Page 28 of Porter (Dirty Misfits MC 2)
The woman had practically stocked my place with things I hadn’t yet picked up for myself.
And it made me more curious than ever before.
“Eat, then clean?” Josie asked.
I hauled the food into the kitchen. “Sounds like a plan to me.”
We danced around one another, pulling out silverware and drinks. But once we got settled at the table, I eyed her from my perched position.
“You gonna spill it about this job now?” I asked.
Josie sighed. “I’m a stripper, Astrid.”
I blinked. “Wait, have you always been a stripper?”
She shrugged. “In some way, shape, or form since high school, yeah.”
“Why in the world didn’t you ever tell me?”
“Because I knew if there was anyone out there prepared to give me the, ‘you’re better than that’ speech, it was you.”
My heart broke at her words. “I’m sorry if I ever gave you the impression that I’d look down on you for something like that.”
She furrowed her brow. “You mean, you’re not upset?”
I sipped my blackberry tea. “I do feel like you’re better than that, but if you’re happy, then I’m happy for you.”
She munched on a French fry. “Honestly? It makes me feel strong. Empowered, almost. I’ve always loved to dance, but I knew I was never good enough to go professional, you know?”
“Especially after breaking your ankle. Didn’t the doctor tell you to stop ballet because of it?”
She nodded. “Yep. But on that stage I get to dance. I get to be free from all the rules and regulations my parents held me to when I was younger. I get to cast off all that religious bullshit, get to express myself through amazing costumes and makeup, and I rake in the money at the same time doing something that makes me feel strong.”
I smiled softly. “Then, I’m happy for you. Really.”
“Plus, the place is kept really clean and safe. It’s not like those seedy, weirdo bar-stripper joint combinations. People come in for the shows, and if they want drinks and food, they have that option. It’s really nice.”
I picked up a hot fry and dipped it in ranch. “You make it sound great. Though, I’m not sure if I wanna see my best friend stripping on a stage.”
She barked with laughter. “You’re there with me in spirit, I get it.”
My smile grew. “Good.”
Her stare held my gaze. “What aren’t you telling me?”
I blinked. “What?”
She held her chin up. “Girl, you’re my best friend. We grew up together. I know when you’re withholding information, so spit it out. Or are we going to pretend like you don’t have those hickies on your neck?”
My hand flew to my skin. “What? Wait, for real?”
Josie slowly smiled. “All right, spit it out. What’s his name, and how long has it been going on?”
I swallowed hard. “If I tell you, you can’t tell a soul.”
Her smile fell. “Is it really that bad?”
“Yeah, it’s really that bad.”
“What are you doing? Fucking a dictator of a country?”
I leaned forward. “Porter stayed the night last night.”
Her jaw dropped open. “You’re sleeping with your brother’s best friend!?”
“Shh! Keep your damn voice down.”
She lowered it to a whisper. “You’re sleeping with Porter? Are you crazy? Brooks will kill you.”
“See? Worse than a dictator.”
She puffed out her cheeks with a sigh. “I have to admit, it’s juicy. But honestly?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner.”
I blinked. “Come again?”
She scoffed. “Oh, come on, girl. I know you like the back of my hand. You had a crush on Porter basically all throughout your teenage years. The only reason why I never called you out on it was because you were never brazen enough to showcase it.”
I leaned back in my chair. “Brooks is going to kill me when he finds out.”
“You never know. If it’s a one-time thing, he might not ever find out.”
I refused to open my mouth and Josie’s eyes narrowed. “It is just a one-time thing, right?”
I shrugged. “I mean, I don’t know. It was kind of nice. Romantic, even, in its own twisted way.”
“Oh, boy.”
“What?”
She shook her head. “He dicked you down good, didn’t he?”
I groaned. “Twice, and I was still ready for more.”
Her jaw dropped open. “Two back-to-back rounds? Did he get off, too?”
I smiled widely. “Both. Times. I made sure of it.”
She held up her hand. “That deserves a high-five, girl. That’s hard to do with any man.”
I clapped my hand against hers as pride filled my gut. Yeah, it was hard for that to happen. And yet, it had happened between me and Porter. It was because he wanted me as much as I wanted him.
I simply wasn’t sure where to step next.
Josie ate another fry. “Well, now that we’ve gotten caught up on all the juicy drama, let’s get this food eaten and get to cleaning. I have to leave at six to go get ready for my shift tonight, but we can at least get this downstairs area sparkling clean before I leave.”
