Sherrod stepped into Jingles’ office, and carefully closed the door behind him. “What’s up, boss?”
Jingles slipped on his jacket. “Let Crystal know I’m ready, will you?”
He released a heartfelt sigh of relief. “Finally! Thanks, boss. She’s been downstairs getting ready for the last hour and a half, and driving the other dancers crazy.”
“Yeah, she really wants to go out tonight.”
“It’s not just that, boss.”
That made Jingles stop and peer intently at his friend. “What do you mean? She causing trouble?”
“No. Nothing like that,” Sherrod assured him. “It’s just that she’s fallen hard for you.” He laughed. “It wouldn’t surprise me if she gets your name tattooed on her ass before the night’s over.”
Jingles didn’t laugh; he simply nodded. “Perfect. We’ve already talked about her getting a tattoo and some piercings. I’ve told her to hold off, though, because my Middle Eastern clients like white women to be unmarked. We’ll have to see how things unfold.”
Sherrod nodded back and left the office. When Crystal walked in a few minutes later, Jingles let out a low whistle. “Damn,” he breathed. “You are smokin’ hot!”
His compliment made her beam. She turned in a slow circle, showing off the little black dress she’d bought that afternoon. It accentuated every curve of her body, and her high heels showed off her nicely-muscled legs. She glided over and kissed him, being careful not to smudge her lipstick.
The smile that curved his lips completely masked his true thoughts: Damn, I’m going to make a fucking killing with this bitch!
He shook his head dramatically, and curled his arms around her in a vigorous hug. “You truly are beautiful, and I’m going to be damn proud to have you on my arm tonight!”
“There’s no place I’d rather be, baby.”
He flashed her a wicked grin. “Want a party favor before we go?”
Her head bobbed up and down. “Yes! Finally!”
“Cool! Let’s get you taken care of, baby.”
He retrieved a small bag of Meth, then watched as she quickly stepped forward, pipe in hand, and prepared the crystals. She inhaled deeply when he flicked open his custom lighter and applied it to her pipe. The drug took effect immediately; her body relaxed, and a blissful smile curved her lips.
Meth user photos were typically before-and-after shots to show the dramatic toll it took on its victims. Those images made people think it only took a short time for Meth users to crash and burn. Jingles knew differently. Some addicts could use it for years, sometimes a decade or more, before it took over and completely ruined their lives. Those ‘functional’ Meth addicts could behave almost normally, even while taking the drug steadily. They were able to manage their habit and conduct regular, sometimes successful lives, and even maintain a family. In the end, though, even casual users crashed. Meth’s grip was tight, and even with rehabilitation, most users went back to it.
That’s it, bitch. Suck on that thing! It won’t be long now…I got big plans for you, and you’re going to make me a lot of money!
He’d continue to manage her addiction, and keep it controlled, until Shane could cut her loose. At the same time, he’d reinforce her emotional connection to him so she’d divorce her husband. Once Tim was out of the picture, he’d make the final arrangements.
Just a few more months!
Finally she opened her eyes, and dreamily smiled at him. “Thank you, baby,” she murmured, hugging him tightly. “You treat me so good!”
“You ready to go party?”
Eagerly she nodded. “Hell, yes!”
Politely he escorted her down the steps and then outside, completely oblivious to the jealous, hateful glares Crystal got from the other dancers. The valet already had his Range Rover idling in the parking lot. He lifted her inside, then quickly drove to the other club.
No one intercepted them when they headed right to the VIP area; the main-level bouncer even cleared a path for them through the throngs of dancers and customers. Crystal was delighted with the attention they received. The only thing missing is some paparazzi, she thought. Every woman in this place wants to be me tonight!
This club’s VIP section was set on a balcony that allowed customers to view the entire club and dance floor. Another bouncer waved them through, then ushered them over to Jingles’ private table at the back of the room. A bottle of expensive champagne was chilling in a silver stand. Jingles waved Crystal into a seat, then opened it with a flourish. She clapped her hands in delight as he poured her a foaming glass.
“A toast,” he said smoothly. “To a beautiful, sexy, amazing woman. I hope she’ll always want to be at my side.”
Her answering smile was radiant. “Thank you, Jingles,” she said softly, then leaned over to kiss him after they clinked their glasses together and took a sip.
