Tim woke up early the next morning, and immediately noticed that Crystal was gone. He ran his hand over her side of the bed, and wondered if she was still upset with him.
She can’t still be pissed.
She had a temper, but it usually blew over quickly, and things went back to normal. Typically she woke him up with a kiss and an apology, but today…something was different. Feeling uneasy, he got dressed and walked softly out into the living room. She was still asleep in the couch.
God, she’s beautiful.
He tiptoed into the kitchen, and started making her favorite breakfast, French toast. Though he tried his best to be quiet, the sounds from the kitchen eventually woke her. He watched her stretch on the couch, and yawn as she tried to shake off the previous night. She smiled gratefully when he walked over with a cup of coffee, and placed it on the table in front of her.
“Good morning,” he said softly, and returned to the kitchen.
“Hey.” Sleepily she finger-combed her tousled hair, then sipped her coffee while he made breakfast.
He wasn’t sure what to say, so he focused on the task at hand. Hopefully she’d tell him what he’d done wrong. If not, he’d ask her once they sat down and ate.
Just as he was finishing the last of the French toast, he felt warm arms encircle him, and Crystal pressed against his back. He stopped, and held her hands against his chest. Her soft skin and the light vanilla scent of her body lotion were intoxicating.
Smiling, he turned around and hugged her. “I’m sorry, Crystal,” he whispered. “I didn’t mean to upset you last night.”
She sniffed against his neck, and he knew she was crying. “I’m sorry, too,” she said, and kissed his cheek. “I just get so crazy when I drink, and I haven’t smoked weed in a really long time.” Sheepishly she ducked her head. “I guess I forgot how it affects me. You’re a great husband, Tim. I’m sorry I’m such a wild-child when I start partying.”
“It’s okay, Crystal. Really.” He absolutely did not want her to use marijuana or become a stripper. But he knew if he didn’t apologize, things could escalate again. “Maybe I shouldn’t be so afraid to try new things,” he allowed. “Want some breakfast?”
“Absolutely.” She stepped back, and warmed him with a bright smile. “I’m starved. Let me go change.”
All was right with the world again. Smiling, Tim happily set the table. He was just pouring them both glasses of milk when she returned, and he almost dropped the carton. She was wearing a pair of sexy shorts, and a tight tank top that showed off her amazing curves. No matter how often she wore revealing clothing, he decided, he’d never get used to it.
She flashed him a wicked grin. “Are we eating, or what?”
Tim finally closed his mouth, and nodded.
“Damn, you’re a good cook,” she exclaimed as she popped a piece of French toast in her mouth. “Lots better than our cook at the Ancient Mariner!”
Her compliment made Tim smile. He did enjoy cooking. Unfortunately, no amount of compliments was going to distract him. “Do you want to talk about last night, baby?” he murmured, leaning forward to study her exquisite face.
Crystal sighed. “Yes and no.” She offered him a gentle smile. “I love you, and I don’t want to fight with you. I’m worried if we talk about last night, or our fantasy involving Shane, you’ll get upset.”
“I don’t want to fight either.” Gently he laid his hand on hers. “But I’d rather risk you getting upset than let these things go unresolved.”
That made sense, so she nodded and took a deep breath. “Okay. First, I want to talk about Rowdy’s suggestion. I’ve always wanted to try dancing or stripping or whatever. I think I’d be good at it, and we could use the extra money.”
Tim cocked his head to one side. “Honey, I just really worry about you stripping, and we don’t need the money that bad.”
“Yes, we do,” she insisted. “We’re getting by with your new job, but that’s all. You want to start college soon…and even with A&A’s help, we just can’t afford the tuition.” He didn’t look convinced, so she paused, then tried a new direction. “What worries you about stripping?”
What didn’t?
“Well, I worry that you won’t be safe,” he admitted, and gently squeezed her hand. “I worry that the men might mistreat you. And,” he continued uncomfortably, “I worry that our friends and family will find out. I mean, can you imagine dancing for Cliff? Or Damon?”
But the biggest reason had the power to chill him right to the core. “I also worry that I’ll lose you to someone else.”
She’d known that would crop up again, and found his insecurity as heartwarming as it was annoying. “Okay.” She nodded, and favored him with another smile. “That’s fair, and I worry about the same things. So I won’t dance for anyone who makes me uncomfortable, and that’s a promise. But if we addressed those concerns…”
She hesitated a moment, and studied him. “Would you be okay with me becoming a dancer?”
No!
Wearily he sighed. “You really want to try this, don’t you?”
“Yes.” She squared her shoulders, and met his worried gaze. “Besides, I’m going to be stuck here all by myself when you start school. I won’t have any company, or anything to do. I love you, Tim. You won’t lose me if I start stripping, I promise.”
Frustrated, he searched for some way to dissuade her, then shook his head in frustration. “Why stripping, Crystal? Why can’t you do something else?”
She could only offer him a lame shrug. “I don’t know. It’s something that’s always interested me…and we can use the money. Besides, you know I like to dance.”
He flashed her a sudden wicked grin, and she blushed.
“I don’t mind the attention, or wearing skimpy clothes,” she added, trying to think of more positive aspects that might convince him.
That made him laugh. “Yeah. I actually like that one.”
She tossed him a mock-glare. “I thought you would.”
Her reaction amused him, but too quickly his smile faded. “You need to know, up front, that I’ll probably never be comfortable with you stripping,” he said seriously. “But…if you can convince me you’ll be safe, and that we can keep this discreet…” He took a deep breath, then sighed, “I’ll find a way to deal with it.”
She squealed in delight, and clapped her hands. “Thank you soooo much! Oh, I love you, baby! Can we talk to Shane or Rowdy about it today?”
The pit in his stomach ramped up another queasy notch. “Maybe we should talk about Shane, too,” he murmured.
