Present Day
Vegas
I throw on my black high-heel, peep toed pumps, my tight shredded camo pants and black loose tank. Tonight is going be a great night, I smile back at myself in the mirror while tracing my lips with scarlet red lipstick. I look forward to the second Friday of every month. Not only my period has passed, but it’s girls’ night at The Black Rose, and that means no dicks allowed, meaning no human with a dick is allowed into the bar. Well, except for the dicks we call in from Las Vegas to dance for my girls. It costs me quite a bit, I don’t make a whole lot on this night, but it keeps these girls happy here in Reno. Who am I to deny them all of this?
Grabbing my worn out, black leather jacket, I pull my long hair out. Heading toward the kitchen, I grab the keys to my black Tahoe and I’m ready. Except that I forgot Tugger. Placing two fingers into my mouth, I whistle loudly, “Hey, Tugg, let’s head out!”
Outside has that autumn chill in the air and I take a deep breath as I look around my yard at the yellowing leaves. I feel a peace in my soul that I haven’t felt in a long time. A piece of calm is warming my heart. A small piece of me is snapping back into place like a missing piece of a puzzle.
Tugger comes running up, excited and wagging his tail. I open my door and let him jump in the passenger seat. Once we’re both in, I rub his head. “How’s my man? Ready to watch these girls have fun? Let’s get to work.”
Tugger is one of my best friends and the only male who has stayed faithful to me. I picked him up off the road late one night, figured he must have gotten out from somewhere, he was so small and scared. That was two years ago, when we first moved to Reno. I never did find the rightful owner of this cute black lab mix, so I took that as him being meant to be mine.
We wind our way through the freeway and park around the back of the bar. Tugger always comes to work with me. He helps security by keeping the freaks out. If Tugg doesn’t like you, you’re gone.
Together, we hop out of the truck and head over to the back door. James, my head of security, is taking the last drag of his smoke, casually leaning with one leg kicked up on the wall next to the back door. Then he puts it out in the ashtray that’s sitting on the picnic table, looking all amped up for the night ahead as well.
“What’s got that big ass grin on your face, dude?” I look up at James, bald and six feet tall, with a lot of man beef packed on him. He’s a hottie, but I can’t fraternize with my staff, we all know that shit never works out well. James only smiles wider at my question. “Well, shit, hmmm what has this smile on my face?” Rubbing his goatee with his thumb and pointer finger, he continues, “It isn’t those pretty boys that dance around for you girls, that’s for sure. I would say it’s the pussy already crawling in there.” Lifting his thumb over his shoulder, he points toward the bar area.
Sure enough, when James pulls the door open, the song Intergalactic by the Beastie Boys is jamming. I walk through the door and head toward my office with Tugg at my heels and James coming in right after me. Through my office door, I can see bitches are starting to pack in.
The music is pumping a rhythmic beat, chicks grinding on each other. Damn, it’s going to be a wild night. My house DJ, Jammin’ Jenn, is rippin’ up her tracks. She looks over at us and waves. I catch James smirk over at Jenn, and I wonder when he would learn. She isn’t going there with him, but whatever.
James heads back to his spot by Jenn, watching the floor. Placing my purse in my desk drawer and my jacket on the chair, I head out to the bar shutting the office door behind me. “Let’s get set up, Tugg.” He runs and sits down behind my usual spot at the bar.
Dana, my bar manager and one of my best friends, is here already. We take turns opening and closing. She notices me walking in. “Vegas, about time you got here, it’s crowded early tonight. I almost gave you a call to get you here earlier.”
Dana may look a little frazzled, but she’s got this. “No way, you got this, always do, but I agree, they started early tonight. We better keep their drinks light.”
It’s not that I want to cheat these ladies out of what they’re paying for. I just want to keep them upright and safe. We give them a small discount on liquor, beer is full price.
Feeling the vibe in the air, I shift into my bar persona and get to work. Left and right, drinks are moving, and cash is flowing. Smiling big at my next customer, “What are you having tonight?”, I ask. I freakin’ love my bar.
