Perfection is only seen by those who refuse to see their own flaws. Let us look at flowers for an example, a rose from a distant can look frail, elegant, even shaped petals and the brightest of reds. Closer to the rose and one can see the tiny thorn, one small crumpled petal or off shape one. That does not mean the rose cannot be used to make one smile or even brighten up someone's outlook.
I am clearly far from perfect in this world and I am good with it. Not many twenty-seven-year-old are okay with their look. I am pretty sure I hit content, I know I could lose some weight but honestly, I loved food and I do get my workout. Every morning before breakfast I stare into my mirror and watch myself take my meds (weird habit I know). My mirror has two pictures taped on it, one to remind me who I was before and the other to show how much I accomplished in a year. It is my morning motivation, some days it is more helpful then others.
In that time my eyes changed, they were once a deep brown but now I have turned to a noticeably light brown. At times they change colors, there is a definition of why they do that, but I cannot remember it for the life of me. The eyes may have changed colors, but they show pain, fear, sorrow but also determination, strength and sometimes happiness. My hair changed it is still naturally wavy but is no longer dark brown. It sports a black cherry color, I told Emmet that it shows I can be sweet (the redness that is scene in it) but a badass as well (raven like black.)
Hair tucked behind my ears show six different piercings. One on my nose too and tongue. I glided eyeliner to the bottom of my eyes and added mascara. I learned over the years I do not need much makeup to help bring out my beauty. I adjusted my semi colon necklace as it lands just above my cleavage. The necklace had been a gift from Mr. Knapp to Emmet and me for making a year on our own. It also showed we agreed that we were not done in this life. I moved my eyes to see my stupid bra straps were slipping. I slid them in place and readjusted myself, that was literally the biggest change. I had gone from a B cup to a fucking DDD. So, I really had an hourglass figure going on. The only complaint was that my back tended to hurt from time to time.
My black tank hugged to my curves perfectly. My scars were now hidden behind countless hours of ink therapy. There had been a shop in Santa Rosa that specialized in covering scars for people who had trauma to their body. The artists always asked about the idea to understand the importance of the ink. I may up to fifteen, less if you count my sleeve as one. My ink consisted of many different things but each one was colorful and unique with their own meaning. I always got compliments from strangers when they saw them. I adjusted my tank to sit on my but. I always needed long shirts which sucked. Being 5'10" and with legs for days required longer clothes. I button my jeans and do another look over, mentally telling myself that average size for a woman in 14, I am a 16 which is more than average. Just like me. Everything is decent in my life, just decent. I grab my Star Wars bag with my camera and laptop tucked away safely, pat myself down for my phone and grab my keys.
I turn around to do a once over in my room because I always forget shit. If it were not for my bras and girlish bedding you would think a guy lived in here. I had collected so much nerd stuff over eight years that it was ridiculous. It sported Marvel, Doctor Who, Harry potter, Star Wars, and random pop culture things. My dresser was covered in pop vinyl around my flat screen. If it were not for our separate bathrooms at our beach condo Emmet would have asked for an intervention.
I shut the door quietly and padded down the stairs. Emmet had the main floor bedroom, so the upstairs was my domain, which was just my room and bathroom. I had to be quiet because the dam house was like a giant echo at times. I reached the bottom and caught the smell of coffee and bacon. I pulled a Kip from Napoleon Dynamite and mentally yelled 'yes'. I crossed into our kitchen that was to the left of our stairs. It was gray washed with black cupboards and white island as well as counter space. The only window in the kitchen looked out to the driveway. Next to our black stove was Jesus.
It was Jesús, Emmet's serious boyfriend of five years. Occasionally I called him Mexican Jesus, that was usually when I was drunk. When we first met him, he was ripped beyond reason with long black hair and a bear. Emmet saw him instantly at Pridefest and they hit it off. They both came to my rescue that day when a nut job laid into me for being bi-sexual. That was a fun journey on its own and I already was struggling.
We had gone out to celebrate starting my own photography business and Emmet opening his own salon. I did his marketing as well because I used the space above as an office. I was not even drunk but felt it when I laid my eye on this mocha skinned women, green eyes and jet-black hair with amazing curves that matched mine. We chatted all night and even danced. Brittany was amazing but I freaked out once I got home.
I went on a couple of dates with her to only confirm to myself that I was bi. My first real relationship since Dean. We had six blissful months, we ended on great terms it was just not working with the distance when she accepted a job in New York.
"Oh, Jesús you are my savior!" I exclaimed while pouring coffee. I could not help but laugh at my own double meaning.
"Buenos dias mi Amelia." He chuckled. I noticed that he was dressed for something special. Khaki pants, button down long black sleeve shirt and his now short spiked hair was slightly jelled up.
"You are looking all fancy today and it's a fucking Monday!" I squinted my eyes as I watched him move around. "What gives?"
