Raven sat on her living room couch, wearing a long t-shirt and panties, and stared out the window. Steam rose gently from her coffee cup, and she enthusiastically inhaled the amazing scent of freshly brewed coffee. She liked the morning’s peace and quiet.
Wow, last night was really fun!
Last night’s events played over and over through her mind. A naughty, satisfied smile curved her mouth. It had turned out that Crystal didn’t just like being with a woman, she’d absolutely loved it. She’d been barely controllable at first, but eventually she’d calmed down and followed Raven’s instructions. Raven had quickly observed that she liked to be dominated and told what to do in bed. They’d fucked urgently for a few hours, before the Meth had worn off, and then Crystal had dropped off to sleep. Raven had slept, too…but since she hadn’t taken anything last night, it had been easier for her to get up this morning. She’d woken early, made coffee, and used the quiet of the morning to think about what came next.
Gotta call Shane. He’ll want to know…he needs to know, since it’s important to his plans.
But beyond business, Raven hoped it would rekindle his interest in her. The thought of having Shane join them had excited Crystal, too, and Raven thought it might be a good way to get the biker back in her bed. Shane was her future and she knew it, even if he didn’t yet. Ever since her husband had gone to prison and Shane had gotten paroled, she’d wanted him as her old man. She planned to use Crystal to get him.
Crystal’s a temporary distraction, a means to an end, for Shane and me.
The girl’s cell phone was laying on the coffee table, barely visible underneath her discarded bra and panties.
Carefully Raven set her coffee down, picked up the phone, and dialed a number.
“Tim?” she asked, when a voice anxiously answered.
His voice was full of concern. “Yes, who’s this?”
“Hi, it’s Raven,” she said brightly. “I just wanted you to know that Crystal is still with me, and she’s fine. She’s sleeping, but I’m going to wake her up in a few minutes and send her home.”
He exhaled loudly into the phone. “Thank you, Raven. I was starting to get worried.”
“I thought she texted you last night.”
“She did, but all her message said was, ‘I’m going out with Raven.’” His anger rang clearly through the phone.
“I’m sorry,” she replied with such feigned sincerity that he immediately subsided. “I asked her to text you that she was staying with me. She was worn out, and I didn’t feel comfortable letting her drive all the way home.”
He sighed a second time. “Thank you again. I sincerely appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome, honey,” she said. Then she deliberately hesitated a moment before adding, “Hey, listen, it’s none of my business, but Crystal mentioned that you and she had an argument yesterday, before she got to the club.”
“Yeah,” he admitted slowly. “She wants to quit her other job, and I guess I’m not ready for her to become a full-time stripper.” Then he realized what he’d just implied, and quickly added, “I’m sorry, Raven. I didn’t mean to be rude.”
She laughed. “It’s okay. I know what you meant.”
“Good,” he exclaimed. “You’re her best friend, and I feel a lot better knowing you’re looking out for her. I damned sure didn’t want to offend you.”
“No worries,” she replied gently, then waited another second. “Y’know, Tim, if it would make you feel any better, I can adjust my schedule to match Crystal’s.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, if she quit her other job,” she added lightly. “I would adjust my schedule so that we’d always work together. That way you wouldn’t have to worry about her being by herself.”
“Wow.” He sounded amazed. “You’d do that?”
“Sure,” she agreed. “I don’t mind at all. Crystal’s great, and we’re totally BFF’s now.” Then she grimaced. Was she laying it on too thick?
It was a great idea with numerous benefits, though. Not only would it give her constant access to Crystal, but Shane would love it…and she could continue being his link. Another win-win for her.
“Wow, I think that just might work,” he said, clearly impressed. “I’d feel much better knowing you two were working together. Joe looks out for her, too, so it would be like having two sets of eyes looking after her.”
“Think about it, Tim,” she advised. “It would be great if you could tell her when she gets home today. I think she’d really like it.”
“I will. Raven, you’re awesome,” he gushed. “Thank you so much!”
