[06] Slade

by Teresa Gabelman

  Jill smiled until she pulled the paper away from the hanger and saw her outfit. “This is it?”

  “That’s it.” Nicole grinned, admiring the outfit. “Beautiful, isn’t it. Go on, try it on. I’m dying to see you in it.”

  “This is a job. This is a job. This is a job,” Jill repeated to herself as she headed toward the bathroom, eyeing the tiny strip of cloth in horror.

  Once in the bathroom, she closed the door. Laying the outfit on the sink, since it was no bigger than a washcloth, Jill caught her reflection and jumped. “Oh, my God.” She looked at herself, leaning closer. Caroline was damn good with makeup and her black wig looked real. Reaching up, she touched her face, her eyes going to her dark-red fake fingernails. Her lips were painted the same dark red. Jill had never worn lipstick, but she had to admit, her lips looked amazing.

  Stripping out of her clothes, she stood naked, staring at the tiny white outfit as if it was a living being she was afraid to touch. “Just put it on, Jill,” she griped.

  It really was pretty. The top was a draping soft cloth that connected at the neck by golden rings. She thought she heard Tessa say it was a cowl top, whatever that meant. All Jill knew, there wasn’t much to it and it barely covered what breasts she had. Though as she turned this way and that in the mirror, it did make her boobs look pretty good. It cut all the way down to her navel where the cloth gathered in a V-shape. When she moved to put the white boy shorts on, her boob popped out. “Are you kidding me?”

  After stuffing her boob back in, she continued to pull the shorts up. Just below her belly button, three gold rings matching the top stretched across the shorts. The mirror was too high for her to see the shorts. Twisting, she tried to see her ass, but couldn’t. She did put her hands back there and felt a good amount of cheek. With one last look in the mirror, she headed out the door.

  “Well, if my boob is supposed to pop out as well as my ass cheeks, then this should do just fine.” Jill looked up and stopped in mid-stride. Every Warrior was crammed in the room and every eye was on her.

  “Holy fuck!” Jared choked out, but shut up when Tessa smacked him with the back of her hand.

  “Yep, girls, we did it,” Nicole laughed and clapped her hands. “We have created a stripper. Damn girl, you are rockin’ in that−”

  “No fucking way in hell are you wearing that!” Slade’s voice cut off Nicole as it boomed throughout the room. Daniel started to cry.

  Duncan went over to pick up Daniel. “How about we give them a minute.” Duncan passed Slade, giving him a ‘you poor bastard’ look.

  “I’ve got tape for your top to keep your boobs in,” Tessa leaned in to whisper to Jill before Jared could pull her out.

  Jill watched the emotions cross Slade’s face. “It’s just a job, Slade. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.”

  He rubbed his hand across his eyes, a deep scowl tightening his lips. “I seriously don’t think I can let you go in there.”

  Instead of getting mad, Jill walked up to him. “I know this isn’t easy for you, Slade, but I have to do this and you have to let me. I’m going to be a Warrior. I want to be a Warrior and I want you to support me as a Warrior.”

  Slade looked her over again, anger blazing in his eyes. Putting his hands on her shoulders, he set her back a few steps, turned and punched the wall, not once but twice. Rolling his shoulders, cracking his neck back and forth, he finally turned around.

  Looking at the two holes in Jared’s wall, Jill frowned. “You feel better?”

  “No.” His eyes roamed her body again. “Jesus, you’re beautiful. Though the wig can go.”

  Jill blushed and actually felt beautiful. “Please support me in this, Slade.”

  He nodded without saying a word, but cupped her face in his hands.

  “I’m really nervous.” Jill’s eyes searched his. “I don’t want to let you down, the guys down.”

  Something flashed in his eyes, but was gone. “You won’t.”

  Suddenly, the door burst open and in walked Tessa, Nicole and Pam. “You know what, Warrior.” Nicole pointed her finger into his chest with each word. “You’re not the only one a little upset about this mission. Our guys are going into a strip club with beautiful women. Do you think we’re happy about that?”

  “No, we are not,” Tessa added, then glanced at her wall. “What in the hell did you do to my wall?”

  “You guys−” Jill tried to break in, but they weren’t having it.

