It felt strange to be driving across town to Joe’s club again. Crystal took the turns carefully, and relied on her GPS to make sure she didn’t get lost.
She’d considered taking the week off, but her increasingly painful Meth cravings had made that impossible; it was easier to deal with them if she kept busy.
True to his word, Jingles had refused to let her dance again until Friday, and he hadn’t been willing to give her any more Meth, either. She wasn’t very happy with him…but she couldn’t be too angry, either. He’d been right on all counts. Divorce was a big step. She needed to consider it carefully, and she could only do that if she was clear-headed.
At least last night had been lots of fun. His VIP customers had tipped her generously all night, and once she’d gotten more Meth and everything had been awesome again, she’d enjoyed dancing for them.
She hadn’t minded that they’d spent a lot of time whispering with Jingles. It had been a little odd, yeah, but she hadn’t thought anything about it then. Now, thinking back, she found it mildly disturbing.
Every time I gave a lap dance, they’d gather together, whispering with him. It was like they were betting on me or something!
An hour before the club had closed, one of his Middle-Eastern clients had asked her to get naked. He’d had an unpleasant smile, but he’d tipped generously, so she’d glanced over at Jingles for permission, then stripped for him. No one had asked her to have sex, thank God, but she’d given plenty of lap dances. She’d found herself enjoying being completely naked, and she’d made more money in that last hour than she’d made all night.
It was a good night for tips, that’s for sure. Easiest five grand I’ve ever made! I just wish Jingles had taken me back to his condo. God, I miss him!
When she took the final turn to Joe’s club, she felt a sudden pang of concern. Had she burned her bridges completely? Would he let her dance there again?
She needn’t have worried. He hugged her tightly when she stepped through the door, and looked delighted to see her. “Crystal! What are you doing here?”
“I’m free until Friday,” she explained, returning his vigorous hug, “and I wondered if you’d let me dance here, just for the week.”
His smile widened. “Sure! Will you see Jolene and set everything up? We probably don’t have a big locker available, though, so you’ll have to make do with a smaller one.”
“I figured as much,” she shrugged. “No problem. Thanks, Joe!”
Jolene welcomed her with a hug, too, and they spent a few minutes catching up.
Some of the dancers had cancelled that night, so her unexpected return didn’t cause any problems. She didn’t expect to stay the whole shift…but even a few hours’ distraction would help. She finished doing her makeup, then headed out to the main room. The club was still dead, so she picked an empty table near the DJ booth, and sipped a bottle of water to pass the time.
A few minutes later, another dancer came over and gestured to the seat across the table. “Is this seat taken?”
“Not at all,” she smiled.
The pretty brunette looked familiar, but Crystal couldn’t recall her name until she leaned forwarded and said, “Lauren.”
“That’s right!” Relieved, she snapped her fingers. “I’m so sorry I didn’t remember.”
“That’s okay.” Lauren extended her hand. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“Same here.”
“How’s your husband?”
“You know Tim?” Then Crystal remembered, and laughed. “You gave him his first lap dance.”
“Yes.” Lauren grinned. “He was so nervous, it was cute.”
“Yeah. He’s still nervous.”
They both chuckled. Then Lauren confided, “I saw him a while back, but he didn’t stay. I think he was looking for you, but didn’t realize you’d started dancing at another club.”
The night he’d run into Sherrod, she recalled with a vague frown. “Yeah. I told him I was dancing at both places, but he forgot.”
“It happens.”
They both sipped their drinks, and surveyed the club. No customers looked even remotely promising. But it was still better than sitting at home going crazy, Crystal reminded herself.
“I hope you don’t mind me saying your husband is a real cutie,” Lauren suddenly confided with a smile.
“I don’t mind,” she chuckled. “I’ll tell him you said so.”
When the waitress passed by, she ordered fresh water bottles for each of them. But she wasn’t quite sure how to respond to Lauren; Raven had kept her from making friends with the other dancers.
Finally, after the silence had dragged on a little too long, Lauren rose and smiled down at her. “I’m going to see if any of those guys have any money,” she said. “I’ll talk to you later. Say ‘hi’ to your husband for me…and thanks for the water.”
“I will, and you’re welcome.”
Crystal couldn’t help thinking about Tim as the brunette sashayed away. He’d be home, since he’d finished his last accounting class a few days ago. Was he eating dinner, watching TV, worrying about her?
I’ll go home in a few hours, and surprise him.
He’d love to see her come home early.
Lauren’s right, she thought, picturing his smiling face. He is a cutie. But we’re obviously not right for each other anymore. Jingles is my future now. Tim…well, he’s my past, she mused with a heavy sigh. I’ll talk to him after he graduates. At this point I don’t think he’ll be surprised.
