Tempting Forces

Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Cinnamon



- Eve -

Soaking my feet into the warm Jacuzzi, I looked at the amazing view of Jersey City. The water was softly flowing in waves in the early morning. The buildings lights were still on and the dark sky lit with barely visible stars. Why is it we can barely see stars, but we know they are shining? It's funny, I rationalized as I dipped my naked body into the warm water.

I flexed my toes around the water, trying to relax them. I had been working since eight and it was almost five in the morning. I was tired, sleepy, drained, horny...

I chuckled to myself, reaching for the fresh glass of Moet I had on the side of the Jacuzzi. The wine slid down my pierced tongue smoothly. I caressed the liquid around the cheek of my mouth, tasting that sweet flavor. It reminded me of the deranged woman from earlier.

Bubbly, yet sweet at the same time. Smooth, yet lingering. She was definitely on my mind. The way her face fell when she saw hubby tipping over all up over me. It was really a shame, because dude wasn't even drunk. He was clever, and a good actor at that.

He was real smooth when he walked up to the bar.

"What can I get you?" I asked, glancing at the approaching caramel colored black man. He had low eyes, bedroom eyes some might say. He smiled, telling me he only wanted two shots of patron. I assumed he'd offer the other to me.

See, I was used to the flirting, it came with the job. But, he paid and dipped back out into the crowd of gentleman and horny ladies. With a raised eyebrow, I let the thought of pretty boy fade, but somehow his eyes kept meeting mine.

I wasn't picking no man up from where I worked at, that was rule number one, but he wasn't bad. I usually went for the darker brothers--when I went for them, that is.

As the night went on, he would look at me every now and then, maybe wink, until he returned and order a coke. That's when I got turned off. He just talked too damn much. Telling me all about wifey and they problems until I finally told his ass to shut up.

He found it funny, licking his thick lips that were framed by a healthy goatee.

"Sorry, ma. Aye, you know this area? I need a few more hours away, seeing as you taking off and leaving a nigga." I rolled my eyes, walking to the backroom to retrieve my purse and keys. By the time I made it outside, he was out there dapping up a few guys. Minding my business, I made way to my car.

"Yo, Cinnamon!"

Fuck! Who told this nigga my name? That name especially. I started to just hop in my ride and peel off, but I turned around. I was going to leave his tipsy ass there, but I decided to take him home--his home. He was talking about his car won't start and nobody had jumper cables. Yeah, alright.

But, he was actually cool. Talkative--Lana this, Lana that--but cool.

I guess he thought his drunk act would keep the bat off his back for the night, but we all know wifey bitches don't sleep! Especially when hubby out creepin'!

I finally began to lather my body with my bath sponge and enjoyed the jets rippling off my body. I had this bad boy on high and the way the jets were hitting everything was a recipe for a sleepless night filled with imaginations of faceless sexy bodies and a hell of a lot of batteries.

Rinsing off in the shower, I was finally ready for bed, dry and everything. I walked to my vanity and retrieved the small bottle of Vitamin E. Using just a dab, I applied it to the fading scar on my right jawbone and right above my left breast. Lingering over the scar, I shook my head before I got started, cutting off the room lights, letting Jersey City's nightlights aluminate my room.

I folded my silk sheets back before climbing in naked. The lavender sheets were heaven, lulling me right into a dreamless sleep.

* * *

By eight in the morning I was up and running, getting ready for tonight. It was our special night, which meant I was Sabastian's do-girl until my shift began. First, I had to go pick up the baby t's for the girls that read Sensational across where the girls' bust would be in flashy pink and silver assorted gemstones. After that, I had to run to Dick's Sporting Goods to pick up a few footballs.

The theme was Sexy League due to the big game coming up for the ladies lingerie team. The girls would be dressed scantily in the small baby tee, a thong and I heard some ladies would even be wearing war paint under their eyes. I just thought the whole thing was kind of stupid as far as the theme. Only two of the twelve strippers were apart of the team, but Sebastian saw this as an opportunity to get horny niggas in his club. When he found out Honey and Karma were on the lingerie football team, all the way in Philly, he ran with the idea.

Now, I was running around town for them. I couldn't stand those two particular strippers either. They thought their shit didn't stink because they were only working on weekends and making most of the dough out of all the girls due to their other profession and the fact that their time was limited.

