I guess you could say my story started when I was fifteen. Until then, I was just a part of my parents' messed up lives. They had moved around from one place to another, never setting down roots or giving me a place to call home. The longest we'd ever stayed in one place was the year we spent in Atlanta when I was five. The only thing I remember from our time there was walking through the underground that had been converted into shops. That was the year I learned to remember that I should never talk to strangers or go into stores alone.
Neither of my parents put much time or effort into my education. Once I learned the basics of reading and writing, everything else was considered unessential. If it didn't pertain to surviving and running, it wasn't important. Eventually, even I wasn't considered important.
"Jaden, you've got to go ahead and run on your own. Your ma and I will catch up when it's safe." That word, safe, negated any type of question or argument I could have possibly had. I was conditioned to believe that what my father instructed me, a fifteen year old girl, to do was normal. So, I took the hundred bucks he shoved in my hands, packed my duffle bag, and headed to the Greyhound Station in San Antonio.
That was the last night I ever saw my mother or father. Looking back ten years later, I should have realized what was happening. With no way to contact them and no directions as to where to run, it would be impossible to find one another again.
I spent the first three years of my life avoiding the eyes of concerned citizens or authorities. I first ran to New York City because I couldn't think of any better place to go. Eventually, autumn gave way to winter and I realized two things. First, New York got really cold and second, my parents never intended to find me.
After stealing and selling enough goods from unsuspecting tourists whit their faces too glued to cameras to notice a street kid picking pockets, I saved up enough cash to get me to Miami. I figured it would be warmer and there would be plenty of people to disappear in. It was a solid plan, but I didn't realize the level of alert the local authorities operated on due to the abundance of illegal immigrants and human trafficking.
I didn't even stay in Miami long enough to get a good tan. One run in with a older woman who asked too many questions led to a night of running from the Miami-Dade police. I didn't even get to go back and get my duffle bag. So, I started over from scratch with fifty dollars to my name. Eventually, I hitchhiked my way back out to San Antonio to see if my parents had stayed there by chance, but after wasting my time and money on dead end leads from the buggy-pushers and street kids like me, I finally gave up hope.
On that day, August 17th, 1998, I stole my first car from the parking lot of a grocery store. It was just a old Toyota Corolla with nothing special to stand out to anyone that may be looking for it, but it had a full tank of gas to get me out of Texas. I was seventeen and committing my first felony.
Two weeks and three cars later, I ended up in Oakland, California. Out of all the places I'd been in my short life, I had never been to California before. It was warm and crowded enough to disappear in without attracting too much attention. I wouldn't say I put down any roots, but California definitely had a way of working its way into my heart. I made my way up and down the West Coast stealing and selling cars to chop shops along the way over the next five years until finally landing back in Oakland.
"Jaden! Are you going to sit there and stare at that car or lift it?" I looked over at Eddie and shook my head, pointing at the blinking red light on the dashboard. He rolled his brown eyes and made his way down to the Escalade anyways. I rolled my eyes and cursed him under my breath. Eddie was just a nineteen-year-old kid who's dad talked me into taking him under my wing so he could contribute to his family's chop shop.
"Eddie! Would you stop?" I hissed, as he looked first then right before rising to his feet and pulling the slim-jim out of his pants. The reason I had never gotten caught since going out on my own was my ability to think on my feet. As soon as the alarm started blaring and the lights started flashing, I bolted. It wasn't my finest moment, but my life had always been about survival and that required me to put me first.
After Eddie got picked up for auto theft and eventually flipped on his old man for a lighter sentence, I knew I couldn't exactly stick around Oakland any longer. I was getting tired of running, to be honest. At twenty-two years old, most girls were graduating college or starting their careers; but not me. I was running again. I didn't have to worry about getting thrown in some group home any more, but prison was a much bigger possibility. So, I hung up my slim jim and wire strippers for a pair of heels and a steady check from Diamonds and Lace in Lodi.
The customers weren't as skivvy as I thought they would be when I first walked in to ask about the now hiring sign in the window. The manager, Daric, looked me up and down as I stood in front of him in my cleanest pair of blue jeans and a plaid shirt. He eventually smirked and led me back to the office.
"You aren't from around here, are you?" Daric asked with a smile and a puff on his cigarette. I shook my head but didn't elaborate any further. He nodded and picked up on the clue that I didn't want to delve into my personal life. "You do any drugs?"
"Not unless you count the occasional Tylenol and a few joints here and there." I said honestly. His brow raised with surprise but he smiled brightly.
"You got any experience?" I shook my head and started looking for the door. I was sure that if I didn't have any experience, I would be back at square one. He nodded and pulled out some papers from the top drawer of his desk.
