Max (A Carter Brother series Book 4) (23 page)

“Oh and you have ten minutes,’’ Harlow shouts after her.

We lose Nay in the crowd, but less than ten minutes later she returns from the club waving a foiled wrapper around.

“How did you get it?’’ Denny laughs. Her eyes are wide with surprise. We’re all surprised. We were talking about it while we were waiting and decided it couldn’t be done. Harlow told us there were harder ones, but still fun to try.

“It took me a while to pick out the players. When I did I looked for the easiest one. I walked up to him, flirted, then said, ‘Did you know you can guess the size of a lad’s dick by what condom he uses?’ He couldn’t wait to flop that bad boy out,’’ she giggles, throwing the foiled wrapper onto the table.

“How did he measure up?’’ Stace laughs.

“Thinks he’s big but it’s all talk.’’

Joining in the laughter, I feel a stitch begin to ache in my side from all the laughing we’ve done tonight.

“I’m going to do Kennedy and Stace together. Stace, you have ten minutes to collect a man’s pair of boxers. Kennedy, you have to collect a girl’s bra.’’

“No way. How am I supposed to do that?’’ Kennedy screeches, throwing her head back.

“Flirt?’’ Nay answers grinning.

“I can do this, easy.’’ Stace’s voice is firm and challenging when she looks at Kennedy. Kennedy, rising to the bait, stands up with a determined look on her face.

“So can I.’’

“First one back wins?’’ Stace grins.

“Deal,’’ Kennedy agrees.

In a flash both girls have rushed from the roped up area and disappeared into the roaring crowd that are partying hard.

“Hey, Harlow, the boss man wanted you downstairs in the next ten minutes. Is that okay still?’’ the doorman standing near the tables asks, pressing an ear piece closer to his ear.

“Yeah. We’ll wait until the other two girls we’re with come back and then we’ll head down.’’

“You’ll have to take the back stairs,’’ he tells her, nodding to the exit.

Harlow nods her head, okay with the plan. I sigh with relief when I realise I’ve gotten out of doing a dare. I don’t think I’d have the courage or the attitude to get someone to give me their boxers or bra.

“Don’t look relieved. You’re next, Lake. I’ll read the dare before we head down. Yours will be harder cause there’s less people in V.I.P.’’

“Fantastic,’’ I answer dryly.

“This night is so freaking awesome,’’ Kayla sings, throwing her hands up to the music. I nod, agreeing and begin wiggling my hips in my seat, loving the music they’re playing.

Kennedy jumps out of nowhere, swinging a bra around her head. “Whoohooo. I won! I fudging won. Whooohooo,’’ she cries laughing.

“How did you manage that?’’ we all ask shocked.

“You didn’t give us rules. I found someone I knew and told her what was going on. Her mate, Emily, happily gave me her bra. Said it was doing her head in anyway,’’ she cheers laughing.

“There were no rules,’’ Harlow laughs, throwing the bra on the table after Kennedy throws it at her.

Next thing I know, Stace jumps up behind Kennedy. “Noooo! I lost! How long have you been here?’’ she whines, grinning.

“About a minute or two,’’ Kennedy laughs, fist pumping the air.

“You’re joking?’’ Stace giggles. “I promised the doorman a blowjob later if he lent me his boxers. Remind me to give them him back later,’’ she winks.

“You didn’t?’’ Denny gasps.

“Of course I fucking did. Did you see him? I’m still dreaming of my mouth around his...’’

“That’s enough visual right there,’’ Harlow interrupts laughing. “We’ve got to head downstairs. It’s getting busier up here. Lake, your dare is to give the bride-to-be a lap dance.’’

“How fitting,’’ Kennedy laughs.

“This is awesome,’’ Kayla giggles, slapping my arm playfully.

“Bring it on,’’ is what comes out of my mouth and I’m shocked. I’ve never been so bold before.

“Hit me with your best moves, baby,’’ Denny hollers and I start to giggle.

“Come on, let’s go.’’

We all follow Harlow and Denny down some darkened stairs. She said this was to prevent us having to walk back through the crowd to reach the front entrance. These stairs are for the staff to use or something. It also has another corridor for when a fire occurs.

We walk into V.I.P and it’s nothing like anything I had pictured a strip club to be like. There aren’t any seedy men drooling all over plastic enhanced women, and there isn’t smoke choking the air in the room.