  “She is going to do this because it’s her job, just like it’s my man’s job to walk into a room full of beautiful women, who I know will be all over him.” Pam frowned, looking upset. “So you just need to get over it.”

  Slade frowned at the women before looking back at Jill. Taking the studded choker from Tessa, he turned Jill around and placed it around her neck. Turning her back to face him, he took her into his arms and kissed her hard. “Stay safe and know I’ll be with you.” He tapped the choker and turned, just as Jared looked through the open door.

  “You ready?” Jared looked at Slade. “We have to get moving.”

  Slade didn’t say anything as he left the room, but Jared spotted his wall.

  “What the hell did you do to my wall?” The men’s voices faded as they got further away from the room. “You will fix that, fucker.”

  Jill stared at the empty doorway, the reality of what she was about to do hitting her like a sledgehammer to the stomach. “I think I’m going to be sick.” She ran to the bathroom, slamming the door shut.

  “Ah, crap.” Nicole headed after Jill. “Get the makeup out for touch-up.

  “Get the tape, too.” Jill shouted from the bathroom. “My boob keeps falling out.”

  They laughed until they heard the retching from the bathroom, then they groaned.

  *******

  Everyone was in place, except for Jill who wasn’t due for another half an hour. Slade felt trapped in the surveillance van, but Sloan had been right. He couldn’t be trusted to be inside where he could reach out and beat the fuck out of anyone who even dared touch Jill.

  “She’s going to be fine, man.” Jax was watching him. “She’s smart and thinks things through.”

  “If I didn’t think she could pull this off, I wouldn’t have asked her in the first place,” Sloan added.

  “And don’t think about how hot she looked,” Sid said through their earpieces. “She’s not really a stripper.”

  “Sid,” Sloan said as he checked the monitors.

  “Yeah, boss,” Sid’s voice crackled.

  “Shut the fuck up and pay attention to what the hell you’re supposed to be doing.” Sloan’s voice deepened with meaning.

  The airway went silent until Sid’s voice broke in again. “What the hell crawled up his ass now?”

  “I can still fucking hear you,” Sloan growled.

  “Dammit, I hate these fucking things. I never know when the fuck they’re on or off,” Sid grumbled.

  Even as anxious and on edge as he was, Slade grinned when Jared laughed through their earpiece.

  “Fuck you, Jared,” Sid hissed. Once again, the airway went quiet.

  Silence continued as they waited. It was part of their job, patience for what was to come.

  “Hey, guys?” Jill’s voice filled the van, but it was distorted.

  “Is something wrong with her mic?” Slade leaned closer trying to hear.

  “I think she’s still too far.” Sloan turned some knobs. “Jill, can you hear me?”

  “Yes.” Her voice was clearer. “I’m getting ready to turn in. Who am I supposed to ask for? I’m sorry. I forgot.”

  Sloan and Jax shared a look. “It’s all right, Jill,” Sloan reassured her. “Hailey Ayres. She is expecting you. And Jill…”

  “Yes.” Jill’s voice was crystal clear, indicating she was close.

  “Breathe,” Sloan said. “You’re not alone.”

  “Yes, sir.” A big exhale of breath came over their earpieces, making them sm
ile except for Slade. His eyes were glued to the monitor.

  Finally, they saw the black Nissan pull into the lot. “We have eyes on Jill,” Jared confirmed. “Steve and Adam just drove past with no signs of being followed.”

  Slade watched Jill get out of the car dressed in dress slacks, heels and a loose fitting shirt. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but open your blouse a little more. The collar is blocking some of the view,” Slade told her as he watched the other monitor that was connected to her choker. He waited until they had a clear shot. “That’s good.”

  Jill suddenly stopped before opening the door. “Did you give them a name?”

  “Shit,” Sloan hissed, holding his hand over his mic. “Okay, hurry and think of a name.”

  The door opened before they could handle it and a man stood there looking at Jill. “You lost, honey?”

  Everyone in the van held their breath.

  Jill gave a girly laugh. “No. I was just getting ready to open the door.” Jill walked past him with a flirty grin. “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.” The man grinned, closing the door. “Now, how can I help you?”

  “I’m here to see Ms. Hailey Ayres.” Jill looked around, giving the guys a great shot at the inside.