"Here, fill these out and be here tonight at nine o'clock. We'll get you fitted and have Candy show you a few things in the practice area. Then, you can watch the show and we'll go from there." My jaw almost dropped as I took the pen and papers he offered me. Luckily, my social security card and birth certificate were things that I kept in my purse that I always carried, just in case.
I broke into a house a few blocks over to take a shower. I lucked out and the woman that lived there had a good selection of body wash and shampoo. My cinnamon brown hair welcomed the expensive cycle of rinse, lather and repeat. I was able to dry it and get out of the house before a new Land Rover pulled into the garage.
That was two years ago yesterday. I was a regular on the stage and got steady tips on top of my wages that afforded me a pre-owned BMW and an apartment on the outskirts of town. Daric prided himself for finding a diamond in the ruff and I appreciated him giving me a chance. That appreciation kept me at Diamonds and Lace instead of taking some of the offers from bigger clubs.
I yawned as I walked into the dressing room an hour earlier than normal. We had a new girl starting up on stage and Daric gave me a heads up about some of the sketchier clients holding a business meeting of sorts tonight. I hated when the Russian pricks rolled into the club. They always drank to much and got too handsy. I wished they would just stick to the Jelly Bean and their lanky, malnourished dancers.
"Jaden! Please do something with her hair!" Ruby said as I walked through the gold painted door. I held back a laugh at the sight of the new girl's frizzy hair. I tossed my purse onto my station and walked over to stand behind the frantic looking blonde. I gave her a smile and offered her a piece of gum.
"What the hell did you do? Were you going for an eighties look?" I asked with a laugh as I ran my hands through her hair, brainstorming on the best and fastest way to remedy the mess. She gnawed on the gum and shook her head, looking up into my brown eyes with her blue ones. I took a deep breath and got started on a sleek, but somewhat large, up do.
"You keep shaking like that and the customers are going to think you're nervous, doll." I spritzed a little more hairspray on her twisted up hair and gave her a reassuring smile.
"I am nervous." Her voice was barely a whisper as she bit her bottom lip. I shook my head on my way over to my own station to get ready. My hair was down my back with natural waves that I almost always rocked on stage, so I really only needed make-up and some shimmer powder.
"You're going be nervous for a while. You just can't show it past the curtains. Just don't focus on it. Your job is to work these guys up so that they go home and realize that they need to come back cause their woman can't move it like you." I said as I brushed mascara over my lashes. Daric had finally allowed me to go with a more natural look after spending a year in over exaggerated glitter and blush.
"So, what's my stage name going to be?" She asked after a few minutes of chewing on my advice. I hooked the back of my leather, studded bra top and shook the chains that hung down from the cups so they fell straight.
"I'm pretty set on calling you doll. So, my vote is for Barbie." I stepped into my leather booty shorts and hitched my shoulder as I noticed her staring at me. Ruby laughed and nodded in agreement.
"Totally a Barbie. You can't be blushing back here when you're gonna be working out there, girl." Ruby said with a laugh as she finished pinning up her bright red hair. She was doing her best to make a pin-up routine work but I still had my doubts after last weekend's less than warm reaction to it.
"Why don't you use a stage name, Jaden?" Barbie asked, hoping to change the subject away from her modesty. I zipped my boot and twisted the suede shaft around my knee to straighten it.
"It kind of fits with the club and I don't have a reason to hide who I am." I explained as the music started out in the club. Barbie went pale and started fidgeting with her sequined skirt. I shook my head and gave her a quick hug.
"You're after Delilah and before Ruby. I'll be out there so if you have to, just focus on me, doll. I'll be the one in leather and chains." I winked and adjusted my boobs so they were secure but on display at the same time. Barbie swallowed hard and nodded as Ruby rubbed her arm reassuringly. I gave them both a smile before heading out to the floor to serve drinks and welcome guests.
"Jaden! How's the new girl?" Daric asked as I started pouring drinks and loading up a tray. I shrugged and put the liquor bottle down.
"She's nervous and young. It's Tuesday though. She should be fine. When are the pigs getting here?" I asked, hoping they'd show up after my routine. Daric rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"Around ten, I think. They're bringing some pretty rough guys with them. Keep an eye on the new kid, okay?" I groaned and nodded as I picked up the tray. It was never a good sign when the Russians brought people with them. They were bad enough alone.
"I've got Barbie but you should really consider getting a bouncer for the weekdays, Daric." He nodded and waved my comment off as he headed to his office. I'd been harping about security for over a year now. The night was pretty quiet with just a few regulars hanging around and checking out the new girl they'd heard about.
"How did I do?" Barbie asked as she accepted the robe from Ruby before she headed out to the stage. I smiled and gave her a hug around her shoulders. She was shaking again but I could tell it was more adrenaline than nerves.