I guess it’s true what they say. Never believe everything you see on the television. The place is a pretty classy establishment, especially since it’s run by two young males.

The room is painted a dark red with black woodwork. The bar itself is also black with what looks to be twinkle lights built inside it. Behind the bar it’s lit up enough for the bartenders to see but still enough to keep the sexy, raw, romantic atmosphere to the room.

The stage is red, and again, the outer wooden edge is painted black. A pole sits at the end of the rectangular stage that leads off from a half-moon shaped stage. There’s two smaller half moon shaped stages positioned on either side of the main stage, both also with a light up pole fixed to it.

Tables and booths scatter the floor in no particular setting and as we’re lead to what will be our seats for the night, I notice only a few patrons sitting around.

“It’s quiet,’’ I whisper yell as we take our seats. The girls all giggle but take notice of everything around us, just like I am.

“The next show is at one. I heard Maverick mention having the performances on late tonight because of us coming. He wasn’t sure if we would end up here before now so he made sure to only let the regulars in,’’ Harlow tells us.

“This place is the shit. Do you think they’ll mind if we test out the, uh, the equipment?’’ Stace grins, winking at Harlow.

“Yeah,’’ Harlow laughs in return. “I told Maverick he was being stupid warning me to keep everyone off the stage. Now I can see why he did.’’

“Party pooper,’’ Stace pouts playfully.

“I’m pretty sure you owe someone a dance,’’ Harlow grins, tapping her chin with her index finger.

“I need a drink first,’’ I laugh, looking around for the bar. I move to stand up but Harlow stops me. She waves her hand to someone standing near the bar. A woman clad in a short, revealing top, similar to ours, prowls over. Her mini skirt just covers her womanly parts and I have to give it to the woman, she’s rocking her outfit. She doesn’t look slutty but she doesn’t look classy either.

“Hey ladies, what can I get ya?’’ she asks smiling. Well, if she’s shocked a group of women are here in a strip club to party, she doesn’t show it. In fact, she doesn’t even blink.

Harlow orders another round of drinks, making sure to order herself a pop. The music turns up a little louder and we have to shout to be heard.

Just as the drinks arrive a song comes on that everyone loves and we all get up and start dancing. None of us care that there isn’t a dance floor and that the men in the room could be watching us. We just shake our hips, our drinks in hand, and dance to the beat.

I’m so lost with dancing I don’t notice the song has changed or that Harlow has dragged a chair to where we’ve all formed our little circle. Nay, Stace and Harlow all throw their shoes in the middle.

The girls begin to clap when Denny sits down, laughing her head off in the chair, her hair flying forward when she tries to cover her face in embarrassment.

“I’m the one giving you the lap dance,’’ I laugh. “Why are you embarrassed?’’

With the alcohol in my system it gives me a confidence boost. I don’t even care if I look like a fool, or that there are professional dancers just behind the black and red curtain.

Seductively, I move forward, swinging my hips from side to side as I make my way towards Denny in the chair. The girls are all laughing and I fight hard to try and keep my expression neutral. But it’s hard to when you’re giving one of your friends that you’ve not known long enough a lap dance. Even so, I can’t deny I’m having fun and the look on Denny’s face is priceless.

Laughing, I put my hands on the back of Denny’s chair and grind my hips into her. We’re both laughing hysterically. My nerves are shot by the alcohol so I boldly wiggle my hips down in front of Denny. Both my hands reach out to her bare thighs and with only a few stumbles I wiggle my hips back up, flicking my hair in her face as I do.

The song changes to Christina Aguilera’s, Dirty, the beat faster than the song before and it spurs me on. Turning so my back is to Denny, I bend over so my ass is in her face, wiggling from side to side as seductively as I can in my state. Running my hands up my body, I close my eyes, letting the music seep into my bones. My hands move into my hair as my ass wiggles down into Denny’s lap.

The hairs on the back of my neck rise and a tingle shoots up my spine, suddenly aware someone is watching me.

And not just anybody. My body only ever reacts like this for one person.

When my eyes open, they reach
his
straight away and my body tightens. I’ve never seen a look so raw, so primal before. He almost looks like he’s turning blue from holding his breath but it could just be the lighting in the club.