“You’re welcome, honey,” she patiently replied, and rolled her eyes in silent exasperation.
Silence reigned for an uncomfortable moment as they each searched for something else to say.
Tim’s heart beat a little faster when he pictured Raven; he found her gorgeous but rather intimidating. The few times they’d met at the club, she’d scarcely spoken to him or even acknowledged his presence. Her attention had been focused on either Crystal or Joe. Her personality was hard and brittle, and her coldness repelled him; that was one reason he rarely visited while Crystal was dancing.
Why was she being so nice and friendly today? Briefly he fretted about it, then brushed his concerns aside. Joe would make sure nothing bad happened to his wife.
Raven’s thoughts were travelling in an entirely different direction. Tim was, in her opinion, so normal, average, boring, and completely uninteresting that he didn’t rate a second glance. She couldn’t understand what Crystal saw in him, and simply didn’t care to find out.
“Okay,” he finally stammered. “Well, thanks for the call.”
“Tim,” she suddenly interjected, before he could hang up. “Flowers. Crystal would love to get flowers today.”
He laughed out loud. “Like I said, Raven. You’re awesome!”
She rolled her eyes again. “Bye, Tim.”
“Bye.”
Grimacing, she tossed Crystal’s phone onto her bra and panties, then leaned back on the couch to enjoy her coffee and the morning silence again.
Tim and his wife were so easy to manipulate, she thought with a mocking smirk. He obviously adored Crystal, and would do anything to keep her happy, even if it went against his better judgment.
What a fucking dumbass! He has no clue that she’s using drugs, or about to become a drug mule. He’s going to buy her fucking flowers—and he even thanked me for the idea!
That won’t last long. Once Crystal gets strung out on Meth and starts selling her ass on the street, he definitely won’t be thanking me then.
She sighed and took another sip of coffee. Crystal would be ecstatic over quitting her other job; she was already making damned good money, and her income would likely skyrocket once she was stripping full-time. It wouldn’t be long before she was matching Raven’s take, and possibly even exceeding it.
There was a silver lining to that, though; quitting her waitressing job would free her up to work for Shane.
Bingo! Then I can stop making deliveries, and focus on Shane.
Crystal didn’t know of his plans yet, but she would soon. Between his good looks, his never-ending supply of Meth, and her new relationship with Raven, he’d control her completely…and she would work happily for him, never realizing she was being used.
Raven searched her feelings, but couldn’t muster the slightest trace of sympathy for the younger dancer. Life hadn’t been easy for her, and she’d learned early that it didn’t pay to spend time worrying about other people. She concentrated on her own future—and right now her goal was to win Shane. If Crystal couldn’t look out for herself…well, that was her problem, not Raven’s.
A soft voice broke into her thoughts. “Morning, sexy.”
She glanced up and saw Crystal walking slowly toward the couch. She was smiling guiltily, and her hair was a hot, sexy mess. Raven flashed her an inviting smile, and winked. “Good morning, baby. How’d you sleep?”
“Mmmmmmm. Good,” Crystal decided. “I’m nursing a headache, though.”
She plopped down on the couch, and curled up next to Raven. She was wearing cute boy-short panties and nothing else, so her breasts jostled nicely against Raven as she got comfortable. A slow sensual smile curved her lips when she noticed the brunette dancer staring at her breasts. Suddenly feeling better, she winked back at her best friend and new lover.
“I missed you in bed this morning,” she said lazily, then stretched and yawned.
Raven took one last sip of her coffee before handing the cup to Crystal. “Sorry. I’m an early riser.”
Crystal uncertainly bit her bottom lip. “It’s not me, is it?” she asked shyly.
That made Raven laugh. “No, it’s not you. You were great last night! Are you sure that was your first time with another woman?”
Crystal blushed vividly as she nodded. “I kissed one of my high school friends, but that was it.”
“Well, you were great,” Raven repeated. “And if you want to do it again, just let me know.”
“I do,” Crystal admitted, then grinned lustily. “As often as possible.”
Raven replied with a sly wink.