“You’re important to me,” he said, deliberately making his voice low and seductive. “I want us to be together. I’m tired of only getting a few hours a day with you…it’s not enough for me anymore. I want to go to sleep with you, and know you’ll be there in the morning. I want to spoil you, and take care of you.”
Her eyes widened. “Are you serious?”
He kissed her so passionately that she felt lightheaded when they finally parted. “I’m very serious. We both know we’re great together, and I think we owe it to each other to see where our relationship can go.”
Her eyes clouded a little. “Are you sure you want me?” she murmured plaintively. “I have some baggage.”
It was just the opening he’d been hoping for. “All I’m asking is that you consider a future with me,” he smiled, and set his drink down. “I know you’re married, but I also know some really good attorneys. Marriage isn’t a prison sentence. You can end it if you want.”
She sipped her drink, and considered his words. When she’d first started seeing him, she’d thought they’d have a brief, exciting affair, but that was all. He’d move on to someone else, and she’d go back to Tim. She’d never expected things to intensify to this point.
He wants to be with me! He’s gorgeous, fun, exciting, and very rich. He could have any woman he wants…and he wants to be with a poor trailer park girl!
I need time to think. Can I leave Tim? Or…better question…can I stay with Tim?
“I want to be with you, too,” she admitted. “But I need some time.”
“Of course,” he said promptly. “I know I’m asking a lot, but I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. I want you in my life permanently.”
“Thank you.” She kissed him, and wished the decision was easier to make. No matter what she chose, an important chapter in her life would end, and a piece of her heart would go with it.
“Hey, enough heavy stuff,” he urged, and shook her from her reverie. “I didn’t mean to ruin the night. Let’s dance, and you can think about it later. Shake your groove thing!”
She laughed, and felt the tension dissipate. Smiling, she took his hand, and followed him onto the dance floor. Her favorite hip-hop music was playing. She started swaying to the beat, and was delighted by his easy rhythm and agility. She loved watching his big dark hands move over her creamy shoulders; the contrast was wildly exciting. She shivered when he curled his fingers around her hips and pulled her against him, and pressed his lips against her throat.
God, he is so sexy!
Other women kept trying to catch his eye, but he kept his attention focused solely on Crystal. His close regard delighted her.
After they’d returned to their table and sipped more champagne, Jingles greeted several couples who stopped to talk with him. He introduced her as his girlfriend, then turned aside to talk with the men and handle his business. Crystal could hardly take her eyes off him; he was so confident, and commanded such attention and respect.
“How long have Jingles and you been dating?” one of the women asked.
Her jealous tone made Crystal even happier. “Not long.”
“Is it serious?”
She beamed. “Very serious.”
When he turned back, he made a point of complimenting the other women on their lovely dresses…but his arm slid possessively around Crystal’s narrow waist. “Thank you,” she whispered after they finished their conversation, and the other couples left again.
“You’re welcome. I didn’t want to leave you at the mercy of those vampires.”
She slanted a mock-reproving glance up at him. “Vampires, huh? Dated them, have you?”
“No,” he chuckled. “But it wasn’t for lack of trying on their part.”
Satisfied, she leaned against him, enjoying the solid feel of his body. She felt everything more acutely when she was using Meth; it allowed her to see the world more clearly, and she thought it brought out the best in her.
“Do you want to leave?” he whispered, and hid a smile when she immediately brightened.
“Where would we go?”
“My place.”
“Let’s go!” She nodded enthusiastically, then politely added, “Please?”
They’d only been at the club for an hour, but she didn’t care…she’d never wanted to be naked with him so badly. Her eagerness pleased him, so he signaled the bouncer, who nodded and quickly left.
Before she could muster a startled protest, he grinned mischievously, then swept her into his arms. “I want to carry you across the threshold,” he teased as he carried her toward the door. “Well, of the club, anyway."
She laughed, and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You can carry me anywhere!”
“I’m going to hold you to that, baby.”
He deposited her gently in his Range Rover, then slid behind the wheel. He owned a few condos around town, and drove to the nearest one. Most of them were investments that allowed him to launder money, but this one was used regularly. It looked lived-in, which was important, and had an amazing view of the city. He knew Crystal would love that.