Her animation fled, and she looked carefully at Tim. Did he know, or suspect, what had happened Friday evening? She hadn’t told him, and she knew Shane hadn’t, either. What did it really matter, anyway, if they were going to be including him in their games soon?
“What do you mean?” she asked cautiously, and covertly held her breath.
His expression was bleak. “I mean, maybe we should choose. I’m okay with inviting Shane to join us, and I’ll probably get used to you being a stripper. I won’t be comfortable with it,” he confessed, avoiding her worried gaze. “But I’ll get used to it.
“But I can’t handle both at the same time. It makes me feel like there’s nothing left for me.” Helplessly he raked both hands through his hair, then leaned forward, trying to find the right words. “I just can’t take losing you, Crystal.”
His forlorn admission melted her heart. Smiling, she leaned across the table and kissed him. “I love you, Tim,” she whispered. “I promise you won’t lose me.”
She thought for a moment, trying to judge the best way to continue, then suggested, “Why don’t we try things with Shane first? I can wait to be a stripper.”
Of the two options, he definitely preferred sharing her with Shane. It was unusual, and definitely scary, but incredibly exciting. She was so beautiful and so uninhibited when she had sex that it was overwhelmingly erotic. He couldn’t deny that he wanted to watch her again, like he had in high school.
Suddenly she flashed him a teasing grin, and yanked him to his feet. “Let’s go fuck!” she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him in an exuberant hug. Then she spun around and pulled him into the bedroom.
Tim didn’t have a chance to speak after that, and simply enjoyed his good fortune.
Rowdy’s cell phone buzzed insistently on the table. Groggily he reached over, and checked the display. The name and number were familiar. He sat up, rubbing his face, and answered the phone.
“Yeah.”
“We need you in Austin. How soon can you get there?”
No pleasantries were exchanged; no names were mentioned.
He checked his watch. “Two hours, max,” he said. “Maybe a little longer, depending on traffic, but it shouldn’t be that bad today.”
“Call me when you get there, and I’ll give you more information,” the voice said. “How’d your meeting go?”
“No progress, boss. He still wants to be a civilian.”
“Understood. When you get to Austin, call me.”
The call ended, and Rowdy leaned back on the couch with a smile. It’s about fucking time.
Rowdy’s visit had served two purposes. First, the Lone Star Blades wanted Shane back, and since he was Shane’s best friend, he’d been sent down to persuade him. That had been fun, despite his failure. He wasn’t discouraged; he’d try again another time.
Now it was time for business—and that would be just as much fun. A business partner had balked at letting them use his facilities to store certain items for the club. The club needed him to send a message…to remind their reluctant business partner that their relationship wasn’t a fucking democracy.
It was a happy bonus that the business partner also owned the company where Shane worked. That gave them extra leverage against Shane.
As he stowed his bag of weed, he wished again that he could’ve fucked Shane’s sexy neighbor last night. She was hot, and just the right kind of crazy for him.
Next time, he thought as he headed back to wake Shane, I’ll put the hook in her myself, if I have to. A little more weed, maybe some coke or Meth, and that little honey will be mine. She’s definitely a party girl. Fuckin’ rural trailer park chicks will do just about anything if they think it’s glamorous or exciting…especially if there’s easy money in it for them.
If she needed chemical encouragement, he’d be happy to help her out.
“Shane.” He rapped on the bedroom door. No answer. “Shane!”
“Yeah.”
“I gotta go, man.”
A second later, the bedroom door opened. Shane nodded, and walked down the hall with him. “You all set?”
“Yeah, man. I’m good,” he replied easily.
“Okay, watch your ass.”
“Nah, it’s a milk run this time. I’m just delivering a message.” Rowdy stopped in the living room, and faced him. “Listen, man. Think about what I said, will you? The club wants you back, and you need to seriously consider it.”
Shane sighed. “Rowdy, I said no, and I meant it.”
“I hear you, and I respect it, man…but the club thinks differently. You know that. They’re not going to like your answer.”
“I know. I know.” Shane raked his hand through his hair, and sighed. “I’m just not ready yet.”
“Shane, I’m speaking now as your friend, okay?” Rowdy paused. “You need to get ready. Lobo wants to talk to you about restarting the manufacturing side of the business.” He clasped Shane’s shoulder, and earnestly met his eyes. “It won’t be me who visits you next time. It’ll be Lobo and the senior members.”
Shane stared at him for a full minute. He understood what Rowdy was telling him; it was clear as a bell. Finally he nodded, and clapped Rowdy on the shoulder. “Get going, bud. I’ll contact you soon.”
Rowdy smiled at him, and they bumped fists. “Cool. See ya.”
Shane watched him leave, and tried to shake the uneasy feeling Rowdy’s message had given him.
When he’d been released from prison, the club had told him to take as much time as he needed to get his head right. A small but growing part of him had hoped that he’d eventually be forgotten, so he could become a civilian.
Not going to happen. Rowdy had made that abundantly clear. Civilian life was not in his future. He’d have to rejoin the club sooner rather than later, and he knew it. Apparently they felt he’d already had ‘as much time as he needed.’
A cup of coffee, he thought. That’s what I need right now.
While he went about the serious business of making coffee, he considered what Rowdy had said.
Rejoining the club wouldn’t be a bad thing, he thought with a smile. Hell, it would be like coming home.
The Lone Star Blades had originated in north Texas, but they’d grown, and taken over most of central and west Texas. They owned bars and restaurants in most major Texas cities. Their primary clubhouse was south of Abilene, in a town called Brady. It was a small town, and the Blades basically had free reign there. Law enforcement left them alone. In return, they made sure that nothing, not even littering, was tolerated. Brady was the safest town in Texas.
He’d had good times with the Blades. The club provided freedom, money, protection, and anything else he’d ever need. The lifestyle was fucking amazing, too.