∞ ∞ ∞
It’s hitting midnight and we are crammed, barely keeping up with the flow. We have a bachelorette party, a birthday girl that just turned twenty-one, school teachers and college party girls. It is one big mixed party of all kinds and different personalities. Looking out over the squealing, laughing and hooting crowd, one of the very fine sexy strippers jumps up on our small stage. He’s tall, tan, and has that very dark and dangerous vibe. Ugh, no thanks, been there and done that type. Girls are pawing at his jeans and stuffing bills into his pockets or belt, wherever they will fit. Sexy stripper man grabs the hand of the bride to be and Jenn slams down the track to Bailamos by Enrique Iglesias. Damn, she’s good, that girl can play for the crowd. The stripper guy grinds all over the red cheeked bride who appears about to faint in his arms.
Dana giggles next to me and I look over. “Vegas, he’s going to give that girl second thoughts. That, or her brain is numbed from all those Raspberry Kamikaze shots those girls keep drinking. I eventually just made a pitcher of them.”
I smile at Dana, remembering when we worked that eight-to-five-day job, cashed in my benefits, and here we are. Never regretted it, and it only gets better as time goes on. That’s why she calls me Vegas. I went all in and bet my life savings on this place. Because of her, now most others have also caught onto it and call me Vegas.
“Nah, she’s thinking if her man walks in at any moment, she’s dead. I know her man, and she’s getting her ass spanked if he sees or hears of this,” I laugh back at her.
“Well, shit, some cocks got through”, Dana tilts her head in the direction of the door, and, sure as shit, in walk a few very rough, but very sexy, men. “Ah, hell, Vegas”, Dana says with a little stress in her tone. She’s worried we could have problems with this rugged looking crew.
Walking back to my office, I grab my silver nine-millimeter and tuck it into the back of the waistband of my pants, walking out to the floor. I head straight for these cocks that are uninvited. James is also making his way toward this trio, along with one other security guard.
I get there first. “Well, boys, I’m sure security at the front door let you know it was girls’ night, right? I’m sure you also saw my No Cock Allowed sign lit up out front?” Raising my eyebrows in question, I point with my hand toward the lit up giant rooster with a red circle slashed through it. I love that cock, I had it specially made for this night.
Three men wearing Battle Born MC cuts turn around and look me up and down. I’m fucking annoyed at their perusal of my body. The bulkier one in the middle speaks first and steps into my space. I don’t back down or step back, because this is my place, and no one pushes me around.
Holding his hand out for me to shake, he introduces himself. “I’m Blade, and this must be your Dad’s bar? Is he here? I need to speak with the owner.” Taking his hand, I pull us deeper into each other’s space. My tits are grazing his arm. Dominant move? You bet your ass it is.
Taking in a long pull of air so he can hear it, I breathe out slowly, right into his ear as I speak. “Well, if you really wanna know where the owner is, you’re talking to her, thanks for asking.” I hear him exhale his breath as I stand back.
Satisfaction hits me hard like a freight train to see that I affected him. Good. I smile, and his eyes are trained on my blood red lipstick. Fucker. Losing the smile, I purse my lips tight.
“My apologies then, beautiful,” he raises my hand, placing a soft kiss on the back of it. Okay, so he’s just as aggressive.
Pulling my hand back, I reassert, “As I mentioned, this is an all-girls’ party tonight. Why don’t we move this to my office?” It’s a statement. I’m not asking.
Turning and heading that way with Blade at my back, two other security guards are following the guys, along with James. I can feel Blade’s eyes all over my ass as I walk into my office. Making my heart beat faster, adrenaline is spiking up through my limbs with excitement. I turn and lean on the front of my desk, opting not to sit down. You never know, and I really don’t want to be sitting if something does go down. Also, I really don’t think they’re here to sit and chat.
As expected, the three of them walk in and start closing the door. “Don’t think so, boys”, James says and holds the door open as he and the other two security guards start patting all three down. Tall and broody, Blade, with his dark hair, the sides shaved tight and a small mohawk on top, is smirking at me. After they are cleared with no weapons, my three guards go to stand behind the desk.
Smirking back, I look into his eyes. “Let’s start over with names and why you’re here.”