"You did a lot better than I did on my first night, doll. I ended up spraining my wrist and breaking a heel." I said with a laugh. It was a funny story, now, but back then it was almost enough to get me back on the streets boosting cars. I glanced up at the monitors that showed the floor and felt my lip curling reflexively.
"Look, make sure to stick near Delilah unless she goes in the private room. If you get uncomfortable, just head back here. There's not much I can do once I get on the stage but try to keep your distance from that crowd." I pointed to the screen where the Russians were sitting down at their normal corner booth. Barbie nodded and looked back at me.
"I'm fucking done with this shit." Ruby said as she stormed back stage and took her victory rolls out of her hair. I smirked and gave Barbie a wink as I adjusted my bra and got ready to get on stage. She tried to hide a giggle and hurried out to the floor to help Delilah with drinks while Ruby got dressed.
The lights dimmed and the first notes of Porn Star Dancing by My Darkest Days started playing as I pushed through the heavy, black curtains. As I walked around the pole and waited for the music to pick up, I surveyed the crowd. My chest tightened a little as I noticed that the regulars had left, leaving only the Russians and a bunch of tatted guys in leather vests in the club. Barbie was sticking right by Delilah's side but she looked spooked as hell when the men would reach out to her.
The music picked up and I danced harder than I had in a while. I knew the only way I could help Barbie was to get the asshole's attention on me and off of her. My legs could barely hold my body up as I walked back and took the robe from Ruby. She had a smug look on her face and gave me a wink.
"What?" I asked as I walked back to my station to get dressed quickly. She laughed and sat on my vanity.
"You just made your car payment on a Tuesday night, that's what. I haven't seen you dance like that since you were pissed off at Palo for cheating on you." I shrugged and pulled my hair up into a high pony tail before refreshing my makeup. Barbie rushed into the dressing room, almost running right into Ruby.
"Jaden, one of those guys with an accent wants you. I told him you would be a few minutes and…" She trailed off and shook her head. I slammed my hands on the vanity and stood up quickly. She didn't have to tell me one of the assholes got rough with her. It was written all over her face.
I ignored everyone else in the room and stormed over to the man that was staring and licking his lips at me. I kicked the bottom chair rail, sending the chair twisting around. He smirked and reached out for my waist.
"I'm here. You want to try and rough handle me like you did Barbie? I don't care who you are or where your mother land is. You don't fucking touch us, asshole." I picked up the glass closest to my hand and threw the contents in the man's face. Daric rushed over and stepped between us as everyone sitting at the table looked at me in shock.
"You need to control that bitch, Daric. One infected mongrel can ruin the whole litter." The burly Russian said with a nearly incomprehensible accent. I lunged at him, but Daric pushed me back with his forearm. One of the leather clad men shook his head and stood up. He made eye contact with me and inclined his head towards the bar. I scoffed and turned on my heel, storming over to the bar ahead of the man.
"You got some kind of death wish?" The guy asked as I walked around to put the counter between us. I folded my arms across my chest and shifted my weight to one hip. His eyes were some of the darkest I had ever seen and there was no hint of amusement or smile on his chiseled face. When I turned my back and started pouring myself a Cape Cod, he appeared at my elbow with a scowl.
"You need to get back. I'm not in the damn mood." I snapped as he looked me up and down. I let my eyes trail over his tattoo covered arms and pursed my lips. He didn't budge and did a fine job of blocking the only walkway out from behind the bar.
"Those assholes don't really care for drinks being thrown in their faces." He growled as I sipped my liquor heavy drink through the straw. I was accustomed to dealing with thugs and assholes on the streets and now in the club. He was on the more intimidating end of the spectrum, but I wasn't about to let him startle me.
"I don't care for my girls getting tossed around like rag dolls. If a client wants me then they can damn well wait or get another girl. Tossing a kid around doesn't get me on their lap any sooner, if at all." I explained before pushing up on the bar and hopping across it. I caught an almost half smile cross his lips as I walked over to Delilah. She was looking at the biker as he made his way back to the tables.
"Daric is giving that prick a free lap dance from Pearl on Friday." She informed me as I looked over at our highly pissed off manager. I shook my head and curled my lip. It was just like Daric to bend over backwards for a client and let them get away with shit other clubs would ban them for. It almost made other offers I'd gotten more appealing. I sighed as Barbie walked over to the table and started giving one of the Russian shot callers a timid lap dance.
"You got a client in the VIP room, Jaden." Daric's voice had a clip to it and I knew it would be a few days before he let it go. I stopped by the dressing room to check my makeup before heading down the hall to the VIP room. I pushed my boobs up and adjusted my bra before opening the door.