Jesús turned around with the fresh made bacon, he placed pieces on three plates that already had over hard eggs, toast, and fresh fruit. He placed two plates on a tray as I poured two more cups of coffee. "Well if you must know. I am surprising Em with breakfast in bed and popping the question."
"Excuse me bitch?!" I was far from angry in fact I was containing the gross girly screams I had going on inside me.
"Yes, five years together and we've been living together for almost four. I think it was time to settle down."
"Jesús I am so happy for you guys." I gave him a hug and kissed his cheek. I scarfed down my breakfast and grabbed my thing. "I am going to go to the office and get some work done, as well as give you some privacy."
I waved goodbye and headed to my black Chevy Impala. There was not much on my calendar for the day, being a free-lance photographer meant that I made my own schedule. It was weird thing of mine to make sure I had control over my work schedule. I headed to 'Snips' Emmet's salon, above his shop was my little studio. 'Polar' was my baby and poured myself into so much. I built it from the ground on up.
The clients varied, sometimes it was family pictures, businesses needing shoots of their products, Sacramento FDP was our favorite though. All the proceeds for their calendar went to charity but Em, Jesús and I enjoyed the shoot way too much. Around the time Emmet met Jesús I was asked to do pictures for an exclusive club. The most interesting offer I was ever given, and I could not turn it down.
I was at a concert with my boys and happened to be asked to take pictures for an article. The concert had ended late one evening and as we were walking to our car on the sidewalk, we were greeted by a couple that were decked out in business attire. I thought it was weird being almost midnight and still in business.
The fiery redhead with bright blue eyes approached me first. "Miss Hart. I have seen your work, and I am impressed." I looked this woman up and down, she seemed genuine. She was not quite curvy, she looked middle aged and sported a business skirt and shirt with high heels.
"Uh thank you. I am sorry but I didn't catch your name?" Jesús and Emmet were behind me looking like my bodyguards.
They must have been intimidating because she responded "Oh my apologies. I am Dani Young, and this is my husband Rory Young. We have a business deal we would like to offer. We would prefer to discuss this back at our club in private. These fine gentlemen can come with you to assure your safety."
I chuckled at her last statemen. I pointed to the guys "These two are far from gentlemen bit it wouldn't hurt to hear you out."
"I assure you it's a unique opportunity for you." Mr. Young stepped forward; he was decked out in a black suit with a red tie. His hair was brown but peppered and his facial hair matched. He approached a limo and opened the door. I hesitated at first because I had no idea what was going down, but this screamed opportunity.
All of us climbed in and set off to the destination. I could not tell exactly where we were but noticed a lot of Rolls Royce and high-end bars. We reached the end of richville Santa Rosa apparently because we approached a parking garage with a bouncer. The limo must have been familiar because the gate opened instantly for us. Before going I noticed, and almost two-story warehouse attached to the garage. The limo stopped and we all piled out to stand in front of a set of glass doors that had red velvet attached to the backs of the door. Above the double doors it read 'Brimstone' it was done up like it was written in stone itself. Mr. Young nodded to the door bouncer and the doors opened inward.
I had caught so many smells at once, some were fruity, others were woodsy and at one point I smelled cleaning products. We walked through a short walkway that was lit with dimmed candle like lights. We reached a set of velvet curtain as well as another bouncer. When we walked through the curtains, we were ushered into what looked like a club.
"Welcome to the most exclusive unique club in California." Dani Young presented with pure pride.
I could not help but drop my jaw at the size of this place. We were certainly on what would be considered the second floor and from looking further around it was luxiours, spacious and interesting club. Along the wall to the left of us was a massive top of the line bar. It held every kind of booze known to man. Stools were a line the front of it. Good distance from that were four top tables that overlooked the club. AS if on cue bright lights came on over it. If my jaw could drop anymore, the lights revealed little sections of tiny different stages but a bigger one in the middle of the room. Each stage had stripper poles; the main stage had a walkway that led to black curtains. We began walking to a set of stairs that led down to the area. While we walked down rooms were revealed with various BDSM equipment.
Mr. and Mrs. Young sat us at a booth that looked out onto the bottom portion of the club. It took a minute for me to realize that Emmet and Jesús were sporting the same surprised face. So glad we were not playing poker because our tells would be easy right now. Mr. Young cleared his throat as someone dressed as another bouncer brought a folder. "I am going to come out right and tell you that clearly this isn't a normal club. Brimstone is an exclusive Co-ed BDSM club that offers various things. As you can see, we have stages for just stripping but it gives our clients the opportunity to see what there is to offer. Each side room has those offers. Your club membership determines your experience. The way we list our offers prevents it from being considered prostitution because you are not paying for sex just the BDSM experience. Sometimes there is intercourse but that is handled in different way. Everything we do, we do for the safety and care of our workers. We do also care deeply about the confidentiality of our clients. You cannot come in unless you go through a series of obstacles. When you join this club, it is not for once night. All of our clients are high power or very deep pocketed, they come here to fill their deepest desires."