Crystal sipped the coffee, and grimaced. Raven didn’t appear to like sweetener or creamer. But the bitter liquid helped her wake up, so she drank a few more sips before passing it back to Raven.
“What did you give me last night?” she asked, vainly trying to finger-comb her hair into some semblance of order.
Raven looked steadily at Crystal over the rim of her cup. “I told you already. It was Meth powder, and it was stuffed inside that capsule. Meth in a pill.”
The confirmation seemed to satisfy Crystal, and she smiled. “Well, it definitely worked. Wow, I’ve never felt so alert…so alive!” She shivered a little, then glanced sideways at Raven. “I felt like everything was just…better! More real, I guess. God, it made me so fucking horny, and the sex was amazing!”
Raven smiled. “Yeah. It’s a great pick-me-up when you’re tired.”
“That’s for sure!” she nodded emphatically, then curiously looked at her lover. “Do you have any more?”
“Sorry, baby,” Raven shrugged, shaking her head. “That was my last pill.” Then she studied Crystal for a moment. “You really liked it, huh?”
The younger woman shyly nodded. “It felt awesome. I’d only use it if I was tired, of course,” she quickly added, blushing. “But wow, what a feeling!”
“Crystal, I’m not your mom,” Raven wryly interjected. “If you want more, I’ll speak to someone I know, and see if he has any.”
“Seriously?” Crystal exuberantly kissed her shoulder. “Thank you. God, you’re so great! I’d definitely like some more, and not just Meth.”
“Whatever.” Raven playfully rolled her eyes. Then she studied Crystal for a moment, and decided to push forward. “Y’know, Meth isn’t that hard to find, but it’s important to get high quality Meth. Some of the shit out there is poisonous.”
That piqued Crystal’s interest. “Really? I honestly don’t know much about it.”
Raven nodded wisely. “Yeah, you do have to be careful with it. But the rush is amazing, especially if you smoke it. The key is to use small doses—just enough to perk you up without losing control.”
Crystal snuggled back down with a contented sigh. “Well, you’re the expert.”
Raven couldn’t help laughing. “Honey, I’ve been a stripper for several years, and my husband is a patched member of the club. I’ve done just about everything.”
‘Just about’ was the key phrase. She’d tried many different things, but never Crystal Meth or any derivative. She’d seen too many other strippers fall down that rabbit-hole. Not everyone who tried Meth became addicted, but the vast majority did. And the results were always ugly.
“Wow,” Crystal murmured, accepting her evasive half-truth without a moment’s hesitation.
She just needs a little shove, Raven thought as she finished her coffee, and set her cup on the table. The cute little bitch will be strung out in no time.
“Tell ya what,” she murmured, and ran her fingers through Crystal’s tangled curls. “I’ll talk to my guy, and see if he has any Crystal Meth. If he does, we’ll get you some.”
Eagerly Crystal hugged her, and Raven laughed as she returned the embrace, enjoying the feel of the younger woman’s lush body against hers. But she pulled back when Crystal kissed her passionately, and began undressing her. “Whoa there, honey.” She just barely grabbed Crystal’s hands before they slid under her nightshirt. “You need to get home. I spoke to Tim a while ago, and he’s worried about you.”
Frustration and disappointment shimmered in Crystal’s blue eyes, but she obediently eased back. “When did he call?”
“I called him, and let him know where you were.” Raven frowned accusingly. “You only told him you were going out, and he was worried about you.”
Crystal buried her face in her hands. “Crap. I thought I texted him that I was staying the night here.”
“Well, you didn’t,” Raven said sternly, “and he was pissed. I managed to calm him down, and explained that it was just really busy last night.”
“Thank you so much,” Crystal replied meekly.
“You’re welcome, but don’t neglect your husband,” the brunette warned. “He might forbid you from stripping…and you know he’d freak if he learned what you took last night.”
Crystal’s eyes flashed. “You’re right…but Tim doesn’t tell me what to do. I’m a grown woman. If I want to keep stripping, I will. I make as much as he does, so he has no right to bitch!”
