Lilith - TI3 Read online

  "A pimp with some ethics, eh?" Kali asked, interrupting the conversation. "Well, if you ever hear anything different, let us know... and we’ll talk about the assholes on the other side of town in a few days. Agra and I plan on paying them a little visit. Right now our girls are our main concern. Now, have you heard any street talk about Sasha or any other whores that have disappeared?"

  "No... Everyone’s been lookin for Jennie and Sasha. Those two, they just up and disappeared. Jennie, she was a pro... been doin’ it for years. I don't think she'd break none of your rules, Ms. Agra. And Sasha... I tried to tell her not to go out by herself until someone learned her the ropes... but you know how kids is nowadays. There’s talk about some that went missin’ a few months back before you all come. We just figured they took off cuz they wanted out. Their pimp was real unhappy but seein as no one knowed where they went, he couldn’t do much."

  "Alright. Call us if you hear something... and put the word out on Belinda. Someone may have seen or heard something."

  "I’ll tell them. Maybe one of the Joes knowed somethin’ at the Mission. Me and the girls will check around."

  "Good. You can go... and be careful. Until we find out what happened to her and the others, I don’t want anyone working by themselves. Tell the sisters to pair up and keep an eye on each other. No leaving the strip in anyone's car unless they really know the person or until we find out what's happening. If a driver wants your services, he or she can get it in one of the back seat, an alley or nearby motel. I'll make arrangements with a few of the owners to have rooms available... and make sure they have at least two other girls take a good look at the guy. I want whoever picks up one of my whores to know he has been seen... Got it?"

  "Yes, Miss Agra. I’ll pass the word but it's gonna put a crimp in our business."

  "I don't care what it does as long as no one else disappears... and Kiera, if anyone breaks this rule, they're out of the Sisterhood. Got it?"

  "Yes ma'am!"

  Once Kiera was gone, Kali waited patiently for her friend to calm down. The high level of energy that had been bouncing around her earlier had finally settled to an occasional flicker. The demoness was always amazed that humans never felt the tremendous power flowing from Agra whenever she was upset or angry. Then again, perhaps it was a good that they couldn’t. Energy that powerful would probably prove fatal to most mortals.

  "I don’t like this! Three of our girls in less than a month."

  "I agree. You’d think after all these years, we’d be able to keep better track of them."

  "Yeah! It makes me wonder what's happening to us. What good are we if our powers continue to weaken as they have? There was a time..." Not wanting to dwell on the past, Agra let the thought die.

  "Well, one thing I can promise you," said Kali, her tone bordering on anger. "If I do find out what happened to them... and if they’ve been harmed, whoever is responsible will wish they had never been born! Hell will be paradise compared to what I will do to them," she promised.

  Agra had no doubt that Kali would fulfill her threat. Her ability to instill pain far exceeded her compassion for their prostitutes... and her compassion for them was infinite.

  "What do you think of our newest customer?" asked Agra, deciding it was time to change the topic.

  "Which one?"

  "You know who I’m talking about!" replied Agra, giving her that ‘don’t be coy with me’ look. "The one Cammie was talking to last night."

  "Oh her! She seems okay."

  Agra laughed at the demoness's sulky tone.

  "You can’t really be jealous of her?"

  "That's ridiculous!" Kali snapped. "What’s there to be jealous of? She’s human."

  "You tell me!"

  "You’re just imagining it. Like I said, she seems nice enough. Besides, how would I know? You and Lilith talked with her. I was busy with the other customers."

  "That's true, but I noticed you watching her and Cammie a lot. If I didn't know better I'd say you were interested in one of them."

  "Don't be stupid! I don't have time for relationships!"

  "If you say so," Agra said, realizing it would be better to drop the subject. Obviously something was bothering Kali but she wasn’t ready to talk about it. "I suppose we should head on out to the bar. Lilith wants us in early tonight. Apparently, she's decided to have a few words with her ex about the whores. She thinks he may know something."

  "I doubt that! There’s no way he wants to piss her off. The last time nearly cost him his kingdom," Kali laughed. "And to think she gave up Adam for him."

  "Did you ever meet that guy?"

  When Kali shook her head no, Agra put her arm around her friend's shoulders and started for the door.

  "Well, let me tell you about him. He may have been good looking but when it came to charisma..."

  CHAPTER 9

  WHEN DAKOTA and Yemaya walked into the bar, several women turned to stare at them. Tall and dark, Yemaya looked every bit the seductress in her leather jeans and burgundy silk blouse. Like a panther, comfortable in her skin, she seemed to flow across the floor. Dakota was the perfect balance to Yemaya's darkness with her own golden aura. Blonde hair and standing several inches shorter than the Illusionist, she was dressed in designer jeans, a coral colored tank top and a black nylon windbreaker trimmed in a bright floral pattern. Her quick, bouncy steps foretold of the hidden energies burning vibrantly inside.

  "What do you think?" Dakota asked.

  Laughing, Yemaya shook her head.

  "We just arrived. Give me time to look around."

  "Aw come on. You have great instincts. At least admit it's coo-el looking inside."

  "Okay. It is coo-el looking. Now, why not let me get our drinks and you pick out a table. Then we can discuss the ambiance of the place."

  "Sure. I'll just be over there in the corner. I know how you like to people watch."

  Leaning down, Yemaya gave her a quick kiss on the lips and then ruffled her hair.

  "Thanks. See you in a few."

  Lilith had seen the two women enter the club and immediately knew their souls were forever linked. The energy between them was so finely interwoven it would be almost impossible to separate the strands... almost. Recognizing Yemaya from her pictures in the magazines, she had to admit the Illusionist was extraordinarily beautiful. More important though, her life force was unusually strong. Had she not known who she was, Lilith would still have sensed her presence and the darkness within, something very familiar to her. She hadn’t felt that in a long time. As she watched the two women separate, she signaled to Agra to serve the Illusionist. Once she had the drinks and made it back to Dakota's table, the club owner decided to introduce herself to her newest customer.

