Anissa's POV
I was just putting the finishing touches on Ariane's baby hairs. My eyes flickering to the clock to see that it was approaching eight o'clock at night time. I was irritated that Ariane kept trying to argue with her boyfriend over Facetime, bobbing this big ass head and Laroy's homeboys kept trying to talk to me. When I swept that last baby hair, I sighed with relief. "Okay Ariane, I'm done." I said, fluffing the curls in the back, making sure they weren't clustered.
"You think I don't know about those thots you've been fucking with! Don't make a bitch show up at your job and act up!" Ariane said, bobbing her head once again.
Laroy came down the staircase with an annoyed expression on his face. "Ariane, shut the f- up! You've been arguing with that lame ass bum for damn near three hours." Laroy said, snatching the phone out her hands. Thank God, someone said something because I was getting a migraine. Ariane didn't say anything, bu tsnatched her phone up and stormed off, assuming she was calling her boyfriend back.
"I need to get my sister her own place, ASAP. Did she pay you, AJ?" Laroy asked, before walking off.
I shook my head, wrapping up my curlers. "No. If you can grab her for me, because I got another appointment I need to catch." I asked, bending down to zip my stylist suitcase.
"I got you. You got an opening this upcoming weekend?" Laroy asked, pulling out a wad of cash, flipping back four '100s', handing it to me. Tucking the money away, I pulled out my planner to check out my schedule.
"Is next Saturday good at ten in the morning?" I asked, holding my pen to write in the appointment.
"Perfect. Soo… what are you on later?" Laroy asked, flashing a mischievous smile, leaning against the chair. Laroy was one of the big leaders of the notorious gangs, Niners, out in LA. I met Laroy through his sister Ariane when I became her permanent hair stylist.
I laughed, looking up from my planner. "You just don't quit, do you?" There was a moment we were talking until I saw him manhandle his previous girlfriend putting her in the hospital, so I cut that shit short immediately.
He rubbed at his beard, shaking his head. "I got to shoot my shot, before someone comes along and claims you." Laroy said, walking along me to the front door of his mansion.
"Well, you shot it and missed. And FYI, I'm seeing someone." I said walking down to my truck. I felt his eyes on me as I opened the door.
"I don't see no ring on your finger, AJ!" Laroy said, bending down to pick up my suitcase and sliding into my backseat, invading my space. I looked over my right shoulder, immediately seeing someone peeking behind the curtain. They quickly jumped away when they noticed I was staring. I rolled my eyes, guessing it was one of his groupies. I poked his chest, indicating to back up.
"You men are impossible!" I chuckled, getting my driving seat. I closed the door, letting down the window. "Laroy, don't be late Saturday!" I said, slowly driving around the circular driveway.
Laroy stepped back, arms wide open. "It's a date, baby!"
"Boy bye!" I yelled back, before heading to my house.
I parked my car by the employee entrance, wincing at the bright LED light 'Euphoria'. Euphoria
was one of the biggest and most popular strip clubs in LA. What sets it apart from others was the musical performance acts that the club was known for publicly. Privately… the club participates sex trafficking circuit and thats how I ended up working here for five years. I walked up to the back entrance, typing in the numerical code. I 'tch' at the buzz, rolling my eyes at the lack of security. Loud music invaded my senses, girls running around topless, brushing past me. "AJ?!" I turned around to see looking up at me in confusion, long black hair framing her face. In seconds the 5'3 woman gripped me in a hug, speaking in a slur of words. "Girl, I know this ass from anywhere! What are you doing back here?" Cali said, pulling back.
I laughed, brushing her hair over her shoulders. "I got some business to handle with Angel. You know how that is. You look good." I said. Cali has come a long way from slinging the poles to being the club coordinator.
She gave me a worried look. "Don't let Michael get you caught up with his shit, AJ. No one knows how hard you separate yourself from this than me." Cali said, waving at a couple of girls that walked past.
"I know, but you don't have to worry about me. I usually can get myself out of a jam. Anyways, kill the show tonight. I'll see you around Cali." I said, giving her a hand dab, before heading out to the main floors. My eyes scanned the sea of bodies for Michael. No surprise to see him, leaning against the bar, which I am guessing, a scotch in his hand. Michael always dressed like he just stepped out of a 1940s catalogue. His hair was tapered with a crisped side part. He had a charming smile, but don't let that fool. The man was con and a snake with a pretty face. He looked up, catching me eyes, a smile spread across his face. I breathed deeply, making my way across the club to his side.
"Anissa." He simply said, before gulping down the rest of his scotch.
I took the stool next to him, laying my purse in front of me on the bar. "You are a real son of a bitch, you know that Michael?" I said, arms crossed against my chest.
"So I have been told many times by you, Anissa. You still look good. Samaritan life treating you good?" Michael said, leaning in. His green eyes looked over me , not in lust, but a general overview.
"Cut the shit, Michael. You know why I am here, so tell me what you want, so I can be on my way." I said with an annoyed expression to match.