Quickly Raven raised both hands. “Calm down. Tim worries because he loves you. That’s a good thing, baby.” She kept her face impassive, but inside she was seething. You have a husband who loves you desperately. Even if he is a boring, average, dumbass, small-town hick, it’s more than I have, bitch!
Crystal nodded, then took a deep breath and cocked her head questioningly. “Do you think I should tell him about us?”
“Up to you, Crystal,” she said lightly. “I’m not ashamed of who I am or what we did together, but Tim might feel threatened. You should probably take some time and think about it.”
“I’m not ashamed, either,” Crystal quickly exclaimed. “I’ll just tell Tim, and he can deal with it.”
Raven simply raised her eyebrows, and waited.
Crystal’s defensive attitude immediately vanished. “Okay, okay. Let me think about it.” She shot the older woman a playful glare. “As usual, you’re right.”
Raven chuckled. “Damn right, I’m right.”
She rose and took her empty cup to the kitchen sink, then returned to the living room and pulled Crystal off the couch. “Last night was fun,” she said, gently kissing her. “But you need to get home to your husband, and I need a shower.”
“Okay.” Crystal hugged her tightly, then retrieved her abandoned lingerie and headed to the bedroom.
Raven started the shower, then stepped inside while the younger woman got dressed. She opened her eyes briefly when Crystal stepped into the room and stared at her. “God, you are so beautiful!” she heard her exclaim. Then she blew Raven a kiss and was gone.
Raven sighed with relief when she heard her front door close, and leaned back under the hot water. It felt amazing as it cascaded over her naked body. She’d really wanted to enjoy it herself, and had privately worried that Crystal might join her.
Finally, she’s fucking gone. It was a fun distraction, but damn, she’s so needy and stupid…and unbelievably sexy!
Again her mind drifted back to the previous night, and she smiled in satisfaction. Everything had gone even better than she’d anticipated. Crystal hadn’t needed to leave early, so Joe had been happy. Raven and she had lucked into a big group of guys out partying, and they’d made some serious money, so Raven was happy. The Meth had been a hit, and Crystal was definitely interested in getting more, so Shane would be happy. And she’d turned out to be completely bisexual, and their sex had been amazing, so Crystal had been happy.
All in all, it had been a great night.
She turned the water off, stepped out, and wrapped a large towel around her body. Her cell phone was in her bedroom; she retrieved it, and dialed a number she’d long-since memorized. “Shane, it’s me,” she said into the voicemail. “Call me. I have an update for you, and I think you’ll want to hear it.”
Time to get dressed and face the day. Thoughtfully she considered her closet. One side was completely empty; she’d thrown her husband’s clothes away after he’d gone to jail, because he’d never need them again. Now she was glad she had. He’d finally agreed to a divorce, and she wanted all traces of him gone. She didn’t want anything to inhibit Shane from moving in with her.
The phone rang just as she finished pulling on her clothes. She hurried over to answer it. Since it was a throwaway phone Shane had given her so they could talk freely, she already knew who was calling. “Hello,” she answered with a smile.
“Raven, it’s me,” Shane said simply. “What’s up?”
Quickly she filled him in on the previous night’s events. “Your chicky-poo needed a little boost, so I gave her some Meth.”
“Seriously? How’d it go?”
“I thought she could handle it, and I was right. Holy shit, was I right!” she laughed. “She freakin’ loved it! And she made a ton of money, because she almost fucked a dozen guys. I swear she would have pulled a train last night if I hadn’t been there!”
“Whoa!” he murmured. “That’s not funny, Raven. I don’t want to create any problems for Joe.”
“Don’t worry,” she chuckled. “I stopped her. That’s what I’m here for, right?”
He exhaled loudly. “Yes, and thank you.”
“You’re welcome…but here’s the best part!” she exclaimed. “She asked me to get some more, so I’m going to need your help.”
The line was silent for a full minute before Shane replied, “Good. This is good. Actually, it’s perfect.”
