Mallory

It was to my surprise when I saw Tyler at the diner. I had been going to the Wall Street Diner as long as I'd been staying in the city. It was the first place I ate at when I mistakenly got off the train at the wrong stop. I wandered the streets until my stomach growled, feeling out of place as all the suits stared me down like I was some kind of animal. I found shelter in the diner, and I visited the restaurant ever since. It was a guilty pleasure. Plus, I fucking loved their subs.

Seeing Tyler and talking to him outside of the club was effortless. I quickly realized that the same person I met in the club was the same person I met in the diner. His sister made no connection to me, acting standoffish. I didn't get offended, remembering that I was exactly like Caroline when I was her age. As Tyler and I spoke, I assembled my plan. I invited to the club again that night, knowing he'd comply. How could he not with the look I gave him? I knew he'd listen to everything I said because of the smirks I gave him, because of all the lip biting I did, because of the soft touches to his thighs. I also knew that he'd also say yes to me when I asked if I could crash at his place. It could have been my intuition, or it could have been my low cut top.

I asked him after I danced that night. He showed up, wearing the same plaid shirt he wore earlier that day. I had on classic black lace with too much eye-liner on my eyes. I was any man's fantasy. The way I danced wasn't like the previous night. I didn't grind. I didn't jiggle what tits I had. I slid down the pole seductively, eyeing him, giving him little glances that I knew would rile him up. I trailed my fingers down my chest, down my stomach, moving closer to my pussy, bending over to reach him. Like our other encounter, I opened his shirt. This time I didn't stop at one button. I kept going until he placed his hand on mine. Our eyes connected, and I hopped off of the stage to lean into him, my heels making a loud clack when they hit the ground.

Tyler cleared his throat, gently placing his hand atop of mine. "This is wrong of me."

"Fuck that. Don't be that way." I moved in closer, my nose grazing his. I made him stare at me, making him forget the smoke that floated in the club, the howls of other men, the giggles of my co-workers. It was us, like the world had melted away as we stared into each others eyes. In that moment I knew all my plans would work out for me. I'd get exactly what I wanted for the first time in my life. The hand I was dealt never gave me good luck, but maybe I had drawn a lucky card right then.

He stood from his stool, backing away from me. "Mallory..."

"How long are we going to play this game? I know you want me for a good fuck. Just get it over with. Jesus Christ. I want you for something, too."

"And what's that?" Good. He didn't deny that he wanted me. I smiled to myself.

"I need a place to stay tonight." My voice lowered to a seething whisper, then I took his hand to pull him along with me. "I can't fucking stand my landlord anymore. The longer I stay with him, the more he thinks I'm going to fuck him again."

"Again?" Tyler palmed his face. We were walking away from the crowded areas of the club towards the back room to talk in a more private area. I closed the door as we entered a private room.

"Yeah, it's my idea of fun." I deadpanned. I placed my hand on my shoulder, pulling down the strap to my bra. It was see through, but the closer the better.

"Mallory, I can't fuck you here." Not here, but somewhere else. In his own bed, maybe? Was he more comfortable there?

"Then where? We have other rooms upstairs. More private, less noise."

"I'm not going to touch you." He backed up, putting his hands in the air to block me.

I didn't let him get too far from me. "My birthday's soon. In August. I'll be eighteen," I pointed out. He shook his head, sitting down on a plush cushion. "I wouldn't sit on that," I warned him.

"Thanks." He got up, wiping his hands off as if that would rid him of the germs. "You need a place to stay. Don't you have any friends?"

"No. I haven't worked here long."

"I'm a complete stranger. I could be a pedophile. A peeping Tom. And I don't clean up after myself."

"I'm seventeen. You're in a private room in a strip club with me. Being in your apartment won't be much different. I hate cleaning, too. We're a perfect match. Why can't you just say yes already and get it over with?" I felt like I was whining. I leaned against the door, crossing my arms against myself. I knew luck was on my side. The whines were working. Eventually it would be time for moaning and I was ready for anything.

"Ok." He nodded to himself. "Ok. I just need to call Aidan. I'm sure he'll be psyched. Do you need to go back to your place?"

"I've already packed. My shit's in the dressing room." I threw my thumb over my shoulder. "We'll go after my shift, right?"

"You're quick."

"Don't test me." I winked, opening the door to exit, leaving him awestruck.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I've been trying to keep author's notes to a minimum. Remember: reviews are as addicting as Tyler's cigarettes. ;)