She’d expected to feel depressed, but now that she’d made her decision, she felt strangely liberated and happy. He’d probably feel the same way. She was sure they’d part friends.
I’ll always love him. He’s a good man. Someday he’ll meet someone who’s better suited for him.
Tim wasn’t sitting at home; he was pulling into Darla’s driveway. They’d planned for dinner Monday night; then she’d rescheduled for Tuesday. He didn’t really mind that, but he did want to speak with her. Carefully he grabbed his dessert, and hurried to the door.
“Get in here, Tim,” she said crisply when he knocked. He couldn’t help smiling. They’d never been close, but she didn’t mince words, either.
“Evening, ma’am.”
She didn’t look up from the stove. “How many times to I have to tell you to call me Darla?” she grumbled halfheartedly over one shoulder.
“At least one more time, it seems,” he chuckled, and moved over to the refrigerator. “This dessert needs to be chilled. Mind if I put it inside the fridge?”
“Go ahead,” she nodded. “Dinner’s almost ready.”
“It smells great,” he said, and meant it. “What are you making?”
“Crystal’s favorite stew.” She glanced at him then. “I’ll give you the recipe before you leave.”
That, he thought, was definite progress. “Thanks. I’ll make it for her this weekend.”
“Grab a soda, and have a seat.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he began automatically, then caught himself. “Sorry. Darla.”
She served them both heaping bowls, and laid a plate of hot rolls on the table. He dug in, then blinked in surprise. “Wow, this is good! You’ve been holding out on me!”
She smiled thinly. “You have no idea.”
Since he wasn’t sure how to interpret that, he kept eating. Darla studied him over the table, then finally broke the strained silence. “So, you going to keep an old lady in suspense?”
He wiped his mouth and finished his drink, then blinked in surprise when she got him another one. It was the first time she’d really done anything nice for him, and though it was small, he counted it another step in the right direction.
“Crystal is using Meth.” He blurted it out, then added, “I’ve tried to get her to quit, but she won’t. And I don’t know what else to do.”
Darla took the news without blinking, then looked thoughtfully out the window. “That’s why she’s lost weight,” she murmured. “How long has she been using?”
“I’m not sure. I found Meth and some glass pipes in the house a year ago, and destroyed them on the spot. When I confronted her, she promised she’d quit. I believed her, Darla,” he sighed, looking forlorn. “I thought she would.”
“I wish you’d told me sooner,” she said quietly, then shook her head. “Though I’ve never made it easy for you to talk to me, have I?”
Since she was being honest, he decided to do the same. “No, ma’am. You’re right, though. I should have come to see you. I guess I just wanted to believe her so badly.”
“We always want to believe the ones we love,” she murmured, and sent him a sympathetic smile.
“Anyway, I found another glass pipe and square of tinfoil the other day,” he continued. “Crystal admitted that she’s gone back to using Meth, but I can’t help wondering if she ever really stopped. And she says she has it under control,” he added, bitterly shaking his head. “Like that’s actually possible.”
“It was cocaine in my day,” Darla confided. “I knew plenty of folks who thought they could control it, but none of them ever did. I watched it destroy several lives. Meth is even worse, from what I’ve heard. If Crystal’s using it, she’s in trouble.”
“I agree,” he nodded. “I just don’t know what to do. If I call the police, she could be arrested.” Wearily he rubbed his face with both hands. “I know she won’t listen to me, and I think she’s already lied to me on several occasions…”
“She has,” the older woman interjected. “If she’s using drugs, you can bet your ass she’s lied to you.”
Her quiet confirmation only made Tim’s heart break a little more. “Well, she’s always listened to you, so I hoped you could help me get through to her.”
Darla quietly studied him. She’d never really approved of him, but he obviously loved her daughter, and Crystal was doing exactly what she’d done at the same age…pissing that love away on drugs and the party lifestyle. Crystal’s father was the only man who had truly loved her, and the biggest mistake she’d ever made was chasing him away. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but true.
Tim was studying his clenched hands. “What do you want to do now?” she asked.
He looked up in baffled confusion. “What do you mean?”
“It’s a simple question,” she pointed out, then sighed when he only stared blankly at her. “In my opinion, your best option is probably to just walk away clean right now,” she elaborated. “You could have a divorce quickly and painlessly, and be on your way. You’d have a college degree, a great new job from what I hear, and a new life in San Antonio. Crystal said you did really well in college, and you’ve always been a hard worker. You’ll do great. Everyone knows it.”
He looked away, but she could tell he was considering her advice. She waited a few more minutes, then outlined the other option. “Or you can try the ‘clean and sober’ plan. But I don’t recommend it, and it’s not guaranteed to work anyway.”
“‘Clean and sober’ plan?”