“I thought you’d approve.” Raven’s dark eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
“I do. Great job,” he said sincerely. “No, fantastic job!”
Though he couldn’t see it, a sly grin began to curve her lips. “I have more news, if you’re interested,” she teased.
“Of course I’m interested.”
“Well,” she chuckled, “I convinced Crystal’s husband to let her quit her other job so she can dance full-time.”
“No shit! How the hell did you do that?” he demanded.
“I just told him I’d work the same schedule as Crystal,” she replied with a pleased shrug. “So between Joe and me, someone will always be looking out for her. He agreed immediately. I swear, Shane, he has no idea what’s going on.”
“That’s great. I was worried I’d have to scare him,” he admitted.
“Well, you don’t. Now there’s one last thing, and I’ve saved the best for last.”
He laughed. “Okay, spill it. What’s the last, best piece of news?”
“Guess where Crystal spent the night?” she asked coyly.
“Your place?” He sounded surprised.
“Yep,” Raven agreed with a laugh. “The little country girl can fuck, let me tell you. I’m still sore!”
This time Shane’s laugh was long and loud. “Raven, you are amazing!” he finally exclaimed. “I can’t thank you enough!”
“Awww, you say the sweetest things,” she retorted playfully. “At any rate, I’ll be able to monitor her closely now. She shares everything with me, so you’ll know immediately if there’s a problem.”
“Outstanding! This is the best news I’ve had all day.”
“I’m glad I could help.” She hesitated an instant, then added, “What are you doing today?”
“Um…I’ve got a meeting at the clubhouse, but after that I’m free.”
She took a deep breath for courage. “Come see me, Shane,” she finally urged. “Please. I need to see you.”
He was slow to respond. “Raven,” he sighed at last, “We’ve had this conversation. Your husband and…”
“My husband and I are divorcing,” she quickly interrupted. “The paperwork is finished; it just needs to be processed. And it was mutual, so there’s nothing for you to feel bad about. You didn’t break up our marriage, Shane. He did that when he fucked a minor, got arrested with drugs, and went to prison for twenty-five years.”
She held her breath when Shane sighed into the phone. She wanted him more than any other man she’d ever known, and didn’t feel the slightest trace of remorse about divorcing her husband. Good riddance.
“Let me think about it, okay?” Shane finally murmured. “I want to be with you, but I have to get this right in my head, or it won’t last between us.”
He sounded almost pleading, and Raven’s heart leapt. “Of course, honey. I understand.”
“Thanks.” He hesitated, then continued, “You’re serious about the divorce?”
“Yes. I’ll show you the paperwork if you want,” she offered. “I’ve already signed it, and it just needs to be delivered to the prison. He’s agreed to sign it, too, and not contest it.”
“Wow,” Shane murmured. “I didn’t expect that at all.”
“It hasn’t been easy,” she admitted. “But we both needed to move on…and he even told me that if he couldn’t be with me, he’d prefer I was with you.”
“Okay.” She could almost see his slow nod. “I’ll stop by this afternoon. Thanks again for your help with Crystal.”
Raven closed her eyes and gripped her phone while tears of joy flooded her eyes. “You’re welcome, Shane.”
Crystal pulled into their driveway, and shut off her car’s engine. She didn’t look forward to the argument she knew was coming; Tim had every reason to yell at her.
Well, there was no putting it off any longer. Sighing, she climbed out, and headed into the trailer.
“Surprise!” Tim shouted just as she stepped inside.
She gaped in stunned surprise at the small bouquet of roses clutched in his hand, and his big smile. Then he wrapped her in a fierce hug that left her breathless and confused.
When he finally released her, and thrust the roses into her hand, she managed a baffled smile. “Thank you, baby, but…what’s going on?”
“I’m sorry we argued yesterday,” he explained as he guided her over to the couch, “and I’m just glad you’re okay. I was so relieved when Raven called me this morning…you scared the shit out of me!”
She felt bad all over again, and it showed on her face. “I’m sorry my text wasn’t clearer, honey. I know you must have been worried.”
