibly be my way out? Could it? Maybe God could use a den of ill repute to bless me. He did say that the wealth of the wicked would be laid up for the righteous, Aisha told herself. Maybe this is the way. Why else would it come so easy for me? Remaining quiet on the way home, Aisha contemplated her next move. By the time Elisa pulled up in front of her apartment, Aisha had made up her mind. “Elisa, how soon can I start?”

  CHAPTER 16

  The two of them laughed in unison with the rest of the movie goers when Big Mama waddled across the screen in a bright yellow bathing suit.

  Holding her hand as they exited the movie theatre, Chandler asked her, “You having a good time?”

  “I haven’t enjoyed myself like this in a long time Chandler. That Martin Lawrence knows he’s a fool,” Aisha laughed and moved in closer to Chandler. “You know, usually if I’m not at some church function, I’m at my dance studio.”

  “Well, I say it’s time you start taking some time to relax and enjoy life. Don’t get me wrong, I know you’re driven to succeed and that’s great. But you need to cool out every now and then. You know what I’m saying?”

  “Yea, I know. My best friend Tameria, you know the one you saw at the Orpheum?”

  “Yea, I remember her.”

  “Well, she’s in medical school. Her boyfriend is a third or fourth year Neurosurgeon Resident. So even though they’re always working, most of the times their rotations are the same so they still get a chance to spend time with each other. So you see they share a lot in common. But as for me, there aren’t many guys who understand my passion for dance. I live and breathe dancing.”

  “I beg to differ,” was Chandler’s response. He brought her in closer to him as they walked along Tom Lee Park. “I like to watch you dance. I like to see how you work with your students. You’re good at what you do, Aisha. That was evident when I saw the performance at the Mayor’s Ball. And earlier today, when I came by the studio, I could tell you were born to dance.”

  “That’s nice of you to say, Chandler. My father is the only other man who understands what I feel about my dancing. He always pushes me to follow my dreams and never stop even when I reach that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I love him for that.” Aisha’s eyes gleamed when she spoke about her father.

  “You a daddy’s girl?” Chandler teased.

  “Sure am. Always have been too.”

  “Do you have sisters and brothers?”

  “I have a half sister who lives in Detroit. I don’t see or talk to her that often. Her name is Selena.”

  “Selena,” he said the name slowly. “That’s a pretty name too. But I’m partial to Aisha.” He laughed, stopped and pointed her in the direction of a bench and the two of them sat down. Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, she snuggled in against his chest.

  “Aisha?”

  “Yes?”

  “I really do like you. You know that?”

  “I know it now because you just told me,” she giggled like a school girl.

  “Hey,” he pulled her face around to meet his. When his lips caressed hers, her heart raced and her pulse beat wildly. The chemistry they felt for one another was intense. Aisha returned his kiss and wrapped both of her arms around his neck.

  Chandler thought of how Aisha’s lips tasted like sweet honey nectar. She was not only pretty, smart, intelligent but she made him feel what he had kept under wraps for so long. He liked this girl a lot and his intention was to make her feel the same way about him.

  They sat underneath the twinkling stars at Tom Lee Park until the breeze picked up. “Come on. I’ll take you home.”

  Aisha agreed. “I’d like that. It’s gotten a little chilly out here.”

  On the way to her apartment they laughed and talked some more about some of everything. Aisha felt relaxed around him. It had been a long time since she’d been out on a date and the attention felt especially nice. She made each of them a cup of spiced tea after they arrived at her apartment.

  Chandler complimented her. “This tastes good.” He sipped on the warm tea again before setting it down on the table.

  “I’m glad you like it. I’m a lover of tea. Hot, cold, regular, green, spiced. It makes no difference. Just as long as it’s tea,” she grinned.

  “Ahhh, now I know the way to your heart,” he teased.

  She threw her head back and laughed. “You think so?”

  “Yeah, I do.” He gently moved back the twist of hair that had fallen in her face. Leaning in, he lightly kissed her on the neck.

  ♦

  “Hi, come on in.” Chase kissed Tameria on the cheek as he entered her midsize two bedroom flat. Reaching for his rain soaked jacket and umbrella she said, “Let me get that.”

  “Thanks, baby. It’s really coming down out there. No sign of it letting up either.”

  “It’s a good thing we don’t have to report to the hospital tonight.”