  He picked up the phone. “Who should I tell her is here to see her?”

  “Lola.” Jill gave him a large smile.

  “Lola?” Sid whispered in the earpiece.

  “Shut up, Goddammit,” Slade hissed. “You’re doing great, Jill.”

  An older woman headed toward Jill, a frown on her face. “I’m Hailey. How can I help you?”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Ayres.” Jill stuck out her hand. “I was told to be here at four and ask for you.”

  “Oh, but I thought your name was Jennifer.” The woman’s eyes went to someone behind Jill.

  “Shit.” Slade looked over at Sloan who was watching the monitor closely.

  “I’m sorry, it is, but Lola is my stage name.” Jill laughed nervously. “I’m so nervous. I’ve never worked in such a beautiful place and I want this job so badly.”

  Everyone held their breath waiting for the woman’s reaction. Everyone breathed easier when she gave Jill a proud smile. “Thank you.” She also looked around. “I’ve worked hard to make this a respectful place.”

  “Obviously, all your hard work has paid off,” Jill responded appropriately.

  “Now, Jeremy told me you were a half-breed. I’m so sorry about what’s going on out there. Believe me, I don’t believe in what they are doing with your kind.” The woman patted her arm. “We do not discriminate here.”

  “I appreciate that,” Jill replied. “I’ve stayed low key and under the radar. Hopefully, all of this passes quickly. We’re not all bad.”

  “Oh, I know that, honey.” Hailey smiled, grabbing her hand. “I’ve got all different types of girls here, human, vampire, but you are the first half-breed. Men are going to be all over you.”

  Slade’s fist tightened at that, but Sloan pointed at him and mouthed, ‘Calm the fuck down, now’.

  “Do you allow them to touch your girls?” Jill asked worried.

  “Oh, heavens, no,” she laughed. “I meant they will all want to be at your table. Now, come on. Let me get you with the other girls and they will get you going.”

  Sloan covered his mic, leaning toward Slade. “I swear I will shoot your ass if you even make a move toward that door. She is doing fantastic.”

  Slade nodded, glaring at the monitor, his body primed to protect, yet he was fucking stuck in a van. This had to be the last time this happened, because he honestly didn’t think he could take it again.

  They watched as Jill walked past a room, following the woman. Damon sat in a corner, a woman dancing in front of him on a table with a pole. He turned, making eye contact with Jill. Opening a door, Jill followed the woman into a room full of half-naked women.

  “Girls, I’d like you to meet Lola.” Hailey smiled, pulling her more into the room. “This is going to be her first night here so show her the ropes and treat her like your sister.”

  “Hey, Lola,” the women greeted with smiles.

  “Hello.” Jill’s voice held strong.

  “I’ve got her.” A beautiful redhead walked up and took hold of her hand. “Stick with me and you’ll survive your first night.”

  “Holy shit,” Jax whispered, watching over Slade’s shoulder. “Too bad Sid’s stuck out there and can’t see all these gorgeous naked women.”

  “Don’t need to see shit, my man,” Sid shot back. “I’ve got me a beautiful mate waiting for me at home.”

  “Who has a large gun and knows how to shoot,” Jared cut in.

  “There is that,” Sid added, the seriousness in his tone not missed by anyone.

  “Shut up!” Slade hissed. “And keep this line clear, dammit.”

  The three apologized with ‘sorry’ before the line went silent.

  Chapter 18

  “I’m Cherry.” The beautiful redhead grinned, and then flipped her red hair. “I know, not very original, but the men love it. So, is Lola your stage name?”

  Jill nodded. “Not very original.” She scrunched her nose with a smile.

  “It’s fine,” she laughed, rolling her eyes. “Most of these men don’t care what our names are anyway, but if they like you, then they request you by name.”

  Jill sat on a small stool, setting her bag down. “So how does this work exactly?” When Cherry looked over at her, Jill cleared her throat. “I’ve worked at some pretty shitty clubs, nothing compared to this.”

  Cherry nodded. “It’s very different. Unless you have a request right away from a regular, you get assigned. Men will either request you to dance on their table or Hicks will assign you a table.”