“Yeah.” He kissed her cheek. “But I called Joe, and he confirmed that you’d left with Raven. So I knew you were in good hands.”
“Well, it won’t happen again. I promise,” she mumbled sheepishly.
“As long as you’re home safe. That’s what counts,” he said firmly. “I’m sorry we argued yesterday. I hate it when we fight.”
“Me, too.” She mustered a smile. “Let me put these flowers in some water, so they don’t wilt.”
They didn’t have a vase, so she filled a large cup, and put it on their table. The card made her smile again, and she propped it against the cup. Then she sighed, because she needed to tell him about last night. Who knew how he’d react?
“Honey,” she murmured, returning to the living room, “I have something I need to tell you.”
“I have something to tell you, too,” he interrupted.
“Okay. Why don’t I go first?” she urged. “Then you can tell me your news.”
He didn’t want to disrupt their regained harmony, so he generously motioned for her to start.
She gulped, then confessed, “There’s no easy way to say this, so I’m just going to blurt it out.” The sudden concern that etched his face nearly made her wince. “I had sex with Raven last night. A lot of sex.”
His jaw dropped in stunned amazement, and she could tell he was trying to process what she’d just said as his eyes darted toward the window and then back again.
“Just Raven?” he finally asked. “No one else?”
She met his worried gaze directly, and nodded.
“Wow,” he finally murmured. “I didn’t know you were interested in girls.”
“I didn’t either,” she confessed with a sheepish smile. “It just sort of happened.”
She wasn’t ready to tell him about the drugs…and since she’d wanted Raven before she’d taken the Meth, those were separate issues anyway. She’d had fun last night with her best friend, and she wanted more; Tim would just have to accept it.
I’ll tell him about the drugs later…maybe.
The silence stretched on so long that her nerves began to hum. Finally she blurted, “Are you mad?”
“No,” he slowly replied. “I’m not mad. Mostly worried, but…” His lips suddenly twisted into a quirky smile, and he flushed with embarrassment.
“But?”
“I’m really turned on,” he admitted. “But more worried.”
“About what?” she persisted.
He swallowed hard. “Are you going to leave me for Raven?”
It was so unexpected that Crystal burst out laughing, then kissed his cheek. He looked so adorable as confusion, relief, and horniness combined on his face.
“No, silly,” she promised, then started laughing again, and had to cover her face with both hands. “I love you, and I’m not a lesbian.” She hugged him tightly. “I will never leave you. But I do like being with Raven,” she added quickly. “And I’d like to be with her again, if you’re okay with it.”
He was suddenly serious again. “Y’know, we had this thing going with Shane,” he said slowly, then held up both hands when she shot him an accusing glare. “I know, I know…it was mutual, and it was great. But I’m glad it’s over, because I worried I’d lose you to him.
“Now you’ve got this thing going on with Raven…which is fine…but I still worry about losing you.”
They’d had the same conversation before, so she understood his concerns. No way, she thought. Tim’s my future. Shane isn’t marriage material. True, he was gorgeous, and she’d definitely enjoyed having sex with him. But she’d never felt like she really knew him. And he’d obviously never wanted anything more than occasional sex.
Besides, Tim was everything she wanted in a husband and future father. He worked extremely hard, and she knew he’d be professionally successful. They had all the same hopes and goals, with one exception: he wanted lots of children, and she wasn’t ready for that yet. Between watching her mother’s ever-changing parade of lovers, and disgust at the prospect of being pregnant and fat, she wasn’t sure she’d ever want to have kids.
“You’ll never lose me,” she assured him, and clasped his hand. “I’ll be with you for as long as you want me.”
“So forever, then?” he asked, reassured.
She smiled. “Yes. Forever.”
It was a quiet renewal of their vows, and they sealed it with a gentle kiss. Then Crystal remembered that he had something to share, too, and leaned back to smile at him. “So what’s your news?”
His smile widened into a proud grin. “Well, your husband got a promotion, a raise, and…” He paused dramatically. “A bonus!”