Wine, Women, and Song. That’s what the club offers.
But most of all, the club members weren’t just his friends; they were his family. And he missed them.
Still…
The lifestyle’s great, but I’m going to be the club’s drug guy again. Fuck, I can’t do another stint in prison.
He was less than thrilled about his future role with the Blades. Under his management, that side of the club had been wildly successful. They’d distributed a wide variety of drugs: marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine, of course…and Crystal Meth.
But they hadn’t just distributed it; they’d manufactured it, too. They made decent money distributing drugs. They made a shitload more manufacturing Crystal Meth themselves, and then distributing it.
That was Shane’s specialty; he knew a formula to cook chemically pure and extremely powerful Crystal Meth.
Shit got me sent to prison.
One of his distributors who also happened to be a customer had gotten arrested, and had given Shane up to avoid going to prison. The DA had offered to let him walk, too, if he’d implicate his fellow club members.
Yeah, right, like that was going to happen.
He’d have sooner committed suicide with drain cleaner than rat out his club, and the prosecutor had been quite happy to give him the maximum sentence. But Lady Luck and a good attorney had gotten him paroled after only serving five years. The club had considered him a Rock Star, and they’d protected him in prison.
Well, they’d tried, he thought. No such thing as 100% protection.
Now that he was free, they wanted their ‘Rock Star’ back, and running the drug operation again. Rowdy also wanted his best friend and constant companion wearing the club colors again.
As for the distributor who’d ratted him out? Rowdy. His specific job for the club had fit his personality perfectly. He’d helped the distributor disappear in a slow and extremely painful way.
Shane sat at his dining room table and sipped his coffee, enjoying the morning’s peace and quiet. The trailer wasn’t much, but it was his. His job didn’t pay much, and it was boring, but there was no risk of going back to prison. He’d even made some civilian friends.
He sighed and shook his head, because it looked like that part of his life would soon be over.
Soon, he thought. Rowdy’s right, the club won’t wait much longer.
“Hey, neighbor, what the heck is going on down here?”
Tim looked up from his grill, and smiled when Shane hefted a couple of six-packs. “Let me take one of those,” he chuckled.
Ten bottles went into the fridge. The other two clinked together as they raised them in a silent toast.
Crystal bounced into the kitchen, and beamed at Shane. “Hey, stranger!” she grinned, and wrapped both arms around his lean ribs.
He offered her a quizzical look that held just a hint of cautious warning. “Are we hugging now?”
“Yes.” She poked his chest. “You saved me last night, so you get a hug today.”
“Is that how it works?”
“Yep, that’s how it works,” she said brightly. “Tim and I also want to talk to you about something tonight.”
Outwardly Tim remained calm, but his heart rate spiked. “C’mon, I’ll save you,” he joked, and pushed Shane toward the door. “Let’s go burn some red meat.”
At the door, he stopped and glanced back at his wife. They shared a scared, excited look, and then she winked at him. He smiled back at her, and stepped outside. “I like mine medium-well, honey!” Her singsong voice faded quickly as Tim pulled the door shut.
Shane relaxed on one of the lawn chairs, sighed heavily, and took a long pull of his beer. “Damn, it’s nice to sit and just relax. A beer and the smell of a smoky grill. That’s all I need to be happy.”
“How you feeling this morning?” Tim asked as he laid the steaks on the grill.
“I’m good.” He stretched his arms. “I didn’t have that much to drink, and it takes a lot of alcohol to give me a hangover.”
“Experienced drinker, huh?”
He laughed. “You have no idea.”
Tim closed the lid, adjusted the air flow, and then took a seat next to Shane. They sipped their beers in silence for a few minutes. “I do want to say thank you again for helping Crystal,” he finally exclaimed. “I really appreciate it.” He looked down at his lap for a second before softly continuing, “I’m not much of a fighter. I never have been.”
“You’re welcome,” Shane said simply. He knew it wasn’t an easy thing for any guy to admit, but it sounded like Tim had a history of losing fights. The subject was obviously still painful.
Tim sipped his beer. “Anyway, it was nice to meet Rowdy. He seems like a good guy, and really calm under pressure.”
“He’s my best friend in the world,” Shane replied. “We’re closer than brothers, and we’ve gotten into more trouble together than I care to remember.”
“Is that right?” Tim smiled. “Sounds like you two have some good stories to tell.”
“Yeah. We’ve got a lot of stories, but it’s unlikely we’ll ever tell them,” he said, and winked at Tim. “No one would believe us anyway.”
The younger man laughed. “Well, when you see him again, tell him I said thanks.”
“I’ll do that.”
“Although I really wish he hadn’t suggested that Crystal try being a stripper. I could kill him for putting that idea in her head.”
Shane’s expression cooled. Tim noticed, and cocked his head. “What?”
Shane leaned forward. “I need you to listen to me carefully, okay?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“You’re right about Rowdy. He’s a great guy.” He pointed his beer bottle at Tim to reinforce his next words. “But don’t ever threaten him, not even if you’re joking. I’m completely serious.”
“Okay,” Tim gulped. “I was only kidding.”
“I know that. That’s why I’m telling you this now.” Shane leaned back in his chair again. “Rowdy’s like one of those trained circus animals…99% of the time, he’s entertaining and fun to be around. The other 1% of the time, he’s ripping people apart because he got pissed off. Rowdy will go from smiling and laughing straight to high-level violence in the space of a heartbeat. No warning, no pushing or shoving, and no trash talking.”
“Wow. I didn’t see that in his personality.”
“No one does. That’s what makes him so dangerous.” Shane finished his beer. “You shouldn’t have any issues with him. He knows you’re a friend of mine, and he’ll cut you some slack. But only a little, understand?” He clasped Tim’s shoulder in a friendly warning.
“Yes, I get it.”
