Author's note 1: Ok first off there is another note at the bottom of this chapter. This is but isn't a standalone book. However, if you haven't you need to go read my other book When Stars Collide. It will defiantly help. As always read and review. Now on with the reading.
Chapter 1 Alora POV
The ice clinks against the glass of my sweet tea. I stir it absent mindedly as the tool-bag in front of me keeps droning on. This guy is a complete waste of oxygen. Not only does this guy not have any ambition, he is still living with and off of mommy and daddy. To add salt to the wound, he's a complete basket case. Thinking he's God's gift to women or something . What a joke, this date is borderline psychotic.
"I will have a place of my own one day. Where I can work on my physique on the beach and tan at the same time. You know what I mean?" He pauses and take a gulp of his beer. Staring at me he grins. "You know, I'm the perfect guy. A million girls would kill to be in your position. You are the winner of the man lottery." He finishes. Wagging his eyebrows at me. The grin now becoming a creepy one. Gives me the absolute shivers.
It's all I have not to throat punch this loser. However, I know better than to act like that. I'm trying with all I have to tune him out and listen to the traffic passing by. Praying this date will mercifully end soon. This date is at a cute little bistro, I picked out for obvious reasons. It's public. Our little table sits outside, in the city. Everything is clear and out in the open, in case this jerk off tries anything with me. "So you live with your parents still?" I asked. Knowing what the answer would be. This guy wouldn't stop talking about the poor women of his past. His conquests if you would. Oh this guy was a douche bag, and apparently a whore.
"Yes, I do at the moment, sweet tits. Who else is going to take care of me? When I do move out the job will then fall on my wife. I was hoping maybe you could try out for the position?" Dan says. Before I can answer he continues on. "You see my wife will do nothing. She'll sit at home. She can go shopping whenever she wants. Have expensive jewels, and anything her little heart desires. Get all the plastic surgery she wants. You know maybe some lip filler or…" He pauses looking at my breasts. "A boob job maybe."
I'm completely shocked and disgusted by the creep. "What? Oh hell no. Why do I need a boob job. My boobs are just fine the way they are thank you very much." I bite out bitterly. I take a moment to compose myself a bit so as not to make a scene. "Look I'm happy with my body. I don't know what kind of woman you think I am. I don't care about materialistic things. Nor do I take care of a man like I'm his mother, or his slave. You want someone to do that for you go hire a maid service."
Yea fat chance in hell he has getting me as anything. His profile on find me a find is extremely fluffed. Nothing but a bunch of lies. However, mommy and daddy must have had a lot of money. He has on nice clothes, but does carry himself like a rich, pompous prick. Even drove the standard rich boy vehicle, range rover SUV. It was white on white, of course. Any man that drives a white vehicle is a girl. At least in my opinion. "You know what I need to use the lady's room. I'll be right back." I say standing up and grabbing my little leather messenger bag.
He takes my hand as I grab my bag. "Wait baby I haven't told you about how I'm going to take over my dad's company. How my wifey won't have to work ever again. As long as she does like she is suppose to do. If you know what I mean." He wags his eyebrows at me again.
A shiver of disgust runs down my spine. I can only hope that I can keep from hitting him long enough to get through this. I take his hand off mine. "Excuse me." I take off inside the bistro and into the small women's restroom. Closing the door behind me I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Walking over to the mirror I stare at my reflection. I didn't appear to be one of those girls that attracts losers. I appear to be like every other girl on the street. Standing at 5'3", fiery red hair. I braid my full length front bangs on either side of my head, and wrap them around my head like a sort of headband. Looks cute plus keeps my hair out of my face. I run my fingers along one of the two braids that tie around the back. Checking the bobby pins I use to keep them in place. This way they keep the rest of my hair out of my face. The rest of my lose locks cascade down my back to my waist. My bright green eyes stare back me. My skin holds a slight tan to it. I'm not tan by any means, but I'm not exactly pasty white either. No marks, at least, none that are visible. Still I look average. Compared to the girls I work with.
*beep… be be beep*
I nearly jump out of my skin when my phone beeps at me. Taking it out of my bag, I see a text message from Jackie the den mother at the club, and send up a silent thank you.