He’d been right; she gasped when she saw downtown San Antonio spreading out beneath them. It was a gorgeous view, and the main reason he kept it for himself.
A few minutes later, their clothes littered the floor. They came together urgently; raw hunger and need coursed through both of them with such speed that they satisfied each other quickly, then lay on the carpet, gasping for breath and enjoying the view.
“God, you’re amazing!” she finally panted. “I can’t get enough of you!”
He chuckled. “I’m just trying to give you something to think about.”
“Oh, you have!” she assured him. “Believe me, you’ve given me a lot to think about!”
The condo was so high that they didn’t have to worry about ending up on the internet, which was a relief, because she was certain they’d have made the hottest sex tape imaginable. She watched Jingles get up and retrieve some water bottles from the refrigerator. They tapped their bottles together before drinking deeply.
After she finally found the strength to head into the bathroom, she discovered the master bedroom, and wrapped herself in one of his shirts. It was soft and comfortable, smelled just like him, and stopped at her mid-thigh. She returned to the living room, and found him sprawled across the couch, wearing only his boxers.
Desire welled up inside her again. “You’re doing that on purpose,” she teased.
“What?” His too-innocent smile, and the way he deliberately stretched his long body, only aroused her more.
He had such beautiful dark eyes, and his lean frame and sculpted abs were simply amazing! She devoured him with her eager gaze, and hungrily licked her lips.
“Wow! You should at least tip me a dollar if you’re going to look at me like that, woman!”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re so full of yourself!” Eagerly she slid onto the couch, and stretched out on top of him. They kissed again, and fabric rustled as they urgently explored each others’ bodies.
“Are you hungry?” he finally asked, smiling up at her.
“Famished!” she grinned, and slid her fingers down to his waist. “Absolutely famished!”
He wriggled beneath her, filling her clever hand. “Damn it, woman, I meant for food.”
“No.” She expertly stroked him. “I’m not that kind of hungry. Take me into the bedroom.”
He was happy to comply.
The first time, they’d fucked each other hard and fast until their muscles grew tired, sweat gleamed on their skin, and they were sated and breathless. This time was different. They took their time, slowly enjoying the experience. Climax after climax poured through Crystal; she returned the favor by expertly working his body until he couldn’t hold back anymore, and his amazing stamina finally reached its limit.
They hadn’t used a condom this time. Crystal held him tightly as he released inside her again and again. Knowing she’d satisfied him so completely made her eyes glisten with tears; she felt utterly sated and complete. Not wanting him to move, she kissed his chest and shoulders. His scent and the taste of his sweat were intoxicating.
Finally he rolled away with an exhausted groan. She returned to the bathroom to clean up, then smiled when she realized that she wasn’t quite sated yet, after all.
He was half-asleep when she slipped back into bed and snuggled against him. It felt so right when he curled an arm around her and held her close. She laid her head on his chest, and enjoyed his warmth. But the Meth in her system kept her hyped, and before long she was aroused again.
He teased her about being too much for him, but was happy to satisfy her three more explosive times. Then he did collapse into a deep, exhausted sleep.
Crystal lay awake, watching him, trying to make sense of her feelings. Do I love him? I have really strong feelings for him, but do I truly love him?
Despite having an affair with him, and with Shane before that, she’d never seriously considered leaving Tim. He was her future; when she finished stripping, she’d settle down, have kids, and live happily ever after with him. It was the future she’d planned and accepted, and it wasn’t a bad one. But she’d always thought it was a little boring.
Then Jingles had thrown her future into a completely new direction. He wanted to be serious with her!
He was wealthy, his lifestyle was exciting, and she was undeniably attracted to him. But he’d never struck her as the marrying kind…so what did ‘serious’ mean to him? What would her future be with him?
When the Meth finally burned itself out, she dropped into a deep sleep that lasted several hours. She finally awoke to find the bed empty, and her body tormented with cravings. She breathed deeply, and waited for the agony to pass. She’d never started her morning with drugs, but today it seemed like exactly what she needed. She was living life at half-speed again; a quick dose would focus her, and spike her energy level.
She opened her eyes when the door opened and Jingles peered inside. “Hey, girl. You’re finally awake!”