“Where you try to get Crystal clean and sober, and on a better path,” she nodded, and lit a cigarette. After blowing out smoke, she admitted, “Getting her clean won’t be easy, and she won’t thank you for it, at least not at first. Maybe not ever. It’s also possible that she may never get fully clean. It’s common for addicts to fall back into using drugs or alcohol again.”
He nodded, and she saw tears lurking behind his eyes. He wouldn’t break down until he got home, though; his pride wouldn’t allow him to cry in front of her. Grudging respect thawed her a little more, and she decided to lay out all the brutal facts in one quick barrage. He deserved to know exactly what he faced, no matter how badly it hurt.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news,” she said candidly. “I’ve been unfortunate enough to deal with several addicts in my life, and they’re all the same. They all have their addiction under control…until they don’t. Then they create pain and chaos in everyone else’s lives. They lie, cheat, steal, and hurt anyone who loves them until they get clean. If they ever get clean. Many go to an early grave because they refused to stay clean.”
Agonizing memories flashed through her eyes as she recalled events she’d hoped never to see again. The discussion was even more difficult because they were talking about Crystal.
“Even if an addict gets clean,” she said, meeting his tormented gaze, “you’ll always worry about whether they’ll stay clean, or whether they’ll relapse. If you have kids, you’ll worry about whether their addiction will affect the kids.
“Money?” She barked a harsh laugh. “You’ll never feel comfortable about your money around an addict. Living with an addict, whether clean and sober or high off their ass, is a tough row to hoe, as my mother used to say.”
“I don’t know what to do,” he said softly. “I wouldn’t feel right about just up and leaving her.”
“I know. It’s a hard choice. And…” She hesitated a few moments, then reached her decision and looked him right in the eyes. “You should have all the information before you make your choice.”
New panic clutched in his belly. “What do you mean?”
“Crystal has another man.” She drove the knife in cleanly. “I know it hurts to hear, and I wasn’t going to say anything. But she’s in more trouble than she realizes. She also knows I won’t tolerate drugs. I’m not going to help her kill herself. It’s probably her new man who’s giving her the drugs.”
He felt the blade twist in his gut. “Are you sure?” he asked hopefully. “I remember her reputation in high school…but I don’t think she’d cheat on me.”
“I raised that girl,” Darla said flatly. “I was her momma during high school when she was earning that reputation. I know her. She has another man,” she repeated sadly, “and she’s probably had him for a while now.”
“Do you know who it is?”
“No, but I doubt it’s anyone in town. I’m guessing she met him at the club where she’s dancing.”
“Damn.” He sagged back in his chair, and tried to suck in air. It hurt when his chest felt so tight. Finally he looked up at Darla again. “What the fuck do I do now?”
“That’s a good question, and I don’t have an answer for you,” she admitted. “Only you can answer it. I wanted you to have all the facts before you made your decision, because this is going to stay with you for the rest of your life.
“I know you love her.” She surprised him by reaching over and gently squeezing his arm. “You’ve loved her since grade school, and I’ve never seen a man happier than when you finally married her.”
Tears threatened again. He sniffed loudly, and looked away.
“I know you think I’ve never liked you,” she continued, “but that’s not true. You’re a good boy with a strong work ethic, and your heart’s always been in the right place. I like you fine. I just don’t think you and Crystal are right for each other. The two of you are as opposite as it’s possible to be.”
She squeezed his arm again, then took another drag on her cigarette. “You’re steady, she’s wild. You’re calm, she’s excitable. You’re deliberate, she’s impulsive. You’re hardworking, and she’s always skated by in life. I love her dearly,” she said wearily, “but she’s always used her looks and her body to get what she wants. You’ve always let her walk all over you,” she added grimly, “and she’s been more than happy to do it.
“You’re also loyal, and Crystal isn’t…never has been. If she hadn’t met someone at the club where she’s dancing, she probably would have taken up with Cliff again.”
Tim felt another piece of himself crumble, and could only stare blindly out the window.
“But she won’t be alone. I promise I’ll be there for her.” Darla’s solemn voice dragged him back to reality. “She’s all I have left in this world. I’m going to be there for her, no matter what happens. I’ll make sure she gets help, and I’ll stick with her. I’ve handled recovering addicts before, so I know what to expect.
“I was a terrible mother,” she admitted, grabbing a tissue to wipe her own eyes as her voice choked, “and a terrible role model for Crystal. It’s my fault she can’t see a good thing when it’s right in front of her.”
Silence reigned as they sat together for a long time, fighting to regain control of their battered emotions. Finally Darla rose, and started clearing away the dishes. When he tried to help, she shushed him, and told him not to bother.
She brewed a pot of really strong coffee, and asked him about school and his parents while they shared the dessert he’d brought. Then she absolutely blew him away by adding, “I wish I could be there for your graduation, but I have a doctor’s appointment I can’t miss. The dialysis center is normally closed on Saturday, but once a month they see patients who can’t get there during the week.