“Good man.” Shane walked towards the trailer. “I’m going to get another beer, you want one?”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
Tim finished his beer, tossed it into the trash, and then checked on the steaks. The best thing to do, he resolved, was avoid Rowdy in the future. He hoped Crystal would, too.
The trailer door opened, and he heard her laughing with Shane as they joined him. “Gimme a beer, and what are you two laughing at?”
Crystal kissed his cheek before sitting down. “Shane was just teasing me about last night,” she said, and cheerfully flipped him off. “He asked me if I’d seen any big cowboys lately.”
“Oooh, shit,” Tim laughed.
Shane shrugged. “Might as well have some fun with it.”
“Well, I got to ride on the back of your Harley, anyway,” she grinned. “That was so much fun, it was almost worth it.”
“You like riding a motorcycle?”
“Hell, yes.” She blushed. “It was exciting…and the second best thing I’ve ever had between my legs.”
All three of them laughed hysterically. Shane was the first to recover. “Girls like bikes. It’s a fact.”
“Wow. I’ll have to get one,” Tim mocked.
Crystal didn’t pick up on his sarcasm, and eagerly nodded. “That would be so cool, Tim. You and Shane could ride together.”
“Yeah. Well, maybe Shane will teach me how to ride the damned thing.”
The biker laughed. “If you get one, Tim, I’ll show you how to ride.”
“Cool. Thanks.”
He got up to turn the steaks, and Crystal turned to Shane. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure, Crystal.”
“You remember last night when Rowdy talked about me possibly being a stripper?”
Shane glanced cautiously at Tim before answering. “Yes. Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?”
“No.” She shot a quick glance in Tim’s direction, and nearly vibrated with suppressed excitement. “That’s something different, but I want to talk about stripping first. Is what Rowdy said true? Can strippers really earn that much money?”
Shane nodded. “A popular stripper can easily earn $1,000 or more a night.”
“Wow.” Her eyebrows rose. “Just for dancing? Nothing else?”
What could he say that wouldn’t cause trouble with Tim? “You need to understand something about stripping,” he finally sighed. “There’s a fine line between a lap dance and having sex with a customer.”
Tim’s forehead creased in a worried frown. She was hanging on Shane’s every word…and the more he talked, the more excited she was becoming. Who’d have guessed she’d be so enthralled with the idea?
Maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise. Remember her history?
That was high school. Crystal’s changed since then.
Doesn’t look like she’s changed that much.
He refocused on their conversation. “It’s common for customers to ask for more than a lap dance,” Shane was saying, “and most are willing to pay for it.”
Crystal giggled. “Really?”
“Oh yeah,” he chuckled. “It happens all the time, and a lot of strippers out there will have sex for money.”
Her eyebrows rose. “In the club?”
“Yes, in the club.” He sipped his beer. “Although the club managers generally forbid that type of activity, because the club can get busted. In the VIP areas, though, there isn’t a lot of supervision. That’s where lines get crossed.”
“Okay, so no lap dances in the VIP area,” Tim piped in.
Crystal glared at him for interrupting, but Shane only laughed. “Tim, the VIP areas are where strippers, and the club, make the most money.”
His voice was full of disbelief. “What?”
“Wait a second. Are you seriously telling me that you’ve never been to a strip club? Either of you?”
They both shook their heads.
“Holy shit.” He looked stunned. “Well, you should definitely check one out before you start working as a stripper,” he said, and angled a sly smile at Tim. “You should get a lap dance or ten.”
Then he snapped his fingers. “Actually, you two should go on amateur night, and Crystal could get on stage.”
She leaned forward. “Really?”
“Yep.” He sipped his beer. “Most strip clubs have an amateur night or something similar, and they let almost anyone dance on stage.”
“Cool,” Crystal exclaimed.
Tim looked over at his wife. “Cool?”
“We talked about this earlier.” Crystal leaned over, and patted his knee. “Besides, we’ll both talk to the manager, and discuss our concerns. It’s a good thing, baby.”
“Yeah, whatever.” Tim wasn’t buying it…although the idea of going to a strip club did sound fun.
Before she could get too carried away, Shane lifted a warning hand. “Stripping isn’t glamorous, Crystal. Strippers work hard, and they have to deal with guys who are rough, unclean, sweaty, rude, and obnoxious. You name it. Some men even try to steal from strippers.”
She nodded eagerly, but didn’t seem to be getting the point. Exasperated, he continued, “It’s not just the customers. The other strippers can be rough, too, and extremely territorial.”
“No way!”
“Oh, yeah,” he insisted. “It’s all about the money. If a stripper starts losing her customers to another stripper, it can get really ugly. In some clubs, new strippers have been assaulted and beaten by other ones.”
That got through to her, and she put a hand to her mouth. “Oh, my God.”
“It’s a rough and tumble business, Crystal. You should think long and hard before deciding. Honestly, it’s not all hearts and flowers and money.”
Tim smiled gratefully at him. “So how come you know so much about it, Shane?”
The older man sipped his beer, and then smiled. “Let’s just say I spent a lot of time in strip clubs while I was drifting.”
“Ahhh.” Shane had an extremely colorful past, he thought, and it would make a great story…but he wasn’t willing to talk about it. He avoided the temptation of probing by checking the steaks, then pulling them off the grill. Crystal had made a nice salad and mashed potatoes, so they ate outside, and enjoyed the lovely midsummer night.
Shane switched to whiskey after dinner, and curiously looked at them over the rim of his glass. “So what else did you guys want to talk to me about?”
Tim immediately flushed, and took a long pull on his beer. Crystal blushed, too, but her eyes brightened with excitement as they darted between her husband and her potential lover. Silence reigned as they glanced at each other several times, neither wanting to answer Shane’s question.
