Uno's Truth, page 5
“Yeah. Sure, whatever, in a minute,” he says still glued to Melissa’s performance.
“Now!” I growl at him and he snaps out of it, rushing to the bar nearly tripping over his own feet as he goes. The music cuts off and Melissa grins at me, knowing damn well she has the job. “Meet me in my office,” I tell her. Cyrus hands me my beer, still watching Melissa. I tell him to close his mouth unless he’s trying to catch flies as he watches Melissa disappears backstage. “Don’t even fuckin’ think about it,” I warn him. “She’s Cocky’s sister and you’ll never earn your cut if you go trying to stick your dick in her.”
“I wasn’t...” he defends, and I punch him in the shoulder.
“Yeah you were, prospect, but I was thinking the same damn thing and I’m a married man.”
He chuckles, and I take a hard swig of my beer. I take my time returning to my office, feeling damn glad I didn’t have her give me a lap dance in my office, but the fucking thought crosses my mind and I feel like a lousy shit. My marriage isn’t great, but I have never even thought about pursuing another woman until Melissa. She’s fucking gorgeous, and I’d have to be blind not to notice, but I’m more attracted her than I have ever been to anyone in my life. I never thought I would want anyone more than I wanted Stephanie. Maybe I was blinded by her being my first and it was all just lust and not love at all. She was told to fuck me by Derrick. It was years before she ever confessed that to me. I can’t explain it, but since the first time I saw Melissa, I’ve wanted her. I know that it doesn’t paint me in the best light, but I never claimed to be a good man.
As I walk down the hallway I get a text from Stephanie.
I’m staying at Mom’s tonight. Appointment was just like the others. Talk to you tomorrow? Hope the meeting went as expected. All my love. -Steph
Reading her message, guilt washes over me, but the moment I open the door to my office and see Melissa waiting for me I forget all about Stephanie. I forget I even have a fucking wife.
“Listen, it goes against my instincts but if you want the job, it’s yours. If Cocky doesn’t like it, the asshole will have to fight me.” I chuckle, and she blushes, peering up at me through her long dark lashes.
“Thank you so much, Uno.” She jumps up from the chair and hugs me, surprising me. The force of her slamming into me catches me off guard and I fall back on my desk, bringing her with me. Her mouth is a mere few inches from mine as I hug her body to mine. She feels and smells too damn good. Like fucking temptation. Her tongue darts out, wetting her lips. I want to kiss her, but I know it wouldn’t be appropriate and I don’t want to give her the wrong idea. “I’m so sorry,” she breathes the apology out and I can feel her tits pressing against my chest. My mind flashes to her on the stage. Her lips parted, with seduction flashing in her eyes, and that teasing she gave me with her tits nearly popping out of the golden cups of her bra.
My dick goes hard, and she’d have to be numb not to feel it poking her. Her emerald green eyes, sparkle with curiosity and I wonder if she feels it too. This undeniable attraction growing between us. I clear my throat and she removes her body from mine and immediately I miss her in my arms.
I straighten up as she moves for the door not ready for her to go. “Do you have childcare for your son?”
“Yeah, I have it worked out with some of the girls at the clubhouse and Sara said she’d help too.”
“That’s good. Glad to hear it. If you can, come back tomorrow. I will get Kelli to set you up with a schedule. She handles all the girls, but she’s already gone for the night.”
“Perfect. Is there a specific time I should come by?”
I rub my chin. “You know I forgot. Kelli is taking the week off. If you’ll give me a minute, I’ll bring up the schedule on my laptop and print you out a copy after I get you worked in.”
She nods. “Yeah sure.” I have no fucking clue when Kelli will be in. I only know I’m not ready to say goodnight.
I fuck around on my computer, hoping I don’t screw something up. I curse under my breath and I look up to find Melissa is giggling quietly as she watches me struggle. “You find this funny?”
She shrugs. “If you need a hand, I’m good with computers. I helped do some of the office stuff for extra money at Indigo Nights.”