“And then I have an AA meeting in the afternoon. I haven’t missed a single meeting since I got sober.” Brief pride in her accomplishment gave way to bitter sadness as she realized her daughter was following in her footsteps. “You understand, don’t you?
“I’m sorry I’m going to miss it, but I’m real proud of you. Congratulations!”
He managed to stammer his thanks, then flashed her a crooked smile. “Y’know, it’s funny. You’re part of the reason I attended college in the first place. I wanted to make you proud of me, and maybe a little happier that Crystal married me.” Unbidden, his eyes watered again, and he quickly blinked the tears away. “It’s too bad things turned out this way. Kind of spoils everything.”
She set her empty dish in the sink, then came back and leaned down to hug him. “I am proud of you, Tim. I’m proud that you married my little girl, and treated her with love and kindness. That’s all any parent wants for their children.” She kissed his cheek, then whispered, “You’re a good man.”
Finally she straightened, and wiped her eyes. “Now go on,” she said gently. “You’ve got a decision to make, and it ain’t an easy one.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said quietly. “Thank you for dinner.”
“You’re welcome…and you’re welcome to visit anytime you want, too.”
He nodded, and managed a wan smile, then walked blindly toward the door. “Tim?” she asked before he’d reached it. “Will you do me a favor?”
He turned back and nodded. “Yes, ma’am. Anything.”
“Stay in touch.”
He nodded again, and stepped out into the cool night air. It did little to clear his head, but he managed to suck in a deep, cleansing breath before walking to his car.
His thoughts tumbled in endless circles and loops as he drove home. Memories of his life with Crystal warred with the emotional pain of her treachery. Drug addiction was bad enough, but adultery? He’d never have believed it in a million years!
He was mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted by the time he finally reached the trailer. Briefly he considered staying at his parents’ house, but Darla was right: Crystal was impulsive and emotional, and she might show up at his work and cause a scene.
It’s better to ride out this week, graduate, and then deal with her. But I’m sleeping on the couch…no way am I sharing a bed with her now!
He was too tired to even undress. Sighing, he lay down on the couch, pulled a blanket over himself, and fell asleep in moments.
The rest of the week was an excruciating nightmare.
Tim drifted through work, barely able to concentrate, and let his team make most of the decisions. It took an effort not to snap when anyone did come to him with questions, and he found himself apologizing constantly for his irritable mood.
LeAnn did her best to pick up the slack. It would pass, she quietly assured his co-workers; he was just stressed from finally finishing school. They could come to her for anything, and she’d be glad to help them. Since he was well-liked, they were happy to comply…but still the days dragged interminably as he wallowed in silent misery.
Crystal’s week was just as painful. Full withdrawal had set in, and Meth cravings washed through her on a constant basis like the ebb and flow of a relentless tide. She missed Jingles terribly…but she missed his potent drugs even more. Just one little hit to see her through…
Knowing he’d cut her off only increased her irritability.
Tim must have sensed her mood, because he slept on the couch all week, and barely spoke to her. She didn’t care; she had nothing to say to him.
I’ll see Jingles on Friday…I can make it through until then. Once I have some more Meth, this will all go away, and I’ll be fine again. Better than fine. I’ll be strong and happy again.
Tim’s graduation is Saturday. He worked so hard for it, I don’t want to ruin it for him. I’ll wait until Sunday, take the day off, and tell him then that we’re through. I’ll let him down easy…I don’t want to hurt him. He can stay in the trailer…I’ll either be with Jingles or my mom.
Darla tried to call her several times, but kept getting her voicemail. After the fifth attempt, she called Tim instead. He asked her to stop by on Sunday, when they’d both be home, and they’d talk to Crystal together. She promised to arrive early, and be damned to whether Crystal was annoyed at missing her beauty sleep.
He’d thought long and hard about what she’d said that night and, painful as it was, had reached a decision about how to proceed. He couldn’t leave Crystal while she was addicted to Meth; it felt too much like a betrayal. And he’d never truly know whether she wanted to give up on their marriage, or whether it was the Meth controlling her, if they parted before she was clean. So he’d get her into a rehab program, then re-evaluate their marriage. Only then would he know for sure.
“Crystal?”
She looked so gorgeous sleeping peacefully in the bed they’d once shared. He hated to wake her, but he was running late for work…and as it was Friday, he knew she’d be gone before he returned home.
Would she come home at all, or spend the night with her new lover?
He sighed, and mournfully shook his head. He’d married the woman of his dreams, but their storybook marriage had slowly devolved into a nightmare. How would it all end?
“Crystal.” Gently he laid a hand on her shoulder. “Wake up.”
