Page 23 of Riding Through Life

“Damn, where have you been all my life?” Pearl's husky voice captures our waiter's attention.

“Baby, I’ve been here ready to serve you fine ladies.” We all cheer, while he winks at Pearl and I swear there are hearts in her eyes. But I know better, she has a thing for Tiny, who only uses her when he needs to take the edge off. She lets him so it’s not my business what she wants to do and with whom.

I give the waiter our drink orders and he saunters off, putting a flirtatious sway in his hips. He knows how to use what his mama gave him and for that, he’ll get great tips tonight.

After chatting and drinking for a while, I’m starting to feel tipsy but don’t let it stop me from having fun. The dancers on stage are wearing beautiful black corsets with glittery sequins, black gloves made from the same material, stockings, black heels and a black top hat. Each time they move, the sequins glitter under the lights. Each dance they perform is sensual and beautiful, not tacky. The slow jazz they’re dancing to mesmerizes each person and pulls them into the dance they’re performing. Their dance entrances me so muchthatI don’t notice we have more people sitting at our table. Not until strong hands grip my waist and pull me onto his lap.

“Is that turning you on, Tiger?” Aftermath growls into my ear and sends chills down my spine. Already turned on and tipsy, all rational thoughts leave my head as I lean into Aftermath. His strong hands roam up and down my sides while his breath heats my skin.

“Hmm…” I answer. Turning in his lap so my legs are straddling Aftermath’s hips, we’re groin to groin and I can feel his erection pressing against me. I slowly dance to the music surrounding us, grinding and moving against him. Aftermath groans and presses his hips into mine on each thrust. It’s intimate and intoxicating. Once the song is finished, I lean into Aftermath, pressing my lips to his.

“Whew, I need a cold shower after that show.” Nadia fans her face.

My face turns red from embarrassment and I try to move off Aftermath’s lap, but he tightens his grip on my hips. “You’re not going anywhere, Tiger.”

“I have to use the bathroom, Aftermath.” I wink and his sexy deep laugh penetrates my soul.

“Ok, Tiger, but if you’re not back here in ten minutes, I’m coming to get you.” Aftermath nips the sensitive skin on my neck before releasing me.

“Make it five and you have a deal.” Nadia, Danyella and I head toward the bathrooms at the back of the club.

Aftermath chuckles darkly, his intense gaze watching me walk away. I put an extra sway in my hips, knowing it drives him crazy. The three of us do our business and head back to our table.

“Thank you, ladies,” I say putting my arms around Danyella and Nadia’s waists. “You have made this night fantastic and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

“I wish I knew what was happening between the two of you when you left,” Nadia responds, putting her arm around me. “I tried to call you several times but it kept going to voicemail and Red wouldn’t give me any answers.”

“Same here. I don’t know what was wrong with your phone or if it was ours but none of my texts or calls would go through to you.” Danyella reiterates. “We tried for a few days and any time we asked, Capone would say everything was fine and not to worry.” Danyella snorts. “Weren’t they wrong? I’ll bet they will never make the mistake of brushing us off again.”

“Everything was fine until the third day. I was getting messages, just not from any of you.” I stop walking, halting Nadia and Danyella. “Do you think that bitch had anything to do with it?” Shaking my head, I continue. “There’s no way she’s a petty dancer. How would she have the ability to block my phone from incoming messages or calls except from her.”

“Wait,” Danyella looks around before speaking. “You were getting messages from her?” She whisper shouts.

“Yeah. That’s how I found out all the misinformation I had about her and Aftermath. It still boils my blood knowing I believed her lies. When no one else reached out, I thought it was true, but I should have known better.”

“Well, it’s all in the past and she’s going to stay there.” Nadia squeezes my shoulders. “I fired her and kicked her ass out the door. If she shows up, I’ll gladly do it again. No one fucks with my best friend.”

“Here, here!” Danyella chants.

We walk back to our table and I stop dead in my tracks. Aftermath is at the bar, getting more drinks and next to him is none other than Lynn, nursing a drink. Her blonde hair is piled high on top of her head and she’s doing whatever she can to get Aftermath’s attention. He keeps brushing her off but she is still trying. She’s wearing the sluttiest clothes I’ve ever seen and I’ve been around plenty of Patch Bunnies and strippers. Her boobs are close to popping out of a skimpy pink tank top and her v-jay is practically kissing the floor in the shortest skirt I’ve ever seen. Her heels will trip over it if she moves.

Having enough of Lynn’s bullshit, I release Nadia and Danyella and head straight for her. I clock her upside the head, knocking the slut off her stool before she even sees me coming. Lynn tries standing up, but I knock her back down with a kick to the stomach. All the rage, anger and frustration built up inside of me comes rushing out.

I straddle her chest and begin raining blow after blow on her face and body. She pulls my hair and claws at my arms, but I don’t stop. Not until a strong set of arms yanks me up. I kick and fight with whoever has a hold of me, kicking Lynn in the face in the process.

“Tiger, put your claws away.” Aftermath demands. His grip is strong and commanding around my waist. I finally stop fighting, all the adrenaline leaves my body.

“Shit.” I groan.

“Shit is right. We’ve got to get out of here.” Aftermath explains.

As soon as the words leave his lips, the police come barging in with their guns drawn. The dancers stop what they’re doing, the lights are turned up and the patrons are all watching and waiting to see what happens next.

“Get on the ground, now!” One officer demands, pointing his gun at me and Aftermath. Everything is happening so fast, I don’t have time to process anything. I’m on the ground being handcuffed and hauled to my feet. Aftermath is being detained on the other side of the room along with the rest of the Royal Bastards. They look like caged animals pacing back and forth, waiting for an opportunity to attack.

“I want her arrested for aggravated assault!” Lynn screeches from her stool. “She attacked me!” She whines.

“And I’ll do it again, bitch. Fuck with me and you’ll regret it.” I spit out.

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