Max’s eyes look almost black, dilated to the point of no return. My body lights up like it’s aware of Max and is beckoning for him to come to me.

My body seductively moves back up, my fingers running through my hair, but my eyes stay fixed on Max’s, feeling like I’m only dancing for him now. It’s like I’m in a complete trance. Even my heart is pounding harder than it was before.

I watch, transfixed on Max, as something snaps behind his eyes. A shiver runs up my spine, heating my whole body.

My head is screaming at me to step back, to stop goading him, but instead of listening to my inner warning I stand frozen, waiting for him to make his move.

Then suddenly he does and all bets are off.

Something tells me I won’t be able to handle the Max I’m finally about to meet.

The walk to Snoops is taking us forever. Thankfully, the walk has sobered Adam up a bit. The rest of us, however, are pissed as fuck, staggering along the pavement.

“I’m surprised Max hasn’t brought his own music along with him,’’ Mason grunts, smirking.

“Fuck off, dickhead.’’

“Why would he bring his own music?’’ Lee asks amused.

“No reason,’’ I snap, not wanting to get into this. The way they’ve picked on me tonight you’d think it was my fucking stag do.

“He’s not into the whole RnB shit. He’s more into Disney, Taylor Swift and all that bollox,’’ Mason laughs, punching my arm playfully.

“Seriously? Assault,’’ I warn, my eyes snapping to my arm. He just chuckles, ignoring my pain.

“No way?’’ Lee and Adam laugh.

“Hysterical,’’ I snap dryly. “Oh, look, Snoops.’’

“Sing the way for us,’’ Lee adds.

“Nope.’’

“Come on,’’ Maverick urges, grinning at me like a drunken fool.

“Can we go drink like men, please,’’ I tell them. “I’m beginning to wonder why we’re even out. If you all wanted a pamper party I’m sure the girls would have loved to have organised you one.’’

“Aww, come on, bro, show us what you’re made of,’’ Myles teases.

“Sugar and spice and all things nice,’’ I wink.

“Spoil sport,’’ Mason laughs.

“Don’t forget you’ve still got one task to complete before we can meet up with the girls,’’ I add, making Mason lose the grin.

“Fuck!’’

I laugh, giving him a punch in the same place he gave me mine. It’s Malik’s task next. This fucker had help from Harlow, though. She let it slip one night when she told us she already knew what Malik had planned ’cause she helped plan it. We all let him have it, though, all of us ripping him a new asshole. None of us consulted with outsiders or the hen party so it felt like he let the team down when he went running to his girlfriend.

“Hit me,’’ Mason says, motioning his hands towards himself.

Punching him in the arm again, I get a grunt of pain from him. I grin; pleased with myself.

“What the fuck was that for?’’ he shouts as we stand outside Snoops.

“You told me to hit you,’’ I tell him slowly, wondering if I hit him too hard the first time. I roll my eyes at him and move away slowly.

“I meant hit me with the next task, asshole,’’ he growls, raising his fist.

“I’ve got ChildLine’s number on speed dial,’’ I shout, moving away quickly. The guys laugh, shaking their heads, but Mason just rolls his eyes before turning to Malik.

“Come on then. What bright idea did you come up with?’’

“Now, don’t go giving him the credit,’’ I start, but a slap around the head from Maverick shuts me up. “Shit. I’m seriously hoping ChildLine is twenty-four hour,’’ I groan, rubbing my sore head.

“Basically, when I shout ‘selfie’ you have to take a selfie with the person to your right. Doesn’t matter who is there. You have to do it,’’ Malik grunts, smirking.

“Seriously?’’ Mason laughs. “That’s not as bad as the ‘ant’ game.’’

We all look away, not bothering to tell him Malik plans to shout ‘selfie’ at the worst possible time. There isn’t a queue outside Snoops. There rarely ever is, but with the limited clubs in town, we had no choice.

Walking up to the doors, a large doorman stands with his arms crossed across his chest, looking intimidating while talking to some bloke in a suit. He’s around six foot five, has muscles that out rank any wrestler I’ve ever known about, and has hands the size of my head.

I take a deep swallow before making sure I’m the furthest away from the beast. The rest don’t seem to be fazed, but then I notice everyone is hanging back a little. I know why when I hear Malik shout, “Selfie,’’ at the top of his voice.