He 'hmmed', pulling back, straightening out his suit jacket. "I want you to… tend to this client that I have." Michael explained vaguely, taking a seat on the stool in front of me.
"What does this 'tending to' means?" I questioned, because that could mean a variety of things that I wasn't sure was good.
"He has a 'submissive kink'." Michael said back.
"Does he like to dominate or be dominated?" I questioned back, rotating my hands for him to cough up the info.
"Be dominated. He's a real weirdo." Michael scoffed, waving at the bartender to refill his drink.
'Hmm' as I squinted my eyes at Michael. "Why are you asking me to do this when you are surrounded by other beautiful women at the snap of your fingers?" I questioned, moving his scotch away from out of his reach.
Michael put on an innocent look, causing me to roll his eyes. "I thought I put away all of your catalogue, but it seems I missed one. He was very taken away by you dressed in that leather two piece." Michael remarked.
"Look, I've a lot of shit for you over the years Michael. For once, be a decent human being and tell me where the hell is Toni." I said, standing up from the stool.
"And I just need you to do one more thing for me, AJ. Just secure the connect for me and I'll repay you for your services." Michael said. Before I could say anything, a bitch I couldn't from the bottom of my soul came waltzing over to Michael, pressing herself up against him. Becky with the dry hair sucked her teeth, looking me up and down.
"You got some nerves showing your face around here. Mike, why you got this bitch around here?" Ashley said. Her voice is just as agitating as her face.
"Remedial, don't you have to floss someone's babies out of your teeth or something? As you can see, this conversation is between Michael and I." I responded, head tilted to the side with a whole lot of sass.
"Hoe, don't get hemmed up! Pussy ass hoe!" Ashley said, putting her dirty hands in my face. I slapped her hand, getting up only for Michael to stand between the two of us.
"Bitch, I know I stomped your ass out last time, so I know that you might be confused, but I'm more than happy to whoop dat ass again." I said, striking my hand out to grab her, but Michael grabbed my wrist, walking me backwards.
"Ashley, head backstage! AJ, sit down!" Michael ordered, sitting me back down to the stool I was in before.
"Don't let me catch your ass slipping out in these streets, dirty ass hoe. You know I run deep in these streets!" Ashley said, running her mouth.
"The only thing running deep is your pussy! Stop fucking with me!" I retorted, getting ready snatch the tequila bottle off the counter and smack her ass with it.
Michael having enough, snatched up Ashley by the neck, pulling her face down his. "Ashley, you have all of five seconds to find yourself anywhere else but here. Don't make me repeat myself." Michael squeezed her neck for emphasis as she scratched at his wrist. He released her, but caught her before she could fall to the floor. Ashley held her throat before stumbling to the backstage.
The sound of my phone ringing broke the tension I felt the vibrating in my back pocket. I sighed with irritation as I slipped the phone out of my pocket to see 'Chibs'. I contemplated taking the call, but let it go to voicemail. One the screen returned to normal, I saw a bunch of missed calls and texts from Chibs. One of the texts read : 'We need to talk. Some shit came up that can't be put off.' I 'hmmed', sliding my phone back in my pocket, thinking what could be soo important. Juice was still in Charming and has my number if anything came up on Toni.
"AJ, are you taking the job?" Michael asked, leaning on the bar next to me.
I took a breath, weighing my options. "I want to see a picture of the guy before making any decisions." I said, things can definitely go sideways if anything happens and I want to know if I have a fighting chance.
Michael rolled his eyes, pulling out his phone. He scrolled for a few seconds, before turning the phone my way. I immediately giggled as I took the phone out of his hand. "Is this Chance Amsel?" I asked, taking in the adorable nerd. His hair is flopping and he has puppy brown eyes with a cute awkward smirk on his face.
"The multi-billionaire CEO tech wiz? Yes." Michael said before sipping on his scotch again.
"It's always the quiet ones." I said, shaking my head. I slid his phone on the bar counter, before turning his way. "Here are my terms: No sex, meaning oral and penetration. No kissing. I want those terms cleared before anything happens. Do you understand?" I clarified, getting up from the stool.
Michael's charming smile spread across his face, holding his hand out. "I send the details to your phone." I ignored his hand, before walking off to my car.
Pulling up to the Teller-Morrow garage, I sighed with annoyance as I pulled up to the club's door. I stepped out, seeing that the crew was from their Nevada trip. I was on my way home, but Chibs wouldn't stop calling me, so I finally answered. Before I could get even a hello out, he told me to get my ass down to the garage. The 'hood' side of me said 'Fuck him and take your ass home', but the sensible side of me had me driving a hour and half, because the feeling I had wasn't sitting right within me. My booties crunched against the gravel as I walked to the door. I pulled it open, a waft of AC air blew in my face. I came around the corner, expecting to hear rowdy, semi drunk men, but saw everyone spread about, watching Chibs, Jax, and Clay arguing amongst themselves.
