Crime (2 page)

Mama accepted the $100 bill Melanie handed her, giving her a set of keys in return. "The bathroom's already stocked with towels and hand soap. If you need anything, just come on down to the bar." With that, Mama headed out the door, leaving Melanie to marvel at her good luck.
Throwing her suitcase on the bed, Melanie searched for a phone outlet. Finding an empty one near the couch, she plopped her laptop on the coffee table and settled down to search the net. It was quickly approaching seven o'clock and, feeling wired from all the traveling she'd done today, she searched for a gay club in the quarter she could check out. Not knowing how Mama felt about lesbians, she didn't want to push her luck by asking her about it, possibly putting the brakes to the nice deal Mama was giving her on the apartment.
After a quick Google search, Melanie found a place called The Kitty Club that was just a few blocks away. Not having time to find a rental car, Melanie decided to stick to whatever was within walking distance. After a quick shower, she dressed in her favorite leather pants, boots and a black silk poet's shirt, which had a rose embroidered on the back. Melanie played with the lock on the front door, making sure she understood how it worked before leaving. With that settled, she took off down the street towards Bourbon, hoping she might find someone to hook up with. Work had kept her pretty busy the last few weeks and she could feel the pressure building up. Then again, that could just be from sparring with a certain gorgeous red head all afternoon, Melanie thought with a grin. Sexy, but hell on the nerves, was how she was beginning to think of Jessica. Felicia, on the other hand, would have been worth at least a dinner date, if not for her being a client.
Deep in thought, Melanie was surprised to find herself in front of The Kitty Club so quickly. Pushing thoughts of the tempting sisters aside, she stood back and eyed the small line beginning to form at the door. She rushed over and jumped in line, just beating out a large group of girls who had just come around the corner from the parking lot. Melanie quickly began flirting with the little blonde just ahead of her, but the line moved quickly, and Melanie soon found herself inside the club, the blonde having disappeared. Oh well, she really wasn't my type anyway, Melanie thought. Standing just inside the entrance, she took in the scene. On her right was a small group of tables with a second floor loft just above it with more tables. In front of that was a large fence, stretching from floor to ceiling, separating the tables from a recessed dance floor, which also had a small stage where the DJ was perched. Beside that, and directly across from her, was a raised floor, about two steps up, which housed several more tables. Then, to her right, was a circular bar with booths against the far wall.
Melanie elbowed her way up to the bar and, catching the eye of one of the bartenders, ordered a tequila and orange juice. Raising an eyebrow, the bartender, a petite girl with black hair spoke, "Tequila fan, huh? You wouldn't be friends with our famous Tequila Club would you?"
"Tequila club? No, sorry. I'm too new in town to belong to any clubs just yet."
The bartender pointed to a group behind Melanie who were sitting on the raised platform beside the dance floor. In front, near the brass railing, several tables had been pushed together. Counting chairs, Melanie figured there were about six people sitting there, but only two were there at the moment. "That's the group we call the Tequila Club. I swear, those girls can do shots all night. They've only been here about an hour, but I'm sure they'll get started soon enough. You should go over and say hi. Maybe they'll invite you to join them," the bartender said with a wink.
"Thanks for the tip." Melanie sat at the bar watching the table while she considered doing just that. About ten minutes later, she saw one of the women waving at the bar, trying to get the bartenders attention, while turning to look at a group of women coming towards the table from the dance floor.
The bartender tapped Melanie's arm. "That's their signal to bring over the first round of shots. If you want to help me with these, I'll introduce you," the bartender suggested as she layed two trays on top of the bar and began setting up shot glasses. Free pouring tequila, she filled a scary number of shots, and then handed one of the trays to Melanie. She came around from behind the bar with the other loaded tray.
Not wanting to waste a golden opportunity, Melanie quickly fell in step behind the woman, threading her way through the crowd. As they neared the group, Melanie swore under her breath. Pulling out chairs at the far end of the table where none other than Felicia and Jessica Matthews.
Too late to back out, Melanie took the two small steps in one stride and approached the sisters, gently placing the tray of shots, lemon and salt shakers down, directly in front of them.
