"Aaliyah! Keep up!" Candy hooted tapping the bar as I rushed back and forth trying to make the drinks as quick as I could. One of the girls was running late, and at the worst possible time!

"I'm trying!"

"Try harder!"

I snatched the money from one and passed his drink whilst filling another. If I was an octopus, I still wouldn't have enough arms!

The music seemed louder tonight making the clients rowdier, Angel had removed two already tonight and the evening was still young!

"Move over!" Patience called sliding into my previous position as I took the other side of the bar. Drinks were being made, ice being scooped, money being taken and drinks being served.

"Sorry." I frowned passing Candy her drink.

"Don't sweat it babydoll! We all get bad nights."

"Hmm, just something is wrong." I frowned glancing to the door.

A part of me was surprise that Zak hadn't shown. After the sneaking out this morning, I expected him to be pissed off, I would be too and I expected him to show up and tell me so.

"You missing your boy?" She asks over the music making my step falter.

"He's not my boy. Or my anything."

She lifts a suspicious brow "Please, whenever he comes here, he comes to you and let's not kid ourselves, he's a hunk. Pure and simple. You must be giving it good girl!"

How did I tell her that it's not like that? That we only ever talk, in fact I think I've danced for him once, keeping my clothes on.

Like a swarm of locust, another patch of customers filled the bar and the madness was off again!

Ava rolled in eventually and released me of my bar confinement, she flashed me a smile and thanked me for covering her before I scurried in case I was called back to help.

"Aaliyah!" Ace called making me head over in his direction as he stood up from a table of men.

"Hey."

"Take 10. You look like shit."

I blinked "Rather brutal. It's just a headache."

"Well you know where the stuff is."

I nodded "Thanks. I won't be long."

Ace glanced around the club "Your client not here tonight?"

My shoulders sagged "Doesn't seem to be..."

"Shame. He seems quiet taken with you." He replied before joining the table again.

The headache had been there all day, a stress headache. Caused by stress and the only source that came with it, was Zak. I hated how everyone presumed there was something more there. How it was different than normal client relationship. Because it wasn't. Admittedly it changed last night but today things had to fall back into their usual rhythm. Nothing more. All this nonsense has to stop.

Since leaving his house I had wanted to go back, to crawl back into bed beside him and let the silence and safety envelop me. I had hoped he would be here tonight just to be close to him, but he wasn't. This was my punishment and I deserved it.

I left the clubs main floor and slipped down the corridor into the changing room. The women all shared the large space, with illuminated mirrors and endless supply of make up, shoes and outfits. It was where we came at the end of the night to count out our money.  There was a bathroom, just off to the right that we used, in favour of the customer rest rooms, incase we were followed and cornered in there. Nobody would hear you over the music and it was only last month some lunatic tried to drag Patience into the restrooms. Fortunately Angel came in and returned the favour by dragging him out the club.

Ace was right, I looked like shit as I stared at myself in the mirror. I redid my hair and touched up some of my make up before opening the cabinet and sifting through the tampon boxes, as well as condoms, intimate wipes, mouth wash and the pill bottles.  Some were cold and flu, another was vitamins and the two were painkillers.

Cracking the top off, I hit two into my hand and threw them back in my mouth before drinking some water and washing them down. Popping the lid on, I tossed it to the back and closed the cabinet before fixing my bralet and heading back out. If Zak wasn't coming? Then I had to do my job.

••••••••••••••••••••

Zak POV.

My eyes scanned the club desperately until they landed on her. Three hours later than usual and I was biting at the bit to see her.

Heading straight for the endless curves and the long dark hair, I watched as Leah pawed over a guy being a lot friendlier than usual.

"Babe." Patience nodded to me causing Leah to turn. Her eyes looked at me and for a split second there was no recognition there until it clicked.

"You came!" She squeaked pushing the customers hands off her and launching herself into my arms.

"Oh.. Wow. I wasn't expecting this." I laughed as she nuzzled into my neck.