She thrashed violently for a second, then jolted awake and angrily glared up at him. “What the fuck?” Instinctively she grabbed the blanket, and pulled it up over her naked body. “You scared the shit out of me, sneaking in here like some pervert! What do you want?”
He stared down at the stranger occupying his bed, and felt the knife twist in his gut. She’d never been this cold to him before, and the pain was nearly unbearable.
“I’m sorry I startled you,” he murmured. “I just wanted to remind you that my graduation is at nine tomorrow morning. I have to be there early, so you can sleep a little longer, but it’s going to be crowded. You’ll need to get there early if you want a good seat.”
“Thank you,” she said shortly, and he knew she hadn’t heard a single word he’d said.
“I left your ticket on the counter,” he added. “You’ll need it to get in, okay?”
“Fine.” She rolled away, and closed her eyes.
The pain swelled again as he backed away, and left the trailer.
He was only going into work because he couldn’t bear to stay at the trailer; Rudy hadn’t wanted him to come in at all. LeAnn showed up because he did, and he was grateful for her quiet loyalty. But he was glad to leave at noon, and ride with her to pick up their caps and gowns in San Antonio.
They were both graduating with honors, but she couldn’t resist teasing him about her slightly higher GPA. She kept up a cheerful dialogue as she drove. But when he ignored her for the fifth time, her waning patience snapped. “Tim, what’s wrong?” she demanded.
“Nothing.” He said it automatically, as he had all week.
“Bullshit!” She smacked his arm. “Don’t lie to me!”
“Fine! It’s none of your fucking business! How’s that for an answer?” The moment he snapped it, brimming anger gave way to remorse. “I’m sorry, LeAnn…”
“You’re damned right,” she retorted. “You are sorry!”
Her sudden fury shocked him. “What’s gotten into you?”
“Me? I’m not the one moping around, biting everyone’s heads off, and snapping at their best friends!” She glared at him from the corner of her eye, then took a deep breath to calm herself. “Why won’t you talk to me about it?”
He hesitated for several long moments. She was right, he’d been acting like a jerk. But was it fair to drag her down with his personal problems, especially right now when they were on the verge of celebrating an incredible triumph?
“Crystal’s cheating on me, and using drugs,” he finally sighed. “Crystal Meth. Ironic, isn’t it? It’s like the drug’s named after her or something.”
He hadn’t realized she could swear in English and in Spanish, or that she had such an amazing repertoire! She was normally so calm and collected that her furious outburst struck him as funny and cute. “Wow!” he exclaimed when she finally stopped for breath. “I’ll bet sailors can’t swear half that fluently…and in two languages! That’s impressive!”
“Oh, shut up,” she retorted, then met his wan smile with one of her own. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay. I did the same thing, actually, when I found out.” He managed a quiet laugh. “It didn’t really help, but I felt a little better.”
“What can I do?”
Her unconditional support made his throat ache with bittersweet emotion. “Nothing. Believe me, I’ve been thinking about it all week. I can’t think of a single goddamned thing that can be done.” His voice rose again as frustration coursed through him, and he clenched his fists to choke it back. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
Tim stared out the passenger window, watching the scenic hills roll by, and tried to think of some way to break the strained silence. LeAnn viciously cursed Crystal as she continued driving.
Fucking bitch! That self-centered whore hasn’t changed since high school! She still thinks spreading her legs is the solution to all her problems. And now drugs! Poor Tim, he so doesn’t deserve this!
Finally she sighed, glanced over, and then gently squeezed his knee. “Hey.”
“Hey, back.”
“I’m here for you.”
“I know.” And that realization made the weight on his shoulders a whole lot lighter. “You always have been. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You won’t ever have to find out,” she said without thinking, then quickly backtracked. “I just meant…”
He smiled. “I know what you meant. It’s okay. Better than okay, really. It’s great.”
What the hell, she thought, and reached for his hand. He didn’t resist, and she was sure his smile widened. Her heart pounded wildly for a moment, then steadied as she enjoyed the simple physical contact.
“Jeff’s not going to kick my ass, is he?” he teased, squeezing her fingers a little.
“No,” she laughed. “He knows better. Dynamite comes in small packages.” She winked at him just to make him laugh.
She’d always been able to lighten his mood, he thought as they rode the rest of the way in comfortable silence.
When they reached the campus graduation center, he started to open the door, then hesitated when she tightened her grip. “I’m confident it will all work out in the end,” she said earnestly.
“I hope so,” he sighed. “I can deal with all the bullshit, even with knowing she doesn’t want to be married to me anymore. It hurts like hell, but what choice do I have? But the Meth…that I can’t deal with. And I’m really worried she’s in serious trouble. I don’t want to stand over her grave knowing I could have done something to save her.”