"Seriously?" I asked, feeling cornered by the man standing across the room. "You just shelled out 300 bucks so I couldn't storm off for an hour?"
"Fuck no. Prez owed me. I wouldn't blow cash on this." I laughed and waited for some type of retraction of his rude statement. It didn't come. Instead, he pulled out a cylinder and unscrewed the lid. I swallowed hard, wondering what type of pill he was about to pop. The toothpick he pulled out and placed between his teeth gave me a laugh.
"So, what do you want?" I asked as he pushed the sliver of wood to the corner of his mouth with his tongue. His shoulder rose and fell as he looked me over. I twisted my mouth and ran my hand over the light dimmer before starting my playlist. He moved and sat down on the red, velvet couch.
"When do you get off?" He asked as I dipped down and put my hands on his knees, grinding my breasts against his chest. I slid my hands further up his thighs and brought my mouth mere centimeters from his ear.
"It's not gonna happen, hun. I don't take my work home with me." I purred as if my words were sweet nothings. He turned his eyes to me as I dipped back down and traced my fingers over the knife strapped to his belt.
"Not like that, girl. Just want to see you get there without an extra hole in your head." He growled as the song changed and I moved to the pole in the center of the room. I paused for a split second before recovering and grasping the cold metal in my hand. Something about the way he spoke and the way he sought to protect me threw me off.
"I can take care of myself." I said as I landed after an inverted slide. He hitched a shoulder and stood up from the couch. I walked over to him and turned my back, grinding my ass against his leg. I heard a rumble in his throat and tossed my hair to the opposite side to look up at him.
"I wasn't asking for permission." He adjusted his vest and looked me over one more time before walking out of the room. I took a deep breath and stared at the closed door. He'd left ten minutes before his time was up. That and the comment about not blowing cash on me almost had me feeling self conscious. It'd been a while since a client walked out on me.
The girls noticed I went quiet for the rest of the night. Barbie was feeling conflicted with her performance and Ruby was brainstorming ideas for a new routine. I was organizing my outfits and makeup, only answering direct questions. Delilah came back to the dressing room towards the end of the night and announced a bachelor party that was scheduled for Friday night.
"Wonderful, more grabby assholes that drink to much." I mumbled as I picked up my bag and keys. Ruby frowned and followed me out to the parking lot as per our normal routine. My eyes scanned the lot and almost immediately fell on a single Harley Davidson bike parked next to my car. The rider was leaned against the seat and I could see a trail of smoke drifting up from his cigarette. Ruby grabbed my arm and pulled me close.
"It's fine, Ruby. He's not going to do anything to me." She didn't look too confident as I gave her a smile. She looked from me to the biker a couple times before eventually giving up on me coming to my senses and following her back inside. She accepted a quick hug from me before I crossed the lot.
"You look different in clothes." The tattooed biker said as I unlocked my car. I tossed my bag into the passenger seat and spun around to look at him. He flicked his cigarette away and stood up.
"I'm not a damsel in distress, hun. You don't need to roll in and try to save the day in your leather vest." He towered over me as I stood in my flat Toms. I looked into his eyes to drive the message home.
"It's a kutte." He growled as he stepped back and grabbed his helmet. I brushed his comment off and got in my car, relieved that the confrontation was over. It wasn't until I turned on my street that I turned the radio down and heard the sound of a motorcycle behind me. I yanked the wheel to the right and stopped the car.
"Are you fucking kidding me? You've got no business following me. You aren't my man or my father so you need to back the fuck off." I snapped as I jumped out of the car. He didn't even cut the bike off as he walked over to me. He was giving me a smirk that pissed me off.
"You done yet?" He pulled me over to him and slammed his mouth onto mine. I pushed him backwards and glared at him. He scowled and put his helmet back on without another word. I was already riled up and shoved his leather covered back. He froze and I saw his fists clench, but I stood my ground.
"Don't ever do that again." He growled as he turned back to face me. I found myself lost in the intensity in his eyes. My bottom lip found its way between my teeth before slowly slipping back out to its rightful place. He didn't miss the involuntary reaction and took a step towards me. My senses were overwhelmed with the sight of his muscles under the colorful ink, the sound of his breathing, the smell of the leather and cologne, and the feeling of electricity pulsing between us.
I took a step back and kept my eyes on him for a moment before getting back in my car. He walked back to his idling motorcycle and I could see him watching me through the rear view mirror. He followed me further down the road until I turned into my driveway. He put his boots down on the pavement but made no motion to pull in or abandon his bike. I resisted the urge to turn back and look at him as I turned the key in the door. The rumbling motorcycle and its rider faded away as I leaned my back against the solid wood door. If I never saw him again, it would be too soon.