Beautiful Strangers (The Masquerade Series) Read online

  Beautiful Strangers

  Glenna Maynard

  Copyright © 2013 by Glenna Maynard

  This is a work of fiction. Names characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual people, alive or dead, business, establishments, locales or events is entirely coincidental. Any reference to real events, business, organizations or locales is intended only to give the fiction a sense of realism and authenticity.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means – electronic, mechanical, photographic (photocopying), recording, or otherwise – without prior permission in writing from the author.

  Acknowledgements

  I want to say thank you to all of my family and friends who have supported me during the writing of this book. Especially to my children and their father who have put up with my distracted mind, dirty dishes, and piles of laundry.

  I want to give a huge thank you to my writing partner in crime Morgan Jane. For listening to my constant rants about Beautiful Strangers and giving me your insight and perspective. But most of all thank you for pushing me to write, because without it I may have never discovered what I want to be doing.

  A special thanks to the blog community who accepted me with open arms, without knowing much about me or my writing capabilities. Especially Kim Person and Liz King, you ladies have been wonderful. I appreciate all that you do.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  The End

  A note from the Author

  Chapter One

  Let’s get this party started!

  Life is a party and this is my stage, I thought to myself as I took in the new lighting effect Ritchie had installed earlier this week. The new dimmers really would help to set the mood, and I am itching to see how the new spotlight will show case my assets or my ass, at least. Masquerade is the new club I work at, not exactly my dream job of being a writer but it pays the bills.

  “Hey Grace you ready to put that fine ass to work tonight?” Ritchie spoke into the microphone.

  I gave him a thumb up and headed backstage. We were due to open in an hour and I need to prepare for my first act. Getting picked to be the first solo, featured dancer of the night was a big deal, especially tonight. Rumor has it that there are some heavy hitters coming in tonight with the Country Awards Show slated for Sunday night.

  It isn’t unusual for us to see a celebrity or two any given night of the week since we are located smack dab in the middle of downtown Nashville. Not sure what kind of crowd we were in for tonight. I hoped for the best and prepared for the worst. My supply is getting low and I am in desperate need of cash to refill it.

  Heading into the private bathroom reserved just for us girls, I slipped into the biggest stall and used the back of the toilet for a counter to crush my speed. The faster it went up my nose, the better the rush.

  Ritchie would fire me in a New York minute if he knew I was using in his club, so the toilet was easy to wipe off. Not that I really care but I need this job. I like my heels and my drugs and neither comes cheap.

  I dressed in a red lacy push up bra and lacy red boy shorts and my favorite pair of red Jimmy’s. Red looks great with my dark brown hair. I pulled my hair into a low pony tail; I didn’t want it getting in the way of my mask.

  That is part of the appeal of the club, all the girls including the servers have to wear a masquerade mask during all hours of operation and that goes for the patrons as well. No one knows who you are here. You could be giving a lap dance to a celebrity or a stockbroker and you’d never know the difference. It’s all about fantasy here. You can be whomever you please.

  Ritchie has a bodyguard at the front door that strictly enforces the dress code here, suit and tie kind of deal and no cheap ones at that. Our club only caters to the wealthier folk. Masquerade isn’t a strip club, it’s more of a burlesque peep show but we do give private dances.

  I applied my red lipstick for the second time and tried not to sweat too badly, a side effect from the speed but damn I need it. I had Stacey bring me a shot before she headed out to work the floor. I need a little extra boost to calm my nerves, damn speed, making me all jittery and shit.

  “Gracie girl you better put you mask on, you’re on in five.” Reggie called out to me.

  I slipped my red feathered mask on and stepped into my stilettos. I stood peering out from the left side of stage, all fifteen servers were already busy and the place looked packed. I couldn’t spot an empty table and the doors had only been open ten minutes, tops. This was going to be a great night indeed!

  The DJ cut the music he had been playing and dimmed the lights so low you could barely see to walk out on to the stage but I managed. A moment later the spotlight shone on me just as my song began to play. I stood with my back turned awaiting my cue, my song “Pussy Control” by “Prince” began to play.

  Let the games begin….

  I slowly made my way to the end of the stage's catwalk and came to a stop in front of a group of six. One guy in particular stood out to me, it was like a magnet was pulling me closer to him. He is the most intriguing stranger. I lifted my right leg and poked the guy with piercing electric blue eyes in the chest with the heel of my stiletto. I bend down and pull him forward using his tie as a line; it was a softer blue and with the black masquerade mask his eyes really did spark.

  I found my self almost reaching out to run my fingers through his messy black hair, something about his smile said come fuck me.

  Oh if he only knew! I am more than willing.

  I usually don’t even pay attention to the men I see here, they are just faceless bodies, but something about him caused my body to take serious notice. His buddies began to whistle as I made my way back down stage flirting with a few other choice customers, and then I was finished. A few other girls took the stage as I exited. Men didn’t throw money on the stage here. We were too classy for that, we all work on a salary.