Finally Tim cleared his throat. “Shane,” he started, and then exhaled loudly. “You’re a good person, and you saved Crystal the other night. We both like you a lot, and…”
“Jesus, Tim. What the fuck? You sound like you’re giving a speech or something! Are you breaking up with me?” Shane laughed.
Crystal giggled nervously, and Tim’s face turned crimson. “Damn, Shane, there just isn’t an easy way to say this, so give me a break.”
“Say what?”
“Crystal and I want you to join us,” he said carefully, and then clarified, “in our bedroom.”
Shane’s mouth dropped open for one brief second before he filled it with another long gulp of whiskey. Crystal and Tim continued to exchange brief embarrassed, excited glances.
The silence stretched out so long that Crystal’s expression evolved from excited to worried, and then to mildly insulted. “It’s okay, Shane,” she said softly, and looked down at her lap. “If you’re not interested, that’s fine. We’re sorry if we made you uncomfortable.”
That made him chuckle. “It’s not that I’m not interested,” he assured them, and vigorously shook his head. “Believe me, I’m interested.”
“But?”
“But…” He looked at Tim rather than Crystal. “This type of thing can spin out of control. It sounds fun and easy, but once the clothes come off and emotions get involved, it can get awkward and ugly really fast.”
“You’ve done this before?” she asked curiously.
His reply was vague. “I’ve been in situations where there were more than two people involved, yes. It was fun…a lot of fun…but everyone understood it wasn’t serious. No one was looking for a relationship, and no one was married.”
“We’ve talked about it for a while, Shane,” Tim replied quietly. “We wouldn’t make this offer to just anyone. We’re not swingers.”
“I understand, Tim, and thank you,” he nodded. “I almost wish you were, though, because then you’d have some idea of what to expect.”
“Well, we’re not,” Crystal interjected. “Are you interested or not?” She was obviously starting to take it personally.
She didn’t have any experience with men turning her down; it had never happened before. Shane’s response had the predictable effect on her. Now she wanted him even more.
“I told you, Crystal. I am interested, very interested…but I don’t want to rush into anything. No matter what happens, I’ll still be single, so I’m not risking anything. You two are the ones risking everything.”
“It’s just sex, Shane,” she insisted. “That’s all.”
“Is it?”
“It is for me,” Tim said quickly.
“And for me,” Crystal added a second later. “Shane, I’m not ever going to leave Tim. Yes, this is just sex. It’s a harmless fantasy of ours, and we deliberately asked the one person we know and trust.”
He looked at both of them for a long moment, then sheepishly grinned, and his gaze slid toward Tim. “Dude, I don’t want to hurt your feelings or anything, but we need to be clear about something important.”
“Clear about what, Shane?”
“I’m straight, Tim…100% straight. My time in prison didn’t change that at all.”
That hadn’t even occurred to them. Crystal burst out laughing, and after one embarrassed second, Tim joined in. Shane narrowed his eyes, and scrutinized them.
“I’m straight, too,” Tim assured him after he’d finally caught his breath. “I just want to watch. That’s all.”
“You don’t want to join?”
“Honestly, no. I just enjoy watching Crystal. It’s a long story, but trust me, I’m completely straight.”
“Okay.” Shane nodded, and then laughed loudly. “Wow. Holy shit! I expected dinner and drinks tonight, but you two surprised the crap out of me. That’s not easy, believe me.”
Their answering laughter was mixed. Crystal’s was excited, Tim’s was nervous, and Shane’s was full of anticipation.
“So what happens next?” Tim asked.
Shane and Crystal looked at each other, and then he responded confidently, “What happens next is that you wait out here for at least fifteen minutes. Give us time to get settled and started, and then you can come on in. You need to be quiet, though, okay?”
“Uh, okay,” he replied uncertainly.
Crystal reached over, and stroked his arm. “It’s okay, baby.”
Shane rose, and offered her his hand. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” she responded softly. “I’m ready.”
Tim watched them walk inside, holding hands, and promptly sucked down the rest of his beer. Then he took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm his pounding heart and keep his hands from shaking.
He threw his empty bottle into the trash, and fished out another one from his little Igloo cooler. Sitting back down was out of the question; he was too nervous, too jacked up to sit quietly, and he paced slowly from one end of his little yard to the other.
When he’d paced for what seemed like forever, he fiddled with his grill, drank his beer, and tried to avoid staring at his wrist watch. Only five minutes had passed, but it felt like fifty.
As he tried to stay occupied, a single thought kept running through his mind:
What have I done?
Rowdy parked his bike at a friendly biker bar. The parking lot was crowded with Harley motorcycles, so he decided to make his call outside.
“Boss. I’m in Austin.”
“Go see our friend, and remember what we talked about, Rowdy. Scared, not hurt or injured.”
“I got it, boss. He’ll shit his pants, but he’ll be fine.”
“Good. He also needs to make sure Shane gets laid off. I don’t care how he does it, but within the next four months, Shane needs to get a pink slip.”
“Seriously, boss?” Rowdy asked quietly. “I think Shane will come around on his own.”
“We’re sick of waiting, Rowdy. The club needs him, and he’s had enough time to get his head right.”
“Why wait four months, though, boss? Why not just have the guy fire Shane right away?”
“He’s not stupid, Rowdy,” Lobo replied forcefully. “If Shane gets fired so soon after your visit, he’ll know the Blades were responsible. If we give our friend four months, then he can come up with some legit business reason to let Shane go.”
Rowdy sighed. “Yeah, okay, Lobo.”
“Get it done, Rowdy. Then get your ass back here. I have some more work for you.”
“Yes, sir!”
Rowdy slipped the phone back into his jacket and sat on his bike, staring off into space. So the Lone Star Blades were going to get Shane fired, laid off, whatever. He wanted his friend back with the club, too, but he’d have preferred Shane to make the decision himself. Lobo and the other senior members obviously felt differently.
