Black Araña

Mariah felt her stomach flip backwards when he grinned at her in a way that made it look like he wanted to eat her alive. Absentmindedly, she licked her bottom lip with the tip of her tongue and nodded to what he said. “I’ll be there.” Turning around she placed her back to the door and moved herself inside. "Goodnight, Javier." She wasn’t going to be rude and slam the door in his face so she waited to see if he was going to tell her anything else before she tried an attempt at sleeping. She couldn't help but wonder where Javier was going to sleep tonight, then again there were probably many beds warm and ready for him right now. She had to keep reminding herself of what kind of man he really was.

"Good night, querida" he said dragging out the endearment and rolling his 'r's in a way most women liked. He was tempted to leave her with a little kiss, a small taste of what she would soon be experiencing at his hands. He wanted to see just how far she'd be willing to go for her "job". He was almost sure she wasn't what she said she was, but he'd find out soon enough. Until then he'd just let the games play out and see who had all of the cards at the end of the day.

She smiled at him, something she found herself doing far too easily. Using more willpower than she felt necessary she finally nodded her goodbye and closed the door to her apartment. She sighed softly and leaned back against the closed door. What the hell was wrong with her? She knew the real reason why she was here, she had seen mountains of folders that had victims in each and every one. Innocent people that were in with the wrong crowd or just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Either way each death could be traced to Javier and his cold as ice co-owner.

Pushing her weight off the door she double checked it to make sure she locked it then walked around the room, checking out this and that. Finding her bed she was impressed with how clean everything was. Flopping face first onto the bed she signed loudly. Her ass started to vibrate so she reached behind her back and tugged out the device. With a soft grunt she snapped it open using the edge of her chin, she then looked down at the glowing screen. The small bug she planted earlier was still where she left it, thankfully.

The signal in the bug was linked to her phone so whenever the bug heard something it recorded it and sent the audio to her. She thought about staying up and digging further into the case but she remembered what her boss back at the force said. She wouldn’t be any good to anybody if she neglected her sleep.

Flipping the phone cover closed she put it in with the rest of her belongings, rolling on her side she tucked her hand under her cheek and closed her eyes. It didn’t take long for her to fall asleep, she thought she would finally get a goodnights rest but she rolled and mumbled until morning. Just her luck.

“WAKE UP LAZY BONES! IT’S TIME TO START THE DAY! COME O…” Mariah slapped her hand down on the top of her bedside table before she grabbed the annoying noise maker and silenced it. She groaned and rolled over onto her back as she dropped her phone back down onto the table. Her eyes slid upward to the ceiling and for a moment she stared in space then suddenly shot up and grabbed her phone again.

Looking at the time she frowned. “Shit!” She got up out of the bed, tossed the contraption into her purse and got dressed hastily. She had stopped only for a second to look at herself in the mirror before she slid on another pair of heels and grabbed her purse. Locking her door she bolted down the hall and out of the building so fast she made a poodle do a spin top as she flew by it on the street. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” She yelled back, the pampered owner of the dizzy dog was red in the face with fury but Mariah kept on running until she was where she had to meet Javier.

"You are barely on time," Javier said dryly as opened the door to dance room. It wasn't a particularly large room but it had a metal pole off to one side and a stereo. There were mats on the floor to keep Mariah from hurting herself if she fell. "First off I'm going to ask you to take off those clothes and put on that, if you want to dance you need to get used to the attire" he pointed to sexy black bikini like outfit that would show off her breasts and ass, it came with elbow length black gloves and skin tight black stockings but he had decided not to give her the shoes yet. He didn't want her breaking her neck while she learned the routine. "If it helps you can think of it as your uniform," he gave her a cocky grin. "Have you ever worn uniforms? for work or school in the past?"

She knew better than to babble on making a bunch of excuses so she straightened herself and took responsibility. “I’m sorry… it won’t happen again.” She said softly before she walked into the dance room. The first thing she noticed was the pole, her stomach did flip flops at the thought of Javier watching her wrap her legs around it.