Mister Tall and Broody speaks up first. “I’m Blade, the President of the MC that just moved in the Sparks area. This,” he points to his right, “is Axl, and this,” he points to the left, “is Tank. We thought old man Mac still owned this place. It’s been a while since I’ve been back here. I have some business to offer. Don’t suppose you’re interested?” His eyes intensely focus in on mine, daring me, drawing me in.
Taking a few moments, I study their faces. ‘Look them in the eye’, my Papa always taught me. ‘Don’t back down’. Embracing Papa and his strength, I come back at Blade. “You’re right, Mac did own the place. I bought it from him right before he passed. His wife, Emilia, still works here. As for business, that totally depends on what you’re offering. And let’s be straight from the get-go. I won’t be dealing in anything illegal.”
My face is stone, but, surprisingly, Blade has his harder, making his brown eyes very dark. I don’t know if I like this player yet. I squint my cat lined eyes his way.
“You always so pleasant and judgmental to people you just met?” Mister Growly barks out at me. Laughable. He thinks I’m rude?
“Well, let me say this. If I had a dick and said that, would it offend you? Or, would you respect my bluntness? Or, because I have a vagina, it’s judgmental? This is business, Mister…. Blade. Straight up is the name of my game. Don’t like it?”, I shrug, “go ahead and take the fuck off.” My hands square on my hips, I’m challenging this man to bring it. The rush is like a drug to me.
The guy to the right, Axl, snickers, bringing his hand to his mouth. I stare straight ahead at Blade as Axl says with a trace of humor, “Look, babe, Blade here, along with the rest of us, are looking to open a tattoo shop. No shady shit, just business. You also own the building next door?”
Blade moves his stare from me to Axl. So, he isn’t happy about his MC brothers speaking up? Odd. My right arm drops to my side, my spine relaxing just a bit. “I own the building next to me, yes. If you’re interested in opening a tattoo shop, we can sit down and arrange a meeting. I need to get back out there.” I am worried that Dana and Jenn have the whole bar to look after by themselves.
Blade’s focus is on my arms. Stepping to me, he takes his left hand and slides it up my right forearm, while his fingers begin to trace the roses that trail up my arm and around my collarbone. “Who did your work…I didn’t catch your name?” His voice drops to a soft husky notch that has my eyes closing.
Taking in short breaths, I feel myself lusting for the feel of his strong hands on me. I freeze with his fingers on my skin while my heart is racing like a junkie’s. Shit, the thought of him pushing into me hard and unyielding leaves me wanting much, much more of Blade. His voice and hands yield my rational thoughts.
Catching his fingers on my collarbone, I twist his arm behind his back and grab him by the back of his neck, pushing him forward until he’s face down on my desk. Just as low and husky as his voice was before, I say into his ear, “My name is Alessia DeRosa, and the next time you touch me, I’ll shoot your hand off.” I let go and step back.
Blade is pissed. As he rises back to his full height, shrugging his cut back into place. His irises are dilated, but then he smiles and leans into me. “Pleasure to meet you, Alessia. Next time you put your hands on me, be prepared to finish what you started. Last and only warning, you get me?” Blade’s eyes are tracking me, waiting for me to come back at him.
I’m about to argue, to tell him he started it, when James steps between us and backs Blade up a couple of steps. James glares at me for putting myself too close to a bad situation. I’m his boss, so he can save it.
He looks back at Blade, assessing. “You can give me your contact info and I’ll pass it along to Alessia.” There’s frustration in his voice, any patience now long gone.
Blade chuckles and grabs an invoice off my desk, flips it over and jots his name and number down, then sticks my pen in his pocket. It really pisses me off, anger replacing any lust I just felt. He turns to walk out, throwing over his shoulder while looking at me with laughter in his eyes, “Call me, so we can finish what we started.”
The three of them move out front and head outside. James and I step out the back door, listening to the loud thunder of their bikes starting up. “You really fucked up, Vegas. Putting yourself too close to that guy. He was calling your tough girl bluff, and then wanting you to up the stakes. Don’t play into that shit, next time let me do my fucking job.”
I just sigh and shrug. What can I say? I turn around and there sits my faithful dog, wagging his tail back and forth at the door. “Couldn’t you bite him in the ass?!” Deep inside of me, the rhythm of the bikes calls to me from my feet to my head, and I itch to take a long, hard ride.