She sat up, and raked sleepy fingers through her tangled hair. “Hey.”
“You’re gorgeous in the morning, you know that?”
“You obviously need glasses,” she retorted, then asked, “What time is it?”
He sat down beside her, and lightly stroked her cheek. “It’s almost noon. Why?”
Noon? Quickly she threw the sheet aside, and scrambled to her feet. “I’m late! I texted Tim last night before we left, and told him I’d be home by ten. I said I was tired, and would get a hotel room for the night. He’s going to worry…he’ll be upset and pissed.” She searched for Jingles’ discarded shirt, then tugged it over her head. “Shit!”
He’d been enjoying the view as she moved anxiously around the room; now he followed her into the living room and watched while she retrieved her own clothes off the floor. Silently he poured her a mug of coffee, waited until she was dressed, then handed her the cup.
“God, you’re a lifesaver!” she exclaimed, and sipped the hot life-sustaining liquid. “Thank you!”
“You’re welcome,” he snapped, deliberately sounding angry.
Her eyebrows drew together. “What’s wrong?”
He eyed her coolly over his own cup. “I guess you’ve made up your mind.”
That startled her into hesitating; then she crossed the room and looped her arms around his neck. “You’re wrong,” she said quietly. “I haven’t decided anything, and I am still thinking about what you said last night.”
“Can’t wait to get out of here, though, can you?”
His injured tone made her feel guilty. “Stop it,” she said firmly. “I do want to stay with you! Last night was amazing, and I want to drag you into the shower and do extremely naughty things to you!”
“Sounds good to me!”
She managed a rueful laugh. “I’m not dying to leave you…just the opposite, in fact. But I do have a husband, and I can’t leave him hanging. It’s not fair to either of you. I’d just spend my time worrying about him if I stayed here.”
He sighed, and reluctantly nodded. “Okay, you’re right.”
“Thank you.” She smiled gratefully. “I’m completely serious…last night was amazing. But you hit me with a lot, and I need time to make sense of my marriage, my life…hell, everything! I wasn’t sure how you really felt about me, and didn’t dare believe we could really be more than just lovers. I had no idea you were so serious that you wanted me to leave Tim.”
“I’m serious enough that I don’t want to share you anymore, not even with him,” he told her. “I want you all to myself.” Then he glanced curiously at her. “You said he’s usually gone when you get up, right?”
She nodded.
“So when you’re tired, and you stay the night at the hotel, he’s already gone to work when you get home?”
“That’s right…during the week, anyway. He leaves early for work,” she confirmed.
His sudden grin made her heart race. “Stay with me, then.”
“What?”
“Go home now, if you need to…but tomorrow night, instead of staying at the hotel, spend the night with me! He’ll never know,” Jingles coaxed. “We can spend more time together, and you can see just how serious I am.”
“Wow!” She stared out the window and considered his offer, then glanced at him again. “Are you sure that’s what you want? You’ll have to make room for me to bring some stuff over.”
“Absolutely,” he quickly agreed. “I have plenty of room here, Crystal.”
She hesitated one more moment, then smiled. “All right. I’d love to. Thank you!”
“Great.” His teeth flashed white against his dark skin. “Let’s get you to your car.”
They drove back to the club in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Sunday morning traffic was light, so the trip only took a few minutes. Crystal raced inside, grabbed her duffle bag, changed back into yesterday’s street clothes, and rushed back outside in record time.
Jingles was waiting for her by her car. She stretched up to kiss him passionately. “I’ll call you soon…and I’ll think about what you said about my marriage,” she promised.
“Thank you.” He kissed her one last time, then opened her car door. “Drive carefully.”
She tore out of the parking lot and headed home. Once she’d reached the highway, she called Tim and left him a cheerful message about having overslept at the hotel. It was a Saturday, so he should have been home. She wondered if he’d spent the night elsewhere, too. Life would definitely be easier if he had an affair…but she knew he’d never even consider it.
I’m the only unfaithful one in our marriage.
Guilt and fatigue washed through her as the truth struck home. She’d been unfaithful to him many times…not just with Jingles, but also with Shane while he’d been at school. Until last night, though, she’d never questioned wanting him to be her husband.
Why can’t I be normal? Why can’t I be faithful?