Mariah pulled herself out of her own thoughts when he asked her to change into an outfit that looked like something from Victoria’s Secret. When he mentioned thinking about it like a uniform an alarm went off in her head. She paid attention as he asked questions and when he was done talking she smiled rather deviously. “I was a cheerleader in high school…” She answered with a smirk. Mariah walked over to the outfit and picked it up, she then looked at him. “Where do I change?” She asked then unconsciously worried the inside of her lower lip.

"If you're modest there's a small closet over there," Javier jerked his thumb over his shoulder to indicate a narrow door. "I'll wait here and when you're ready I'll teach you how to dance in a way that pleases men."

Mariah thought about the modesty thing but she also figured hiding herself would make him suspicious of her, he might think she wanted privacy because she was hiding something, like a wire. She actually didn’t have anything on her, except the necklace her grandmother gave her. She never took off the locket no matter what.

Turning her head she looked in the direction he indicated the closet was. A freaking closet, really? Why did it have to be the black box from hell? Mariah wasn’t about to step foot inside that closet but she also didn’t want her body to be openly stared at. “I’m alright… I’ll just be a sec…” She turned around, toeing off her heels as she slid her fingertips around the hem of her t-shirt. With one pull she tugged it up and over her head then tossed it onto her heels. Next she twisted her arms behind her back and unfastened her bra, it fell onto the growing by her feet.

She couldn’t help but shiver when the cool air in the room touched her nipples, small goose bumps stuck up on every inch of her skin but she didn’t stop, instead she unbuttoned her jeans, hooked her fingers around the waistline and pulled them down, underwear included. Mariah stepped out of her clothing and began redressing, the black bikini thing was easy to put on despite how complicated it looked with all those holes. She looked down at her body and smiled, she actually like the thing, go figure.

Reaching down to the floor she picked up the stockings and slid them on one at a time, even though she wasn’t trying to be anything naughty she made dressing into something sensual when she moved with such grace. The men she worked with teased her when they saw her naked or damn close, of course they were met with a fist to the face but she knew she was dainty looking. She didn’t like the idea of looking so delicate.

Shaking old memories aside she reached down to the floor again and began pulling on the black elbow length gloves as she turned around. “Alright… I’m ready.” She said, licking her lips nervously. She felt like she was at an audition for strippers.

Javier made no attempt to hide the fact that he was ogling her, she had a lovely form and the curve of her ass just seemed to ask to be squeezed, he enjoyed the show so much he almost for got to take note of any bugs planted on her. He watched her pull the tight stockings on to her shapely legs, imagining what her skin would feel like under his dark fingers...

When she finished he whistled and clappled, "Very nice, Querida," he purred, "I think I like you a lot," he crooked a finger at her, his brown eyes suddenly warm and soft, like rich, dark velvety pools under his half shut lids "Now come here, I'll show you what to do with your body..."

Mariah was surrounded by men all the time but they treated her like one of the guys. When Javier whistled and clapped for her she felt her cheeks heat up and it had nothing to do with the temperature of the room. Suddenly she felt her heart slam in her chest. Did he just say? She quickly shover personal thoughts out of the situation and focused on him. As he continued to talk a slow grin curved up her luscious lips, she had to face the fact the deepest part of her that desired him wouldn’t be ignored. I but what I could do to yours… She thought out of nowhere. Hypnotized by his gorgeous eyes and those beckoning fingers she found herself putting one foot in front of the other. When she was merely a foot away from him she stopped and slid her eyes from his lips up to his eyes. The new spot didn’t temp her attraction for him… that mouth… was hard to ignore. But, she knew she had to, not only was her job on the line but so was her life.

Javier put his large hands on her waist and bent her until gently until her back was properly arched and she was pressed against him, one of his hands found its way to her ass and pushed her hips forward against his. "When you dance with a man, you should try to appear graceful and seductive, there is a difference between a cheap whore stripper and an artist who's body is meant to convey beauty and sensuality. The difference between a stripper and an exotic dancer is the difference between a quick fuck in a dirty men's room and pure, luscious lovemaking. If you can tell me this with your body, you will be ready to be one of my dancers," he said.