I start to tell her I have something she can do with her hand but think better of it. “Well what are you waiting for, get over here,” I invite her to join me, my gears turning wondering if I can convince Hades to get rid of Kelli and hire Melissa to manage the place instead. It’d keep eyes off her tits and maybe Cocky wouldn’t try to kill me if she were behind a desk. I’ll keep the idea on the backburner for now. Melissa comes behind my desk, standing next to me.
“May I?” She moves forward leaning toward my laptop and I can see straight down her top until she turns sideways in the wrong direction and her ass nearly touches my face. Fuck me. It takes all my self-control not to pull her into my lap and kiss her neck.
I push my chair back. “Please, have a seat. You’ll be more comfortable.” I get up and she replaces me in the leather chair. I would have rather pulled her into my lap, but she would have probably gotten offended.
“Found it,” she chimes. “Where do you want me to schedule myself in?”
I take a minute to regroup. The club needs to make money but damn if I don’t want to share her with the rest of the world which is so damn selfish and wrong of me. In the end greed wins out and I have her down for Thursday through Sunday. “That gonna be a problem?”
“No. I’ll figure it out. Thanks again.” I swear her damn smile could light up the whole damn club.
“I’ll walk you to your car.” I motion for her to walk out in front of me. Mainly because I want to stare at her ass on the way out. Maybe it makes me a pig, but oink, oink. We get outside to her car and it’s a real piece of shit that doesn’t look safe to be on the road. Cocky should be ashamed allowing his sister to drive the deathtrap. I bet there are some cars at the garage that Zo Zo ran that’d be better that are club property to boot. I make a mental note to talk to Hades about it tomorrow. Melissa needs a better ride.
“Well this is me. Thanks for taking a chance on me. I won’t let you down.”
“I have no doubt about that, sweetheart, after seeing you work the pole and own that damn stage. We’re going to make a lot of money together. I have a good feeling about you.” Not thinking, just being in the moment, I lean down and place my lips on hers. I don’t know how something so wrong can feel so damn right. My hands move to her hips as the kiss deepens and her tongue brushes against mine but then the spell is broken, and she pulls away touching a finger to her lips.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have...”
“You’re married,” she states not accusing but matter of fact.
“Only on paper,” I admit for the first time.
“Uno, you seem great. You’re handsome. I find you attractive and I feel something sparking between us, but I have been the other woman before. I’ve gone down that path and right now the timing isn’t right. I don’t know your situation or what you expect, or think is gonna happen, but if I am going to work here this can’t happen.”
I nod, because I know she’s right. I was completely out of line and I doubt Cocky would appreciate me using his sister like a damn side chick but fuck me if the thought isn’t tempting. Kissing her just now, damn, it felt fucking good. My cell phone rings. It’s Boogeyman. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I tell her as she gets in her car. “Sup,” I answer the call as Melissa drives off.
“Where you at?”
“Cherry Room.”
“On my way.”
I smile as I walk back in the club. Boogeyman must have something on the bitch.
Chapter 9
—Melissa
As I drive away from the Cherry Room, I can’t stop smiling. I got the job and Uno...I let out a sigh...he kissed me, and it was fucking magical. I can’t remember ever being kissed like that. It was a kiss like in the movies when a woman kicks her leg up. Then I ruined it by remembering that the man is married to a raging bitch who would probably kick my ass out of town if she found out that I was lip locking with her man and teasing him with one of my sexier dances. I knew what I was doing, making eyes at him the way that I was while I was on stage, but I need this job. I need to get out of that clubhouse and into my own place. I don’t like feeling dependent on anyone or like I have my hand stuck out for charity to Shawn every time my son or I need something. Shawn says that’s what he should do—help me, but I hate it. I don't like asking him for anything. I hated calling him to help me leave to begin with.
I make it to Sara and Hades’ house to pick up Jimmy. He’s asleep because it is so late, and Hades carries him out to the car for me. “Thanks, tell Sara I will repay the favor soon to give ya’ll some alone time before she pops.”
He shakes his head but acknowledges the offer with a chuckle. “I will hold you to it. CT is a little cock block.”