Confusion overlaid her guilt as she tried to examine her life honestly. Thinking about Jingles made her excited and happy. Thoughts of Tim just made her sad, tired, and guilty.
The heavy swirl of emotions weighed her down until she was nearly too exhausted to drive. Finally she flipped on the radio, rolled down the window, and fiercely shook her head to clear it.
God, I could use some Meth right now!
The all-night sex marathon with Jingles still made her tingle inside, but she was totally drained. Needing more Meth made her even wearier, and having to confront her situation made the cravings worse.
She checked her phone for the thousandth time, but the screen remained blank. Tim didn’t text, call, or e-mail her. She had no idea what was waiting for her at home, and for the first time, that made her nervous.
I’ll see Jingles again tomorrow night. I’ll get some Meth from him then. It’s only about thirty hours from now.
She didn’t even realize she’d begun counting the hours until she could get her next fix.
The ringing phone woke Shane, and he quickly answered it.
“Shane?”
Raven was still asleep, so he slipped out of bed before softly replying, “Yeah, Jingles, what’s up?”
“Crystal. I’m ready whenever you are.”
Shane sank down onto the couch, and stared up at the ceiling for so long that Jingles finally asked, “You still there?”
“I’m here.” Quickly he recalled himself. “Okay. We’re still talking $50k?”
“Yes, as long as we can do this within the next few months.”
Shane frowned a little. “Why the change in plans? I thought we had plenty of time.”
“We did, but that’s changed.”
“How?”
“Let’s just say that my organization is surprisingly interested in Crystal.” Shane could practically see Jingles’ satisfied grin. “They want to pull the trigger on her as soon as possible.”
“I see.”
“But she ain’t quite ready yet,” he continued, and this time he sounded a little disgruntled. “A couple of things I need to do first.”
“Are you telling me she’s resisting your charm and good looks?” Shane sneered.
This time he sounded truly disgusted. “Bitch is surprisingly resistant to me, yeah. It’s her marriage…that’s gotta end. She won’t commit to me until that’s over.”
Shane didn’t like to think about how Jingles would deal with Tim; his mutilated body would probably never be recovered. “I can work with your timeframe,” he said, “and we’re close to having a replacement ready. Why don’t you continue working on her, and let me know when you need to make the deal? I can’t help you with her marriage, but I can make sure she keeps making deliveries to you.”
“That works for me.”
“I’ll have her replacement make a delivery to you, too, so you can meet her,” Shane promised, then smiled. “I think you’ll like her.”
“Oh, yeah?” Jingles perked up.
The biker chuckled. “She’s definitely not as pretty as Crystal, but she’s not bad-looking, either. The girl is dumb as a rock, has big tits, blonde hair, and a sex drive that doesn’t quit. She likes our product a lot, too,” he added in a quieter voice.
“Send her by, Shane. I definitely want to meet her.”
“Cool.”
Shane was about to hang up when Jingles added, “I meant to tell you. One of my people heard some shit about the Mexicans.” He swore under his breath, and hatred and disgust filled his voice. “Apparently they’re not happy with their percentage anymore. You heard anything?”
“Thanks for the heads-up,” Shane replied, “but we heard about it, too. We’re on it.”
“Watch your ass, Shane,” Jingles warned. “These guys don’t fuck around, and they may decide to negotiate with bullets instead of words.”
“You, too, buddy. They may come after our customers.”
“I hear you.” Jingles hesitated a moment, then continued, “Just like prison, right?”
“Yeah, but we got women out here. And I mean real women, not like your ex-girlfriend in prison,” he couldn’t resist adding, and laughed.
“Fuck you,” Jingles retorted with a matching laugh. “You had the bitch, not me.”
“Whatever.”
Jingles hung up, and flicked on his office TV. His muscles still ached, and he shifted to a more comfortable position on the couch as he thought about last night. Damn, that girl can fuck! If I wasn’t getting so much money for her, I’d keep her around a while!
She was just about ready. She had an almost daily Meth habit, which was nearly perfect for his intentions, and despite what he’d told Shane, she was seriously into him.
Once she was divorced, she’d jump right into his arms. He’d take her to Mexico or the Bahamas, complete her sale from there, and spend some time relaxing in the Caribbean.