The second his hands touched her skin she felt a sharp stab of heat go straight through her. The feeling started from where his hand touched her and from there it flowed down to her breasts, teasing her nipples, and then lastly…

Her mind went blank, her ears shut out all sound and all she could do was feel and smell… breath in the masculine scent of his body. This all happen within a few seconds after he began to move her, she was calm and in tune until he pulled her hips against his. The heat hit first and she expected that, but the way her body melted to his surprised her. She never tried to dance much before, but with him she moved in sync with him like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Mariah swallowed the moan that was threatening to slip from between her lips and raised her chin and looked up at him as he spoke. She nodded her head gently to ensure him that she understood what he meant. Now she just had to pull her shit together and prove it to him.

Javier was completely absorbed in this woman, her body seemed to flow with his touch, the lightest of his urgings turning her perfectly. He brushed his fingertips up the length of her spine, across the backs of her thighs and as he moved her with him he dipped his head to taste her throat and to kiss the tops of her breasts. "Yes....let your natural desires guide your body in time with mine..." he breathed against her silky skin.

His fingertips danced over her skin like the digits themselves were the softest of feathers. As he continued his path along the length of her spine she automatically arched her torso into him, into his heat, his touch. Those talented fingers moved over the back of her thigh and she sighed softly, the sound turning into a soft moan she couldn’t hold back as he touched her fevered skin with his mouth.

She listened to his words, listened to the silent voice of her body and moved along with him, sliding the palm of her hand up over his hip then used the tips of her nails to trace an invisible map up his side, over the edge of his ribcage, shoulder and up the back of his neck until her delicate fingers were sliding into his luscious locks.

The leg attached to the thigh he had touched the back of was raising up, she used her feet to inch up the back of his leg until her leg was bend over his hip, pressing them even tighter together. The contact pulled a moan up her throat to fall across her lips as she parted them, a look of intense desire clouded her beautiful eyes and the light dusting of pink over her cheeks made it look like she had one of the best orgasms of her life.

"Beautiful, Querida, you are a natural at this," Javier purred into her neck, grinding his hips against her to show her just what effect she was having on him. This was the sort of reaction a good dancer would get from a customer. "You are art, polish your technique and you will be the prize of this club." he said.

Mariah smiled when she heard what he had to say, however that smile faded into a soft gasp when she felt him grind himself against her. Unable to stop herself she returned the rocking motion and moved her fingers down to rest on the back of his neck while she strengthened her spine and began to roll her torso upwards, move down the leg she had around his hip as she pressed her body closer to his, her eyes were closed, her lips parted and she moved with a graceful flow that looked liquid.

Javier groaned, forget dancing! He wanted to rip off her outfit and make love to her right there, in the dance room, on the floor but he steeled himself and pulled away. "You're good, very good. Now let's see you without me guiding you and dancing to music, use the pole if you like," he said, trying to even his rapid breathing. He smoothed his jet black hair back. "When you are ready," he said walking over to the stereo.

Opening her eyes she stood up properly as he pulled away from her, immediately she felt the cold rush over her skin, making her shiver and her nipples tighten almost painfully. She listened to what he had to say and decided to use the time to her advantage. Yes, the pole would be cold as fuck but wrapping herself around it wasn’t going to be easy. Even though she preferred wrapping herself around him she knew the activity would warm her up one way or another so she nodded to him and began.

Taking a deep breath Mariah cleared her mind and let the music fill her blood with energy. She placed one step in front of the other and walked to the steel pole with a sexy sway to her hips. She set a hand on the pole about shoulder length then walked around it, but it was more like a graceful glide than a walk. Half way back around the pole she slowly lifted a leg up the steel with the flat top of her toes, curving her body she moved her foot higher until her knee bent and her leg was wrapped around the steel.

Lowering the first hand she had on the pole she leaned back, arching her spine the way he showed her and moving her hips forward until they were also pressed against the hardness of the cold pole. She didn’t feel the cold, though. Instead she felt an aching need and a deep longing that begged to be satisfied, she was a beautiful, sexy entity that preformed to show her desires to anyone willing to listen with their eyes.

Mariah looped her other leg up and around the pole to balance herself so she could use both her hands, when they were free she placed the tips of her fingers on her lips. Closing her eyes she leaned her body back and swayed to the side while her hands slowly moved down her body, inch by delicious inch... and the more her back arched the lower her hands got.

