Welcome to the not so glitzy world of the Casino gaming industry. Addix Kerringer, lord and ruler of all he possesses. His strip clubs and Casinos are the talk of the town. He also enjoys a prestigious seat on the Casino Owners Conglomerate. Charming, sexy, incredibly handsome describe him perfectly. Stefanie Mitchell has come a long way from the ex-stripper of three years ago. A business owner now, Stefanie still has one dream to realize. She wants to own a casino. Her chance comes when one of the older establishments is put on the market. Carmine Wheeler is in love in love with his partner. Not such a bad thing right? It is when your partner is Stefanie Mitchell and she’s Addix Kerringer’s ex-lover. It becomes deadly when Addix decides it’s time for her to come home to him.
Episode 1 – One of the Boys
Why are you wasting time with this whore,” Marky spat nastily as he gave Stefanie a look.
“I asked you to come alone,” she spoke, ignoring the hired lackey as she looked into Addix’s face.
“He’s my bodyguard, you know that,” he returned calmly, never changing positions as they all stood facing each other in the abandoned warehouse.
“You’re lucky he’s even here you cunt,” Marky again spoke, no hesitation even as Stefanie held them both at gunpoint, the .9mm planted firmly in her hand.
“Come on boss, stop wasting your valuable time on this washed up stripper,” he again sneered.
Stefanie’s patience was growing thin.
“Why are we here, Stef,” Addix calmly addressed.
“You know exactly why we’re here Addix,” she told him irritably. “Fifty thousand reasons why.”
Marky laughed nastily.
“Bitch, were you really stupid enough to believe Mr. Kerringer was going to give you money,” he questioned still laughing. “Shit, you’re dumber than you look,” he added shaking his head as he continued to laugh.
“Is that so, Addix,” Stefanie questioned evenly.
Addix remained mute simply watching her.
“You stupid whore, you were pussy, that’s all, damn,” Marky again enlightened. “Strippers and whores are a dime a fucking dozen,” he spoke again, becoming angry as he glanced at his watch.
He turned his attention to Addix and spoke another time. “Seriously boss, we have another meeting,” he told him impatiently. “You’ve wasted enough time here,” he finished before the muted chirp silenced him forever.
Stefanie was over the edge from his disrespect and Addix’s silence. Marky sank silently to the floor, the amazement still registered on his face as his non-seeing eyes remained wide.
“Are you going to kill me too, Stef,” Addix questioned, far calmer than he actually felt.
“Why did you lie to me,” she questioned instead of a response.
He exhaled cavernously, before addressing her.
“Stef, you’re not ready yet,” Addix told her sweetly. “Stay with me a little longer, let me groom you more,” he coaxed taking a small step toward her.
Stefanie raised the gun again and he stopped moving.
“You’re such a liar Addix,” she told him, hurt, as the tear rolled down her cheek.
“I’m not lying about loving you Stef,” he told her seriously.
“Bullshit,” she returned, another tear rolling down her cheek. “I’ve been screwing you for a year plus, with promises of helping me get out of that damned club and off that pole,” Stefanie told him. “And all you’ve been doing is stringing me along,” she finished, her hand trembling from the rage she carried.
“No more though, I’m done tonight,” she angrily spoke, gun aimed firmly in his direction. “Keep your fucking money liar, I’ll chalk this up to lesson learned,” Stefanie told him. “But trust you will never, ever, get the opportunity again,” she spat firing the first shot as Addix dropped to the dirty, filth covered, concrete floor next to Marky.
Stefanie woke drenched in sweat. She hated reliving the dream. Lately it was happening almost every other night.
“Dammit,” she murmured, rising and heading for the shower.
Stripping, she turned on the spray and waited for it to heat as she regarded herself in the mirror. She just wanted the past to stay in the past. That was two long years ago. She struggled and scraped to pull her life out of the gutter it resided when she danced at Fantasy. Stepping under the steaming spray Stefanie tried to wash away the memories of the club and its owner Addix Kerringer. She was working at the club, weekends only, for almost three months before she met him. Stefanie of course heard rumors about him and how it was in her best interest never to cross him. Still when she met him, the rumors meant nothing once those lavender grey eyes landed on her and he smiled, greeting her. The attraction was mutual, with Addix taking a marked interest in her, arranging private dinners and dates every time she was slated to dance.