Alle, we need you at the club. Like now! Get your ass here! Love you
Mum Jackie
"Thank you Jackie. You just saved my ass." I say out loud. I type a reply letting her know I'm on my way and where I am. I stuff my phone back into my purse, check myself in the mirror, and head back outside to dumbass Dan. Walking up to the table I see Dan is busying himself on his phone. I approach the table ready to say bye, but I decide to stand there and wait to see how long it takes him to notice that I am standing here.
A couple of minutes later Dan finally looks up. "Ah you're back. I hope everything is okay." He says. A look of concern on his face, but his voice sounds bored.
"Yea I need to go. I got a call from my work wanting me to come in." I say grabbing my helmet from the ground and heading towards my bike. I have never been more thankful than I am right now about us meeting here, instead of him picking me up. Like he wanted to do.
"Hang on a second. Maybe we can do this again." He pauses taking out his wallet. He throws a one hundred dollar bill on the table. I roll my eyes. Turning to me he holds out his hand. "Maybe next time we can go to my place." He lifts his an eye brow and tries to be suave. It's all I have not to laugh in his face.
"Ah yea….no. That's never going to happen." I smile and turn away from him. Walking towards my bike.
"I'm the best you'll ever get sweetheart. You'll see. You'll never find anyone like me. You can't do better than me." I hear him call after me.
I stop next to my bike. Set my helmet down on the tank, put my hand on my hip, and smile. "That's the point douche bag. I hope I never again make the mistake of going out with someone like you. Ever!" With that I climb on, crank her up, gear up, and take off. Disappearing into traffic.
What a pompous ass I think myself as I weave in and out of traffic. That's it I'm done with online dating. It's not worth the headache it causes. Wow, just wow. Men like him make me sick. I've worked hard for what I have. I don't have much but I'm proud of what I do have. I will never let a man dictate my life. Nor treat me less than how I should be treated.
Finally pulling up into the club's parking lot. A large black building is what firsts greets me. The windows are blacked out with red black out curtains on the inside. The outside looks foreboding with its painted black brick and red trim. It's like home to me though. The people who work here are family to me. I love most of them and they love me. Jackie takes care of all of us girls. A den mother of sorts. More like a real mother to me. I have never met the owner, but I have heard about him. Though, if any of the rumors about him are true, he's supposed to be very handsome. They say he has a temper, and can be a complete ass to any and everyone as well.
Shaking my head I make my way around to the back and park my bike in the garage building meant only for employees. Guess this way, it's easier for bouncers to walk us to our vehicles, and so customers can't figure out who drives what. Safety first for us girls. Man I love working here. Just as I kill my engine Jackie comes rushing towards me.
"Come on girl. I thought you said you were just downtown. We have customers and Raven called in." She says grabbing a hold of me just as I climb off my bike.
I can't help but laugh. "I still have makeup, and my uniform to put on. Give me thirty minutes to get ready ok?"
"Just come on." She says as we make our inside and through the main lobby. I toss my helmet to Jack our head of security. He catches it, winks at me, and tucks it away. Jackie hurries me along as we enter the main area.
I see Lilianna is bartending. She's the newest one here, but she's a sweetheart. I connect with her the best. Waving to her as I hastily make my way to the dressing room with Jackie still pulling me along. Finding my spot in front of my mirror I sit down and prepare for work in the fastest time ever. Jackie gets my outfit and makeup out of my locker. Setting it down in front of me.
"You know you really should get out of this life. You're better than this." Jackie says in her motherly tons, as I start working on my makeup. Going for my go to look.
"I know I know. You tell me the same thing every week. If you know someone hiring a girl with just a high school diploma and real life experience, with a salary that can pay my rent let me know." I say sarcastically, while applying my layers of eyeshadow. Fifteen minutes later my eye pop with an Arabic inspired green, gold, and dark brown eye look. Winged liner and falsey ardele lashes finishes off my eyes. I grab my NYX enchanted lip liner, and my NYX cosmic metals emerald green lip cream to match the green eye shadow. I quickly finish adding a light foundation. Jackie hands me the sequin boy booty shorts and I slip right into them. Even with half my ass hanging out of them, they are still very comfortable. I quickly hook the front of my corset up, slipping my arms into the 'arm band' sleeves that expose my shoulder. Running my hands over my corset I feel the red embroidery floral lace. The 'sleeves' were the same lace floral design as what was on the black corset. Jackie jerks me as she cinches me into it. I slip into some strappy black four inch stiletto heels. I take one last look in the mirror. Pleased with what I see, and I head out to the main floor to start my shift.
