by Ash, Nikki
Next, I stand up, parting my legs just enough so his leg is nestled between mine as I continue to dance to the rhythm of the music. My eyes close and I get lost in the feel of the music, of my sex rubbing up against his jean clad thigh. A soft moan escapes from my lips as I feel an orgasm slowly building. Before I can even open my eyes, I feel Kaden’s hands on my hips once again lifting me up onto his lap so I am straddling him.
I begin to grind down onto him as his hands go to my breasts, my back arching forward encouraging his touch. “Fuck, Ash.”
He takes both my breasts into his mouth one at a time, sucking on each one as I continue my grinding. My hands are in his hair and I am pulling his face closer causing him to suck harder. Between the sensation his mouth is causing and the grinding of my sex on him, an orgasm builds and before I can stop it, my entire body shakes with pleasure.
Kaden, still sucking on my breasts, picks me up- my legs wrapping around his waist- and carries me over to the couch. My back hits the cold leather and I remember where we are.
At a strip club.
In a private room.
Where I work.
Where I am getting paid to dance.
I push him off of me and sit up covering my chest before I quickly walk to the stage to throw on my clothes.
“What’s wrong?” Kaden says as I grab my bustier top, then walk to the other side of the stage to grab my shorts. I put them all back on but I still feel completely underdressed. I walk back over to him sitting on the couch where I left him sitting there completely confused.
“I can’t do this… We can’t do this. We got caught up in the moment. This is where I work. I don’t do this with guests. You and me… We are friends. You are literally my best friend. I can’t become your next one-night stand.”
Kaden flinches at my words. “You could never be a one-night stand, Ash. You know that. But you’re right, this isn’t the time or place to be doing this. I only came here to see you. I was hoping if you saw me here, you wouldn’t want to strip and you would agree to quit. The last time I was here at the bachelor party you said it embarrassed you for me to see you. I’m probably grasping at straws here but I just didn’t know what else to do. I didn’t plan on it going this far. I’m sorry.”
I am stuck on the words you could never be a one-night stand. Does that mean he wants more? Does he want to be with me for real? The thought gets me excited until I remember I am a stripper and I would never date a guy while working here. It wouldn’t be fair to him. I know it’s technically not cheating but I just couldn’t do it. It would feel like cheating to me and I care about Kaden too much to disrespect him in that way. Plus, I need him in my life too much to take the chance that after one time he won’t dump me like he has done to all the rest of the women he’s been with.
“I’m not quitting my job here, so you can leave now, if that’s all you came for.”
Eleven
Kaden
The night I found out Ashley was stripping to make ends meet, we went back to her house and I started to pay close attention. First red flag, her Wi-Fi wasn’t working when I went to get on the internet. Then when we went to watch TV, I noticed her cable wasn’t working either. We would only watch DVD’s. The next red flag was finding the foreclosure notice while looking for coffee. To solidify my suspicions, when I texted her the next day and she ignored me, only to blame it on a broken phone, I knew I had to take matters into my own hands. I am not sure what trouble Ashley is in, but I know one thing for sure. She is in over her head.
While she doesn’t have the income coming in from teaching anymore, there is no way she isn’t making enough to pay her bills working at Assets. After I calmed down and spoke with Caleb, he told me how much the girls make on average dancing there, and it’s enough to pay her bills.
Every day I made sure Tristan and Ashley were fed, whether it was ordering in, bringing food with me, or asking them to join me. I knew if I tried to give Ashley money, she wasn’t going to accept it, so I had to figure a way to go around her. I was hoping sometime this week she would mention having to be out of her house by tomorrow but she didn’t mention it at all. If it wasn’t for the notice stating the date and details, I wouldn’t even know.
Then my grandfather texted me asking if I had found a potential wife and it was like a light bulb popped up on top of my head like it does in the cartoons. Ashley needs money and I need a wife. What could be better than fake marrying your best friend? So, I put a plan into motion. I spoke with the guys and their wives, letting them know that Ashley needed to move out of her house and to make it easy on her, I was going to move everything to my place. They all knew there was more to the story but also knew if I wanted them to know I would have told them.
So, once Ashley left for work, we all began moving all her stuff into my garage, minus Caleb since he had to be at the club. After the place was emptied, I texted Caleb to see what time Ashley would be off, and when he said not until two a.m., I decided to go to the club. I needed to talk to Ashley and I was hoping maybe if she danced for me, she would get embarrassed and it would make her want to quit. Also, if I’m honest, I was a little bit curious to see her in action. Ok, maybe a lot curious. Don’t get me wrong, I am one hundred percent against her stripping but when we went to the club for the bachelor party, I threw her over my shoulder before I could see her dance. Plus, if she is dancing for me, that means she isn't dancing for somebody else, and since she is refusing to quit, I might as well be the one to reap the benefits.
And holy fucking shit did I! Watching her ass dance on that stage, the way her body glided with natural grace across that pole had me painfully hard. And when she removed her clothes I thought I might come in my pants. When the girl asked me if I had any requests, I said I wanted it all hoping to have extra time with Ashley. What I didn’t know was ‘it all’ consisted of her sexy-as-sin body grinding on my body until she fucking came right there on my leg.