I smiled gently but caught Patience giving us both a concerned look. Pulling Leah back, I grinned "Drink?"

She shook her head and took hold of my hand, leading me to the private rooms.

"Oh I see."

"I've waited so long. So, so, so long! You're here!" She giggled.

I really was surprised, I expected her to say a little more than what she had. We were entering the corridor when Leah turned and kissed me hard. Shocked, I pushed back slightly.

"Leah I–"

"You have a condom right? Please? Actually I don't care if you haven't tonight. I need you. Like last time." She panted pulling me on with my belt.

I was confused, after the last time, we both agreed not to let it happen again, it had been a moment of madness on our parts, she was lonely, I was needy. Let's just say, after we both got dressed rather awkwardly not really understanding or gauging who started it or how we continued from there. So I took control, told her that it wasn't to happen again, simply because I didn't want to lose her. I couldn't, she had become a crutch for me when shit got too real. She was a slice of heaven I didn't have to share, and I knew there was darkness in her too.

It was all a little amusing at first being dragged along by my belt, seeing her all heated up and excited. The lip biting and purring. I threw aside the previous agreement and figured why the hell not? Who was I to tell a gorgeous woman such as herself no?

There was no denying that I was attracted to her, she was the reason I drove 30 minutes out of my way and past all the other strip clubs, just to come and see her. To pay her for a chat, no stripping, no dancing, no extras. Just a chat.

Her sweet giggle and tantalising lips pulled me into the room and with a click of the lock. We were on.

She started a fire in my body that only she could tame and as I pinned her against the door and lifted her into my arms, it was clear that one was starting in her two. I groaned as she pulled at my hair, whispering for me to hurry up and I found myself complying, almost falling over my own feet to.

"Condoms?"

I paused in the crook of her neck whilst I thought about it. Wondering if I still had one in my wallet.

"Fuck I don't care. Hurry." She panted leading me back to her throat. My tongue lapped over her pulse making her moan gently, her legs tightening on my hips in need.

"I want you... So bad!" She gasped pulling me back to her mouth. Items of clothing stood in our way, meaning I had to put her down but I wanted to be quick about it. Spinning her off the door, I walked across the door and placed her on the chair as I undid my belt and reached under her small skirt taking hold of the lace hidden under it.

I glanced up ready to tear it down her legs, I wanted her confirmation before we went any further. I wanted her to tell me the words.. But when she looked back at me, I froze.

Her eyes...

Pulling her hand off my belt, I grasped her chin, making her look to me. My eyes connecting with hers instantly under the slightly brighter light.

Dilated..

"Leah. What have you taken?"

She giggled "Nothing, silly. Please come with me, I ache and you're my remedy."

Her body pushed up against mine as her other hand rubbed my crotch. My eyes narrowed watching her breathing, she danced for a living, I get that, but there was no way she was panting this hard...

"Leah. What have you taken?"

"Baby.. Please. I'm horny." She whined pushing my hand aside to kiss my neck.

I sighed softly, almost giving in to my own selfish needs when the idea of her being in serious trouble hit me like a train.

"I don't care! Look at me!"

Her eyes fluttered at mine "I'll let you be rough. You can do that, can't you?"

I swallowed as worry etched up my throat, turning my hand over, I placed the back of my hand on her forehead. The club was always warm, but she was roasting. Her body rubbed against mine, her leg hooking over my hip as she did.

"Leah! Tell me now!" I demanded. But I was met with giggles. "Who gave you the shit?!"

I knew I was being too hard on her, but my emotions were scattered, one mind was telling me she needed help. And the one in my pants was ready and raring for some fun. So I was stuck in my own battle of listening either one.

"Fuck!" I shouted and pushed away from her. I unlocked the door and tore it open and came face to face with security.

"Is there a problem?" A man asked, his heavy statue told anyone that he was a man not to be messed with. But I was getting angry. "Leah?"

"He won't fuck me, Angel. Will you?" She asked making his eyebrow quirk.

"Who the hell is in charge here?!" I snapped at him.