“All kids are,” I tell him with a small wave. Gently, he shuts the back-passenger door after getting Jimmy secured in the backseat. I drive back to the clubhouse and it is a struggle to get my little man out of the car and up the stairs. He is no longer my small boy that I could pack around anywhere on my hip. With some effort, I get him into bed. I grab some pajama clothes from the dresser and go into the private bathroom that is right off my room to brush my teeth.
My thoughts drift back to Uno and the way he looked at me when I was dancing. It was like it was only the two of us in the room. As I climb into bed and turn on my side, I can’t help but wonder how he got his road name. Most of the guys have obvious names but not him. He intrigues me. And again, there was that kiss and his powerful gaze, that told me he wanted me.
I’d be lying if I said part of me didn’t want him too. Closing my eyes, I try to push thoughts of him away. He’s married. My inner voice keeps chanting the words, but I can hear his somber voice that sounded so damn vulnerable when he said, “On paper only.” I’ve heard that line before. Jim was only married to Tasha on paper too. Been there. Done that. Got a child to prove it. Though Jimmy is a hell of a lot better than some cheesy t-shirt. I roll to my other side and watch him sleep.
My son is the one good thing I’ve got going for me. Nothing is more important to me than being his mom. Sleep eventually claims me, and I wonder how in the hell I am going to make my job at the Cherry Room work. Who will watch Jimmy for me?
—–
Cracking another egg over the bowl, I finish my current task. I’m in the kitchen at the clubhouse helping Carmen with breakfast. She’s a clubwhore. That means she is at the member’s mercy. Whatever they want...when they want it...she’s theirs. I try not to judge anyone considering my past and if she’s happy then that’s great. I have seen her eyeing my step-brother and don’t have the heart to tell her not to get attached. I love Shawn and though he has made mistakes he’s a good guy. He’s just not someone I’d tell my friends they should pursue a relationship with.
“Have you thought about what you’re going to do now that you are settling in?”
I soften my voice and lean toward her. “Can you keep a secret?”
“Yeah. Cross my heart. Stick a needle in my eye.” Her hands move making the motions to match her words and I laugh when Jimmy’s eyes get big.
“She doesn’t mean that really. It’s just an expression...a saying.” I pat his head and turn my attention back to Carmen who is waiting for me to continue. “I got a job, but its Thursday night through Sunday. Dancing nights at the Cherry Room. In a few weeks I can have enough to get me and Jimmy in our own place. The club has been great to me, but this isn’t a place to raise my son and live permanently. It’s just if Shawn finds out he’ll be pissed, and I don’t have anyone to watch Jimmy. It’s for five hours and I need the job, I just don’t know what to do.” I deflate feeling helpless. I can’t ask Sara to keep Jimmy that much. She’s pregnant with twins and has enough going on in her own household.
Carmen smirks at me, crumbling bacon into the egg batter. “Well it’s a good thing you’re here with all of us right now. I don’t do weekends at the clubhouse because I have my daughter. I share custody with her dad. She’s in tenth grade and could use some responsibility and spending money. I’ll be there to supervise, but I promise you he’ll be in good hands.”
“Are you for real?”
“That’s what we do around here. I know you are friends with some of the old ladies and they stick together but us club girls are okay too you know.” She winks, and I feel relief wash over me.
“Only if you are really sure.”
“Don’t sweat it.”
I can’t stop the smile from spreading over my face. I am exploding with happiness right now because I have hope that things will work out for Jimmy and me. “You know you can’t use this to get brownie points with my step-brother. He can’t know I’m dancing.”
“My lips are sealed.” She puts her hands over Jimmy’s ears. “And hopefully sealed around that man’s cock in my mouth soon.”
My face goes red. “Ew. That’s my step-brother. I don’t need to hear that.”
“Just saying.” She bumps my hip with hers and I think I am really starting to like it here in Webb Hollow.