My life is getting better, and hers is getting worse. Who the hell is driving the Karma bus?
Rowdy slowly rolled over in bed. The ceiling overhead wavered back and forth a few times, then gradually steadied. A lazy smile curved his lips as his pounding head complained a little more, then began to subside.
Hangovers suck, but by God, I earned this one! he thought smugly.
Isabella and he had started partying hard last night at the clubhouse. Sometime during the wee hours they’d made it back to his place. He’d finally passed out a few hours ago. Damn, it had been one helluva night!
He’d never considered having an old lady before, but he’d been seeing Isabella longer than any other woman he’d ever known, and she was changing his mind. Everything about her was amazing. She was completely uninhibited in the bedroom, cooked like a dream, kept his place clean, and she could match him drink for drink.
He liked that she refused to take drugs. Sure, she made deliveries for the club, but she was scrupulously punctual and honest, and she insisted on staying clean.
Raven hadn’t liked that; she preferred keeping a hook in their delivery girls. He’d argued on Isabella’s behalf until she’d given in, and now they had four delivery girls who weren’t using Meth. It might be a risk, but they all performed flawlessly. Raven and Coke grumbled, but they lived with the situation.
A delicious aroma wafted into the bedroom, and dispelled the last traces of his hangover. Suddenly ravenous, he decided to see what Isabella was cooking for…a late lunch, he realized, glancing at the clock. It was already mid-afternoon.
After stopping briefly in the bathroom, he sauntered naked into his little kitchen. “Hey!”
She tossed him a bright smile. “Good morning, sexy!”
“Whatcha cooking?”
Her smile widened. “Breakfast tacos.”
“Really?” He blinked in surprise. “Where did an Italian chick learn to cook breakfast tacos?”
She chuckled. “I’ve lived in Texas long enough to pick up a few things.”
“Well, it smells damn good.”
She reached up to kiss him, then shooed him out of the kitchen. “Go. I’ll serve you breakfast in bed. Once you’ve eaten, I can show you what else I’ve picked up from living in Texas.”
Her flirtatious wink made him laugh, and he pinched her ass. “Hurry, baby! I’m horny!”
“You’re always horny!”
Yeah, he decided as he returned to the bedroom and slid beneath the rumpled sheet, Isabella was amazing.
Maybe it’s time to settle down, like Shane.
She joined him a moment later wearing lingerie, and carrying a breakfast tray. “I brought you breakfast, handsome,” she purred, smiling seductively at him.
Rowdy slowly looked her over, then grinned. “Hmmm, it looks fantastic. The food looks good, too!”
She set the tray on the wide mattress between them, and settled down to feed him a taco. He ate it quickly, then gasped as fire erupted against his tongue. “Holy shit, that’s spicy! Hand me the orange juice!”
The sweet-tart liquid helped ease the pain. “I’m sorry, honey,” she apologized as he gulped it down. “I didn’t think I used that many peppers.”
He waved a forgiving hand, and finished the glass. “It was really good, but next time use a few less peppers!”
“I will, baby,” she promised. “”Here, let me take the tray back into the kitchen. Then I’ll come back and make it up to you.”
“Sounds good.”
Damn, she’s got a great ass, he thought as she swayed out of the room. Can’t cook breakfast tacos for shit, though.
The room abruptly tilted, and he shook his head in confusion. He was suddenly exhausted, just couldn’t keep his eyes open!
What the fuck?
Everything blurred, and he felt himself slump over on the bed. He couldn’t move.
Isabel returned, wearing street clothes and a satisfied smile. She carried something in her hands. It looked like rope.
“What…?”
He never finished the bleary question; within seconds, he was totally unconscious.
Isabel swept the sheet away and tied him, naked and eagle-spread, to the four-poster bed. Then, after double-checking the knots to make sure they were secure, she called a number on her cell phone. “He’s ready,” she said quietly.
While she waited, she searched the entire apartment for her things. The police weren’t likely to find or question her, but she didn’t want to take any chances. Carlos had promised her a green card, and the chance to stay in the U.S. That was easily worth fucking Rowdy. He was good-looking, and dynamite in bed.
It wasn’t a bad deal, but I’m glad it’s finally over!
When she heard a soft knock on the door, she shoved the last of her things into a small gym bag, then opened the door and pointed toward the bedroom. The four armed men who entered hurried through the apartment, then burst into raucous laughter. The leader congratulated her on delivering Rowdy, while the others took pictures for Carlos and Chico. They’d relish seeing their enemy so defenseless and humiliated.
The dose she’d given Rowdy would wear off quickly, so they surrounded the bed and waited impatiently for him to wake up again.
