“Go see Bronwyn and get more painkillers. Then go rest. These assholes won’t bother you.” He’s dismissed me.
What’s worse, as I walk across the clubroom, I hear Freak’s voice again. “Hey, Star, get up to my room. I’ll be there in a moment.”
Don’t let tears fall. Or not until I’m in the privacy of my room.The growing connection I’d felt between him and me had been all in my head. He’s just summoned another club girl to his bed.
Behind me I hear the pool game restart, reassured that the enforcer isn’t losing his head over a whore, the natural order of things has been restored.
CHAPTER THIRTY
FREAK
I’m a fucking idiot. I didn’t need to see her face as she walks away to know how badly I’d hurt her, I can see that by the tension in her shoulders, and the way she’s holding herself so stiffly, her pain isn’t only caused by her sore ribs.
But it had to be done, sooner or later. Especially as my brothers were picking up I was giving her preferential treatment. I had to put their focus back on the only reason I was looking out for her, and that was of what she’d done to get my son back.
It’s a shame as I really like Trixie. Even after my two disastrous relationships with the Mordrake twins, I’d felt a far deeper connection with her than I had with either of them. And both of the sisters had put my son in danger, while Trixie had put her life on the line to prevent any harm coming to him. If I was looking for a woman to be my partner, it would be someone who was like her, brave, selfless, and who understands my way of life. You can take it as given that she already ticks the boxes of being attractive and desirable.
The way I’d called out to Star, making it obvious I was going to fuck her, well, yeah, perhaps that wasn’t one of my finestmoments. But it had taken the heat off me, had shown my brothers I was giving no favouritism to Trixie, and in turn, had sent a message to her that I was off-limits.
Now I’m standing outside my room, knowing a willing naked woman is waiting for me inside. I’m just a man. When my cock’s hard, I’m generally not fussy what pussy I sink it into. Hell, even a fleshlight will do in a pinch. Or my hand if there’s nothing else around. And if, like now, my cock’s flaccid and lying limply against my thigh, the sight of a nubile female body will quickly tempt it into life.
So why am I so reluctant to go inside? It’s not the worry that Ace might turn up and walk in on the action, Short will keep Ace occupied until I call for him. It’s a system I’ve worked out with my brothers, else I’d have no choice other than to keep my dick dry when Ace is staying in the club overnight.
So, without the worry of interruptions, why do I have the feeling that even Star’s admirable attributes won’t be enough to tempt my dick into life? I breathe in deeply, put my hand in the handle, and push the door open.
Star’s naked, as I expected, clothes strewn as though pointing the way to nirvana. She’s leaning back against the headboard, legs drawn up, knees splayed leaving nothing to the imagination, her teeth worrying her thumb as she tries to look like a temptress. All she succeeds in is looking like a petulant child. I’m reminded she’s half my age, closer in years to my son, the newest and youngest of the whores. While that’s never bothered me before, I realise what I want is a woman, not a girl.
I sit on the edge of the bed and cradle my head into my hands. After a moment, I feel arms around me, and naked breasts pressed against my back. She hugs me, then slides down to the floor.
“I can make you feel better,” she says, smiling up at me.
But as her hands go to my zipper, I place mine on hers. Taking a deep breath, I tell her, “I’m sorry, I’ve changed my mind. I’m not in the mood.” I raise my eyes. “I’m fuckin’ tired. All I want to do is crash into bed.”
Her eyes fill with sympathy and words I didn’t expect come out of her mouth. “I’m just a club girl, Freak. But I suspect you really need your son with you, rather than sex tonight.”
Yeah, that’s a part of it. The main part. But I also want what I had last night. Trixie, me and Ace, all cuddled up together. I feel empty, as if something’s missing. But, perhaps she’s right. Getting Short to send Ace back might help fill this hole that’s appeared inside me.
“I need to reassure myself he’s still here. That he’s still alive,” I admit to her.
Star doesn’t ask for further explanation. She gets up and does a reverse striptease as her clothes leave the floor to again cover her. Her actions are practical, and not designed to tempt me. I appreciate that more than she can know. When she goes to the door, I stand up.
“Star? Don’t…”
“Hush, Freak. I’m going to go downstairs with a smile on my face, and if anyone asks, I’ll let them know I’ve had a good time.”
I study her for a second. Sometimes I think we underestimate the club girls. “Hey, wait up.” I stand, go to my dresser and take a few Jacksons out of my wallet and hand them to her. “Why don’t you treat yourself?”
She stares at the money I’ve given to her, then offers a broad grin as she looks up. “I’ve never been paid for not having sex before.”
I chuckle softly. “There’s a first time for everything.”
Her face suddenly grows serious. “Yeah, there is. Remember that, Freak.” She opens the door and leaves.
My brow furrows as I consider what she meant by those words. Then dismiss it as some feminine nonsense. Wasting no more time, I take out my phone and text Short.
Freak: If Ace is ready, send him up
Short: Just been waiting on the word. If you take Ace, I might have a chance of getting Trip home.