I had to pause to make sure what I said next. "So, what are you needing or wanting from me?"
Mrs. Young chimed in by opening a folder revealing head shots of what must be the workers. "We are working on a promotion and website to help start something different and would like you to be our photographer. We would pay you well and offer free membership for you and these two."
I could not speak right away, I almost stuttered. "How long will you be being doing this promotion idea."
"Oh honey." Mrs. Young purred "This is something hopefully permanent. You would still be able to continue your other work as well.
At some point we created a family with a group from the club as well as the Youngs. It could have been because Dani really liked Emmet and Jesús, she kept offering them some side work. Bam! One day they were part of the team and listed as a packaged deal on the menu. They only filled in every other weekend. Sunday and Wednesdays were closed for weekly cleanings. Few months later I was offered to help with bartending and serve tables when short staff. I had agreed to help specially to help with my slow season. My phone began pinging like crazy
Jesús: Amigos we are celebrating Friday! I am getting Emmet to commit.
Annie: YAY!
Ryder: About time!
Me: Good! I was worried I would have had to come home and kick some ass
Chris: Finally!
Destiney: Now we just gotta get Mia settled with some one
Jesús: YES!
EM: For show
Ryder: 100% agree
Annie: I know some people
Chris: You know I am single
Me: WTF this is not about me!
EM: There is that one guy who eye fucks you when you work the bar
Annie: I know which one Trix says he asks for you.
Me: Guys seriously let us just celebrate this weekend for the guys.
I put my phone down and ignored the messages coming in. I began to go through my emails. Some were offers for discounted items for a camera, a couple were confirmation on appointments, an email from Brimstone about new ideas and one from Dani chimed in.
Mia-
I need your help. Missy walked out with no notice. Could you cover her shift until we can get a replacement? I know some of our guys will be excited to see you.
Dani
I thought back to the group message on how a guy was asking for me. No Mia focusses! He is probably some creeper who wants some. I may be in a dry spell but Hell no! I messaged Dani back.
Dani-
Yeah, I will come tomorrow tonight. See you later
Mia
Tuesday evening was a mad house due to a 2 for 1 on private dances. I was not going to complain because I was banking on tips. But dam was it hot as balls, despite my attire, which bartenders or servers wore black shorts and usually blank tanks. The tit sweat was just as good as my tips tonight, no matter how high my hair was up it still was gross.
My eye caught Ryder walking up, he was decked out in fireman attire for his routine. His bleach blonde hair was slicked back, body was greased and ready. He usually came up to order his shot, flirt with the girls and sometimes the guys if he was feeling it. I began pouring his shot of crown when he held up two fingers, which means it was a bad night.
"That bad of a night already?" I shot Ryder a sympathetic look
"Some of the ladies were way too touchy and pissed off their dates." By now we are face to face so we could hear over the music and people better. Ryder's eyes shifted to behind my shoulder. "Not as bad as Mr. Adams is about how close we are."
My brows furrowed in confusion. I glared to my right to catch the mirror against the bar. I could see a light brown man with broad shoulders, his shirt was tight around his biceps, he looked as if he were flexing. His eyes were intense, his jaw was clenched but he had some dark facial hair that matched his short-spiked hair. Ryder broke my peeping.
"That's the guy we were talking about. He is totally got that possessive alpha vibe on him. We should test something."
"Really? What were you thi- "
Ryder planted a deep kiss on me while gently grabbing my hair. Once he pulled back, he glanced again "Oh yeah alpha vibe coming from him.: He smirked as he walked away. Loudly calling "Thanks for the friends kiss."
Mr. Adams seemed to relax at that statement from Ryder. However, the heat pooling in my cores was certainly from it all. No body! We are not betraying me! After placing a bottle down for a gentleman, I looked up to see him gone from his seat. Disappointment set in. What is wrong with me? I turn back around to head to my area and him sitting where Ryder was. Well shit! His look was panting dropping, but his husky sultry voice was just down right fuck me sideways.
"Could I trouble you for a drink?" He shook his bottle of beer indicating it was empty. His grey eyes locked onto mine. If I was not wet already his devilish smile that was easily placed on that gorgeous face just soaked them.
I smiled seductively back at him and leaned into the counter crossing my arms, placing them just under my tits. I watched his adam apple bob as her swallowed and adjusted in his seat. Oh, yea Mia you have him squirming. Talk about confidence boost. I grabbed his bottle and asked, "What's your poison hon?"