Life was finally starting to snap back into place, Crystal thought as she cruised into the empty parking lot where she was supposed to pick up today’s coolers, and impatiently waited. She’d be seeing Jingles in a few hours, and getting more Meth. It was a good day.
Where the fuck are the coolers? Where the fuck is Cliff?
She considered honking the horn, but decided against it. The bikers weren’t long on patience, and she didn’t want to start any trouble that might delay her. But she was too fidgety, too wired from the incessant cravings, to sit calmly. Her foot tapped restlessly against the floor; she adjusted the music up, then down, then shut off the radio completely.
Was she at the wrong address? She grabbed her phone and double-checked Shane’s text, then verified it on her GPS. It was still working like a charm. She’d thought Tim was an idiot for buying it, but it certainly had saved her ass over the past few years.
What the fuck? Oh, there he is! Wait, that’s not Cliff…it’s Shane!
“Hi, Crystal.”
Cravings were forgotten as she jumped out of the car and beamed up at the gorgeous biker. He was a whole lot of eye candy, and she couldn’t help missing him.
“Hey, Shane! How’s Raven?”
“She’s good, thanks for asking.” He seemed a little distracted, but smiled. “I’ll tell her you said hi.”
“Yeah, please do!”
“Listen, I wanted to be here personally today, because this is the last time I’ll need you to make a delivery,” he continued quickly. “I just wanted to say thanks, and I have something for you.”
Her smile dimmed a little. No more deliveries? Was he mad at her?
Then he pulled out a black leather vest, cut for a woman, with a patch on the back. It wasn’t quite the same patch he wore, but it was close.
She gasped in delight. “Wow, that’s beautiful! Are you serious?”
“Of course,” he smiled, and handed it to her. “The club wanted to give you something to remember us by.”
She hugged it tightly, and inhaled. “God, I love the smell of leather!” she sighed.
“Listen, if things don’t work out with Jingles, let me know,” he added. “You’ve been a great help.”
“Aw, you’re welcome, Shane!” Impulsively she hugged him, and kissed his cheek. He smiled briefly again, then nodded to the building behind him. Cliff emerged, carrying several coolers, and set them all in her trunk. He barely even glanced at her before heading back inside.
Shane held her door open, then politely closed it after she slid back into the car. “Take care, Crystal. Call if you ever need anything!”
When he walked back into the building where Cliff and Raven were waiting, she quickly wiped Crystal’s lipstick off his cheek. “Bitch,” she snarled under her breath. “I’m glad she’s finally gone. I swear, Shane, if she’d tried to kiss you on the lips, I would’ve fucking killed her.”
“No, you wouldn’t.” He shot her a stern look. “Jingles came through today, so you leave her the fuck alone. You hear me?”
“Yes.” She muttered it resentfully.
“Club business comes first, Raven,” he insisted. “Don’t you ever fucking forget it!”
Cliff listened to the terse exchange in growing confusion, but didn’t dare comment. Not only was Shane someone he respected and feared, but it didn’t pay for a Prospect to ask questions, especially when he was so close to becoming a fully-patched member.
He turned away to clean up, then hesitated when Raven asked, “Are you over Crystal yet, Cliff?”
He smiled back at her. “Yes, definitely,” he nodded, “thanks to you.”
“You’re welcome,” she chuckled. “You can do better than her…you just needed to be shown.”
“Are you ready, baby?” Shane asked, tugging on his jacket.
“Yeah, let’s go.”
They headed outside, then passed close enough to the window that Cliff could hear a snippet of their parting conversation.
“I hope Jingles puts her on the street, and charges $20 per cock,” Raven said fiercely.
Shane grimly shook his head. “Believe me when I say her future isn’t nearly that bright. Turning tricks on the street will seem like heaven compared to where she’s going to end up once Jingles is through with her.”
“Good!” she spat.
Cliff’s heart raced so fast that he felt lightheaded. It sounded like Crystal was in serious trouble, and Raven and Shane both knew it.
Turning tricks on the street would seem like heaven?
Icy fear stabbed through him, and he stopped to take a deep breath. Then he closed the warehouse’s main door, and checked all the other doors and windows to make sure they were locked. The shades were all drawn; the other rooms were empty. He was alone.
Anxiously he reached into a small pocket sewn inside his jacket. The cell phone was a spare. Rowdy had given it to him with strict instructions to only use it three times before throwing it away. This was the first and last time he’d use it, he decided.
He dialed a number he’d already memorized. It was a one-way conversation.
“Yeah, it’s me. I’m done here, but I need to talk to you…in person. Yes, it’s fucking urgent! Is that the soonest you can meet? Fuck. Okay! I get it! I’ll meet you then.”
He snapped the phone closed, and flushed it down the toilet. Then he locked the door, jumped on his bike, and roared away.
What the fuck has Crystal gotten herself into?