“No way!” Thrilled, she clapped her hands, then locked him in another fierce hug and peppered his face and neck with kisses. “I’m so proud of you!”
“Can you believe it?” he marveled. “Just a few years ago, our refrigerator was almost empty, and you were working twelve-hour shifts just to keep us afloat. Yesterday I got a promotion, a sweet raise, and a freakin’ bonus!” Too excited to sit any longer, he rushed into the kitchen and grabbed his pay envelope. “Here you go, check it out!”
Her stunned expression thrilled him just as much as the bonus had. “Wow!” she gasped. “This is a lot of money.”
“The actual bonus was for $10,000, but after taxes, it comes to just over $6,000,” he informed her.
“You got a $10,000 bonus,” she repeated, awed.
It seemed to him, in that moment, that all his wishes had come true. He was a success, and his wife was proud of him. What more could any man ask for?
Gratefully he held her close, and enjoyed the feel and scent of her body as she cried on his shoulder. It was a different scent, and briefly he wondered if it was Raven’s perfume.
“What will we do with it?” she finally asked, drying her tears.
He lifted one shoulder in a diffident shrug. “I thought we’d add it to our down-payment fund.”
“Great idea!” They’d started saving for a new home a few months ago, and this bonus would really move them forward. “Can you imagine? A real home.”
“With a big back yard,” he agreed, picking up her train of thought.
“And a big bathroom…”
“…with a huge shower.” Then he added, with a big smile, “And a nursery.”
She wasn’t sure about the nursery, but the rest sounded great. Briefly she considered their future, and enjoyed the view.
They shared another kiss, and Tim was about to suggest heading into the bedroom, when she suddenly cocked her head in confusion. “So why the flowers?” she demanded.
A wry smile curved his lips. “Oh. Well, I felt bad about yesterday’s argument, and wanted to make it up to you. Plus I also have another bit of news. Well, not news, really…more of a solution.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Oh, a solution, huh? What’s the problem?”
His smile turned serious. “It’s about your job at the Ancient Mariner,” he said slowly. “I’m okay if you quit, on one condition.”
Crystal’s eyes lit up. “What’s the condition?”
“I want you to have the same schedule as Raven,” he explained. “I’ll feel much better about the whole thing if you work the same shifts.”
“Seriously?” She could hardly believe her ears. “Why the change of heart?”
He shrugged. “When I spoke to her this morning, she promised to watch out for you. And she reminded me that Joe and the other managers would do the same. She promised you’d be safe…and it really isn’t fair to ask you to work two jobs. You’re doing so well with dancing that we don’t need the restaurant income anymore.”
She studied him as he spoke, and reminded herself to thank Raven. She suspected her friend didn’t think much of him, so it meant even more that she’d made the effort.
That reminded her of last night, and she grinned widely as she reached for her purse. “Speaking of doing well at the club,” she laughed, and withdrew a thick wad of bills.
Tim’s eyes bugged. “Holy shit!”
“Here’s my contribution to our down-payment fund,” she bragged, and dropped the roll onto the coffee table.
He gulped. “How much?”
“Oh, about two thousand,” she replied smugly.
That made his gaze dart back in her direction. “Just lap dances?”
The question earned him a punch on the shoulder.
“Sorry,” he said quickly, and forced a laugh. “It’s just a lot of money for one night.”
She couldn’t be mad at him, and laughed. “I know. This big bunch of guys came in after the UFC fight, and they had money to spend. Plus it was late, and the club had been dead all evening, so a lot of the other dancers had already left. Raven and I had them all to ourselves.”
“Wow. Just wow!” he exclaimed, impressed. “Okay, you can definitely quit the restaurant.”
Thrilled, Crystal clapped her hands. “Thank you! I’ll turn in my notice tomorrow, and hopefully I’ll be able to quit right away.”
“Sounds good.”
Impishly she gestured at the money. “One guy was kind of cute. He offered me $5,000 to go home with him for the night.”