As the two woman looked up, Melanie received to vastly different reactions. While she watched a grin spread across Felicia's face, Jessica looked like she could spit nails. Felicia quickly greeted Melanie, "Howdy cher. Where you at?"
Making a show of looking around, Melanie replied, "Last I checked, The Kitty Club."
Felicia laughed. Watching her blue eyes alight, Melanie began to question her own rule about not getting involved with clients. "No silly, 'Where you at?' is Cajun for 'How are you doing?'" Felicia explained.
"Oh. Pretty good, thanks. That is, I will be if your sister stops looking at me like I'm something unpleasant she just found on her shoe," Melanie said, grinning at Jessica, daring the little spitfire to start another sparring match like the ones from that afternoon.

Felicia layed a hand on her sister's arm, stopping the barb that was about to spill forth. "Don't mind her, cher. It's that time of the month you know," Felicia said with a grin and a quick glance at her sister. Jessica smacked her sister in the arm and reached for a shot.
"Is my uncle paying you so little that you've already resorted to a second job," Jessica said with a smirk.
"No, I thought I was about to do body shots with some hot looking woman, but I guess I got the wrong table," Melanie shot back, she and Jessica locked into a staring contest, both women too stubborn and too proud to be the first to blink.
Sensing war about to break out, Felicia stood up and, reaching over her sister, snagged a shot. Walking around Jessica, Felicia made her way over to stand beside Melanie, who anxiously watched the classic beauty walk over. Melanie was still admiring the way Felicia looked in her tight leather skirt and purple camisole top when she realized Felicia was offering her a shot. "I'd be happy to do a body shot with you, cher," Felicia all but purred.
Remembering her resolve not to mix business with pleasure, Melanie swallowed the lump forming in her throat. "Why don't we just do a shot together? We really should keep it simple, you being a client and all."
"Ok. Cheers then," Felicia said, raising a shot in salute. Melanie found herself unable to tear her eyes away from Felicia as she avidly watched the woman lick the salt from the back of her hand, down the shot and then suck on the lemon wedge. Just then Jessica bumped into her on her way to the dance floor, pulling her out her trance. "Don't forget to breath, cher," Jessica hissed into Melanie's ear on her way past.
Crashing back to reality, Melanie discovered Felicia watching her intently, those brilliant blue eyes reflecting her enjoyment at catching Melanie staring. "Don't mind her. Her prides been pricked at the idea that Uncle David thinks she needs help with her investigation, let alone a body guard."
"I'm not the bad guy here. And you both need to seriously consider getting those bodyguards. I read those emails both of you received and, whoever sent them, means business. The closer you get to finding out who your embezzler is, the closer he'll get to acting on those threats. How high of a price are you two willing to pay for your pride?"
Felicia looked at Melanie for a few moments, seeming to consider just how serious she was. Seeing that Melanie wasn't joking, Felicia sat down and motioned Melanie to take the chair Jessica just vacated.
"What if I agree to the bodyguard? I'm a lesbian, so's my sister. Neither one of us would feel comfortable with some guy following us around all day. Now that I know you're gay too, I'm sure you can understand how we feel, or are you just here tracking us down?"
"No, I'm gay. And yes, I understand the two of you being uncomfortable with a male bodyguard, but there are plenty of women in this business too. I'm sure we can find two that you and your sister would feel comfortable with. Ultimately, though, your uncle and I can't force you to get them. If you both refuse, well, I'll do my best, but it's impossible for me to watch both of you 24/7 and help with the investigation at the same time. Just, please, think about it."
"Well, now, it might not be as hard for you to watch both us as you might think. Jessica and I live together in our parents' old house. You could start tonight, if you want to come home with me," Felicia asked. Melanie could tell by the look in Felicia's eye that she wasn't being invited home to play bodyguard, at least not in the traditional sense. Her eyes searching Felicia's face, Melanie could feel an internal struggle between wanting to keep things professional, and her quickly growing desire to get this woman between the sheets.