  “Hicks?” Jill asked, her eyes roaming around watching the women get ready and wondered if she should also. Talk about feeling out of place. This was so far from her comfort zone, Jill felt like she was having an out-of-body experience.

  “Yeah, you’ll meet him.” Cherry frowned, rolling fishnet stockings up her legs. “He’s okay, but likes to touch.”

  “I thought no one was allowed to touch us.” Jill frowned, not liking this at all. If someone actually touched her, she would have to keep control by not kicking his ass.

  Cherry laughed. “We have security out there.” She nodded her head the way Jill had come in. “But back here, we fend for ourselves with some of the staff. Though Hicks might not mess with you.”

  “Yeah, well, I hope not.” Jill stood back up, nervous energy flowing through her body.

  “Hey, Pixie!” Cherry yelled.

  A pretty girl with long blonde hair turned, her golden eyes glowed. “What?”

  “Hicks bother you anymore?” Cherry turned, focusing on adjusting her boobs.

  “Not since I threatened to tear his throat out.” Pixie smiled, baring sharp fangs.

  All the women laughed and Pixie winked. “You’ll be fine, breed, just flash him some fang. He’ll leave you alone.”

  Jill gave a shaky laugh.

  “You’ll be fine,” Cherry grinned. “Just don’t get caught back here alone. Now, get changed. We’re about ready to go on.”

  Her stomach pitched violently and she prayed to God she didn’t vomit again. “Where’s the bathroom?”

  “Back there, honey, but hurry.” Cherry fluffed her hair. “Hailey hates when we go on stage late.”

  Jill nodded, hurrying toward the bathroom, trying not to kill herself with her damn high heels. Why women wore the damn things was beyond her. She was going to burn them as soon as she was finished with this job and enjoy every minute of it. Once inside, she locked the door and wobbled to the sink to glare into the mirror, her stomach pitching violently.

  “Jill, you okay?” Sloan’s voice sounded in her ear.

  Before Jill could say anything, nausea hit her hard and she turned, running to the toilet. The groans sounding off in her ear let her know they
were getting an awesome look and audio of her vomiting. Once she was finished, she went to the sink, rinsed her mouth out before checking her makeup.

  “Jill…” This time it was Slade’s voice.

  “I’m fine.” Jill smoothed her hair down, unbuttoned her blouse and began to undress.

  “Well, I’d just like to say I’m glad I missed that little performance with the toilet bowl on the monitor, yet still, it sounded absolutely disgusting.” Sid’s voice filled her ear.

  “Hey, Sid.” Jill kept her voice low.

  “Yeah, hon.” Sid’s voice turned serious as if he was there if she needed him.

  “Shut the fuck up.” The laughter made her feel better, as if they were in the room and everything was going to be okay. “And, Sloan, I want a raise…a big one when I start getting paid.”

  Laughter echoed in her ear as she opened the door and walked out. More women, who Jill figured had been out the front dancing when she came in, filled the back dressing room. A large man stood in the middle holding a sheet of paper, his eyes scanning the women.

  “Hot damn, Lola.” Cherry pulled her over after Jill shoved her clothes in her bag. “I love that outfit. Where’d you get it and what colors did it come in.”

  “You can talk girl crap after your shift, Cherry.” The man had walked up, his eyes checking Jill out as if she was his next snack. “Who are you?”

  “Lola.” Jill kept her voice firm. She knew this guy’s type. He fed on the weak.

  His eyes grossly ran over her body again before searching his paper. “You take table six. Everybody else has their regulars except for Monica who is at table three, and Pepper you’re at table eight.”

  “Ah, sorry about your luck.” A woman, with short black hair patted her on the arm. “He’s in rare form tonight.”

  “George?” Cherry frowned, shaking her head. “Well, hey, he might be good for your first night to break you in. He doesn’t demand much other than talking.”

  “Talking?” Jill acted like the newbie she was. “We didn’t do much talking with the customers at the other clubs I’ve worked for.”

  “These men are rich and pay good money, so if they want to talk…we talk. They want us to dance…we dance and if they want us to fuck…we fuck, but after hours and away from here.” Cherry laughed at Jill’s face. “Got to pay the bills, honey. But that last part, the fucking part, is not required.”