He knew she was just teasing him, but still… “I hope you were insulted,” he replied gruffly.
“I was,” she agreed, and flashed him a naughty grin. “I told him my overnight price was $15,000.”
He laughed along with her, but felt something twist just a little in his stomach. “Y’know, one of these days some guy is actually going to offer you $15,000 for one night. Then what are you going to do?”
“Call you,” she said immediately. “And give you directions to his house, so you can watch your wife collect fifteen grand the old-fashioned way.”
That made him burst out laughing. “God, I love you!”
She laughed, and shook her head. “You are such a guy. A slave to your penis.”
Tim couldn’t help flushing again. “It’s your fault. If you’d just refuse to indulge my fantasies, everything would be normal.”
Smiling, Crystal cupped his face in both hands, and drew him close for a passionate kiss. “I don’t want normal…I want you. And who says they’re only your fantasies?”
Whatever answer he’d been about to make was instantly forgotten. Smiling, he picked his wife up and carried her back to their bedroom.
Crystal lay in bed, listening to Tim’s steady breathing. He hadn’t been kidding about waiting up most of the night; only minutes after they’d finished making love, he’d been fast asleep.
Dreamily she thought back to the previous night, and a sultry smile curved her lips.
Raven was amazing. God, I can’t wait to get naked with her again!
They’d made love for at least two hours and Raven, recognizing the submissive side of her personality that Shane had revealed, had directed her with an intoxicating blend of patience and demanding. Crystal had loved every second of it. She shivered slightly as she remembered how Raven’s naked body had felt against hers, and how every erotic touch had only increased her desire.
The memory of how she’d responded to Meth was just as sharp and vivid in her mind. Everything had seemed clearer, sharper, and she’d felt a pleasurable energy that she’d never known. It had lasted so long, too!
But though the high had been fantastic, she still worried about losing control.
Drugs have always made me horny, but that Meth was freakin’ fantastic! Best high I’ve ever experienced. Holy shit, it just kept me going and going and going. I can’t believe I blew that guy last night. Damn, I need to be more careful. I’ll only use it when I need some energy.
Several times Raven had been forced to stop her from getting totally naked for those guys. That was partly why they’d tipped so well. A few of them had even slipped their fingers inside her while she was dancing for them.
Ugh! Fuck, what was I thinking?
She knew it had been wrong, but she just hadn’t been able to stop herself.
When Raven had left for a few moments to talk with Joe, Crystal had given in to the guy who’d offered her $5,000 to go home with him. She’d given him a fantastic blowjob, and let him finish in her mouth with no condom. His buddies had laughed and cheered her on, and Crystal had loved it. She’d always loved being watched while she performed for an audience, and she loved the overwhelming sensation when a man finished in her mouth.
Drugs removed all her inhibitions…but now, the day after, she was riddled with guilt.
Tim doesn’t need to know about the blowjob, or how I would have happily fucked that guy for free if Raven hadn’t stopped me. It won’t happen again.
Just thinking about how Meth had affected her was making her horny again. Grimacing, she rolled onto her side, and pressed her legs together. Though she was a bit alarmed by how powerfully it had controlled her, her concern was overshadowed by the longing to try it again.
I’m not an addict. Last night was my first time, and only using it once in a while won’t hurt me.
Since Tim didn’t approve of anything stronger than marijuana—and even then, only occasionally—she never kept drugs in their house, or in her car. And she didn’t indulge very often; she was only a recreational user. Hiding her occasional usage from him didn’t seem like that big a deal.
I’d like to try smoking Crystal Meth, she thought as she checked the time, then restlessly climbed out of bed again. If Raven will do it with me, I’ll try it. But only once!
Since she was up anyway, she wandered into the kitchen and started planning lunch. She’d visit the restaurant after she’d eaten, she decided, and turn in her notice. She looked forward to that conversation; though she liked them all, only working one job from now on would be so much nicer and easier!
She whistled to herself as she cooked, and looked forward to seeing Raven that night.
Everything seems to be falling into place for Tim and me.