Wynter or really Heather is on stage staking her perfect ass in some guy's face. I go for the bar and Lili hands me my tray. Immediately I get to work making sure the few customers we do have are taken care of. Beer, fruity drinks, shots, and a champagne room start moving. I always make sure to try and get my girls get at least one VIP room while I'm on shift. Moving back and fourth, back and fourth taking drinks to customers and dancers.
The hours fly by as I do my routine checks on dancers, staff, and customers. Keeping everyone happy reinforcing my customer base, and bringing in more tips for me. I stay on my feet either cleaning up, or serving drinks. If I can lean I can clean. Finally, I get a small break when the second waitress comes in for the night shift. I smile and head off to the office to tip out for day shift.
"Hey Alle, how are you doing?" Mike asks. Mike is our GM. He's a nice guy in his mid 40's. He can be an ass when he needs to be, but for the most part he is nice as long as we are acting right.
"Hi Mike, I'm good. How are you?" I ask taking my seat across from him.
After we get business out of the way, Mike and I sit chatting for a bit. Before I go back out on the floor. "Look the owner is coming in tonight. He's picking up some paper work and just wants to check in on us, an how things are going. Please help make sure everything is running smoothly." He pauses putting some money away into the floor safe. Getting back up into his chair. He straightens his tie, and starts looking over the numbers for day shift.
" Yea sure no problem. He's never come in before so why now? And why tell me? Because you know I'm your best waitress?" I say picking up my tray. I place my day shift tips into my corset. Giving Mike a playful wink.
"Yes you are. Normally he comes in when you're not here. He checks in on slow nights, but he wasn't able to this week because he was away some where up north." I must have had an odd expression on my face. "I didn't ask for any details so I don't expect him to tell me anything except what I need to know. I know Bree will help you tonight. Just play nice with Wynter please. If only for tonight. " He continues and starts back looking at numbers. I turn to walk out. "Alle one more thing. This goes without saying. Sell sell sell. Please."
"You got it Mike. Bye" I walk out and back onto the main floor. Bree and I decide to split the floor while we're slow. We make a plan to take every other customer and every other VIP room. However, Bree took Wynter so I wouldn't have to deal with her while the owner is here. It's always so easy to work with Bree. We always get along so well. I make my way back over to the bar, and take up my usual seat.
"Girl, you and Bree are killing it tonight. I mean y'all do that already but wow. Y'all are beating your records tonight. I think each girl has had two or three bottles each, and it's only what almost 1?!" Lili says sliding me a bottle of water.
I take a quick drink of my water. My feet are starting to hurt a little. Glad these heels aren't much higher than they already are. "Yea it's been pretty busy all night. Glad the girls are making some money, and we are making some money. How are you doing sweety?" I ask glancing over the crowd real quick.
"Yea I've been doing pretty good. I'm liking being here in Tennessee. It's different than what I'm use to. It's a pretty good night so far. Working in a strip club is a first for me." She says wiping down a few of the bottles.
"It's nice to have a quick break. You're doing really good here. You're the best bartender we got." I say nodding my head.
"Thanks sweety." We sit there for a little while as I scan the room looking to see if anyone needs me. "Hey Alle, looks like the boss just walked in the door." Lili says nodding her head towards the door. A mischievous grin on her face.
Looking towards the door. I see a man that fills up the doorway. He is beautiful. It would be a crime for any woman if she did not admire him. His hair is cut crudely and short. It appears to be white against the dim lighting. He's well dressed in a three piece suit. It looks expensive and he fills it out quiet well. His eyes turn towards me and I hear Lili gasp behind me, then I swear I hear her growl. His eyes appear to shine silver in the dim lighting. I feel the air get sucked out of my lungs. He reminds me so much of the man in my dreams, like the warrior that haunts me. Mike steps up to him out of thin air. All business in his dress shirt, tie, and slacks. The two of them start talking business I'm sure. As they talk to one another the man's eyes never leave mine. It's like I am unable to move or take my eyes off of him. Mike slaps the man on his shoulder and they turn away heading for the office. Once they both disappear into the club's office it's as if I wake up from a dream. The loud music and girls laughing fill my ears once again.