We finish preparing the omelets and toast. A couple of prospects come to the kitchen to carry the food out to the bar, so everyone can help themselves. I get Jimmy and me our plates and get us seats at a table in the back out of the way. My step-brother spots us and joins us. No sooner than he has sat down Carmen makes her way to us and Shawn gives me a desperate, help me, look. I simply grin taking a hearty sip of coffee. He’s on his own there.
Carmen keeps the conversation off me and keeps asking Shawn all sorts of questions about working for Reaper at the construction company until he finally excuses himself. Shawn has never been big on small talk. The front door opens, sunshine spilling in but the air that follows is cold. Hades walks in with Uno and I think Boogeyman. None of them appear happy.
Uno manages to find me across the room and immediately he shoots me a wink and a smug grin, flashing his teeth at me. The men continue through the room, going down the hall to the office I suppose. Carmen gives me a look and I shake my head. “It’s nothing.”
“The way he was looking at you...girl that wasn’t nothing. That was, oh yeah I can’t wait to see you shaking that ass tonight.” She laughs and touches my arm.
“You’re crazy.” I shake my head. Carmen has other stuff to do and promises she will come to my room later to grab Jimmy before she goes home. I’m nervous about leaving him with her. Not because I don’t trust her but as nice as she seems, I don’t know her that well. But...if I want this job, which I do, I gotta suck it up.
I look around the room, not knowing anyone else here at the moment. Sara’s friends are all old ladies and they don’t spend their time hanging around here all day. If it were nicer out I would take Jimmy to the park, but it is looking like a day of just the two of us hanging in our room watching cartoons.
A prospect comes by my table to take our dirty dishes to the kitchen and he lingers, asking me if I am seeing anyone. I shake my head and start to tell him I’m not interested when a hand clamps his shoulder and a gravelly voice tells him, “Get the fuck away from my sister. She’s not here for you to stick your dick in.”
“Jesus, Shawn. You could be a little nicer,” I snap after the guy scrambles away.
“I don’t like that fucker and he needs to know his place. None of these bastards will never, and I do mean never come near you in that way. We understood?”
I roll my eyes at him. “Yeah, He-Man. I hear you. But you brought me here, and I am going to talk to people. I’m not a deaf mute who doesn’t want to socialize. I’m allowed to make friends and have a life. I’m not a kid anymore.”
His palms come up. “Just looking out for you. I know these fuckers. They want to fuck you and rub it in my face just to be assholes.”
“Nice friends you have,” I sneer at him and notice everyone staring at us.
“Well ex-fucking-scuse-me for not wanting my club brothers diddling my sister.”
“Step-sister,” I remind him. “We aren’t blood, Shawn. Your prick of a father married my Mom when I was eight and you were thirteen. We lived together for like four years. Don’t pretend that we had some great childhood and that you are just looking out for me. This is only about your pride, Cocky.” I throw his road name out just to spite him, knowing it will piss him off.
He gives me a dirty look and a shake of his head as I tell Jimmy we are going upstairs. “This conversation isn’t over,” he threatens.
Moving into his space I go up on my tiptoes. “I’m not a little girl anymore, Cocky. I appreciate that you got me here, but I can take care of myself. You don’t have to fight all my battles. I’m a big girl and I did okay when you left. I did just fine when you went to prison.”
His gaze moves up and down my body and my cheeks flame at the way he is looking at my chest. “Yeah.” His throat bobs as he swallows some of his pride. “I can see that. But, Lissa...,” he uses the nickname he gave me as a kid and tears threaten to fall down my cheeks. “I never forgot about you...life just got in the way. I was always coming back for you.” His fingers brush my hair back and this conversation is way too private to be having out here in front of the club.
I spin on my heels and stomp up the stairs dragging Jimmy with me as my tears break free. I thought we left those thoughts and feelings in the past where they belong. The part of me, the young girl who longed for Shawn to come back and take care of me died when he went to prison and forgot all about me. He came back for me but too little too late. We both agreed I thought when I received his one and only letter he ever sent me when he was in prison. Back in the privacy of my room, I grab my purse and sit on the bed. Jimmy is on the floor playing with his cars. I pull out the letter, transporting myself back in time.
