Page 40 of Fighting the Odds

Me: Let the other one know he can have the private party or dance, whichever he wants, Saturday night at the club.

Rico: You sure you want to come back then? Why not wait another week or don’t even come back at all? I’ll make sure you have everything you need.

Me: No. I need to show I can care for Sam once I turn 18, which means having money to support us.

Rico: Sierra, think about it. Do you think a judge is going to give custody of your 10 year old sister to an 18 year old stripper? I love you but you need to think logically about this.

Me: Fuck you. Set up the two clients and let me know the details. I’ll see you on Saturday.

How fucking dare he?

Yeah, I’m a stripper, but it’s an honest job. It’s kept food on the table and a roof over our heads since Mom’s death. Before CPS tore us apart, I wasn’t sure if a judge would give me custody of her because of what I did, but I need to have hope, so I’ve changed my outlook on the situation.

I slam my phone back down and Cyrus takes a hold of my shoulders, pulling me back against his body.

“Everything okay?” he asks close to my ear and I sigh, his voice calming the storm raging inside of me.

“No. Yes. Rico was letting me know about the two people wanting to book me, but then he made a comment about how no judge would give me custody of Sam because I’m a teenage stripper.” I huff, nestling in closer to him.

He holds me tightly as he sits up, angling my body so he can look me in the eye.

“He’s not being mean about it, Sierra. He’s just trying to prepare you for what could happen. It’s going to be a hard road getting custody of Sam, especially so young. You need to be ready for all possible outcomes and Rico is just reminding you.” A single tear slides down my cheek. I don’t realize I’m crying until it hits my lips and I taste the saltiness.

Rico’s right, this is going to be a battle. But a battle is what I’m willing to do to get my sister back.

“I know, but I don’t want to think negatively. I’ll have a job, not to mention I’ve been taking care of us for this long by myself. All my bases are covered. They have to give her to me.” I blow out a deep breath, looking down at his lap.

He takes hold of my chin between his fingers, tilting my head back up. “And we’ll fight until we can’t anymore. All of us. Me. You. Rico. Mrs. Butler. We’re all behind you every step of the way.”

He leans in, placing his soft lips against mine in a gentle kiss.

“Now stop worrying,” Cyrus whispers.

“I’m trying, it’s just, all I can think about is getting Sam back home with me. I know she’s taken care of where she is with Mr. Stevenson and his family. It’s just….” I pause.

“Not you,” he finishes for me.

“Yeah.” My lips tremble.

“How about we do something to take your mind off of all your worries?”

“What do you have in mind?” I ask, biting my bottom lip as I press my thighs together, trying to stomp down the ache that's quickly building in my core.

“We got those condoms today if you still want to use them?” His tongue slides between his lips as his chocolate eyes look at me with hunger. I could get lost in his gaze. Everything about him is intoxicating.

“We did, didn’t we?” I bat my eyelashes, my voice husky.

“Mhm, we could use them or wait for another day.” He leans closer to my ear, his warm breath sliding across the tender, exposed skin on my neck, causing goosebumps to erupt. A shiver works its way down my spine and my breath hitches.

“No, now.” I breathe out, needing him more than I ever have.

He moves toward me, gently guiding my body backwards until I’m lying down on the couch and he positions himself on top of me.

He leans in, nuzzling my neck before leaving kisses from my ear to my collarbone. My stomach flips as my pussy pulses under his touch.

The tip of his nose slides along my earlobe, his hot breath sending electrical currents straight to my core.

“You’re so fucking beautiful, Sierra,” he whispers.

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