His eyes flicked to me with anger "Watch your tone."

"Fuck that! She has taken something. I want to know what! Preferably before she swallows her own tongue!"

"We don't deal here." He grunted.

"Tell me what she's had before I ring the police." I threatened.

The man Leah called Angel stepped past me and over to her as she growled playfully at him. He flashed a torch over her eyes quickly making her grumble and hiss. I know he's seen what I've seen, when he turns off the pocket torch. "Shit..."

"She's burning. I need to know to help her." I pleaded looking at him as he pressed a button on his earpiece.

"Just hold on." He answered watched as Leah got up and skipped to me, even in heels she could skip, before she fell into my side and started on me over again.

I removed her hands from my shirt as tried she unbuttoned it. In doing so, she grumbles and pouts.

"Stay here." Angel ordered and went to leave.

"No, I'm taking her to a hospital." I replied, taking her hand.

"Are we gonna fuck now?" She asked making me shake my head.

"I said stay." Angel growled before disappearing.

Less than a minute later, another guy arrived back with Angel and grasped her face with his hand. "Fuck. Where did you get this?!" He hissed.

"I didn't take nothing. Ace tell him, tell him I want to fu—"

"Shut up." He ordered and looked at Angel. "How did this shit get into my club?!"

"I don't know boss." He grunted back.

"There was two itty bitty pills, sitting on the wall. Two itty bitty pills, sitting on the wall and if I pop one, and swallow it all away. There's only one itty bitty pill, sitting on the wall." She sang before giggling and leaning in on me.

The heat of her skin against mine was alarming and whether they liked it or not, I was taking her to a hospital or a doctor.

"Pills. X?" Ace questioned.

Angel shook his head "I don't think so, that shit works quick and she has been with Patience all night waiting for him.. Patience came to me because she said Leah wasn't Leah."

"Spiked?"

Angel closed the gap and looked over Leah as she poked her head out of my neck whilst giggling.

"Methamphetamine. All she wants to do is bone him, X works the opposite way despite what people think, she's burning up and her pupils are dilated."

"So what do we do?" Ace pushed.

"Cool her and fast." He advised.

"Fuck this. She is going to a hospital, I will say I found her."

"No. You can't—"

"She could die!" I snapped back unable to believe this guy in front of me.

"And you can also get her into trouble. There's no saying what she's taken, but she's not vomiting, she's just burning up. I get that you're worried about your girl but what will come out of her mouth in that time?"

I looked at Leah as she tried to undo her top. "Where does she live?"

Both men shifted, refusing to answer, "Fine. I'm taking her to my place." I pulled out my wallet and removed the money I had as well as my haunted museum business card. "Let's not fuck around. That's the only insurance you're getting."

Stuffing the money and card into Angel's hand, I scooped up Leah and began carrying her out. Barking at people to move as I went down the corridor and headed for the exit. I was half way across the club when Angel barrelled in front of me and began clearing a path for us.

Hitting the slightly cooler air, Leah squealed at the neon lights and even more when I pinned her against the car to unlock it.

"Bend me over the hood." She whispered nibbling my ear lobe. The lights flicked signalling that it was unlocked and I wasted no time in opening the door and moving her into the gap. But it was easier said than done as I struggled to put her in the car. Her arms and legs were going in all angles and I even got socked in the jaw from her heel... Like I said, legs and arms, all directions.

Leah laughed and giggled "A-Angel?!"

"Yes." He replied.

"I want more. More of these pilly willies."

"Where did you get them?" I asked her softly holding her face in my hands, hoping this approach might work.

"If I tell you. Can we fuck in the back?"

"Uh... Sure. Where did you get them?"

"Bathroom! Angel bring me some more! It's hot in this car. I don't want to be in the car." She frowned trying to get out as I strapped her in.

Slamming the door, she hit the window and clawed at her throat and fanning her face. Ignoring her, I raced around the car and got in before starting up and tearing out the parking lot.

The drive home was 30 minutes away.