Overpaid hoes.

After all that running around, it was nearing twelve and I hadn't even had breakfast yet.

To say I was in a bad mood would be an understatement. I didn't need anyone badgering me, especially Sebastian, but he would not stop calling me! I was seriously considering adding him to the blacklist of my phone until I was calm enough to deal with him, but I answered anyway. I didn't bother to try and throw on my fake upbeat voice, either. He wanted to blow up my phone, then he would get this attitude he was well-deserving of.

"Yo, Cin' how many times have I called you?" He barked. I rolled my eyes, walking into a deli, ready to have my first meal of the day.

"Look, my name ain't Cinnamon. I only tolerate you calling me that ghetto shit when I'm on the clock 'cause it's your club, but don't call me that outside the club, Bash." He hated that name and I knew he was holding his temple where a throbbing vane threatened to pop when I called him that. Dude was real particular, and didn't do disrespect aimed at him. He'd live, plus I still was helping him out so he wouldn't get too crazy on the tongue.

"Don't fuckin' get smart, Evana! I got shit to be done and you know how I feel about shit being done last minute." No one told you to order everything three days in advance, asshole. Ignoring his attitude, and holding my tongue for a few seconds, I calmly changed the subject to his reason for calling.

"The shirts weren't done. I have to go back in an hour. I got the footballs and I'll go pick up the thongs at three." I said, picking up a paper from the red counter. A latino man was behind it, giving me a slight smile. It was quite comical, his built body clad in a small apron and a tight white t-shirt. His gelled hair was styled to the back of his head while his arched eyebrows were the perfect shape. He was a pretty boy.

"Fuck! That's cutting it, but a'ight," I began to hang up when he spoke again. "Aye ma, I really appreciate you doing this shit for me. I got you this month."

"No problem, Sebastian." I sighed. I hated he knew I was counting on those few extra dollars. He'd use it against me if I hadn't helped him anyway.

"A'ight. Don't send me to voicemail anymore, Eve. I'm serious." I breathed an okay and hung up, ordering my food. Pretty boy was as sweet as my lemonade, and I don't mean that in a 'he's a nice guy' type of way. I'm talking 'playing for the other team' sweet, but baby boy was still cute.

Too bad. All the good ones were either gay, taken, or complete assholes.

I sat back in my Camaro and cut the air on, saying grace before digging into my turkey sandwich. I knew the extra bacon was just me being greedy, but I told myself it was because this would be the first, and most likely the last, time I'd be eating today. I enjoyed my sandwich, wincing at the sweetness of my lemonade. It was basically liquid sugar, and I knew I would be too tired to hit the gym until Monday, my off day. I used the separate cup of ice I ordered in hopes of watering it down.

By the time I finished eating, Sebastian was calling again. In a better mood due to my full belly, I answered.

"Hey baby girl, I need one more thing." I crossed my eyes, hoping he was going to be spotting me for all this damn gas I was wasting today.

"What's up?"

"Okay, hear me out," He's about to spit some bullshit. Why else would he start the sentence off like that? "Cherry not coming, she got the package and you know I ain't risking nobody gettin' Herpes off her nasty ass, so I need you to cover tonight." My first thought--That nasty bitch, she got something new every month. What he really needed to be worried about was cleaning and disinfecting them poles. But, then I realized he'd just asked me to be a stripper for the night. The hell? No!

"No!" I said, shaking my head and twisting my lips as if he could see me.

"Come on, Eve, I know you could use the money. There're two stacks guaranteed." He tried to sway my thoughts, and though that two thousand sounded real good, I don't think I could do that. The long scar going down my back wasn't the most flattering, plus, I wasn't lowering myself to do that. I had come too far off the pole to go back when times got hard. I was a bartender, I wasn't a stripper anymore. Once I was off, I wasn't going back. I promised myself that.

"What's one girl short, Sebastian? I'm sure you got hoes on call." I tried to get him to not ask me again, but he wasn't giving up that easily.

"I want you, baby. You know you'll have all them niggas falling out if I told them Cinnamon was making a rare appearance. They'd pay extra just to get in if thy knew you were back." I had stop stripping two years ago, and money hasn't been the same since. I promised I wouldn't go back. It was a dangerous world, believe it or not, and though I had moved, started a new life, and stayed away from the pole, it seems like my past was always haunting me.