Javier's lips parted as he watched her performance, just watching her made him want to touch her again, made him want to bury his hands in her hair and claim her mouth in a burning kiss. She was almost too much for him....he knew that he'd have to have her one way of another or he'd lose his mind. Sexy, beautiful goddess. He was so glad he'd found her, a body like that, that could move with such alluring sensuality belonged to a man like him. A man who appreciated the art of the female form for the glorious creation it was.

"Good! Very good! A little practice and you could go on next week," he said.

Mariah slowed her movements then eventually stopped and gave her attention to Javier when he spoke about her starting on the dancing next week, a hint of panic flickered in her mind then it was gone and replaced with rationality. She did agree on the practice part but she was unsure of the hours she’s be practicing versus her waitressing job and she also needed to know if she was going to come here to practice every day until her time to shine has come. Curiosity got the better of her, with a soft sigh she moved away from the pole and towards him. Then asked her questions.

"You will waitress in the evening when we have customers and dance here in the mornings, that will give you a few hours in the afternoon. You will have three days a week off, those being saturday, sunday and monday." Javier explained, "On those days we may or may not have dance lessons depending on how much work I have to do." he gave her a kiss, "Don't worry, Querida, you'll be perfect,"

Walking over to the stack of clothing she left on the floor, Mariah simply stood there while she listened to what Javier had to say. That sexy voice was so easy to listen to, so smooth and perfect that she almost missed what he said entirely. When Javier was finished talking about her waitressing job and dance schedule she nodded, her breath then hitched in her throat when he kissed her, but she knew it was a gesture that was common for people like him, so she didn’t think anything of it. Even so, she still had a difficult time calming down her heart beat. Mariah smiled at his sweet words and felt herself become excited, she was actually eager to please him whether or not the dancing connected her to him through his club or not.

Weeks flew by and Mariah managed to weave herself into a lifestyle the ravage civilian had. Waitressing and especially dancing had become part of her soul. She formed tight bonds between herself and the people she served, and danced for. Over time Mariah built up her self-esteem, and it made her feel sexy, desired and a little daring. Regardless of how she felt she was sure to keep her distance from Javier. When they were together she isolated her desire for him and focused on her lessons, improving her dancing skills, learning how to make love to herself, an invisible lover or the cold hard steel of the pole between her legs.

Mariah had been that absorbed in her new life that she nearly forgot about the Academy and the mission she was originally sent to complete. A message from an inside contact slapped her back into reality and once again she jumped back on track. She took great care in sticking to her role and maintaining the personality she developed as an employee.

It was a Monday and she decided to take her daily jog earlier because of the beautiful weather, it wasn’t too cold or too hot, just the way she liked it. She listened to the steady thump thump thump of her sneakers hitting the pavement and breathed in the scent of the greenery around her. Instead of jogging in a park like most people she ran through a section of the city where rows and rows of houses where perfectly trimmed grass and gorgeous flowers existed. The area was specifically designed for seniors who had served in the war or had some sort of ties that connected to the armed forces. Anyone could go into the area but only those type of people could live there. She had come across that section of the city by accident because of her lack to knowledge regarding the layout of the land. L.A sure was a big ass city.

The bright red glare of a stop sign loomed in front of her vision and because she felt her tongue stick to the roof of her mouth she slowed herself to a full stop and pulled out her water bottle. Raising it to her lips she drank the cool liquid like someone dehydrated but a sound of distress caught her attention. Lowering her water bottle she shifted on her feet and began looking around for the source of the noise. Not far from her she spotted an elderly woman in a garden who was hunched over like she was in pain. Mariah quickly jumped into action and ran at full speed to the old lady.

When she reached the woman Mariah placed her hand on her shoulder and leaned down to bring her eyes level with hers. “Ma’am, are you alright?” She asked. The senior blinked then looked up into Mariah’s face with the clearest, most beautiful eyes she had ever seen. “Oh… no, no… I’m alright dear, go on and continue about your day…” She answered quickly, like she felt she was placing a burden on a complete stranger. The woman tried to get up but she only succeeded in causing her legs to weaken even more. Mariah put her other hand on her and kept a firm yet gentle grip on the old woman. “It’s alright ma’am, I’m not in a hurry and your health is more important. Do you have anyone living with you that I can contact?” She asked softly.