“It’s not a fucking democracy, Rowdy,” he muttered to himself. Sighing, he slipped his helmet back on, and started his Harley. Lobo needed him back, so getting a beer with friends was out of the question.
Time to go kick some ass!
Finally! Crystal thought eagerly. I’ve wanted to fuck him ever since we met.
She led Shane into her bedroom. As soon as the door closed, Shane roughly pulled her close, and pressed his mouth against hers. Their tongues slipped passionately into each other’s mouths, and Crystal reveled in the feel of his stubble against her cheek, and his masculine scent. He pulled off his shirt, and she ran her hands slowly over his muscular chest and shoulders. His clearly-defined abs fascinated her, and she stroked them with trembling fingers.
“Your body is perfect,” she whispered.
A confident, satisfied smile curved his lips. “I’m glad you like it. Now show me yours.”
Crystal shivered briefly at his commanding tone. She’d always loved it when her lovers took control. Not all of them had, but the more dominant ones had triggered something extra in her.
She stepped back, and slowly slipped her shirt off, enjoying the look in his eyes as she slid her shorts down her legs.
“Very nice.”
Her bra was next, sliding off her shoulders and falling to the floor. Crystal held an arm over her breasts, teasing him with a naughty smile. Then she turned her back on him, and slid her panties over her hips, bending over slowly.
She peeked over her shoulder as she guided her lacy panties down her legs. Raw, pure lust radiated from his taut body when she gradually straightened.
“Come here.”
Two words. Only two words, but they sliced right into Crystal’s soul, and she quivered with delight as she eagerly obeyed.
Shane ran his hands over her breasts, kneading her nipples between his thumb and forefingers. Her moan was loud and urgent, and her head fell back as she gasped for breath, and enjoyed the sensations he created in her body.
His voice, low and firm, washed over her again. “Undress me.”
Quickly she knelt in front of him, fumbling with the buttons on his shorts. Seconds seemed like minutes, and she almost popped the buttons before she ripped his fly open, and slid the shorts down to his ankles. Without waiting for instructions, she grabbed his boxer briefs, and firmly tugged them down.
Shane’s cock sprang out at her, completely hard and pointing right at her face.
Hmmm. I do like this cock, she thought immediately.
A slut in high school, she’d seen more than her share of cocks, and Shane’s was just the right size: big enough to enjoy without being hurt or sore afterwards.
His hand slid around her neck and pulled firmly; his cock slid into her mouth, then down into her throat. She easily accommodated his entire length, and her nose pressed against his skin. She liked the light scent of soap mixed with cologne, and the way his pubic hair tickled her slightly.
He held her close for several seconds before releasing her and letting her pull back. Crystal took a deep breath, and continued her assault on his delicious member. Her head bobbed easily on his erect shaft, and she enjoyed the feeling of his hard flesh in her mouth. The salty taste of pre-cum coated her tongue, and she placed her hands on his hips and pulled herself forward, taking all of his cock into her mouth and throat again.
“That’s enough!” he suddenly rasped. “You’re going to make me cum.”
Crystal chuckled, and gazed up at her lover. “I want to make you cum, Shane. That’s the whole point.”
“No. The point is for me to fuck you in front of your husband,” he said roughly. “Now get on the bed.”
He yanked off his shoes and socks, and slid onto the bed next to her. Their hands explored each other’s naked bodies, gently probing and caressing. They were finally getting the chance to do what they’d secretly desired since they’d first met.
Crystal pushed him onto his back, and started kissing her way down his body, starting with his neck and moving over his muscular chest. She lightly bit each nipple, making him groan. Then she moved over his stomach, enjoying the rippled ridges of his abdomen, and spent more time on his tasty cock.
Distantly she heard the floor creak and sensed, rather than saw, Tim step quietly into the room. Shane’s gaze flicked briefly over to the corner; then he focused again on the naked, gorgeous blonde above him.
Their eyes met, and she knew just what he wanted from her. Eagerly she straddled him, guided his rock-hard cock under her, paused briefly, and then slid him inside her. A loud moan escaped her as the pleasure of his penetration surged through her. After a second, she lowered herself slowly, allowing him to fill her fully.
That other time, back in high school, she hadn’t realized Tim was watching her. This time she knew, and knowing she was putting on a show made everything seem incredibly erotic. She soon forgot about her husband, though, as stunning pleasure occupied all her attention.
She moved up and down, and braced herself against Shane’s muscular chest. Slowly she rode him, then faster, and soon she was bouncing on top of him with reckless abandon. Her moans and cries filled the room as she lost herself in the delicious sensations.
The climax that burst within her shook her entire body, and she dizzily fell forward. She’d never realized how exciting it would be to finally live out their fantasy…and getting to fuck Shane, too… Oh, God! Breathlessly she panted on his chest, and enjoyed feeling his muscular body beneath and inside her. He was still hard, and she didn’t want to move.
“You okay?” he murmured.
She nodded, but didn’t move yet; she needed a little more time. Gently he brushed the hair back from her face, and slid his hands over her back. “God, that was good!” she finally whispered.
He chuckled. “I’m glad you liked it. Need to stop?”
“No!” Then she anxiously met his steady gaze. “But I thought you were ready to cum. Do you need me to do something differently?”
“Are you kidding? It was fantastic, and I was biting my tongue the entire time, trying to hold back my own climax. You’re fine, Crystal.”
Reassured, she grinned down at him. “Good, because I’m not done with you, mister. How do you want me now?”
He flashed her an equally wicked smile. Then he pushed her off, and moved behind her.
“I love this position,” she moaned as he thrust inside her. His grip was like iron as he plunged hard inside of her. It was hot, hard, and primal, and she needed it that way so badly. The sensation of being used, being dominated, touched a deep well inside her, and she reveled in Shane’s fucking.