"Sebastian I told you what it was when I started working at the club. I'm not-"

"Five G's. I'll guarantee you five G's, not including tips. You got Monday and Tuesday off, come through for me, ma." I can't believe I was thinking about it. I can't believe I was considering it, I can't believe the next words coming out my mouth.

"Um...Do I have to strip?" I heard him chuckle before his deep voice rumbled again.

"Nah, nah baby. Just come through. You'll wear the thong and t-shirt, right?" I was considering it. I mean, I didn't have to strip....

__________________________________________________________

- Lana -


"Hello?" I answered my phone on the first ring, hoping it was Trey. It was almost eight and he hadn't so much as called me yet. I told myself he only went to his house, not that he was out creeping. He wouldn't do that...

"Bitch, perk up! We goin' out!" I sighed, hearing Jessie's voice. She was more of Korey's friend than mine, but she was cool. A little wild if you ask me, but I liked her.

"I can't. I'm watching Kalise, remember?" Thank God! I wasn't in the mood to be clubbing tonight, especially when I wasn't sure of Trey's whereabouts.

"Oh don't use that on me. I know yo' man is there, he can watch her." I began to tell her how 'my man' had gone M.I.A, when the door began to crackle. Fuck! He had to come back now. Though I was relieved, I knew if Jessie knew he was home, she was taking me out with her, even if she had to drag me by my hair, kicking and screaming.

"Um, let me-"

"Hey bae." Dammit.

"Ha, I'll be there in an two hours, don't play with me Lana!" Click. She'd hung up and I knew she was probably already soaking in the tub, her makeup already done and her hair wrapped. She'd be over here in forty five minutes, telling me I was running late.

I looked over my shoulder at Trey walking up the stairs and as I got my thoughts together, I heard the shower running.

Wait. A. Minute.

He comes home, acting like everything is alright between us, and goes straight to the shower? Fuck no! You know what that screamed?

Cheater Alert!

Okay, I was tired of his shit. He wanted to be that way, then I would to. I shot Jessie a text and told her I'd accompany her tonight. I played with Kalise for another ten minutes before carrying her to the kitchen for a bottle. By now, the water was off and I could hear Trey's heavy footsteps upstairs. I rolled my eyes, feeding baby girl her bottle..

She'd drunk almost half before dozing off to sleep. I carefully carried her in my arms and up the steps. As I walked in the room, Trey was walking out. He stopped, letting me pass through. I walked to the crib and laid Kalise down. Just as I was rising from my bent position, Trey wrapped his arms around my waist, his face in my neck. He smelled of Irish Spring and Listerine.

Not only did he shower but he brushed his teeth too? Right after coming home? What was he out doing, eating pussy?

I shook my head and slapped his hands away. I could hear him protesting behind me as I made way to the bathroom.

"Stop being all in your feelings, bae. That argument was over when I left. " Was he serious? I turned, seeing his face straight with the exception of a furrowed eyebrow. He was actually serious.

"Ok, Trey." I said, nodding. I wasn't in the mood. I locked him out the bathroom, ran the bath, and wrapped my hair. I was going out tonight.

* * *

Wrapped in a towel, I ignored the seventh knock on the door as I finished up my makeup. Once done, I let my hair out of the silk bonnet and ran my fingers through the silk curls. They had stayed in, despite my not tying it up the previous night. Happy with my look, I unlocked the door, and thankfully, Trey was gone. I walked pass the empty crib, assuming the baby had woke up.


In the closet, I saw a selection of dresses, some of Korey's old things she gave me when she got pregnant, others new things I had picked up. I decided on a simple white button up and a mini striped skirt. I hadn't been out in a while, so I didn't want to over due it. I slipped on a funky blue-color wedge to add some color, and I was ready.

"Oh, forgot my earrings." I turned to my jewelry drawer, looking through the assorted pieces when I heard footsteps.

Damn it, Trey. Go away!

It was indeed him walking in with Kalise cradled in his arms. He looked at me confused and admiringly. My phone chimed on the other side of the room, indicating a text message. It was Jessie, probably telling me she'd be here soon.

"Where you going?" He asked, walking closer to me.