The old woman had a thoughtful look on her face and seemed to be in a daze. “Oh…” She began. “Yes… well, no…” She frowned then made a tsk sound at herself, clearly she was confused. Mariah let her correct herself while she helped her up. “My son… can you call him for me?” She asked weakly. Nodding her head she guided the woman into her house; which brought them into her kitchen, the elderly woman pointed to a homemade phone/address book next to her phone that was on the counter.

Mariah ran around getting a cold cloth and anything else she could possibly think of. When the old woman was sitting at her kitchen table with a cloth in hand and pressing it to her forehead, Mariah reached for the book. She quickly searched through the pages and called the son the woman, whose name turned out to be Edna. Unfortunately, he couldn’t come to help her, neither could another son, a daughter, a sister… Mariah was beginning to think this might have Alzheimer’s decease or didn’t update her numbers or something, but she found the cell number of another son… her step son.

Biting her lower lip and she called the number and waited and waited, just when she was going to hang up a deep masculine voice spoke up. “Hello?” He spoke a few more words then must have hit a button by mistake because Mariah heard a beep and was snapped out of her daze. “Oh.. ah.. um…” She stuttered, stopping to breath she began again. “I was running.. jogging like I usually do and..” “What the fuck… who is this?” He asked, clearly annoyed.

She stopped again then got angry at both the rude male and herself. “Look… I found your mother, Edna, outside in her garden. She…” He cut it. “She’s not my mother.” He said firmly. Mariah’s jaw dropped in surprise to his cold words. “Excuse me… but… nobody else can help her… she’s not well…” She stopped, chewing her lower lip. The sound of his frustrated sigh came through the phone before that voice returned, and for the first time since talking to this man, his voice was music to her ears. “I’m coming… care for her until I arrive..” He paused for a second then awkwardly mumbled a please. Smiling to herself she assured him his step mother was going to be in safe hands.

Edna blinked and stared at Mariah. “You found my son?” She asked weakly. Mariah smile. “I did… your step son is coming t...” She said but slowed her words when she noticed the old woman had a look of sadness in her eyes. “Aden… you mean… Aden is coming to see… me?” She asked, surprised by the news. Mariah frowned slightly, she wasn’t sure about the family history but it was none of her business anyway. “Yes, he is. Aden is the only person I could reach.” She added then sat down in a chair next to her.

The woman looked thoughtful for a moment then smiled. I didn’t think he would ever come near me again. She said softly. Even though she was curious she didn’t push for more information, the lady on the other hand loved to tell old stories. For the next thirty minutes she spent her time smiling and laughing with Edna as she told her about her past. A knock on the door caught their attention and Edna was about to get up and answer it. Mariah got up and placed her hand on the elders shoulder to let her know she would go. Walking across the kitchen floor she opened the front door and…

Javier waited in his office, the courier was dropping by again today and this time he was smuggling a new silencer for a hand gun. He didn't particularly like doing the business at his club but it was the only secure place available to him. When the courier arrived they haggled over price and Javier took the piece to a locked storage room in the back.

The room wall full of guns, ammunition, and body armor that he used to sell and trade for big cash and cars. Usually to members of the mob. Lately though he was spotting more cops in the area, he was sure they didn't have any evidence on him but he figured he'd better keep everything on the down low and try to do business as discreetly as possible. Raphael was starting to worry him too, he'd had second thoughts about going into business with the man and he was pretty certain that, given the incentive, Raphael would sell him out for profit if he thought it would benefit him to do so.

The only thing that relaxed him these days was Mariah, watching her dance seemed to take his mind off of his troubles. He was at a point where watching the other girls just didn't do it for him anymore. This woman was special and he knew he'd never let her go, if he left the Black Arana he'd ask her to come with him. As far as he was concerned she was his dancer and he didn't see that changing anytime soon....

Staring at the shiny surface of a motorcycle helmet, the tall stranger raised his gloved hands and took the protection device off his head. She watched the face of a tough guy loom in front of her and wanted to shrink away but the look in his eyes stopped her, they were blue, that beautiful blue Edna had. Wasn’t he her step son?