"I told you to keep your black bitch on the tight leash. Now, look where that got us." Clay said, causing my eyebrows raised in shock. Oh, he got me alllll the way fucked up! I sat my purse on the bar counter, watching as Jax grabbed Chibs, pulling him back.
"Watch yer fucking mouth! We don't know shit about what she was doing there!" Chibs said, trying to shove Jax's hands off him, but he held on. Tig grabbed Clay, pulling them apart.
"What in the hell is going on?" I said, making my way over to Chibs, who stopped his advances to turn to me. Everyone eventually stopped, looking at me with blank faces. "Somebody better start talking, because my ass is tired and I don't have the patience." I said, looking up at Chibs.
"Give me yer phone, Clay." Chibs said. He snatched the phone out of Clay's hand, paying no mind to his irritated expression.
"Take a seat, AJ. We just need you to explain some things to us." Jax said, pulling out a stool at the bar. I looked around once more, before meeting Chibs' eyes. His eyes went away, turning his back at me, hand rubbing at his forehead out of frustration.
I rolled my eyes at the dramatics of all this while taking a seat. "Can we make this quick? I've been up since four this morning." I sighed, turning to face Jax.
Jax took the seat across from me, before looking up at me. "AJ, we need to talk about this man." Jax said, pulling up a picture on his phone. He turned the phone around on me to show a picture of a familiar man. I looked with a confused face. "What does Laroy have to do with anything?" I asked, looking up to Jax.
"What's your connection with him?" Jax asked, ignoring my question.
"Well, I've been doing his baby sister's, Ariane, hair for the last two years. That's how we met, especially after his sister moved in with him after six months of knowing her. There was a time that we could have been a thing, but the situation with his baby mama turned me off." I explained, leaning against the bar counter.
"When was the last time you saw him?" Jax continued, looking at me intensely.
I huffed with annoyance. "A little over three hours ago! Once again, his sister had an appointment with me. I even seeing him this upcoming Saturday to fade him up. What is this about? Can we get to the point?" I said, rolling my wrist a couple times to sign that I need them to get to the point.
A phone was pushed in my view as I took in the video of me from earlier with Laroy by car as he was putting in my supply suitcase. There was a moment looking over my shoulder, looking in the direction of the camera. The camera jumbled backwards, before video feed was ended.
"What in the he- Are you the fucking Shade Room? Are you having someone following me?!" I asked angrily, pushing Chibs hand out of my way as I got up from my seat. "What is going on?" I get into Chibs' space, poking his shoulder above his club's patch.
"There's a possible rat in our group that might have been feeding Niner's information. Someone from their camp fucked us over for our product." Chibs said, grasping my hand in a tender grip.
I went quiet, head tilting to a nod as I the situation was donning on me what was going on. I snatched my hand away, then placing both hands on my hips as I got real personal with Chibs, noses barely touching. "Chibs… are you excusing me for funneling information to one of the biggest gangs operating out of LA? Hmm?" I said, not backing down.
"That's exactly what we are saying. You lucky we haven't put a bullet the moment you stepped in here." Clay said, somewhere behind me, but my eyes didn't waver from Chibs who was matching my energy.
"How about you go mind your damn business and go save Professor Trevor Bruttenholm or something?" I said, diverting my attention for a miniscule of a second. I heard Happy snort at my little dig. "Let's say that Laroy has a contact in your group, a female at that. Why send a black woman that stands out, thee baddest at that, to a town that is known to have racists? Charming literally have a neo nazi group in your backyard! Second, You and I don't have pillow talk. When you say I have business to take care of, I leave it at that. I've never pressed you about what you do with the club. The only other member I spend time with is Jax and we sure as hell are not having those types of conversations. I've been to this clubhouse all of four times, including this cute little moment as well. So, whatever is going on, it has absolutely nothing to do with me!" I said, trying to keep a levelled head about everything. I don't know what I was hoping for, but it saddens me that Chibs had this… blank expression on his face. "Are you going to say anything?" I asked, resisting the urge to touch him.
"I've been burned before Anissa." Chibs said, backing away. I grabbed his wrist, stopping him from stepping away too far.
"I don't care about whoever shitted on you and got on your bad side. What matters is whether you believe I betrayed you or not?" I asked, but silence just followed along.
I nodded my head, letting go of his wrist. I reached my hand in my jacket pocket, grabbing his key. I tossed it on the bar, before walking to grab my purse. I ignored that Jax grabbed Clay's hand that was reaching around to his back, then muttering words amongst themselves.
I made sure to slam the door on my way out.
I looked down to see a text message on my phone from Michael.
Euphoria 8 tomorrow night. make sure to wear that leather two piece. A driver will be here to escort you to an undisclosed location. -Michael
I sighed, grabbing my phone to scroll my contacts until I found who I was looking for. I hit the facetime option, then watching as the phone lit up with a familiar face.