Deciding she wasn't nearly drunk enough to make this hard of a decision, Melanie handed Felicia another shot. "Let me think about it. The night's still young, right?" Felicia accepted the drink with a wicked grin. Melanie had the passing thought that she'd probably burn in hell for what she was thinking. If I'm lucky, Melanie thought, otherwise I'll just get fired from the case and watch my business go down the toilet, but God, I bet those blue eyes get smoky when she's turned on. Melanie let out a small groan as she downed her shot. I am so screwed, she thought, as she felt the tequila burn its way down her throat.
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As the night wore on, tequila flowed like water. It might have been the fourth round of shots, maybe the fifth, when Melanie felt Felicia's hand on her thigh, squeezing and rubbing, Felicia's hand sliding in between her thighs from time to time. Looking over, her gaze locked with Felicia's, who was staring intently. Taking the hint, Melanie stood up and announced she had to call it a night.
Felicia agreed, right on cue, and suddenly everyone was getting up to leave, throwing money back and forth trying to figure out the bill when half of them could barely stand. Finally Sam, one half of one of the two couples that they were with, slapped her credit card on the waitress's tray.
"Screw it! I'll cover the tab and the rest of you dead beats can pay me back when you're sober again and can count," shouted Sam. Laughing, she grabbed her girlfriend Trina's hand and head for the door. Rose and Emily followed them out. Melanie grabbed Felicia's hand, intending to follow everyone else, when Jessica suddenly stepped in between them and gave Melanie an icy glare.
Taking the hint, Melanie followed the other two couples out to the parking lot. She could hear Jessica and Felicia whispering furiously behind her. They reached the cars and Melanie turned towards Felicia, silently asking if she intended to follow through on her invitation.
Felicia caught her eye and slipped beside her, leaning against her side. Melanie watched as Jessica's eyes darken with anger. "I didn't agree to drive tonight so I could watch you make out with Yankee trash the whole way home Felicia," Jessica snapped.
"So don't watch, baby girl. Just drive," Felicia drawled. She took Melanie's hand and, smiling, reached for the back door.
Melanie suddenly jumped back from the car as a set of keys came sailing between her head and Felicia's, bouncing of the car door and hitting the pavement with a smack.
"What the hell's the matter with you," Melanie shouted at Jessica.
"I can't stop you from fucking my sister, cher, but I sure as hell don't have to play chauffer," Jessica all but snarled back. Turning on her heel, Jessica stomped back toward the street.
Melanie watched in amazement as Jessica flagged down a cab. "Is your sister always such a raving bitch?" Melanie asked Felicia, while she watched Jessica disappear into the back of a cab.
"No, cher. Actually, she's pretty sweet and usually the life of the party."
Hearing the amused tone in Felicia's voice, Melanie turned around to find five pairs of eyes all focused on her.
"What!?! Hey, it's not my fault your sister has the disposition of an alley cat," Melanie snapped. The speculative looks on everyone's faces were making her nervous. Almost as if they were all in on the same joke, everyone but her.
"Oh, forget her. We need to find a way home before I loose my buzz," Felicia purred, sending Melanie a very meaningful look.
"My apartment's just a few blocks away. Think you can walk?"
"Will it be worth the walk, cher?"
"And then some."
With that, Felicia slid her arm around Melanie's and they headed back towards Melanie's new apartment, waving goodbye to the other girls as they left the parking lot.
##
By the time they reached her apartment, Melanie could feel some of the alcohol start to wear off and her temperature soar. Throughout the walk over, Felicia had whispered in her ear about all the things she wanted to do to her, occasionally nipping or licking her ear. They all but raced up the steps and Melanie fumbled for her keys. Not used to the new locks, it took her a few minutes before she was able to push the door open. Seconds later, Melanie twirled Felicia through the door and up against the wall. She kissed Felicia, their lips locked in battle, and Melanie kicked the door shut with her foot.