"Out." I used his own word against him, choosing diamond studs. I walked over to the bed and grabbed my phone. I could see Trey's jaw clenching as I walked around the room, packing my purse. I did one of his moves, kissing his cheek before walking out the room.

"Out where? Look what you wearing!" He yelled down the steps behind me, now his arms empty.

"Out. Be back whenever.

The click of the door slamming never sounded so good.

* * *

"What the..."

"I know girl, but trust me, it's going to be all that!" Jessie smiled, fixing her red lipstick and wiping the corners of her mouth before closing the mirror. She unbuckled her seatbelt and reached for the door. I was stuck to my seat, not wanting to go inside. We were at Sensational. The same strip club Barbie worked at. The same club Trey abandoned me for last night.

But... A strip club!

"I don't want to see all them naked girls gyrating!" I pleaded, but she was already hopping out the large truck.

"Come on or get left." She threw over her shoulder. I took a deep breath, saying a silent prayer as I hopped out her Range Rover. Her married ass had no business going to the club, but I guess she was tired of being home with dirty diapers.

I caught up with her, and she walked straight up to the opened door, saying something to the bouncer. He licked his lips and nodded. I wonder what she said, but we were both led in free of charge. I pulled her arm, not even taking in the surroundings as I yelled over the music.

"What did you say?"

"We were new dancers looking for work." My mouth dropped and I punched her arm softly, laughing. "What? we look good, mama." I shook my head and finally looked around.

There were three men everywhere! The lights were dimmed, some assorted color lights flashing around. I noticed it was a football theme going around and some of the strippers walked barre of clothes, only holding a football. I looked beside me to see Jessie waving at a table of women. I was surprised that there were a good amount of ladies in the building, but the men definitely out numbered us.

Instead of following her, I went to the bar. I need a drink!

I noticed Barbie wasn't behind the bar, a muscular man in a suit was instead. He had a few gray hairs, but he was nice-looking. When I approached, he flashed a pearly white smile, taking the hand that was laid flat on the bar in his and kissing it.

"Well hello. How may I help you, beautiful?" I smiled, and tucked some hair behind my ear. I couldn't remember what I wanted, so I looked behind him and said the first thing I saw.

"Peach ciroc, please." He raised an eyebrow, but turned and poured the drink. When I handed him a twenty, he shook his head and winked.

"Pretty ladies drink free." And just like that, he was off to the other side of the bar, handling someone. It felt kind of weird being hit on, I didn't expect it. But, I can't lie and say it didn't feel refreshing. I felt wanted, something Trey wasn't making me feel lately.

I walked away from the bar, trying to remember where Jessie went, when a group of men pushed passed me, trying to get to the stage as the lights began to flash red. I fell on a suede coach, seated by two men and a woman, all of their eyes facing the stage. Everyone's eyes seemed to be there, so I looked wondering what was going on.

"I need everybody in this bitch to listen up! We got a rare face in the house tonight. You've heard about her, you've missed her, and for tonight only, she's back! Y'all give it up and show Cinnamon some love!" The DJ yelled, and the crowd roared, a lot of men's hoots and barks. I wondered who the woman was, looking at the stage area.

She came out in a small white baby tee, her pierced belly showing. Her underwear barely covered her privates, her hips adorned with the thinnest string I'd ever seen. Her hips swayed as she walked out, and I could hear the whispers around me. I couldn't believe I was watching the woman like I was, but she began to dance around the pole teasingly, making everyone wonder when she'd climb up.

We weren't wondering for long. She slid around gracefully, before climbing all the way up and dropping--upside down.

"Damn! She ain't forget none of them tricks!" I heard beside me.

Feeling a little hot, I got up and made my way to the bar, but the sexy man wasn't there anymore. Instead, it was a darker man, he was the color of chocolate. His face was turned to a man, so I couldn't see what he looked like. I waited patiently, my eyes moving back to the stage. I looked just in time to see Cinnamon in an open split, her ass vibrating to the beat of the music. My mouth had dropped, and I couldn't look away.

What the fuck?

I turned my head, feeling bad for watching so intently.

"What can I-"

I looked up and was stunned to see those big brown eyes. He was just as stunned, but quickly recovered, smiling.

"Hello Alana." His voice was as smooth as water.

"H-hi Darren." I choked up.