  “I know that’s right.” Chase walked up behind Tameria and surprised her by grabbing her around the waist and twirling her around to face him. Chase was a jokester. His cheerful, love of life personality was one of the things that had attracted Tameria to him in the first place. He could always bring a smile to her face. Plus the fact that they both were medical students helped too. He understood the stress and commitment of being in med school. The two of them often pulled thirty-six hour shifts, sometimes not seeing each other but a few minutes in passing. But after dating for almost seven months, Tameria knew he was the man of her dreams. Chase teased, “Umh, you smell good. Just like fried chicken with red beans and rice.”

  She thumped him lightly on the head and said, “Boy please, you’re so silly. Just for that I’m not feeding you.”

  “You mean you cooked for me? You must really love me.” Moving her back and forth in his arms, he squeezed her tightly.

  “Ummm, you think?” She rubbed the right side of her face across the smoothness of his right cheek. They laughed at each other before exchanging another kiss. She loved the way she fit perfectly inside his arms. She nestled in closer and returned his fervor with that of her own, skillfully manipulating her tongue with flickering motions in between his moist lips. In turn he lightly sucked on hers. She didn’t flinch when his hands moved over the familiar areas of her mounds and on to her large proportioned butt. Her sounds of satisfaction echoed off the thin walls of the apartment.

  “Hey, what about dinner?” she whispered and pulled away. “I fixed your favorite.”

  In a husky voice he answered, “You’re my favorite.” He didn’t stop kissing her as he moved in closer to his destination. He eased her back on the sofa with one hand and used his fingers to gently massage her private places like a skilled surgeon. As if on cue, she opened her gate to allow him easy access to her most intimate spots.

  What would Aisha think if she saw me now? She hated when thoughts of Aisha invaded such moments as this. But just as quickly as she thought of Aisha, those same thoughts vanished and she arched her back to meet his every stroke. The thunderous roar of the storm raging outside deafened their sounds of passion. She gave in to his every desire and he fueled her burning flame with his torch of love.

  Tameria and Chase had been sexually intimate for almost two months. The flames of guilt over committing fornication had basically died out. Her concentration was centered around the relationship sh
e shared with Chase. She’d sought forgiveness over and over in the beginning when she gave her virginity to him. But now, Tameria felt no shame. The only reason she hadn’t confided in Aisha was because she didn’t want to get into a confrontation with her. She cared about her friendship with Aisha and respected her beliefs because Aisha’s beliefs used to be her beliefs as well. But love had changed all of that. Chase was the man she planned to spend the rest of her life with and that was enough justification for her. There was a time she thought she would be shy about being intimate with Chase or any man for that matter. Her petite full figured body made her uncomfortable at times. But thanks to Chase loving her just the way she was and of course her mentor, the infamous thespian, “M’onique, Tameria had learned to love every inch of her 198 pounds voluptuous frame.

  As for Aisha…well there was no time to think about her right now. The pleasure she was experiencing with Chase captured her mind, body and soul and for now, there was no room for anything or anyone else.

  CHAPTER 17

  Chandler turned over in his bed, raised his head and looked lazily at the clock up on his chest of drawers. He yawned and stretched while thinking about his undercover assignment in Nashville, Tennessee. Normally, he would have a three hour drive to Nashville. But it had been snowing most of the day and it was still coming down hard so he was in for an even longer drive. But he had a job to do, rain, sleet or snow. Being an undercover cop kept his adrenaline pumping. He couldn’t see himself being anything else in law enforcement. Granted, it was a dangerous job and he basically had to act much like some of the lowlifes he helped to put away. Not knowing when or if someone would shout five-o. Hiding his true identity, always having to look over his shoulder during an assignment was part of it too. His mother’s brother had worked undercover in Toledo, Ohio for almost twenty years before he succumbed to lung cancer. Smoking three packs of menthol cigarettes a day until the day he died, his uncle had been a true man of the law. He lived and breathed law enforcement, forsaking his family for long, dangerous assignments. The one thing that was different for Chandler was that he didn’t have anyone to report to but himself. After his break up with Tracye, he didn’t think twice about relocating when he found out the MPD was recruiting for new officers. And after she’d provoked him into losing his temper the way he had, he knew the best thing for him to do would be to leave Montgomery and start a new life for himself before he found himself in deep trouble. He completed the MPD online application and within weeks he’d been contacted and scheduled for his first round interview. His Associates Degree in Criminal Justice helped him tremendously. Working the city streets of Memphis made him feel invigorated. It was a dream come true when he was accepted into the Memphis Police Academy. The training had been rigorous but he had persevered. When graduation day arrived, he stood proudly to receive his badge and uniform.