Melanie began to feel the effects of almost living like a nun for the last month. She couldn't get enough of Felicia. While their tongues warred, hands everywhere, Melanie reached down and began slipping her hands up under Felicia's skirt. She wanted to go slow, to tease, but as she felt the warmth of Felicia's skin through her stockings, she felt something snap inside and shoved Felicia's skirt up with one quick motion. Sliding her hands under Felicia's twin globes, she pulled her as tight against her as she could, while pushing Felicia into the wall with her body and deepening the kiss.
Felicia ripped her mouth away, gasping for air. "Oh God, oh baby, slow down or, I swear, we're both gonna explode right here."
"Here's fine," Melanie grunted, latching her mouth to Felicia's neck, skimming the tip of her tongue in small circles, each circle getting a little bigger with every pass of her tongue. Felicia groaned and frantically ran her hands down Melanie's back. Finding the hem of Melanie's shirt, she ripped it up and over.
Pulling away to help Felicia with her shirt, Melanie froze, staring at long, shapely legs covered in her favorite women's underwear, stockings and a garter belt. She reached out, letting the tip of her fingers skim the milky white skin exposed just above Felicia's stockings. Looking up, she found Felicia watching her, her eyes a smoky, deep blue, her breathing, ragged gasps.
"Like what you see, cher?"
"I love garter belts. I always think women look sexy as hell wearing them, but on you.....," Melanie felt the growl vibrate in the back of her throat as her eyes raked up and down Felicia's body, enjoying the view.
"Come here baby." With that, Felicia reached up to cup the back of Melanie's head, pulling her down for another mind-blowing kiss. Melanie kept her hands on Felicia's thighs, skimming her fingertips to the back of her thighs, then up front again, then back again, reaching around a little further between Felicia's legs each time. She could feel Felicia's groans vibrate through her. Suddenly she felt desperate for release. She grabbed the crotch of Felicia's panties and, with a quick jerk, pulled them free. Her hand returning to Felicia's mound, she traced a finger up and down Felicia's slit, just the tip at first, then sliding in a little deeper with each pass. Finally, she pushed completely inside, biting back a moan at how wet Felicia was, how easily her finger slid in.
Felicia sensed how close Melanie was to losing control and pushed a hand down inside her pants. Melanie felt her hips buck as Felicia pushed two fingers inside her sopping wet pussy. She began bucking against Felicia's hand, at the same time, she slid a second finger into Felicia and quicken her pace, making sure to slap her palm against Felicia's clit with each thrust. Felicia mimicked her movements and, in moments, they were viciously bucking against each other, Melanie practically pushing Felicia through the wall. Melanie felt the pressure building up inside, then, suddenly, her orgasm exploded, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might burst through her chest. Felicia's orgasm quickly followed and they sank, exhausted, a sweaty heap of tangled limbs, to the floor.
They sat there for what felt like forever, both gasping for air. Melanie felt her heart beat slowly returning to normal, her vision finally coming back into focus. With a slight turn of her head, she gently kissed Felicia's forehead. Working down, she planted light kisses on each closed eyelid and then brushed a soft kiss over her lips.
"Mmmmmm," was her only response.
Chuckling, Melanie began to stand up, pulling Felicia with her. "Come on baby. We can't spend the night on the floor."
"Says you," Felicia mumbled, falling against Melanie, her legs not quite ready to hold her. "Oh God, cher. What the hell just happened?"
"Sorry. It's been a while for me and I guess.... I guess I just sort of...popped."
"Exploded is more like it. Combusted just like that guy from Spinal Tap," Felicia said with a slurred giggle.
Laughing, Melanie guided them toward the bed. Trying to gently lower Felicia, Melanie stumbled against the frame and they crashed onto the mattress. Swearing, Melanie crawled up and, flipping over onto her back, sank into the pillow. Felicia dragged herself up beside her, laying her head on Melanie's shoulder. Wrapping an arm around her waist, she held Felicia to her, planting a kiss on the top of her head.
"Should you call your sister and let her know you're not coming home?"
"No. I'm sure she's figured that out for herself by now. Go to sleep Melanie. I'm not done with you yet," Felicia said on a yawn.
Laughing, Melanie closed her eyes, letting herself slide into sleep, her last thought being of a pair of emerald green eyes, sparkling with anger.