Her mind bounced back on track when she heard Edna’s voice. She quickly stepped to the side as the male pushed past her and went to his step mother. Mariah had to bite her lip to keep herself from laughing when she heard Edna scold him about his manners. Her step son, Aden, turned around and walked up to her. “Uh.. thanks, for taking care of her.” He said, awkwardly scratching the back of his head.

She smiled. “You’re welcome, I left my cell phone number… just a sec…” She shifted on her feet and went to say a quick goodbye to Edna as she picked up the paper with her number on it. Walking back over to Aden she handed him the number. “I’d like an update on your mo… your step mothers health, if you don’t mind.” He took the paper and folded it, sticking it into one of his tight back pockets. “It’s alright… I’m sure she’d like that.” He stuck out his hand. “Thanks again… I’m sorry for being a…” He seemed embarrassed. “Jerk.” He finally finished. Mariah took his hand and gave it a firm shake. She had to giggle when she saw the expression on his face, he appeared to be the type of person that didn’t apologize often, if at all. “No problem, and it’s okay… I’m a stranger sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.” She said with a grin and he smirked in return. “But I’m glad you did.” He added.

She noticed their hands were still together and released hers; he allowed it and took a step back. “Um… I’d take you home if I could…” He said suddenly. She turned her head and looked back at him. “That’s okay… I don’t live far from here. Take care of her Aden.” She added then smiled when he saluted her. Army brat through and through. He reminded her of her little brother, rebellious but fiercely loyal.

She took her time walking back to her apartment but then she decided to swing by the club and see what Javier was up to. She had gotten addicted to the feeling of his eyes on her, those dark eyes moved over her body like she imagined his hands would, burning up her…

Her train of thought abruptly came to a halt when she heard voices and when she rounded part of a corner she jerked herself back out of the way. Oh shit! She placed her hand on her chest and took a deep breath. There was Javier, with a group of people she knew quite well… he was doing business with them. By the looks of it, the goods were weapon related. A battle raged between her emotions and her duty to the force, before she finally called the lead officer on the case. She made quick work of giving the location and all the details but she purposely left out a lot of information on Javier. She wasn’t sure why but she didn’t want to see him pinned down, but he was so much better than this. She had seen another person in his soul and she was bound and determined to pull out the evil so the good could heal whatever wounds caused him to make such a terrible lifestyle choice.

Mariah waited a little while then decided that in order for her to cover her identity she had to be in the club when the bust happened. This was because the girls knew she wasn’t in the apartments. Jogging over to the building she went inside only to be surrounded by men and women that recognized her as a dancer. Eventually she was pushed and pleaded with to do a little dance for them even though it was her day off. It was the perfect alibi. Smiling she wiggled herself up onto a steep step and began moving her body to the rhythm of the music, although her mind kept conflicting with the music. What if he gets hurt, what if she misunderstood, what if… no! She shook her head and turned herself around as she got into the music. This had to be done there was absolutely no way around it.

Things were going down well but the moment one of the gang members handed Javier a stolen revolver he heard the sound of sirens in the background. Before he knew what was happening the club was surrounded. He ran inside intent on taking cover in the noise and confusion. Most of the crowd members panicked at the site of the gun and he found himself standing next to Mariah, "You picked a bad time to come to work on your day off Querida," he said through gritted teeth, "You might want to stay behind me and brace yourself, there's about to be a gunfight," he said loading the chambers of weapon and clicking back the hammer.

Mariah was surprised to suddenly see Javier next to her but his strained words caused shivers to roll down her spine and not in a good way. The people around them panicked when a gun was shown and shortly after that the building was starting to flood with armed cops. She chewed her lower lip while she thought about what she should do. Javier said to stay behind him and if she did that he would be put in the open and she would be seen, recognized by her people and thought to have been in trouble, they would misunderstand because her mission was only between herself and another detective, nobody else. She knew hell would swallow the club when they saw her and because of that they would attack full force. She didn’t want innocents to die either but she couldn’t risk being seen, she inched behind Javier then tried to blend in with the crowd running for the back doors.