“Here I come, bitch!” he gasped, and thrust painfully hard this time. She felt him release inside of her, and it triggered another orgasm in her own quivering body. They both shuddered as pleasure shot through their bodies, and the delicious release rolled through them.
Shane held her hips tightly until he was finally spent and growing soft. Then they both sagged onto their backs, and Crystal noticed a towel laying on the bed next to her. She smiled, and slid it beneath her.
That’s just like Tim. He’s so thoughtful.
She looked around for her husband, but he was no longer in the bedroom. Before she could call his name, Shane laid a hand on her arm.
“He’s in the bathroom,” he said quietly.
“Oh. Is he okay?”
“I think so. I didn’t get a good look, but I think he was going in there to, ah, take care of himself.” He winked, and made quotation marks in the air.
Crystal giggled. Then she stared at him with a wide, curious expression.
“What?”
Quickly she shook her head. “Nothing.”
“C’mon, Crystal, out with it. What’s on your mind?”
She sighed softly, and ran her hand over his chest. “I was just wondering if our sex was good for you or not. You haven’t said anything, and I can’t read you very well.”
Disbelief colored his voice. “Seriously? Isn’t that a guy thing?” But he choked back his amused chuckle when he saw that she was serious. “It was great…fantastic…mind-blowing!”
Instant relief transformed her face. “Good. Want to do it again?”
“Yes,” he admitted, “but shouldn’t we talk it over with Tim first?”
She quickly nodded. “Of course, but I wanted to make sure you still wanted me. If you weren’t interested, there wouldn’t be any point to talking with Tim.”
“Good point…but what if he doesn’t want to continue?”
That hadn’t even occurred to her before, and it was a disturbing thought. “I don’t know.”
Tim chose that moment to poke his head into the room. His expression was embarrassed, hopeful, and worried all at the same time. “Everything okay?”
Smiling, she sat up and motioned him into the room. “C’mon in, Tim. It’s okay.”
“Yeah, Tim, get in here.”
“Cool. I wasn’t sure if you two were done or not.”
Shane and Crystal exchanged a look, and it was obvious they were thinking the same thing. Then she shook her head. “Yes, honey. We’re done.”
“Give me a minute, Tim, and I’ll get out of here.”
“Uh, okay. Cool, man.”
He sat down next to Crystal, and kissed her. She flashed him a dazzling smile, and whispered, “Thank you, baby.”
“You’re welcome.”
“And thank you for the towel,” she added. “I’m going to go clean up.”
Shane was up already, and almost dressed. “Tim, walk me back to my trailer?”
“Sure, I was thinking the same thing. I’ll be right back, Crystal,” he shouted through the bathroom door as he left the trailer.
They were silent most of the way. Finally Shane looked at the younger man. “You okay?”
Tim shrugged, and kept his eyes on his feet.
“C’mon, Tim, talk to me.”
The younger man sighed, and it was a full minute before he looked over and responded, “I’m honestly not sure, Shane.” Then he shrugged again. “I mean, I enjoyed watching you two together. I just feel like…”
“Like?”
“I feel like this is the beginning of the end. Like it’s the night before the Titanic sinks, and everyone’s partying and having a good time, but tomorrow they’re going to smack a huge iceberg, and their lives will change forever.” He fell silent again, then looked at Shane. “Am I making any sense?”
“Yeah, man,” Shane softly replied. “You’re making sense.”
Once they reached his trailer, he leaned against his Camaro. “Look, Tim, let’s make a deal. Man to man.”
“Okay.”
“No matter what happens between the three of us, I will not make a play for Crystal. I don’t want a girlfriend, and I’m definitely not looking for a wife.” He took a deep breath. “The last thing I need right now is some sort of relationship…so this thing tonight, well, it works perfectly for me.”
“It’s just a sex thing?” Tim asked hopefully.
“Just a sex thing. Crystal wouldn’t do it, but even if she threw herself at me, I’d still walk away. I do not want to take your wife away from you.”
Tim softly exhaled. “Well, that makes me feel better. A lot better.” He looked away for a second, and then faced Shane. “You don’t think less of me, do you?”
Shane chuckled. “People come in different shades and flavors, Tim. Some people liked to be slapped, others like to be tickled, and some people just want to watch the show. No, I don’t think less of you. We’re all good, pal.”
“Cool. That’s important to me, too.”
“I hear you. As far as I’m concerned, this is a once-in-a-while deal where you two call the shots. I won’t put any pressure on either of you. You two can also call it quits, for any reason, at any time, and I’ll be cool with it.”
“Thanks, Shane.”
“You’re welcome. Now go home, and be with Crystal. I have a feeling she’ll need you to comfort her tonight.”
“Think so?”
“Yeah, I think she’ll be feeling as vulnerable as you are right now.”
“Cool. See you later, Shane.”
When Tim stepped back inside his trailer, Crystal was waiting for him on the couch. The door had barely closed before she launched herself into his arms. She clung to him, crying softly, and whispering ‘thank you’ repeatedly. “I love you, I love you, I love you,” she kept whispering. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
He smiled, and held the woman he’d loved since grade school. As long as they could always make it back to this point, he’d put up with just about anything.
When he guided her over to the couch, they sat next to each other, holding hands.
“Are you okay, Tim?” she asked. “Are we okay?”
He nodded slowly. “Yeah. I’m okay, and I think we’re okay, Crystal.”
“You still love me?” Her voice dripped with nervousness and vulnerability. This was the point where most of the boys in high school had broken up with her, calling her lots of names, and then made up stuff to tell their friends. Though she’d graduated several years ago, she still worried Tim would say those same things to her, especially now.
“Of course I still love you. I’ll always love you, Crystal. Nothing can ever change the way I feel about you.”
“Promise?”
He smiled at his childhood crush. “Yes, baby, I promise.”
Every bone in her body melted with cool relief. Then she grinned shyly at him. “Sooooooo. What did you think?”