"Hello... earth to Alle." Lili snaps her fingers in front of my face. I turn and look back at her. "Welcome back to the land of the living Alle." Lili continues as I stare at her with a dumb founded look on my face. "Thought you were going to fall out of your seat there for a minute. "
I smile at her blushing. "What a girl can't ogle a gorgeous man?" I say trying to recover quickly.
"Yes you can. But, at the moment we have customers that need their waitress." Lili tilts her head to all the men staring at the half naked women around the bar. " Come on girly. We've got dreams to sell."
"No we don't." I say pointing to all the girls around us. "They have dreams to sell. We just serve liquid courage." Getting up, I grab my tray and start checking on patrons. Smiling as I walk around checking on each of my customers. Taking orders for each table and fulfilling them. Keeping the customers and the girls happy means bigger tips for me. Plus it makes me feel good to make others happy.
Three am rolls around. Bree and I stand by the bar waiting for our bottles of champagne to bring up to the two girls in VIP. Lili is behind the bar running around getting everything together for us. As we wait together I decide to tell her about Mr. Mysterious Bossman.
"He's sex on a stick. If I do say so myself. Always happy to see him. Gives me something to think about when I'm lonely."
"You know that's the owner you're talking about." I say rolling my eyes.
"So, doesn't mean that I don't want to run my hands over his-"
"BREE!" Jackie scolds in a harsh tone. We both turn red, laughing with each other.
"What? Can I help it if the man is sex on legs?" She asks with a fake expression of innocence on her face. We all know she is anything but innocent. If anyone is innocent out of us four, my guess is it's Lili. Of course, I'm no bad girl by any means. I always try and keep a low profile. Never been one to rock the boat. Though, at times I can get a bit mouthy when I'm mad.
We both take our bottles and start heading up to the second floor. The VIP lounge is on one side with the lap dance area on the opposite. As we ascend the stair case I look down at the chaos below us. I finish setting up my girl Wendy first. So I go out the little walk area and take a seat at the small bar. I look out over the railing and I can see Dimond on the stage dancing. The way it's set up is when you first come up you can see the small bar. Then to the left is the lap dance area and to the right is the VIP lounge. Small rooms with walls to give some privacy. Though no doors. That way security can see inside to make sure nothing is happening that isn't suppose to be. We knew that some girls did that kind of stuff anyway. But that was none of my business. A girl could come up here and escape from the chaos downstairs from time to time.
"Hiding?" A masculine male voice asked from the darkness.
I jump slightly. "Only for a little while." I say over my shoulder.
"Alora, Come on." Bree calls to me coming out of the VIP lounge.
Smiling I get up , and turn to see where the voice was coming from. Expecting to see a certain white haired boss. Instead I'm greeted with a smile from one of our regulars Jeff. "Hi Jeff." I say trying to hide my disappointment.
"That disappointing to see your favorite customer huh?" He says with an exaggerated sad face. "And here I thought you girls love having me here." Jeff says laughing as he comes to stand between Bree and myself. He places an arm around each of us as we walk towards the stairs. "You girls found my hiding spot. So shhh don't tell anyone ok?" He laughs and we join in with him happily. He usually hides up here so as not to distract others. Jeff is harmless and is always nice to us. He comes here to hang out with us mostly, but he's a staple in our bar. We love him nonetheless.
I make my rounds checking on customers, dancers, and a few employees. Making sure everyone was happy, and had everything they needed. I walk over to Tory and her customer. "Here you go sweetheart." I slide Tory her 007. "And your Jack and Coke sir." Giving the man his drink. I smile sweetly. "That'll be $17.00 sir."
The man hands me a twenty and a five. "Keep the change sweet tits." He grabs a handful of my ass as I turn around to head back to the bar. I turn to tell him to not touch me, but before I can say anything I feel a whoosh of air around me.
In the blink of an eye Mr. Sex on a stick has Tory's customer up out of his seat. Holding him by the collar of his shirt with one hand. "You touch or disrespect my girls, you're out. That's my rules." He growls. Pinning me with a glare. "Did he pay for the drinks?"
"Let me go you nut." The man says, flailing about.
"Y…y…yes sir…..he…he did." I stammer out.
" Get out of my sight. Get out of my club. You are barred from ever coming back in here." The man goes flying to the floor after being tossed by Mr. hot head. Turning to Mike who decided to join the party, he growls out. " Is this how you run my club? Letting the men touch these girls? This is unacceptable."
