“Oh… uh… I was just thinking about the fight I had at home this morning. Who were the women downstairs? Are they some of your friends’ girlfriends?”
He quirked his lips and looked fixedly at her for several seconds before replying. “They belong to the club… to all the brothers. They wear the club’s patch.”
“Belong? What does that mean?”
He blew out. “You gotta be part of my world to get this. A lot of citizen women get super pissed about the club girls. They either hate them ’cause they’re available to pleasure us whenever we want, or they fuckin’ hate us and think we’re barbaric in our treatment of them. I’m not sure which way you’re gonna go on this.”
“Why don’t you just tell me about them and I’ll let you know what I think. Are they like the ring girls? They dress like them.”
“Sorta, except the club takes care of them. They live here and have our protection. We give them a monthly stipend. It helps them pay their bills and buy shit. If they need more, Steel, Paco, and Sangre decide whether it’s justified.”
“Why those guys and not all of you?”
“Steel’s our prez, Paco the VP, and Sangre’s the treasurer.”
“Do the women work?”
“Only inside the club. They clean and help our cook, Lena, with the food. The important thing is that it’s the club women’s choice to live this lifestyle. No one’s forced.”
She sat still as what he said sank in. “They’re sorta like the ring girls but then they aren’t. The ring girls live at the warehouse, but I doubt my dad would protect any of them. They turn tricks, but my dad gets twenty percent. It’s up to the woman if she wants to do it or not. Sylvia doesn’t, but Emerald, Heidi, Pippa, and Cassie are totally into it. They don’t screw the fighters unless they pay. So I guess it is different in a way, but you giving them money each month is really like paying for sex. I don’t know….”
“We don’t see it that way. We’re just helping them out because we have the money. In most clubs, the women have jobs, or they’re put to work at the strip bars and other businesses a club owns. We don’t do that. The lifestyle’s different, and the mindset.”
“I guess. Do you have any favorites among them?”
“I don’t go with any of them that often. You want something to drink?”
“No, thanks. You didn’t answer my question.”
“I don’t wanna talk about them with you. They’re a nice bunch of women—some nicer than others—and that’s it. Nothing more to say about it. You wanna watch a movie? I bet you’re hungry. Lena makes kickass burritos. I’ll ask her to make us a couple.” His face was earnest and his brown eyes were hopeful. Her insides fluttered with excitement and tenderness for him.
“I love burritos. I’m pretty open to most movies, but I hate the super-sappy love stories. I’m gonna bet you’re not in to them either.” She laughed.
“You’d be right. I can ask one of the women if they have something for you to sleep in that won’t make me wild.” He raised his eyebrows.
“Tell them a long T-shirt would be fine.”
He chuckled. “I don’t think they have that, but you could wear one of mine. I know it’d be long on you.” He opened his dresser, took out a gray undershirt, and handed it to her. “I’ll be back with the food in about twenty minutes or so. Lock the door.” Then he was gone.
Bringing the shirt to her face, she breathed in deeply, loving the way his clean scent invaded her nostrils. She slipped off her jeans and top and tugged the T-shirt over her head. It fell just above her knees and felt soft against her skin.
After folding her clothes, she went over to the window and looked at the darkening sky. Excitement curled around her; this was the first time she’d ever been on her own. She was usually at home or the warehouse, but that night she was a free agent, and she loved it. Her phone kept flashing and she knew it was her dad trying to get a hold of her, but she ignored all the beeps and turned it off.For just one night, I want to live in the moment.She continued watching the encroaching ebony sky swallowing up the fading pink, orange, and purple streaks.
When the door clicked, she spun around, fear attacking her nerves.What if it’s Dad?Her mind told her that was ridiculous, but her body responded as it had for years, telling her to hide so she wouldn’t get a beating. Clamminess coated her pebbled skin, and when she saw Diablo come in holding an aluminum tin, threads of steam above it, she almost cried.
“You okay?”
She nodded.I’m acting like an idiot. Why do I let Dad get to me all the time? He isn’t even fucking here.“It smells delicious. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until now.”
“Lena made enchiladas and tostadas too. I hope you like Mexican food.” He placed the tin on the nightstand and took out two folding trays from his closet.
“I love Mexican food, especially enchiladas. Do you want me to help with something?”
“I’m good. The prospect’s coming up with some beer, whiskey, ginger ale, Coke, and water. That should cover it.” He threw her a warm smile.
Without thinking, she went over to him and hugged him tightly. His arms immediately hooked around her as he hugged her back.
“You smell real good, woman,” he said thickly, then kissed the top of her head. “Your hair’s so soft. You’re making me feel all kinds of good shit.”
