Chapter 2

Rick sat in the dark hall on top of the somewhat comfortable stool. He watched the girls pull in different customers to the V.I.P dance rooms. The rooms were concealed by deep violet velvet curtains and outside of each room on the wall was a red light bulb. If the light came on that meant the customer was getting too handsy and Rick would have to escort them out.

Why in the hell is she wearing that shit today? He thought. Rick tried to keep the thoughts of his girlfriend walking around the main floor without him watching her back at bay, but the thought of someone trying to touch her left a bitter taste in his mouth. He rose from his seat to peek out the door to see what was going on. He spotted Michonne at a table, her beautiful smile glowing as she served. He took a deep breath as he tried to calm his nerves. Seeing her smiling helped ease him a bit. He always loved to see her smiling. He sometimes told her that if she and Issa Rae were in the same room, they would blind everyone with their beautiful smiles. Rick's eyes fell on the door entrance where Shane and Tyreese were checking customers as they came in. Shane was patting customers down with his eyes still on the main floor watching Michonne as she went from table to table filling drink orders. Rick saw that his friend was keeping his word, so Rick retreated back into the V.I.P area.

Rick was getting comfortable in his seat when the red light came on for room 3. Sighing as he stood up, Rick already knew he was about to walk into some mess all because of the new girl Arat.

She had only been at the club for a little under a month. The fiery 28-year-old came into the Sanctuary as a straightforward go-getter. The problem with Arat was that she liked to break the club rules to make some extra money on the side. When Negan found out about her side deals, he warned her that he would throw her out on her little ass if she did it again. It seems she didn't take the warning seriously.

Arat dealt in the kinky side of things. She was always pulling eagerly willing customers to the velvet area for a little quick and rough fun. Rick threw the curtains open and walked in on a terrified customer on one side of the small space with the red button console gripped firmly in his hand, and a small circular side table held out in front of his body as if he was fending off a tiger. Arat was on the other side standing with her arms crossed over her chest. Her short pixie style haircut with blonde frosted tips went well with her red 2 piece bikini that showed off her flat muscular stomach and thick legs. She was wearing a black harness strapped across her upper body with a black leather paddle in her hand. Her jaw clenched as she glared at the frightened customer.

"What's going on in here," Rick asked. He steeled himself from laughing at the mildly chaotic scene. Rick saw that the scared customer was a regular named Eugene. Eugene frequented the club during buffet night, but he recently began venturing in on odd nights like tonight.

A terrified Eugene spoke, the words spilled quickly from his mouth, "I was deceived into coming back to this area by this young lady with the promise of a sensualistic lap dance. When we get back here, she proceeds to give me something that was not even close to our agreed physical interaction." The hefty framed mullet wearing Eugene began inching his way towards Rick as he spoke so he could make a hasty escape. His eyes remained fixed on Arat as she continued to glare at him. "As you can see she has gained access to said instrument of pain that is in her hand and I have to say I don't like to experience any type of pain in any form or fashion."

Once he made it to where Rick was standing Eugene placed the table down and put the call button console on top. "I would like very much to vacate these said premises forthwith."

Arat fake lunged towards Eugene who backed up quickly as he rushed to leave the room. His hasty retreat led to him getting entangled in the velvet curtain for a moment. Rick helped the scared shitless man untangle from the heavy fabric and watched him scurry from the room.

"Fucking pussy," Arat spat out as she walked to a far corner of the room and placed the leather studded paddle back into her black velvet toy bag.

"Now Arat, you know Negan said no more side treats while you are back here," Rick stated.

Arat stood up placing her hands on her hips as she spoke, "Why the fuck are you watching the back tonight? It's usually Shane back here, and he doesn't give me a rash of shit about my side work."

"Well, I'm not Shane."

"No shit."

"Look just grab your fucking bag of toys so we can take it to Negan."

"Seriously?" she knitted her eyebrows.

"Yeah seriously."

"Rick you know he is going to can my ass if you tell him about this."

"Arat there's nothing I can do. I have to say something because I'm sure scared ass Eugene, who I'm sure pissed his pants by the way, is going to be logging online, and I don't think he will be talking about how great the food is here."

Arat sighed and grabbed her bag. "But really why are you working back here?"

"Bosses orders," he said giving a half shrug.

