Double Standards (Part 1)

Tink

Laney

It's been a entire week and so much has happend. All for the good mostly. I'm now considered an ex-stripper!

That's right, I quit and Have a new job at the local fitness center. I can actually get my workout on while I work!! Best of both worlds right? Tia finally accepted me into the sorority! So, now between school, work and sorority  functions I'm a busy roller. At least my poor attempt at robbery did pay off.

Only downers are the pay at my new job is crap compared to the stripping. Thankfully I tucked most my earnings away, so I'm good. The other is that I haven't seen London since our kiss. It's like he went ghost on me. I know my dad has had a few meetings with him. Anyways I, Ela, and a few of my sorority sisters are going to a pub tonight for a much need stress release. It's been awhile since I've really had any fun, working all those nights at the club. Yep, tonight is my night!

London

It's been a hell of a week. Pop's called asking what's taking so long to close this deal. Threatened to send a few of our people here to ensure the jobs done. I told him I had this under control and didn't need any help. I must do this and prove myself capable of taking over the family business.

Then there's Laney. I've done my damnest to avoid her. I can't get her wrapped up in my shit, besides her home is here, mine in NY and I simply don't have the time for it. True I've seen most men in my family take what they want, and normally I do. Falling for a women then keeping her under their thumb 24/7. No life outside of the family, not allowed to leave the house alone due to safety precautions.

Not that these women don't love their mobster, they do passionately. But so many suffer depression and anxiety from the lifestyle, the fear. They don't have the normal life most women do. It's a life of seclusion. I've watched so many lose the light in their eyes they once had.

Broken.

It's not worth it.  I could kidnap her and claim her. It's crossed my mind. But if I ever saw the challenging light leave her eyes, or something happen to her I'd loose it. Shit, I don't even know if this if love ...but it's something.

So I choose to stay away. No harm, no foul.

Needing a break from all the bs I popped into a near by pub. Grabbed a corner table and took in the scenery. I'd been sitting there for maybe fifteen minutes when a loud group of girls piled in. They immediately swarmed the bar like a hive of bees, not to mention the single fellows moved in on them in hopes of scoring.

I never got to do the college thing. You guessed it, my lifestyle held me back. Don't get me wrong, the business is my life, my pride, but it has it's regrets as  well.

Abruptly I was brought out of my deep thoughts when a hard force came against my side. Flexing for my gun, I realised it was Laney pouncing in the booth beside me. A very drunk Laney at that.

Grinning drunkenly she grabbed a handful of my fries and chirped "Where you been Lonnndonnnn?"

Laughing I answered "Hiding from you".

She playfully shoved my arm.
"You want a drink?" She asked innocently.

I laughed out loud. "Umm..hell to the no. I vividly recall what happened the last time you offered me a drink".

Laney giggled then her face lit up with excitement as she turned toward me.
"Guess what London? I got in the sorority! I owe you a thank you for lending me your wallet".

I was getting ready to say I didn't lend you my wallet when she placed the sweetest kiss against my cheek.

Oh, this girl is good. Her crowd was waving her back over. "You want to join us?" She asked hopeful.