“Fuck no,’’ I hear Mason groan and I laugh. He pulls his phone out of his pocket and, unbeknown to the doorman, Mason walks right up to him and stands up on his tip toes before snapping a picture. The doorman notices the flash and looks to Mason with an angry glare.

“What the fuck?’’ The doorman grumbles looking pissed.

“Mason, it’s good to see you,’’ the bloke wearing a suit greets, laughing. “Oh, it’s the stag party tonight. Tim did warn me.’’

“Yeah,’’ Mason laughs. “Sorry, mate. These fuckheads have me doing shit,’’ Mason explains and the doorman nods his head in understanding but still doesn’t look too happy about having a selfie taken with Mason.

A laugh rumbles up from inside me and everyone’s attention turns to me. “Don’t mind me. Just remembering this movie I watched last night,’’ I lie.

“What? Tinkerbell?’’ Mason laughs.

“Fuck off.’’

“So, what have you troublesome lot been up to?’’ the suit guy asks.

“Well, first I looked like a homeless prostitute looking for some cheap lovin’. Then we played ‘ants’ which is the cause of the dirt on the back of my tee and trousers,’’ Mason laughs.

“Sounds fun,’’ suit guy laughs. “I’ll let you guys get back to it. Have fun. Oh, and here, first round is on me,’’ the suit says, handing some cards to Mason.

“Cheers, Chris.’’ Mason pockets them and shakes Chris’ hand.

The club is actually pretty busy for Snoops. One of the reasons we put Snoops down was because it rarely got busy and we knew Malik wouldn’t last long until he wanted to be with his baby momma. They must have some promotion on tonight to have brought in this many people. Looking around the club I notice a bunch of hot girls dancing on the stage to my right. My eyes only linger long enough to see that they’re hot. They’re just not hotter than Lake. Especially since I’ve got the image of her wearing that barely there outfit.

I don’t think I’ll ever manage to erase that image from my mind, but just in case, I’m glad I have it saved to my phone. May as well save it under spank bank.

Grabbing another round of drinks we stand around near the bar talking shit and having a laugh.

More drinks are poured and more shots are taken. Girls have tried to come up and chat with us but, apart from Lee, no one has engaged in any of their conversations. Adam, the poor lad, tried a time or two but ended up with a drink in his face. It was probably the closest to a reaction he’s got from a girl.

Maverick, who I thought would jump at the chance to get laid, has even sent girls away. He looked at them with boredom and disinterest. It makes me wonder if my eldest brother is gay. It would explain why he’s always single, that’s for sure.  

“What you staring at?’’ Maverick asks, looking at me strangely.

“Sorry, just thinking about boys,’’ I tell him happily.

“What?’’ he asks, his drink spraying from his mouth.

I roll my narrowed eyes, wiping the drink from my face.

“Thanks,’’ I say dryly.

“Sorry,’’ he shrugs, not looking remorseful.

“Anyway, as I was saying. I just think it’s a good thing when lads can reveal their true feelings to one another.’’

“I think you’ve had one too many,’’ Maverick responds, looking at me like I’ve grown two heads.

“Nah, bro. I just want you to know that I understand. I don’t mind. Women can be a huge hassle. You get in there, bro. I know a few lads that might be interested. Ash tried setting me up with a few.’’

“Max?’’

“Yeah?’’

“Lay off the fucking drink. You’re talking shit,’’ is all Maverick says before turning back to the group. I grin thinking I’ve helped. I should become a councillor like Kayla. I’d be good at getting people to open up about their true feelings, guessing what they really want for life.

When ‘selfie’ is shouted, I react out of instinct. My phone is already in my hand and I end up grinning, open-mouthed, holding my thumb up and snapping a picture.

When I’m done I look back to the group and notice them all staring at me with amused expressions.

“What?’’ I ask, holding my hands up.

“You do know Mason is the one to do the selfie?’’ Malik asks, laughing.

“Yeah,’’ I lie. “I just wanted to post a picture on Facebook,’’ I shrug.

“Okayyy,’’ Malik says slowly.

I shrug then turn to Mason. “You do your selfie?’’

“Yeah,’’ he grins.

“Then we’re good,’’ I grin back and bob my head to the music.