"Bullshit. Michonne is working tonight, and you're usually out front watching her like a hawk."

"Well, not tonight… come on."

As the pair emerged from the area, Rick saw Shane and Tyreese patting down a large group that was coming in. Rick scanned the main floor looking for Michonne and her unmistakable outfit. Once his eyes fell on his girlfriend his brow furrowed as he saw the occupants of the table she was serving. The Dixon brothers were regulars at the club. Merle the older of the two was always causing trouble when it came to the girls or other customers, but Negan still let them come in and party. Negan and Merle had both served in the military together and were both were dishonorably discharged together. So the pair were thick as thieves.

Michonne was placing their drinks on the table. Rick could tell that Daryl Dixon wasn't paying attention to her. His eyes were focused on Andrea who was currently onstage shaking what her mama did not give her to a Guns n Roses song. Merle was leaned back in his chair licking his lips as he eyed Michonne's ass. As she turned to leave the table, Merle placed his large hand against her firm backside and squeezed. Rick took two steps forward ready to charge the table and rearrange Merles ugly ass face when he saw Michonne grab Merle's hand and twisted it back painfully. Merle's face grimaced in pain as Michonne applied more pressure. She leaned in and said something to Merle before giving him a slight push causing him to topple over in his chair clutching his injured hand. Daryl stood up and looked where his brother landed then sat back in his seat and proceeded to sip his beer and watch the show.

Rick smiled at the encounter. He had taught Michonne a few moves that she could use on customers who tried to take advantage. He was still kinda disappointed as he still wanted to punch the hell out of Merle for touching his girl.

During his moment of distraction, Arat snuck off with her bag to stash the items somewhere in the club. Finally noticing that Arat snuck off Rick headed to the front where Shane was just finishing patting down the last of the large group.

"I see Michonne is becoming a regular Rick Jr. in here," he chuckled.

"Let hope so."

"Man I saw Eugene bolt the hell out of here. What the hell happened?"

"Arat is what happened."

"Shit. He may never come back."

"Yeah," Rick muttered as he continued to watch Michonne as she floated from table to table giving each her winning smile as she engaged them in conversation. She threw her head back as she laughed at a joke. Making eye contact finally with each other she smiled and blew a kiss to him as she strolled back to the bar to retrieve more drink orders.

Shane placed a hand on his friend's shoulder giving him a small squeeze. "See man, she's fine. No need to worry, plus looks like two of the girls have hooked some baller money and have gone into the back," he stated as he pointed toward the V.I.P area, and sure enough, Rick could see the ladies entering the large back space.

Rick huffed at being pulled back already. "Keep an eye on her man."

"You know I got you, brother." Shane and Rick fist bumped as he trudged back to his area.

The night continued on with no further real issues other than the random squawk of his earpiece of Tyreese or Shane giving info on the crowds at the door and inside. It was almost midnight and the weekday crowd had begun to thin out. The club closed at 2 am during the week, and 5 am on the weekends. Rick had started to doze in his seat when the entrance curtain flew open. Startled, Rick jumped from his stool only to see that it was Michonne who came walking in.

"Hey babe," she said as walked to where he was standing. She had her lunch bag in her hand and was no longer wearing her crop top, opting for a plain Sanctuary tank top since her shift was almost over.

"I came to see if you were hungry." She held up her lunch shaking the contents for effect.

"Nah I ate earlier, but I will sit with you while you eat."

"Oh well maybe you are hungry for something else," she blinked with feigned innocence.

Picking up on her hidden innuendo Rick played along, "What would that something else be?" His eyes raked over her sexy form. Michonne took a step back and held her arms out wide as she proudly proclaimed.

"Your favorite meal…Me."

"Oh, I can always eat my favorite peach… for hours."

Michonne giggled. "You are so silly."

She pulled him by his arm leaving her lunch bag on top of the stool Rick was just occupying. They went into one of the larger V.I.P rooms. The room had several black leather loveseat couches that were positioned around a small dancing stage with a pole in the middle of the room. The small stage was dimly lit the same pale yellow hue as all of the tables in the club. The room smelled fresh after its recent cleaning by housekeeping staff. Negan made sure these rooms stayed in top condition by getting a cleaning every 2-3 hours a day.

Michonne pushed Rick down onto the sofa. His solid muscular frame sunk into the comfy cushions as Michonne joined him on the couch straddling his lap.