  Checking my self in the mirror one last time after changing into a gold beaded bra, matching boy shorts, and a golden Venetian mask, I made my way out front to fish for a private dance. Like I said, we don’t get tipped but we do earn extra on our checks if we sell private dances. It wasn’t long before I had a bite; I escorted the gentleman to my private room, which wasn’t much. The private rooms are large enough to fit a black leather sofa bench and a small side table for drinks.

  I pushed the guy onto the couch and took a look at his eyes a dull green, damn, I was hoping for the spark of electric blue. But no matter he will do. “Britney Spear's” “Toxic” started to play and I began my tease.

  “Oh God I love the way your hips swing,” he smiled.

  “Do you?” I breathed into his face letting him catch the scent of my cherry lipstick.

  I shifted and dropped my ass onto his lap and started pumping it over his crotch. That’s when he licked my shoulder.

  I brushed him off. “No touching and definitely no licking!” I scolded him, “Unless I say you can. And I di
dn’t say.” I was thinking about them blue eyes and running my fingers through that black hair. The song ended and I straightened up and left him hungry for more.

  Stepping into the hall I bumped into Jocelyn, “Grace you’ll never believe who’s here tonight!”

  Try me Jocelyn.

  “I heard Jaxson Hayes is here,” she squealed as she flipped her orangey red hair over her shoulder. If you didn’t know who Jaxson Hayes was you might be dead. He is the biggest thing in country music right now and damned sexy. He also happens to be the other half of country music’s top selling duo Blackened Sunrise.

  “Girl it’s probably another rumor.” Not getting my hopes up for that one.

  “No, Aaron told Stacey he checked his ID at the door earlier. And I may have mentioned to Drake that he should have him checkout the club,” she added.

  Hmm that’s interesting.

  Robert Drake is Jocelyn’s sugar daddy and he just happens to own the record label that represents Blackened Sunrise.

  I made my way into the bathroom, locked myself in my stall and snorted some more pick me up. Back on the floor I started searching for Mr. Hayes if he was here I wanted to meet him. My search was cut short when a man approached me. Oh God, not dull green again I thought as I studied his eyes and cropped blonde hair.

  “Hey, I wanted to buy another dance for my friend,” he half smiled.

  “Sure where is he?” I asked.

  “He is already waiting for you in room three.”

  Ugh, what a creeper! Hope his friend isn’t so lame.

  When I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised. The guy from earlier with them electric blue eyes was waiting. Nope not lame at all.

  “Relax you look a little tense,” I spoke playfully to him noticing his grip on the edge of the bench. “Shall we get started?” I asked. He just sat there not answering me. Maybe he’s a creeper too! “Is this your first time? Are you shy?” I asked pushing my breast into his face. Shy guys were usually fun.

  He leans back and whispers, “No” as he loosens his tie and undoes the first few buttons of his shirt leaving his mask on as I remove mine.

  I step back to the door to start the music when he suddenly asks, “Where are you going?”

  “Oh, nowhere, I am just getting started,” I lock the door. “Princes Darling Nikki” begins to play and so do I.

  I lower onto his lap pinning him down with my legs as I push his head back and begin to grind on him. He raises his head back up looking me directly in my eyes as he reaches around my back and unhooks my bra with one hand. Okay, he wasn’t shy, and this definitely wasn’t his first time.

  I catch my breath. This is not what I was expecting. Not that I hadn’t messed around with customers before but this was different. I craved this stranger’s touch and I am willing to take anything he will give me. I want to massage my fingers through his hair. I want so badly to remove the mask to see his full face.

  I reach my hand up when he catches me by my wrist stopping me. “No touching,” he speaks so low it is barley a whisper. I gasped, damn what a turn on, I try reaching for his hair with my other hand when he stops me again. Roughly he tells me again, “No touching.” I’ve never been told no before but I like it. Then he smacks my ass and hard. Oh, he knew what he was doing.

  “If you disobey, I will punish you,” he scolds me.

  “Maybe I like being punished,” I breathe.

  “I bet you are a naughty one,” he groans.

  He has no idea…

  He removes my bra completely and takes one of my breasts into his mouth while caressing my backside. My wrists are still being held by his other hand. Wow is this really about to happen? Yes it is, good thing I locked the door. By this time the song has stopped and I don’t think he notices. He is so engulfed by my breasts. When he lets go of my wrist I wrap my hands around his neck and inhale his scent. Which is short lived when he growls, “Enough,” into my ear and smacks my ass even harder than the first time.

  He gently slides me off his lap throwing my bra at me, and then he is gone.

  What the fuck just happened? I asked myself.

  I was horny and madder than hell! How dare he play with me like that! But did I really have the right to be angry? I do the same to plenty of men nightly. He probably gets his kicks by working women up and then leaving them hanging. What an asshole.