You were stupid, her mind told her as she continued to be caressed by the steaming billowy waves of water cascading down her body. Addix promised to help her start her own club and become a business owner. It was his suggestion that he finance the initial down payment, promising her the fifty thousand dollars she never saw. Stefanie hated even now, her body’s reaction to thoughts of the man. Addix was an impeccable lover and he consumed her every time they were together. The feel of his lips on her neck, her breasts, her clit, turned her on. He tricked her heart into believing in fairytales again with his smooth lines, gentle touch, and extravagant gifts.
“Not so much though huh,” Stefanie murmured, turning off the water and getting out of the tub.
Grabbing the towel she began to dry herself. Putting on clean night clothes, Stefanie headed back into her bedroom and picked up the phone.
“Platinum,” the male voice answered.
Stefanie recognized her manager, Rob, and greeted him.
“Oh hey Stef,” he returned jovially. “Everything is fine, we’re packed tonight.”
She smiled.
“Thanks Rob, you guys have a great night and call me if you need anything,” she told him preparing to disconnect.
Stefanie sat back and thought about her club. She almost didn’t get it. The strip club was in foreclosure and there was another interested buyer. She was almost ten thousand dollars short when Wheeler offered to be her silent investor and partner. She smiled thinking of him. Carmine Wheeler became her friend after she met him during her brief stint with the local telecommunications company. She worked customer service there for a few months, meeting him at one of the onsite training functions. They clicked instantly and remained good friends through all her life’s transitions. She wasn’t romantically attracted to him, and she never felt any romantic interest on his end, making their friendship noncomplex. Wheeler, who hated his first name and made her swear to never use it, was a real estate investor. His portfolio was vast and he was always on the lookout for the next great purchase investment. Stefanie was well into her second year owning Platinum. The strip club was on the opposite side of the city offering no competition to Fantasy. She planned to keep it that way. Sighing deeply, Stefanie tried to dismiss the dream as she lay back down. Closing her eyes, she prayed for the past to leave her alone yet another time as she willed her body to relax and allowed sleep to transport her.
Episode 17 – One of the Boys
Maximus always loved coming to the strip. Today was yet another happy memory he would collect as he continued to take in the scenery and drive. His mind of course was on this blind meeting he was headed too, and Stefanie. The latter bringing warmth to his heart and yearning to his loins. He couldn’t wait to make love to her this weekend. Are you going to talk to the woman? Maximus frowned a touch. He was still at an impasse concerning that portion of their affiliation. Honestly after this weekend he had no reason to ever return. He didn’t party and gamble like that, and there were plenty of other destinations. But you love her. His irksome mind swiftly reminded.
“Yeah, there’s that,” Maximus mumbled seeing The Green Room come into view.
Exhaling deeply, he pulled into the parking lot, circling the front tier a couple of times before lucking up and finding a car backing out of a premium space. Maximus swung the late model, beige, Altima into the space and shut off the engine.
He made a mental note to start shopping for a new car. He could definitely afford a note now and he had enough of a savings to level a nice down payment. Glancing around the parking lot he saw the BMW 735I deciding he liked it.
“Might as well get what I want.”
Taking another breath he reeled his mind in, wanting to be fully sharp and focused when he met with this Kerringer character. Who is this guy? What in the hell does he want? Maximus’s mind travelled hyper speed opening files and cataloging women he danced for, had sex with, praying this wasn’t a scorned lover or husband.
“Don’t need that drama.”
He walked inside the luxuriously plush establishment.
“Good afternoon, I’ll be with you in just a moment,” the pretty hostess greeted as she showed two other patrons to their table.
Maximus smiled at her, nodding his understanding of her declaration.
Taking advantage of the lull, Maximus glanced around the restaurant. The built in fish tank with the tropical fish swimming serenely was very relaxing. There was a built in lobster tank on the other side, which he was sure was used for any lobster dish ordered. Lush green plants hung from the ceiling over the waiting area.
“Hi, how many are in your party,” the hostess returned.