Glancing over at Leah as she poured with sweat, I began to worry that I wouldn't make it..

Weaving through traffic with Leah higher than a kite was something. I tried to keep my eyes on the road, whilst pushing Leah back into her seat and making sure that the times she didn't move that she was still breathing.

"Keep your belt on!"

"Keep yours off." She grinned trying to undo my belt buckle which was under the seatbelt.

"Leah, please."

"Just take it out.. I give good head." She purred back making me grit my teeth.

"Stop."

She flunked back against the seat pulling at her top, trying to take it off before giving up. "It hurts."

My eyes flashed over at her.
"What does? What hurts?"

Please don't let it be her heart!

"Here." She grabbed her crotch. "It aches! Make it stop. God I'm horny it hurts!"

"How about opening a window or something?" I suggested but she ignored me and hit the radio on, before turning it up loud, causing my ears pop. I reached out to turn it down when she grabbed the wheel causing the car to lunge into the path of another.

Snatching it back, I pulled us out of harms way before glaring at her "Are you trying to get us killed?!"

She laughed "I wanna go with a bang!!"

....

Getting to my house, I parked the car on the drive and only just got out to find Leah climbing out after me, through my door and hitting the ground.

"Jesus."

"Hey baby!"

Lifting her up, I threw her over my shoulder and carried her inside. Making a beeline for my bathroom, I flicked on the lights and the shower before turning it on cold. Seeing the large overhead turn on, I turned on the switch for the side sprays and bit my lip.

"Shower sex? Yes!" She cheered.

"Not today." I answered before dropping Leah inside it and holding the door closed as she screamed at the coldness.

"I'm sorry!" I shouted through the glass to her as she scrambled around, slipping across the floor in her heels as she tried to get up and get out.

"YOU'RE KILLING ME!"

"I'm trying to save you!" I called back, wincing when she fell on the tiled floor hard. Her palms hit against the glass as she gasped for air. But bringing her temperature down was important. If she got too hot, there was no telling how much damage it would cause to her body or even brain.

"PLEASEEEE! I CANT BREATHE!"

"You're shouting at me! You can breathe! Just hold it out!" I watched her scramble up in the corner before she slipped again, only this time her head connected with the floor. I froze in absolute horror.

"Le—" I stopped as she pulled herself away from the cold water and curled up in the corner of the shower.

After another minute, I hit the shower to stop and dodged the heeled shoe that came at me when I opened the door.

"P-p-psycho!" She yelled in anger as she removed her skirt and threw that at me too.

"Just get out, come." I coaxed opening a towel. Ignoring the fact she was stood in very little and suffering from an almost blue complexion.

Her body shivered as her lip trembled and I held the towel out again. This time, she hurried in it letting me wrap it around her body.

"I-I- I'm c-c-cold!" She spoke as her teeth chattered.

"I know, I'm sorry." I answered grabbing my dressing robe and tying it around her.

Pulling her against my body, I tried to give her a little bit of my heat as I transferred her to the bedroom and put her at the end of my bed.

"I'm gonna get you some clothes." I informed Leah as she shook.

"C-c-cold."

"I know. I know. I'll be quick."

I grabbed the nearest clothes I could from the walk in and returned to her. Placing them beside her, I removed her other shoe.

"Get those on and get into bed. I'll make you a drink."

She nodded leaving me to slip out the room and do just that. Whilst I let Gracie out, who was mildly curious as to what was happening with our new house guest, I checked on my phone to make sure I was doing everything right, when I saw the next stage was for her to sleep it off. It's the body's way of regulating itself, which is why when most children are sick, they sleep.

Making her a cup of tea, I carried it back to the bedroom, ready to give it to her when I found her already fast asleep, hugging my pillow beside her.

I sighed softly and set it down beside the bed before checking her breathing and making sure she was comfortable.

"What on earth were you thinking?" I whispered to her beautiful sleeping form.

The idea of losing her made a pain start in my chest and my stomach to bottom out. I knew then what it was... Anxiety.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Don't be afraid to catch feels!