The orgasming on my leg part better be a bonus only I get.
If she wouldn’t have pulled the brakes, I would have been balls-deep in that woman within seconds of throwing her ass on the couch. When she accused me of simply wanting a one-night stand with her like I do with other women I wanted to throw up. How could she ever put herself into the same category as those other women? She is my best friend for god sakes. I love her. And if I was capable of giving my heart to someone, it would without a doubt go to her. Her and her son are the two most important people in my life. I will never do anything to lose them, which is why I am glad she stopped us before anything really happened.
I’m not stupid. I know there’s no way I could go into a fake marriage with Ashley objectively after having been inside her. She only orgasmed on my thigh and I just about lost it.
This was not exactly how I planned to bring my proposition up to her. The issue is, if I don’t tell her, she is going to leave work and head home to an empty house. So, it looks like I am going to have to just bite the bullet and throw it all out there for her.
“There’s something I need to talk to you about.” I look at her and can’t help but glance down at her pebbled nipples poking through her practically see-through top. Needing to cover her up so I can focus on what I need to say and not her perky fucking nipples, I unbutton my shirt, which leaves me in just a white undershirt. I hand her the shirt and she puts it on, covering herself without buttoning it up. She faces me on the couch and sits Indian style giving me her full attention waiting for me to continue.
I know I need to lay this out in a certain way to reel Ashley in, so she doesn’t think I am trying to save her or some shit. “You know how my grandmother is turning eighty next month?”
She nods.
“Well, I have a feeling she isn’t doing so well. My grandfather kind of insinuated she might not live much longer.”
“Oh, Kaden. I am so sorry.” Hook.
“He asked me for a favor… I guess she has a dying wish, but I don’t think I will be able to gran
t it for her.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Line.
“Actually, there is—you can marry me...” And sinker.
Her eyes bug out like marrying me is the worst thing in the world. So, I quickly add, “For pretend of course.”
Her face morphs to angry in point-two seconds and I have a feeling I am about to lose my fish- figuratively speaking- if I don’t say the right thing.
“She wants to see me get married before the year is up. And if I do, my grandfather will give me fifteen million dollars. I don’t care as much about the money but seeing her happy if she is about to die. But I sure as hell won’t turn it down. And I’ll split it with you. I will pay you to marry me. To make my grandmother’s dying wish come true.”
I hold my breath waiting to see if she is going to take the bait…
And then she storms out of the room.
I guess I lost that one…
I immediately chase after her, down the hallway to the stairs, down the stairs to the restaurant. Holy shit, this woman can haul ass in heels! I almost catch up to her when I see the guy from her porch the other day. Giovanni? He is in a three-piece suit that is tailored to fit him. He is clean shaven and his hair looks professionally cut. The guy screams money.
Ashley comes to a screeching halt right in front of him and I’m not completely sure but I think she quickly shakes her head no to him. His eyes glance over her shoulder and he spots me walking over. He gives her a small nod, as he lets her continue on her way. I want to chase after her but something tells me this guy is who I need to speak with.
“Giovanni, right?”
He gives me a once over, sucking on his teeth like he’s trying to decide how to respond. He is clearly sizing me up, and while he may have twenty pounds and a couple inches on me, I would knock this fool across the room in one hit, and if he sucks his teeth at me again, I just might consider it.
His manners win out and he sticks his hand out to shake mine. “Giovanni Valentino,” he says with a bit of an Italian accent.
“Kaden Scott. Mind if we have a word?”
He considers it for a minute and then heads over to the hostess letting her know he has decided to sit at the bar. We both have a seat and after ordering drinks- Him, a Macallan; me, a Jack and coke- he is the first one to speak.
“What can I do for you?” He takes a sip of his whiskey sounding like he is already bored of this conversation.
“You can tell me why you keep showing up where Ashley is.”
“Not that it’s your concern but she and I have a deal. I couldn’t get ahold of her, and since her phone wasn’t working, I came by here.”
“Her phone broke. I bought her a new one. What deal do you have with her?”
He gives me a side glance. “You her boyfriend?”
“She’s my best friend. I’m worried about her.”
“I normally wouldn't tell someone’s business but I like her, and I know she’s in over her head. She owes me twenty-six grand.” I choke on my whisky. What the hell, Ashley!
“Adam,” I call to the bartender. “Can you call Caleb down here for me?”
“Sure thing.”
I turn back to Giovanni. “If she pays you that amount in full, your business with Ashley would be done?”
“I’m a businessman, Kaden. I just want my money.”
“I don’t have that kind of money on me, but I am sure my friend does in his safe. I’m going to give you the money so your deal with Ashley will be over.”
Caleb walks over, slapping his hand on my shoulder. “What the fuck happened with Ashley? She got changed and left. Did you tell her you moved all her stuff to your place?”
FUCK! I completely forgot to tell her! She is probably on her way to her empty house!