Maximus returned his attention to her, giving her a smile to match her own.
“I’m here to meet Mr. Kerringer.”
She continued to smile.
“Oh, yes, please follow me.”
Maximus got that flutter in his gut again as he walked behind the young woman, who was, in his estimation, walking entirely too fast. They passed the sushi bar where patrons were placing their orders as the chefs quickly set about creating them. They passed the liquor bar, filled to capacity, bartenders busily scurrying to and fro fulfilling new orders placed from patrons and servers alike.
“Here we are.”
The words cut through his observations as Maximus caught himself, stopping short of bumping into the woman in front of him.
“Mr. Kerringer is waiting for you inside.”
Smiling, she stood before the closed door of the private meeting room.
“Thank you.”
She opened the door and his apprehension intensified tenfold.
******
Stefanie’s mood was vastly improved after getting the text from Maximus alerting her he would be in town this weekend. Mmm, definitely need some of that goodness with several orgasms on tap. She chuckled aloud as she dressed. She was headed to the club later, but this afternoon she wanted to do a little shopping. This was Stefanie’s stress release when she couldn’t be with Maximus. Today her stress levels were through the roof. Between the application still in limbo, to the flailing casino that would need to be resurrected, her mind was almost on overload. Don’t forget Addix, or Wheeler either for that matter. Stefanie rubbed her temples as the headache threatened. She recalled the kiss she and Wheeler shared two nights ago. So, what are you really feeling about that? Stefanie admitted Wheeler was an attractive man, and if the circumstances were different maybe she could find herself with him. Addix would have a cow. Stefanie exhaled loudly.
“Addix isn’t my man.”
She immediately heard the laughter in her mind. He plans to be.
Honestly, she wasn’t sure what exactly Addix was up too. The lunch still held far more questions than answers for her. He’d been pleasant, charming even, when they spent time, but Stefanie wasn’t stupid. Addix was a master at hiding his emotions. He said he wasn’t angry, but how did she know that? He may have well been setting up some huge plan to trap her and pay her back in kind for shooting him in the warehouse.
“Damn, why can’t I stop loving him, uggh.”
Stefanie picked up her purse. Her cell vibrated and she fished it out of her bag, looking at the display. She received a text message. Despite her mood, she smiled seeing the message from Wheeler wishing her a good day, telling her to keep her head up and everything would be fine. This man would be good to you. What’s really holding you back from giving him a chance? Stefanie’s eyes filled with tears as she contemplated the answer.
“Addix.”
You need to get over him and move on, he certainly has. Her mind flashed Ivy Boheme.
The jealousy was instant with Stefanie sucking her teeth aloud.
“Bitch.”
Ivy was never on Stefanie’s list of favorite people. The couple of times they interacted she found the woman very fake and superficial. She’s still with Addix. So why are you waiting around for him? The question reawakened the pain of her loss. Stefanie closed her eyes trying to block the memories, the mental photos, the longing deep inside that continually yearned for his touch again. Move on with your life Stefanie. If not Wheeler, what about Maximus, he’s sexy, you two get along great. Before she could stop them, tears flooded her face and she broke down sobbing deeply. Stefanie didn’t want to believe she would never be with Addix again. As much as she was afraid of his plans for her, it was still a tie to him and she needed that. Let it go, move on. She continued to cry, the shopping trip postponed for the moment.
*****
Swallowing his trepidation, Maximus walked confidently toward the lone table and its occupant, currently gazing out into the skyline from the huge picture window the meeting room contained.
“Mr. Kerringer,” Maximus spoke once he arrived, standing beside the table.
Addix turned around their eyes meeting.
“Good afternoon Mr. Tyler, please have a seat.”
A small smile accompanied the greeting.
Maximus did as he was asked, his mind still whirling, the guard up and locked in placed.
“I’m happy that you were able to fit me into your schedule,” Addix told him sizing the man up.
“You made it sound pretty important,” Maximus returned, picking up the menu and beginning to peruse it.
“Mm, yes, I would say it’s rather important.”
The door opened and the server walked inside.
“Hi Mr. Kerringer, are you ready to order now?”
Maximus took her in; petite, blonde, typical.