“I don’t know, Crystal.” His reply was deliberately evasive. “I’m still processing everything. Why? I take it you liked it?”
“Yeah, I did. It was fun, different, and something I could share with you,” she said softly, and leaned over to kiss his cheek. “That’s what made it special for me. I could share it with you.”
“Share it with me?” he teased. “I wasn’t in bed with you.”
Exasperated, she lightly slapped his thigh. “Stop it. You know what I mean.”
“Yeah. I guess I do.”
“Tell me what you’re thinking, Tim, please?”
“I’m thinking a lot of things,” he admitted. “My mind’s going a thousand miles an hour.”
“Well, start wherever you want, but don’t you think we should talk about it?”
“Yeah. Okay.” He ran his hands over his face, and then looked at her. “I enjoyed it. It was just like the first time, only this was better, because you knew I was there, and you were okay with it.”
Then he stood and paced across the living room. “I mean, I know I shouldn’t like it. I know it’s crazy to share someone as gorgeous as you with another man. It’s wrong on all sorts of levels.”
“But?” she murmured.
“But I liked it. I loved it! It was erotic, and sexy, and amazing, and fun.” He flushed bright red. “It’s also embarrassing as hell.”
“Why is it embarrassing?”
“Because, damn it!” Frustration colored his voice. “Another man is fucking my wife, and I’m watching, and I’m liking it. Not exactly alpha-male behavior. Maybe it’s a guy thing, but that’s fucking embarrassing!”
Crystal stood up, and hugged him tightly. “Baby, I don’t want an alpha-male. I’ve had enough of those, and frankly, they suck as boyfriends and husbands.”
“Yeah, but they’re fun in the sack, aren’t they?”
“Knock it off, Tim,” she grimaced, and pulled him back over to the couch. “This was a fantasy you and I shared, and it had nothing to do with Shane. We picked him because we’re close to him, but it could have been anyone else.”
“Cliff?” he quickly countered.
“Hell, no!” She laughed, and then confessed, “How do I say this? Cliff is, ummmm, small. All his muscles are big, except the one that counts.”
That made him laugh, and slap his leg. “Seriously?”
“Seriously,” she giggled. “You’re bigger than him, and you’re basically the same size as Shane. You don’t suffer at all in that department.”
It’s what all men need to hear, she thought as she kissed him. Shane’s a little bigger, but Tim’s not small, and he is bigger than Cliff. It’s weird how men can be so muscular everywhere but down there.
“Thank you, Crystal.”
“You’re welcome. Now, what else are you thinking?”
“Ummmm.” He thought aloud. “It’s more fun and erotic before I cum than afterwards. Wow, I wasn’t prepared for how my emotions would change once I finished in the restroom.”
“Why do guys do that, anyway?” she asked.
“I can’t explain it, baby, but after a guy climaxes, it’s like their whole personality changes or something,” he shrugged. “Anyway, after we were all finished, there was this emotional low. It’s hard to explain.”
“What can I do to help you?”
“I honestly don’t know. I like the way you hugged me tonight, and said that you loved me.” His voice was soft, vulnerable. “I need to hear that, Crystal. It’s important.”
“I love you, Tim,” she repeated. “I’ll always make a point of being close to you afterwards. Okay?”
“Okay. So we’re doing it again?”
“I’d like to,” she admitted. “I think we can handle it. Don’t you?”
“Yeah, I think so. Will you stop if I become uncomfortable?”
“Of course, baby. It’s no fun for me unless I can share it with you.”
Not exactly true, but…
“How about birth control?” he asked.
“I’m already on the pill,” she replied, not quite certain what he meant.
“Okay, how about condoms for Shane,” he stated more clearly. “We don’t know his history, and he’s been in prison, Crystal. I think we played with fire tonight, and he should probably use condoms in the future.”
“Good point. I don’t think we have anything to worry about, but it’s a good point.” she nodded. “I wonder if he’d mind getting tested.”
“I damn sure don’t want to ask him,” Tim said heatedly. “Guys don’t do that, Crystal.”
She chuckled. “Men. You’re such fragile creatures. Don’t worry, Tim. I’ll talk to him about it; until then, we’ll use condoms.”
“You’d prefer he didn’t wear one, don’t you?” he countered.
She blushed. “Yes. Sorry, but it’s more intimate, and I like the way it feels when you finish inside me.”
He nodded. “Okay. So how often are you thinking we should get together with Shane?”
“No idea,” she admitted with a shrug. “I enjoyed tonight, and I want to do it again, but I don’t want it to come between us. I guess maybe a few times a week?”
“Let’s play it by ear,” he advised. “I think three times a week is more than enough…almost too much, actually, since we live so close to one another.”
“Fine,” she agreed with a happy smile. “We’ll keep it to two times a week, three at a maximum.”
Suddenly he laughed. “Listen to us. A married couple planning how many times their friend can come over and join them in the bedroom. It’s a weird conversation to be having.”
“Weird, maybe, but fun, right? Lots of fun?”
“Yeah. It was fun,” he agreed, and then looked soberly at her. “Almost like playing with fireworks. It’s fun, until it’s not, and then you’re usually burned beyond recognition.”
Crystal rolled her eyes. “Whatever, Mr. Dramatic. We’ll be careful, we’ll talk to each other, and we’ll communicate constantly. We’ll be fine, Tim.”
“We’d better be.” His reply was soft, but completely serious. “I can’t lose you, no matter what happens. I need you in my life.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Tim. Ever.”
She led him back to their bedroom, and they held each other and made love until they fell asleep.
Surprisingly, their lives slid into their normal routine the next day, and little was said about their night with Shane. Crystal kissed him gently before he left for work, and told him she loved him several times.
Tim had thought he’d be totally preoccupied, but he was able to focus on his job without any difficulty. Maybe things really will be okay, he thought when he headed home that evening.