Awareness returned slowly, and Rowdy floated upward through a hazy fog. He tried to turn over. His body wouldn’t move. His hands wouldn’t work. His legs wouldn’t, either. Blearily he groaned, and shook his head. He tried to brush hair from his eyes, but nothing happened.
Suddenly panicked, he jerked his arms and legs. Coarse ropes bit into his wrists and ankles. His eyes snapped open. “What the fuck?”
Four burly Mexican migrant workers were circling his bed, smiling unpleasantly at him. He blinked in confusion, then felt anger spike his heart into overdrive. “Who the fuck are you guys?”
Silence.
“You ever heard of the Lone Star Blades, motherfuckers?”
Silence.
Movement in the doorway caught his eye, and he saw Isabella enter the room. Her smile was just as cold as the men surrounding him.
“Isabella, what the fuck is going on?” he demanded.
She sat down beside him, and lovingly brushed the hair off his forehead. “My name isn’t Isabella,” she crooned, “and I’m not Italian.”
“What?”
“My name is Isabel, and I’m Mexican. I was born in Monterey, and I was recruited to spy on your drug operation.” Her malicious smile widened. “I succeeded.”
“You bitch!”
“Oh, you have no idea.” She ran a finger down his chest. “You see, you hurt the wrong man. The man you paralyzed has permanent brain damage, and his father is very important in Mexico. He wants you…alive.” She gestured at the silent migrant workers. “These men have instructions to take you alive, rather than kill you.”
Fury flooded through him. “The Blades will find you, bitch! They’ll find you, and fucking kill you slowly!”
She smirked down at him. “Did you think we came up here just to get you?”
When the full implications of that struck home, his jaw dropped. She nodded. “That’s right, Rowdy. In forty-eight hours, the Lone Star Blades will cease to exist. All the Blades will die this weekend, except you. You will be the last to die. I’m told you will die screaming.”
Fear entered his eyes for the first time. “I don’t believe you. You can’t get us all. You only have four men.”
The leader finally broke his silence. “We have over forty men, pendejo, and we’ve been watching your club for months. The Lone Star Blades are fucking done!”
He struggled violently against the restraining ropes as Isabel pulled out a syringe filled with brown liquid. “I have something for you,” she jeered, mimicking his voice. “It’s a little pick-me-up, baby! You remember how you always tried to addict me to drugs? Tried to get me to use Meth? Well, this is heroin, Rowdy.” She laughed softly. “I think you’ll really like it.”
The men held him down while she injected the powerful drug. Minutes later they untied him and hauled him out to their van. Two of the workers drove back to Austin. The other two stayed with Isabel.
“Raven?” the leader asked her.
She nodded. “Si. I’ll take you to her.”
Crystal made her deliveries in record time. Each of the recipients just nodded at her, so she didn’t have to waste time on small talk. When she reached Jingles’ club, she nearly sprinted to the door. Then she got hold of herself, stopped long enough to take a deep breath, then opened the door.
The club was empty, except for Marcus behind the bar and…YES!
There’s my man, she thought excitedly. God, he’s gorgeous.
She walked calmly over to the bar, and laid the cooler down. Marcus came over to get it, and flashed her a solemn wink before carrying it into the back room. She turned and walked slowly over to Jingles.
“Hey, handsome,” she replied. “Miss me?”
He chuckled, and his voice vibrated along her skin. “Yes, I missed you,” he said, and motioned her forward. “Get over here.”
She launched herself into his arms with a giddy laugh, wrapped her legs around his waist, and kissed him passionately. His firm body felt amazing, and she desperately wished they were both naked.
He carried her all the way back to his office. By the time they finally made it through the door, they were both laughing and kissing. He kicked the door shut. She gasped and then moaned with delight when their kissing heated, growing more urgent. Then she slid to the ground, pulled him over to the couch by his tie, and pushed him down on the cushion. “Stay there!” she commanded.
Slowly, seductively she removed her clothes. The raw desire in his eyes thrilled her. He found her gorgeous, sexy, and desirable. All men looked at her that way when she took off her clothes, and she found it exciting and empowering.
“Jingles,” she said softly when she stood naked before him, and waited until his rapt gaze returned to her face. “I’m leaving my husband. I want to be with you, and make you happy.”
His smile widened. “Get over here!” He gave the orders now. “You’re mine, you hear? Mine!”
She melted into his arms. “Yours,” she whispered obediently. “I’m yours.”
A moment later she knelt down in front of him, unzipped his pants, and began bobbing her head up and down. She never noticed the predatory grin that made his teeth flash white against his dark skin. Triumph flared in his eyes; he was the victor who’d finally won a long-sought prize, and now would reap all the benefits that prize brought him.
Finally, Jingles thought. Bitch is mine!