  I put myself back to rights and went returned to work. The rest of the night passed in a blur. I couldn’t stop thinking about blue eyes and the way he smelled, his scent was a mix of liquor, winter fresh and Nautica sport. And I didn’t even know what his face looked liked, and I was ready to sleep with him in a matter of seconds. I had completely forgotten about Jaxson Hayes too.

  Bummer!

  I woke up the next day feeling like I had been to hell in a hand basket. That’s the thing with speed, more times than not I can’t bear to wait to crash, so I bring myself down with Xanax. I probably should eat something but the thought of food just makes me want to throw up right now.

  Coffee was what I needed and a shower. I don’t have to go in to work until seven thirty; I should have plenty of time to meet up with Evan. He and I usually meet near the dam at Percy Priest Lake. There’s a real quiet picnic area secluded near the edge of the woods. I have only seen one other couple there and they were smoking a joint and clearly not interested in us. Why would I meet a dealer in the woods alone you might ask? I used to fuck Evan so it is cool.

  Sometimes I still do, if I’m low on cash and need a quick fix. Did I dream of growing up and whoring myself for drugs? No! But I made my bed and everything comes with a cost. I learned early on in life nothing comes free, my parents taught me that. You learn fast when you are the daughter of a lawyer and a real estate agent.

  Chapter Two

  Old habits die hard…..

  Pulling my VW Jetta next to Evans Harley, I get out and practically run down the beaten dirt path to find him. I am in need of more and my fingers are starting to twitch. My palms are getting sweaty just thinking about it.

  And there he is, Evan, he’s leaning against a post near the edge of the water and he looks pissed. Great he is going to give me a hard time. Things have been tense between us lately he wants more than I can give. I can’t tell him where I’m working at now. I don’t want him showing up and getting me fired like the last time. Evan knows were not together but that doesn’t stop him from trying. Even pissed he looks good, and he is wearing the holey jeans I love and a black tank showing off his tattoos and some real shit kicking riding boots.

  Pushing his sunglasses from his hazel eyes onto his shaved head he closes the gap between us.

  “You’re late Gracie.”

  “Sorry, long night,” I apologize.

  “Where are you working these days?”

  “You know me Evan, here and there, a little of everywhere.”

  “Never give a guy a straight answer still, I see,” as he tokes one last draw of his cigarette before flicking it on the ground.

  “Can’t we skip the pleasantries and cut the shit. I have your money.” I pout, biting my lower lip. “Do you have what I want or not?”

  “Gracie you know I don’t want your money,” he hooks his fingers into my shorts, jerking my body into his.

  “I swear Grace, when I look into your eyes it’s as if things could go back. What happened to us babe? We were so good.” He leans down planting a kiss onto my forehead.

  “Evan I’m not here to discuss us. I’m not ready and I’ve got places to be.”

  A few months ago I might have jumped back into his arms but things were different between us now. Evan had hurt me and there was no going back. Even if my body was calling out to him, my mind was set. There was no future between us. But that didn’t stop me from dropping down right there and taking him into my mouth.

  “Damn it Gracie,” he groaned while grabbing the top of my head and pushing his length further down my throat.

  Yea, Evan wanted me bad and I w
as just enough of a bitch to use it against him. I cupped his balls as his length throbbed and continued to play him. It didn’t take long until he was coming down my throat.

  There is just something about the possibility that anyone could walk up on us that turns me on. And as quick as it started it was over. Evan used me and I used him. I got my speed and didn’t have to give him a penny. Guess I could buy those Jimmy Choos I’ve been wanting after all. In life you can either be the predator or the prey and I would much rather be a predator.

  Working Girl….

  Eating greasy pizza before work probably wasn’t the best idea but I needed something on my stomach. Another side effect of speed is loss of appetite. Not that I am complaining. It’s just some days I have to remind myself to eat.

  Tonight I get to wear my school girl outfit and do my hot for teacher routine. It is one of my favorites and the men love when Jocelyn smacks my tight ass with her big ruler.

  “Gracie all your outfits are so great, Ritchie should hire you to dress all of us for the Halloween party.”

  “Thanks Stacey, maybe you should mention it to him.” She was, after all, boning him. Stacey was great to work with and she was the leggiest blonde I had ever seen in all my life. The girl could do serious work as a model. Why she chooses to work here is beyond me.

  “Want me to bring you a shot before you go on?” she asked.

  “Yes please and make it a lemon drop.”

  You would think with so many girls working together it would be a total bitch fest but most of the girls are really great. Jocelyn gushed to me about what we would wear every chance she got at work that night. I barely could escape her to go to the bathroom. I may choke her before the next six weeks pass. She is clinging to me like I am her last life line. It annoys the shit out of me. I don’t do close with anyone. Not anymore.

  Another hit of speed and I’ll be good. Hope we have a good turnout tonight. I took my shot, adjusted my skirt, if that’s what you wanted to call it and headed for the stage.