Well, damn. What kind of man had I gotten entangled with? I had never seen anything like it. No man had ever sent me gifts after a date. Especially one that didn’t end in a little grown folks’ fun between the sheets. What was he up to? Did he want something from me? The warm voice of my friend interrupted my thoughts.
“This is a lovely gift. The bath products are top of the line. I heard they make your skin all silky smooth.”
“It is a great gift, but...”
I shook my head and placed the card next to the basket. My brain felt cloudy, like I was sitting in a room full of fog so thick I couldn’t see my hand in front of me. Mouse must have noticed because her big eyes got even bigger but shown with concern. I said nothing as she sat there scrutinizing me.
“But what, Sharon?”
Unable to clear my head, I sat there staring into space. I wanted to answer her. To spill all my secrets and trust her with my fears. It had been so long since I trusted another woman with my vulnerability. Mouse and I used to be thick as thieves, but then I fucked that up. Lately, she was trying to make things better between us. Maybe this was the opportunity we needed to bring us together.
“I’m just not used to men giving me gifts without strings attached. I am usually the one who asks for things. When that happens, I know the deal. Men give to get. That’s the game I am used to playing. This being nice just because, is throwing me off. I guess I am just waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
Mouse looked at me with concern on her face. Her eyes were soft, and she tried her best to put me at ease with her smile. She was going into her mothering mode. She couldn’t help but to baby the members of the MC. Even when we were being jackasses. As the First Lady of the Predators, it was her duty to make sure we were alright. That ensured things with the club ran smoothly, which in turn, kept her husband and family safe.
“I get it, Sharon, but I don’t think you have anything to worry about with Matrix. He may cut up and act a fool with Baby, but deep down he’s a good man. He’s sensitive. Loves to be romantic for the right woman. It seems he is really into you. If he is sending you these thoughtful gifts, he may be trying to claim you. Is that something you want?”
“Claim me? Like as his ole lady? I don’t know if I can be locked down like that.”
The shocked look on her face was almost comical. Did she really think I could reach ole lady status? Would Matrix really wife me? In my mind, I wasn’t the type of woman a member would claim as his own. It was no secret that I loved sex and over the years had made the MC my playground. There were just too many gorgeous men with steel horses between their legs. Add leather, tattoos and noncommittal attitudes and I was a gonner. Hell, if I hadn’t been patched in as a member I would have been thought of as a Sweet Lips. A pass around. Still, one thing I had over the girls was that I controlled who I slept with and when. Club hoes took their pussies, threw them at the back of a leather jacket and waited to see which member would catch it for the night. The men around here usually chased me for a taste.
“Why not? I know you want love. You don’t think I see you, but you are always looking at Ace and me with longing in your eyes. You may not be able to admit it, but you want love too. There is nothing wrong with that. You could do a whole hell of a lot worse than Matrix. He’s hot, smart, funny, and sweet. I think you two would be a great match.”
“Yeah, he’s all of those things, but I like Baby, too. I just don’t want to be tied down to one guy. You know?”
Mouse stood up, shaking her head. She picked up the card that came with the gift basket and absentmindedly fingered it while she stared at me.
“That could be a little tricky because they are best friends. However, the lifestyle we lead is a little different. Things are not always black and white. If you are feeling both men, date them both. I mean, if they are okay with it, why not? You just have to be honest with them so no one gets in their feelings.”
“Well, I never thought that was an option. These are alpha males we’re talking about.”
“Yeah, but Baby and Matrix are special. They are best friends and extremely competitive, but I think if they both want you bad enough, they would be okay with sharing you. It’s nothing they haven’t done before. Not long term, but they have shared women in the past.”
“That was a one-night kind of thing. What if I want them both to claim me? How am I going to get them to say yes?”
“Stand up!”
Mouse grabbed my arm and damn near dragged me up on my feet. She escorted me over to my full-length mirror and stood behind me. My friend moved my hair from my right shoulder and turned my head, so I was looking at my reflection.
“Look at all that! Bitch, they don’t call you Obsession for nothing. Do you see all that body-ody-ody-ody-ody-ody-ody-ody? You’ve got these men tripping over their dicks for you. You are a bad bitch, and never forget that. Sharon, you can call all the shots. All you have to do is lead them. They will follow because they want you.”
“You really think so, Mouse?”
“Um, yes! I know so. One thing women tend to forget about relationships, we are in charge. If they both want you, and you want them both, go for it. Lay out your plan and tell them. Don’t ask. All they can say is yes or no. Worst case scenario, they both say no. Best case, the three of you ride off into the fucking sunset having the best sex ever. Either way, you’re no worse off.”
“You wouldn’t judge me for being with two men?”
“Hell no! But the real question to ask is, will you judge yourself? Think about it. Do what makes you happy.” Checking her watch, she shook her head and then turned back to me.
“I need to get back downstairs. I left TJ with her daddy, and I am sure she has him playing tea or dress up in his office. He is going to kill me if she pulls out her makeup and does makeover madness. I’ll see you later at the audition. And listen, since we are getting back to being sisters, call me. I miss our talks.”
***
LATER AT THE AUDITIONSI was a bit distracted by the thoughts of possibly having two men to worship me. Mouse had suggested it and didn’t even bat an eye. I wondered how the rest of the club would feel. Would they accept such a relationship? If I was a betting woman, I would place my money on yes. It had never been done in our club, but clearly, it wasn’t a new concept. People did it all of the time. The only problem I was coming up with was how to bring it up with the guys. I really liked both of them. I liked how I felt when in their presence, both at the same time and individually. I wonder...
“My name is Quella, and I am here to secure my bag!”
The little girl, well young lady, who was standing in front of the judge’s table grabbed my attention and pulled me back from the abyss. She was a feisty little bit of a thing, but what grabbed my attention was all that personality she had. Who walks into an audition at her age talking about securing a bag? She couldn’t have been older than seven, but her skills were that of a sixteen-year-old. I wish I had had her confidence when I was her age. I would still be in New York grinding in the dance circuit.