“Yes, I think we’re about ready. I think I’ll have the dolphin.”
She wrote down his order.
“Would you like a potato, fries, or steamed veggies?”
“Hmm, veggies would be good.”
Addix smiled and handed her the menu.
Still smiling, she turned expectantly to Maximus. He wasn’t a big fish fan honestly, seeing multiple offerings on the menu.
“I’ll have the shrimp with scallops,” Maximus finally settled.
“Very good sir, baked potato, fries or veggies?”
“Baked potato, loaded.”
She nodded and continued to write.
“Anything else gentlemen?”
“No, I’m fine,” Addix replied picking up his drink and sipping.
“I’m fine too,” Maximums added giving her a smile.
“Your food will be out shortly.”
She gave the final words before leaving the room.
Maximus’s nerves continued to teeter on edge. He picked up his glass of water and sipped it, waiting for Addix to tell him exactly why they were here. His cell vibrated and he pulled it from his pocket. Since they weren’t talking yet, Maximus didn’t consider it rude. He smiled without contemplation seeing the text from Stefanie in response to his own. Texting her back quickly, he placed the instrument on the table and returned his attention to his host watching him intently at the moment.
Addix set his glass down, his eyes still on the man sitting across from him and the purpose of this meeting.
“How is Stef today?”
Maximus tried to cover, but Addix saw the shock register.
“What’s this about,” Maximus now questioned.
Damn, is this Stef’s old man, she told me she was single. His mind raged with the supposition, jealousy firmly planted.
“It’s about me thanking you for taking care of Stef for the past year plus,” Addix began. “It’s about me showing my appreciation for that care, but most of all, it’s about me letting you know your services are no longer needed.”
Addix calmly picked up his glass again.
Maximus was trying to format his response and curb his fury simultaneously.
“Who are you to Stef?”
He unsuccessfully hid his anger at Addix’s earlier statements.
The man let go a cavernous breath addressing him again.
“That’s not important,” he responded firstly. “What’s important is that you understand it’s not a request.”
Maximus’s temper flared once more.
He managed to catch himself, so that he wasn’t yelling, but his breathing was harsh and his fists clenched as he answered.
“What the hell are you talking about? You can’t order me to stay away from Stef, she’s a grown woman.”
Addix didn’t flinch.
“Look I don’t know who you are, but this meeting is over.”
Maximus prepared to rise and leave.
“Nicholas, have a seat, now,” Addix returned, his mannerisms deadly, his tone even more so.
Maximus being a quick study saw the underlying peril and stayed his body, returning to the seat and waiting for Addix to speak.
“I understand that after the time you’ve spent with Stef, making love to her, you’ve probably grown very attached to her,” he began anew, diplomatically. “But in this situation you should choose carefully which is more important to you.”
Addix took a breath and continued.
“Infatuation or your future?”
Maximus gave him his undivided attention.
“Your new employers, Librium, I suspect wouldn’t be too pleased to know about your extracurricular activities, even now under their employ.”
Maximus still held his tongue.
“Neither would your reputation with the Big Brothers, your block council presidency, or your pending nomination for community liaison, stand the blow of knowing you take your clothes off for, and from time to time have sex with, rich women with money.”
Maximus was blown by the amount of information the man garnered concerning him.
“Who are you man? what do you want with Stef?”
Subdued and defeated, the questions left him almost fearfully.
He loved the woman yes, but if this guy was hell-bent on removing him from her life, he stockpiled plenty of ammunition to do so.
“I’m not going to harm Stef, you don’t have to worry about that,” Addix answered, without answering. “You’re meeting her this weekend?”
Maximus nodded without speech.
“Hmph,” Addix returned, his mind calculating. “When and where?”
“Madison hotel, Saturday night,” Maximus answered resentfully.
He hated how helpless and vulnerable Addix made him feel. He didn’t want to give Stefanie up. He wanted to tell her the truth; that he loved her and wanted them to try and have a relationship. This guy will destroy you. His common sense spoke up with the warning, not at all easing the hurt or appeasing the anger.
“Alright, let’s talk about that.”
They began to converse and Maximus’s mind told him to let go; his pride telling him to fight for what he wanted.