“I’m assuming you keep money in your safe here, for emergencies.”
“Yeah, a little bit. What’s up?”
“I need you to give Giovanni twenty-six thousand. I will give it back to you tomorrow after I go to the bank.”
Caleb’s eyes ask a million questions but he doesn’t voice any of them.
“Right this way.”
We follow him to his office and after he gives Giovanni the money, we shake hands.
“It’s too bad; I was looking forward to her coming to work for me. She’s lucky to have you in her life.”
“What do you do for a living?” I ask out of curiosity.
“I own a Gentleman’s Club… El Stella’s Bordello.”
“A brothel?” Caleb asks.
Giovanni nods. “Yes.” He pulls out his business card. “If you, gentleman, are ever in the need of female companionship please let me know. My club offers different levels of memberships. It was nice doing business with you.”
He walks out, leaving Caleb and I stunned stupid.
“I need to go find Ashley.”
Caleb just nods slowly having no clue what to even say. Yeah, man… I know exactly what you mean.
I text Kayla, Hayley, and Liz asking if they have seen or heard from Ashley. They all respond with a no. She must have gone straight to her house.
I pull up in the driveway next to her car, my headlights shining on the porch. I see her sitting on the edge with her head down.
“You ok?” I sit down next to her. I notice her shoulders are shaking; she is crying.
“Hey, now. Don’t cry.” I put my arm around her shoulders, pulling her into me.
“Everything is so messed up, Kaden. I have lost everything.”
“What? Your house? It’s just a house, Ash. I know that’s not what you want to hear but it’s all going to be ok.”
She looks up and I use my thumb to wipe away the tears that are falling down her cheeks.
“You know about my house?”
“I know bits and pieces. It’s time you tell me the entire story. Why did I just have Caleb give a guy who owns a brothel, twenty-six thousand dollars?”
Twelve
Ashley
I am surprisingly relieved that Kaden knows about me losing my house. It’s one less secret I have to tell him, but what shocks me is when he tells me he had Caleb pay Giovanni the twenty-six thousand I still owe him.
“Kaden…” He shakes his head at me not giving me the chance to argue. “Why, Ashley?”
I let out a long breath and start from the beginning. I tell him about Tyler and how we met in college, how he was sweet and wooed me. How everything was great until he started gambling, and then it was far from great.
“So, you were working fulltime and he was paying all the bills?” He doesn’t ask judgingly, just to understand, and it reminds me why this man is my best friend.
“I was so busy with Tristan and going back to work, I just let him take it all over. When he told me to buy a house when I was pregnant, I thought it was a great idea. I wanted nothing more than to provide my baby with a home like the one my parents gave me growing up; I didn’t think about why he didn’t want it in his name. I didn’t ask questions... I trusted him.” The tears come back when I think what my naivety has cost me.
“But this was years ago. Did something happen recently?”
“Yeah, Tyler came back in January, threatening to take Tristan away from me. He said with him having rights he was going to disappear with him before I could even take him to court.”
“Motherfucker! Why the hell didn’t you come to me?”
“It all happened so fast! He wanted thirty thousand dollars in exchange for signing over his rights and he only gave me less than twenty-four hours to come up with it. I asked Don for a number to a loan shark and he sent me to Giovanni.”
“What the fuck… The guy owns a whorehouse!”
“I know…”
“You know?”
“I didn’t have anything to give him to ensure I would pay back the loan… so … I used myself as collateral.”
I close my eyes knowing Kaden is about to freak the hell out, and I’m right. He does. He stands up and punche
s the window behind us. Glass shatters everywhere and when I rush over to him I can see his hand is bleeding from the shards of glass. I rush inside my house to grab a towel and remember there’s nothing in the house. I have no idea why the door isn’t locked, like the bank said it would be, but they emptied out my entire house.
Remembering I have some clothes in my car, I run out to it and grab an old shirt. Taking Kaden’s hand in mine, I blot his hand with the shirt. “You shouldn’t have done that. We need to run it under cold water to see if there’s glass under your skin.”
He pulls his hand away. “I don’t give a fuck about my hand! You sold yourself to a man who sells women to rich men so they can fuck them?”
“No! I agreed if I didn’t pay him back I would go to work for him, but so far I paid him back…”
Kaden gives me a look. “Well, except when you paid him the four grand I was behind…” He gives me another look. “I almost had enough to pay him this month!”
He lets out a groan and shakes his head, having a seat on the porch swing, patting it for me to join. “So, I’m assuming Tyler signed over his rights?”
“Yeah. Then he disappeared. Thank God.”
“What about your job?”
“How did you know about my job?”
“Tristan overheard you talking to your mom. He was worried.”
Talk about failing as a mom.
“A dad from the school I worked at blackmailed me and when I refused to take him up on his offer. He reported me to the school, and the principal pretty much forced me to resign.”
“What’s his name?”
“Oh no, you aren’t going after him. It’s over with. Caleb is working on teaching me the insides of the club. I am really loving it. I never imagined running a strip club and restaurant but I am finding it to be fun, and I am good at it.”