"No sir. All customer's are told when they enter not to touch the dancers, waitresses, or any of the staff. The bouncers know to kick them out immediately." Mike says trying to calm him down.
"Alle….Alle"
I look over to see Lilianna motioning for me to come to her. Bree already next to her. Looking on in shock.
"Bree you take over for a bit I want to talk to Alle alone." Lili says. Bree gets to work handling things and taking care of customers. Lili takes me by the hand and leads me straight for the dressing room. "Are you ok? What happened out there?" She asks as we duck into the quietness of the dressing room.
"Nothing happened. Well nothing out of the norm. Just a customer grabbing my ass." I say slightly confused about the whole situation. I look through a crack in the door. My eyes fall upon the man himself. His eyes lock onto mine and I quickly shut the door back closed.
"Mr. Wiccus is pissed. I suggest you stay away from him." She cracks the door and sees him looking toward our little hiding spot. She turns back towards me shutting the door. A serious look on her face. "Seriously, Alora stay away from him. Nothing good with ever come from him. Of that I can promise you."
Still a bit confused I just nod my head. "I think we should get back to work. Is the coast clear yet?" I know she is serious when she doesn't use my nickname.
She peaks her head back out and nods. "Yea come on." She swings the door letting me out. We both walk out and I head for the customers hanging out around the stage.
The rest of the night goes on without any more issues. I hesitantly go into the office first and tip out for the evening. Sitting in the chair across from Mike and Mr. Wiccus siting behind me. He stares at me the moment I walked in the door. His silvery eyes never leaving me. I'm happy to have tonight finally over with. Everyone made pretty good money even after the whole situation. I get up after I make sure everything is taken care of. Walking out the door I still feel his eyes on me. I take a quick glance back at him to see a look of hunger etched into his features. Something inside me pulls me to him. Makes me want him. Like wanting to go pet a tiger because of how beautiful it is. Quickly turning away and shutting the door I make my way to a waiting Jack.
Jack holds my helmet out to me as I put my earbuds in and listen to 4 am by Huntar. "Hey everything ok?" he asks.
I just simply nod my head wanting nothing more than to get on my bike and leave. I did just that as he walked me out. I give him $15.00, throw my helmet on, throw my bag on, and I'm out of there. As I ride home the sun is starting to come up. Tonight was a great night in tips. Too bad I had to be there for so long. Seeing Mr. Wiccus was at least my eye candy for the night. The man is my big boss. He is a woman's dream incarnate. Just something about him screams stay away. Even if a good looking man like that wanted me, I know mixing business with pleasure is never a good idea. I've mixed business and pleasure before and it never works out the way you think it will. I just can't shake the feeling of wanting him. I'll just have to keep my distance from him for now. He's reminds me so much of the warrior from my dreams. He just needs longer hair and a bloody hand. We'd be set.
Half a hour later I pull up to my gated apartment complex. I punch in my code, and ride on in. Pulling my bike up into my little hiding spot, I climb off, and pull my helmet off. I head around to go up the four flights of stairs to my front door. I go inside and throw everything down on the couch. Looking around at my modest apartment. A small one bedroom in a gated community. The price is a bit much but at least I feel somewhat safe. No balcony, just a firescape that I use as one. I smile as the sun shines into my little home.
I unzip my boots and kick them to the side. My apartment is small but for me it's home, and I love it. I lock my door and head for my bedroom. Flopping down on my bed I relax for a little while. Twenty minutes later I get up and get ready for a shower. I grab a towel and wrap it around myself getting my shower ready. Once the bathroom is full of steam I drop the towel and climb in. Washing away all the grim of the day. A hour and a half later I turn off the water, dry off, and put on a fresh pair of panties. I pull out my t-shirt drawer and pull out my favorite t-shirt. Pulling it over my head. I walk over and climb into bed. Letting sleep take me away to dream land.
Author's note 2:
Hello everyone and welcome to Haunted. This is a work in progress. I want to say please forgive my spelling errors. I am typing with stiletto nails at the moment. They will be coming off soon. So typing is a bit difficult for me. Also I'm using my tablet to type this story up. So….my keyboards don't like it when I hold the shift and then press the spacebar. It's a bit annoying and I usually catch it and correct the error. Just a heads up. Please read and review. I will try and post a new chapter every week. Also I work full time and try to write in my free time.