CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

LYDIA

Hayden has been acting a little obsessive lately. He never wants me to work. Now that he’s had me he doesn’t want another man looking at my body. Honestly, I can’t blame him. He recently began coming back into the club frequently. I catch him sometimes, sitting in a secluded corner of the club. Avoiding eye contact with him has worked for me so far.

He hasn’t ever approached me while I’m dancing for other men. If I dance for him, he’s going to ask me to go home early or request I dance for him all night.

One day, Hayden came in at lunch. This is the second time he’s paid me to sit on his lap in the private room, while he worked from his cell phone. I love him, but sometimes it pisses me off how he tries to control me. We made a deal and he’s not abiding by the rules.

My man is saddened often. I can always see it in his eyes. I can’t explain it. I want to be my own person, but still be a part of us as a couple. I’m the other half of us. He tried inviting me to dinner with his friends a few times, I decided it was easier to lie. Tell Hayden I had to study for a big test. Instead of telling him for the fiftieth time why I don’t want to meet them.

The ladies at work told me I lucked up and I should let him take care of me. I didn’t tell them he is my husband. They think he is my boyfriend. If our marriage fails, I can live off the money I’ve saved thus far. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and Hayden isn’t in bed. I’d stroll down the hall to his studio, watching him create masterpieces. Sometimes it would take him thirty minutes to realize I was there. I notice I’ve thrown off Hayden’s work schedule off again. Sometimes he wakes up early makes a few work calls then goes back to sleep at 10.

I know my Hayden loves me. What man would turn his life upside down to be with you if he didn’t. However, our fights are getting worse. I almost slapped him. The look he gave me told me I better not. I know he wouldn’t hit me, maybe ignore me for a while. I hated that fight. I couldn’t wait to get off work. I craved my man.

After my shower, I attacked my husband. Before meeting Hayden, I didn’t understand what all the hype was about sex. I had no idea sex would be this good. I can never get enough of Hayden. I feel like one of his damn stock investments. He takes his time studying those stocks just like he does my body. Hayden makes me cum, so fucking good. I would be fucked without him. I am bat shit crazy for Hayden.

I couldn’t believe Hayden took matters into his own hands for me. I’m not condoning someone taking another person’s life, but the man who stalked me when I was a child, deserved it. If it wasn’t for my parents keeping me close he could have kidnapped me and killed me like he did the two poor little kids. The news articles reflect Bobby Holmes disappeared. Hayden did the world a favor.

Hayden sits in the back of my classes sometimes. I peek back at him. I notice he’s working on his laptop. The staff let him sit in because he made a large donation to the University. The women gawk and whisper about my husband when he enters classes.

One woman took it too far. She sat next to him while listening to the lecture. Hayden and I looked at each other, he shrugged his shoulders. I glanced back a little later and she was smelling him. I wanted to crack her head open. I waited until my professor was facing the board, I gathered my things, made my way to the back of the class, scooted past the woman and Hayden, sitting to his left. I rubbed his hand, while scowling at the woman. She rolled her eyes at me. Hayden shook his head at me, then kissed my cheek.

Funny thing, the only class Hayden didn’t sit in was Finance. The class Curtis and I share. I know Hayden it was intentional he didn’t sit in that class. I will ask him about it later.

Every day, I get closer to wanting to quit. Hayden pays the rent on my apartment. He has made it so all I have to focus on is the $150k debt. My Honda sold for $5k. I have the $10k I made from Hayden’s birthday party and $10k Hayden paid me the night I ran away from him. I have the $30k from the London trip and the recent $20k at lunch. I have $75k left to pay. I didn’t tell Hayden the bills were originally $200k.

Hayden and I only have dinner with his parents. I’m aware I can’t hide from his friends forever. I will tell Hayden to invite his friends to dinner next week. I need to swallow my embarrassment for my husband. Hayden was sitting in his usual booth when I approached. Three strippers were arguing about who was going to dance for him.

“Ladies, ladies!” I was waiting on Scrumptious,” he stated through gritted teeth staring at me.

“I thank you for bringing my drinks.” Hayden gave them each $500.”

“Thanks, daddy!” they sang walking away, rolling their eyes at me.

I rolled my eyes back. “Fucking bitches.”

I stepped over to Hayden. “You can’t come here anymore. The ladies know we are dating. Now they are putting the moves on you.”

Hayden pulled me onto his lap. “Don’t be so dramatic baby.” He kissed my arm.

“They are just a little jealous. I hate to hear I’m still your boyfriend.”

“Baby, I can’t tell them we are married. Any way our life is our business outside of here. Hayden, I’m down to $75k, I’ll probably take some extra shifts so I can quit before August.

Hayden flashed a fake smile. I could feel his anger. I placed my hand over his. Hayden I’m trying.”

“Yeah.”

“Hayden, that’s it?”

“Yeah, baby that’s it. I don’t want to talk about it. I came back in to the strip club to make sure motherfuckers don’t go too far. Be sure to look at me when you make some of those signature moves. I’ll give you some of this good dick you crave.”

My entire face lit up. “I can’t wait baby.” I leaned in close melting my lips within his. I’m not supposed to touch him like this, but I couldn’t help it.

∞

Hey, Scrumptious.”

“Karena, what’s going on girl?”

She sat next to me at my make-up station.

“Did you tell Hayden, Bryce wants to talk to him and clear the air about telling Vicky who you are?”

“Nope. And I’m not going to. Hayden would have told his family when he was ready.” I applied my last fake eye lash.

“Tell Bryce he knows where he works.”

Karena grabbed my arm, pulling me close. “Do it for your favorite cousin. Speaking of cousins Sierra’s ex Jeremy is here tonight.”

I rolled my eyes. “If he touches me the wrong way again I’m going to fucking lose it!”

“Girl, tell Maurice. He will take care of him. I hate how athletes and actors behave. They think they can man handle us and fuck us.”

“He is our cousins ex-husband.”

“So! Ex is the keyword. He ain’t family no more!”

“You’re right. I’m going to warn him he better not get out of line.”

“So, um you got me or what?”

I laughed. “Yes, Bitch I got you!”

We laughed. She threw her arm around my neck, kissing my cheek before hitting the stage.

I gave myself, a good once over making sure my make-up was flawless. The red glitter one-piece swimsuit with the back out was perfect. It’s one of my favorites. Guaranteed to make a lot of money tonight.