"I missed you, sweetie," she said her arms around his neck as she leaned back in his lap, her brown eyes sparkled as they scanned his face. Even under the dimmed purple light of the room her skin glowed . She smiled, and her beautifully shaped oval face and prominent cheekbones lit up the room.

"I missed you too," he said his hands stroking up and down her back. Michonne moaned as his fingers began to knead her tight back muscles. "So I see you are just using me to massage your back," he jested.

"Would it be wrong if I said yes," she breathed out. Her eyes were closed as she enjoyed the feel of Rick's masterful hands rolling over her spine and lower back muscles. Rick pulled her into his chest as he skimmed his lips along the sweep of her cheek.

"Your back wouldn't hurt anymore if you took that job that Deanna offered you at the courthouse," he whispered into her ear.

Michonne scoffed and rolled her eyes at Rick's not so subtle remark of the recent job offer she received from Deanna Monroe the Kings County District County Clerk. Michonne interviewed for the position after being referred by the temp agency she worked for off and on. Deanna had been very impressed with Michonne's resume, background, and grades that she offered her a position on her staff immediately. That was 3 days ago, and Michonne had till the end of the week to give an answer on the job offer.

"Can we not talk about this right now," she said annoyed. She raised from Rick's grasp attempting to get off of his lap, but Rick held her firmly in place. "I told you that I know it's a great opportunity but the pay and hours are just not sitting right with me."

"Yes I know babe, but the Sanctuary is not the best place for you."

"That's not what you told me 3 months ago," she scoffed.

"True but I didn't realize that you would have such an effect on the customers around here."

"I don't care about the effect on them. I only care about what I do to you." Michonne slowly rotated her hips against Rick's groin. He hissed at the contact and motion and grabbed her by her hips pulling her down tighter to get better friction. Ricks pulse began to race, but he forced his arousal down for the moment as he needed to make sure Michonne understood the seriousness of what he was saying. He reached up and gently grasped her face between his hands pulling her face close to his.

"I love that you save all of this goodness for me only, but this is serious. I leave for the academy in 6 months, and I can't have you still working here without me watching out for you." Michonne mimicked his motion and pulled his face even closer to hers. She looked him in the eyes, and he looked straight back into hers. His cerulean clashing with her deep brown.

"Babe I can handle it. Did you see me use what you taught me on Merle's drunk ass?"

"Yeah I did, and you did great but what if next time it's not Merle but a bunch of other assholes. I won't be able to deal with that. I know I won't be able to focus knowing you are in here and I'm not here to watch your beautiful back," he held her gaze for a moment before looking away as his thoughts clouded with all the different scenarios where she could be hurt.

"Ok baby," she whispered as she touched his cheek pulling his focus back to her.

"Ok baby what," he questioned. He hoped she was ready to concede and just do as he asked.

"I love you." Michonne leaned in and kissed Rick full on the lips her tongue seeking entrance into his mouth. Ricks steadfast resolve weakened as his body responded to her soft full lips. He groaned into her mouth as he felt his pants begin to tighten.

"Oh is that all for me baby." Michonne reached her hand in-between their bodies sliding it over his growing bulge. "Does my pacifier want to come out and say hello," she teased.

Rick breathed an inaudible "yes" as she stroked over his bulge cupping his full package and squeezing a little. His breath hitched as his hips jerked in her grip.

"Come out and play with me pacifier," she half pleaded as a slow smiled spread across her face and watched Rick's eyes flutter closed. His grip on her hips intensified and she felt him grow harder in his jeans.

"Fuck Chonne," he cursed aloud.

"Yes, that is exactly what I want to do."

"Do it, baby. It's all yours."

Michonne tugged at his belt pulling the thick leather through the loops of his pants. The distinctive clinking sound of the belt being pulled free echoed throughout the room. Her fingers grasped at the top button of his jeans.

"Where the fuck are you sugarplum. Ole Merle wants to talk to you." The harsh voice carried through the empty section. Michonne's movement stilled as her eyes widened and her body went stock still. She looked at Rick who was eyeing the velvet curtain, his expression darkening at hearing Merle who was clearly drunk from his slurred speech.

"I know you in here sugar. I can't let you get away with damn near breaking my fucking wrist. No goddamn way."