“This is meant to be a lads night out and you guys are moping around thinking about your girls,’’ Lee comments.

“Or men,’’ I add for Maverick’s benefit. All eyes land on me but I shrug. I’m a loyal brother. When Maverick’s ready, he’ll let us know he’s into dick.

“I’m starting to worry about you,’’ Maverick shouts and everyone nods in agreement.

“I’m just saying. It’s okay to like boys, ya know?’’

“Yeah, but I thought you were straight as a ruler?’’ Maverick asks, mimicking the very thing I said to them when Ash tried to set me up.

“I am. But maybe some people aren’t,’’ I answer, widening my eyes a little so he knows I’m talking about him.

“What?’’ Maverick shouts, holding his hands up. The others are talking amongst themselves about the girls and what they’re up to. Don’t blame them. I can’t wait to meet up with them either. Okay, I can’t wait to meet up with Lake and see her outfit with hands-on experience.

“They’ll understand,’’ I whisper yell, leaning in closer.

“Understand what?’’ he yells back. His pissed off face fills with anger and frustration. There are two ways I could go about this. Argue it out until he owns up, or, I could call him right out on it and ask him.

“I know,’’ I tell him, wiggling my eyebrows.

“Give me strength, Max. What the fuck do you know?’’

“Seriously, calm down. I’m just saying I know why you don’t date girls,’’ I shrug, opening the conversation up for him.

“And why is that, Max?’’ he bites out. Jesus, he seems to be getting more pissed by the second. He really is that deep in the closet; he’s forgotten why he’s in there.

If I just give him a little push...

“Because you’re into men,’’ I smile, making sure he knows I’m okay with it. I don’t understand the pleasure in it. Not that I’ve tried it. But a girl only tried to put her finger there once and I nearly cried like a baby.

“Max. Get the fuck out of my face,’’ he bites out, moving away.

“What’s up?’’ Mason asks, noticing the tension coming from Maverick.

“Nothing,’’ Maverick sighs. Looking back at me he shakes his head, exasperated, like he doesn’t know what to do with me. He looks at me like this a lot.

“It’s not nothing,’’ I trail off smugly. It feels great finally knowing something before the others. I’m usually the last one to find out.

“What the fuck are you talking about now?’’ Myles grins.

“He thinks I’m gay because I don’t date,’’ Maverick laughs. His eyes are still hard but clearly he’s playing it off amused.

“You think he’s gay... because he doesn’t date?’’ Mason laughs. “He doesn’t date because...’’

“Because I have to look after your dumb ass,’’ Maverick butts in.

“I’m confused. Are you telling the truth or are you still hiding in the closet? You should know that none of us would care.’’

“I’m not fucking gay,’’ Maverick sighs and then punches me in the arm. “Now come on, this place is shit. And you’ve ruined the fucking mood.’’

“Sorry, I just thought...’’

“You thought with that brain of yours. I know. But I’m not fucking gay, okay?’’ he says sternly, his eyes narrowing on mine. Looking, I can see he’s telling me the truth.

Well, shit!

That’s awkward.

“Okay. Well, let’s get these pussies to their girls,’’ I say, rolling my eyes.

“Like you’re not excited to see Lake,’’ he laughs, pushing me forward.

I manage to finish my drink before we reach the entrance. Mason, however, is stopped short when Malik shouts, ‘Selfie,’ laughing his head off.

Turning on the stairs at the entrance, I look over to Mason’s right and burst out laughing. I’m literally doubled over on the stairs. The people that are walking past me look at me curiously and I wave them off; clutching my stomach.

On Mason’s right is a sweaty, older and larger woman, dancing. Usually, I’m all for a bit of weight on a girl. It doesn’t bother me. But this woman has taken her weight to a new extreme. She’s obviously not looking after herself and the full pint of beer in her hand is just another indication that she doesn’t. She could probably out-drink most men.

She’s wearing a black tank top, her humongous breasts spilling over the top. Paired with that she’s wearing what I think are leggings, but I’m not sure, she could have just painted her legs black. You can see everything, and I mean
everything
.

You know the saying, ‘I look like a beached whale? I’m pretty sure if you Google imaged that, her face would be plastered all over the screen.

Don’t get me wrong, I know I sound like a complete wanker, but I call ’um as I see ’um.