Without a single hesitation from his as if it were meant as a thought "Clearly you are." He stopped and winced at those words. I could not help but giggle at his works. I have been hit on before and usual it results in my signature Mia eye roll with a smirk. This however, made me laugh, maybe it was his looks or the vulnerability he showed. Because clearly, he did not want me to hear that thought. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that." He chuckled while looking down and playing with a napkin. "That was so cheesy and uncalled for. You probably here it a lot. Lord I am mumbling. Let me start over" He paused and took a breath to calm his nerves. He looked back at me as our eyes met, I bit my bottom and a sigh escaped his lips.
He extended his hand to mine, as I shook his hand he stated "Hi, I am Jax and I will take whatever you have to recommend."
"Nice to meet you Jax. I am River and I'll make you one of my favorites." One of main rules for Brimstone was the staff never used their real names. You tend to get some crazies who try and follow you or they become infatuated with them. False names protected us but also played into fantasies.
I turned around to make my simple cocktail. UV cherry and mountain dew or adult code red. I spun around on my heels with the tumbler in hand and walked back to Jax. I placed the drink down and smiled at him. He sipped the drink at first.
With a raised eyebrow as if he were confused, "This is just code red. I expected something with alcohol in it."
"Don't be so quick to judge my drink good sir." I wagged my finger at him as I began to check on my other costumers. Before going back to check on Jax I made him another one. As I approached him, I spoke before I could think "You've been at the bar all evening, you should go check out the entertainment."
He shook his head. "No one catches my eye except this one girl." He pauses and downs the second drink. I can feel my eyes go wide, clearly; he does not realize there is alcohol in it. My mouth wide open at the sheer amusement what he is going to be hit with, he cuts in. "Everyone that's here knows me and fears me. Except for Chris, I mean Draco. We are friends outside of here but to find a woman we are both attracted to is hard. I don't do anything without him at the club."
Many things had me shocked here. 1. He downed that dam drink, he was already a few in so that bitch was going to slap him here in a couple of minutes and 2. Chris (Draco) one of the guys of our crew had been out for six months. He liked doing 5k runs and this last one suck because he was close to beating a personal best. Annie was there to cheer him on when he collapsed screaming. Despite all the training and working at Brimstone his knee decided it had enough. He pretty much tore everything and emergency surgery that night.
I was trying to wrap my head around somethings, my little family consisted of Emmet, Jesús, Ryder, Annie, Destiney, and Chris. I know Chris came from an immensely powerful family but rarely mentioned. He rarely mentioned a friend but then we never asked about him because according to Chris his past was exactly that. Our crew was never one to judge because we all hated our past.
Jax cleared his throat and pushed his glass forward. "Are you ever on the menu River? I don't see you on the posters."
I shook my head "No, I just serve when they need me. Sometimes I will do office work."
"I bet that puts your man at ese because if you were mine, I would make sure to remind you that you were mine or be with you at all times. Just like the Magic Duo" I internally laughed at that. Magic Due was Emmet and Jesús stage name. "I don't think I would let many touches you without my permission"
For the Archer fans out there, I am channeling my inner Pam. I could drown someone between my legs right now. I tucked a lose hair behind my ear. "I don't feel too confident about myself. Plus, the only men in my life just got engaged to each other."
Jax stood up while smirking. "That's a shame because I would worship that body and always show you off." His face became flushed and he braced the chair next to him. The drinks just hit him and hard. "Good lord, what was in those drinks that they creep that well?"
"Well Jax I have many secrets that I just don't tell anyone. My own drinks are one of them." I winked at him and walked away over to Pixie; she is literally the stereotype blond. Real name is Trixie but goes by Pixie. It took two months to train her. "Hey Pix, you just have few stragglers, so I am heading to the office."
She nodded at me as I walked out from behind the bar and came up to the entrance to the office. Gavin was our security detail for the employee area. I joked with him one day about looking like Ron Pearlman, he did not get it sadly. The door lead to a horseshoe shape area around the club. The far end held the showers, followed by the locker rooms, then the costume area, a direct path to the main stage, break room and then the offices.
I walked straight to the office to discuss the upcoming marketing meeting. Mr. and Mrs. Young's office was decked out like from a gothic Victorian movie. Red velvet was everywhere almost, old twisted chandeliers, fireplace and elongated couch that was black. Dani sat at her desk signing paper away. Over the years she became like a mother to our crew, she was close to my own mom's age. I plopped down on the couch and basked in the AC. It was just so busy out in the club that you could not feel it.
"What time is the meeting Friday Dani? I am trying to make sure I have things ready."
Dani looked up at me, she is an open book when it comes to anything, this look was reading that I was going to hear something I was not going to like. "Actually Mia, there are some changes. Meeting is the same times but need to do a new phot shoot to add a new girl to the menu." She took a deep breath and rushed out. "Thenewgirlisyoubecausewetrustyouandyouknowalmosteverything."
"Oh cool." I thought, new girl photo shoots can be fun because…wait she said I am on the menu? Fuck me running.