Rick listened closely to figure out how far into the area Merle was. The rustling sound of the large curtains being thrown open one by one told Rick he was pretty damn close. Rick pushed Michonne off his lap and placed his finger against his lips, signaling for her to be quiet. He pointed to the far corner of the room and motioned for her to hide there. Michonne scurried to the corner making herself as small as possible as she watched Rick look around the room for some type of weapon.

"Come on out honey. I wanna show you something," Merle said, his voice calm but laced with malice. Rick heard the unmistakable sound of a knife being flicked opened. Rick could tell that Merle was getting close. Rick didn't want to go out and have a head-on confrontation with the drunk, especially not weaponless. The sound of the curtains for the room across from them being jerked opened thumped in Rick's ears.

"Ladies and Gentlemen looks like we have found the winning door," he proclaimed loudly.

"Come on out sugar. Don't make me come in there and get ya," he growled.

Rick placed himself in front of the curtains ready to strike. As the curtains pulled open the sinister smile on Merle's face faded as Rick landed a full blow to the front of his face. The crunching sound of the solid punch loud in his ears as Merle's nose broke under Rick's fist. Merle stumbled backward dropping his knife as he grabbed his nose.

"What the fuck m-." The sentence was cut off as Rick landed another hard blow this time to his midsection. Merle buckled over as the air was pushed out of his lungs. He fell down to one knee before Rick delivered a quick knee to his side which sent him sailing onto his back.

"You stupid motherfucker," Rick roared his fists clenched and his chest heaving as he stood over Merle who was gasping for air with his nose gushing blood down the side of his face.

"You thought you were going to come in here and hurt my woman! Is that what your dumb ass thought. You stupid shit."

Merle raised his hands up in surrender. "Nah I wasn't going to hurt her just scare her a bit you know. The bitch damn near broke my wrist." Merle held up his recently bandaged hand.

"Well let me finish what she started," Rick snarled. Rick grasped Merles bandaged wrist and hand and twisted them in opposite directions. The sound of his bones snapping sounding like a tree branch being broken. Merles face contorted painfully as his broken hand fell limply to his chest.

The gurgled moan that fell from his dry lips crescendo to an ear-piercing scream. The noise drew the attention of Shane and Tyreese who charged into the area expecting to find a bloodbath.

"Fuckin hell," exclaimed Shane. He and Tyreese took in the scene of Merle on the floor bloodied and whimpering, clutching his hand to his chest. Rick with his belt unbuckled and fist clenched standing over Merle ready to finish him off and Michonne standing in the opening of the room, hand clasped over her mouth in shock.

"Get this piece of shit out of here Shane," Rick ordered. Shane nodded his head understanding fully what went down, picked Merle's worthless carcass up off of the floor sitting the whimpering man into a sitting position.

"Tyreese, that motherfucker had a knife," Rick motioned with his head the direction where the knife was. Tyreese rushed to retrieve the weapon.

Rick stomped back to where Michonne was still hovering and grasped her by her shoulders forcing her to look at him. Her eyes large as saucers and misting over.

"You are going to call Deanna first thing in the morning and tell her you are taking that job. I don't give a damn how you feel about the pay or the hours. Tonight is your last night working here. Do I make myself clear Michonne?" he demanded.

Michonne mouth fell open, but she was unable to form words.

"Answer me Michonne," he commanded his eyes still a dark stormy blue as adrenaline still coursed through him.

She shook her head to clear the unseen fog in her mind. "Yes… Yes, baby...I … understand," she stuttered, clearly still in shock.

"I'll call Deanna. First thing," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Shane and Tyreese called an Uber to take Merle to the nearest hospital and let Negan know what happened. Negan was pissed that his buddy would disrespect his place like that and he was forced to place Merle on the denied entry list. Negan in an attempt to appear like the upstanding boss everyone knew he wasn't, let Rick and Michonne go home early and assured Rick that his job was safe.

The next morning Michonne contacted Deanna and accepted the position. She expressed her concern about the pay and Deanna agreed to a higher base wage for Michonne.

A/N: Round of applause for Savage Rick making his appearance. I hope you enjoyed reading this short story. Now that this is out of the way its time to finish Sirens and Dust. Updates coming soon. Also if you have read "Life Given" Thank you and yes it will be continued. Remember reviews are appreciated.