  "Good evening, Dakota. It's nice to have you back."

  "Lilith! Thanks. Yemaya, this is the owner of the club. She likes to meet all of her clientele, a very old fashion concept, wouldn't you say?" Dakota teased.

  "A good business practice," Yemaya commented, noticing the woman's sparkling black eyes. "Nice to meet you, Lilith."

  "And you, Yemaya. I hope the drinks are to your liking."

  "Very much so. Would you like to sit down?"

  Glancing around to make sure everything was running smoothly, Lilith lowered herself onto a nearby chair.

  "For a few minutes, thank you. Are you going to be in the area for awhile?"

  "A few weeks. Dakota has personal business she needs to attend to and I am taking a break from my work."

  "Not permanently, I hope. I've never seen any of your shows, but I hear they are spectacular."

  "Thanks. At this point, I am not sure what I will be doing."

  "She's been talking retirement," Dakota interjected. "But that's not going to happen. I haven't figured out how she does her stunts, yet. Besides, I'm too young to retire and if she stops, I won't have anyone as interesting to stalk."

  Rolling her eyes, Yemaya pretended to bitch slap the back of the journalist's head, ta
pping it lightly with her fingertips.

  "I'm glad to hear that." laughed Lilith, amused at the unexpected playfulness of the Illusionist. "I'd like to at least see one before you call it quits."

  "No problem. We do have one more scheduled in a few months. I can have my agent send you a few tickets once we finalize the arrangements."

  "Wonderful! I look forward to it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think one of my girls is about to have a problem with a customer."

  Standing, Lilith walked away, her hips swaying gracefully beneath a long, form fitting black dress. With only one strap and a low cut back, she oozed a sensuality that made others take notice. Even Yemaya felt the woman's sexual appeal.

  "She is a very interesting woman," she commented sipping her drink as she observed the crowd's reaction to the tall club owner.

  "Yeah! If I didn't know you better, I'd be jealous," replied Dakota, watching the Illusionist's face with interest and perhaps a little insecurity.

  Yemaya switched her gaze back to the journalist and smiled mischievously.

  "You have nothing to worry about. I doubt if I have what it takes to handle her."

  Spewing her drink onto the table, Dakota quickly wiped it up with what few napkins she had and looked around to see if anyone had noticed.

  "You have got to be kidding!" she gasped, slightly breathless. "She may have the looks and the moves, but no one can satisfy a woman like you can! Trust me on this one!"

  Laughing softly, Yemaya tipped her head slightly, acknowledging her lover's compliment.

  "I am glad you think so."

  Dakota grinned smugly.

  "I know so! Hey, Cammie just came in!" she said looking at the silver haired woman who had just entered the room. Dressed in dark green slacks and a pale green blouse, she stood looking around as if searching for someone. When she spied Dakota, she waved and smiled. The journalist motioned for her to join them. At the same time, Agra showed up at the table with new drinks, including one for Cammie.

  "Thanks," she said sitting next to Dakota and looking at Yemaya. "Hi, I'm Cammie."

  "This is Yemaya," replied Dakota, not giving her partner a chance to respond.

  When Cammie extended her hand, Yemaya had no choice but to shake it. She immediately became aware of a warmth flowing up her arm toward her shoulder and then down into her chest. For a moment she felt as if someone was pushing on her ribs trying to suffocate her. Releasing the grip, nonchalantly, the Illusionist sat back in her chair and picked up her drink as if nothing had happened.

  "It is nice to meet you," she said. Interesting, she thought, resisting an urge to massage the area below her left breast or renew the contact.

  "You too." Turning back to Dakota, Cammie smiled and winked. "She's a real babe."

  "Yes, she is," replied Dakota, glancing at Yemaya and then shifting her attention back to Cammie. "So what have you been doing with yourself since we last met?"

  "Last met? You make it sound like an eternity." Cammie laughed softly.

  "Oh... yeah. For some reason it seems longer. I'm not sure why I said that. Sooo, what have you been doing with yourself since then?"

  "You mean after you left? I helped close down the club and then met with a couple of young ladies later. I just sent them home a few hours ago."

  "Two? You had a date with two women at one time?"

  "It's not unusual. I have a lot of energy."

  Yemaya could tell Cammie wasn't bragging but merely stating a fact. Had she been describing her latest meal, it wouldn't have sounded any different.

  "I'll say. I barely have enough for this one," Dakota claimed, nodding her head toward Yemaya without looking at her.

  Raising both eyebrows, Yemaya remained silent, sensing a subtle change in her lover.

  "I find that hard to believe. I imagine you hold your own quite well," teased Cammie, giving the Illusionist a quick glance.

  "Yeah, actually I do. She hasn't complained yet. You know I've never tried a threesome. It sounds likes fun. Doesn't it complicate things, though?"

  "Not really. As long as you pick the right partners, it can be quite enjoyable. The trick is to make sure everyone is having a good time and to know whom to focus on. Too much attention on one might make the other jealous or cause her to lose interest. On the other hand, you have to let them be as assertive or as passive as they want. Personally I like the assertive ones best. It becomes a small battle of wills, then."

  "Wow! Now I am intrigued. I bet you come out on top all the time, so to speak."

  Cammie grinned but shook her head.

  "Not always. I like top and bottom or the front or the back."

  "Do you use any toys?"

  Yemaya shifted slightly to get a better view of Dakota's face. The journalist may be a reporter, but her questions had nothing to do with inquiring minds wanting to know, at least as far as her job was concerned. This was a completely different person. Her Dakota would never be so bold or forward on this particular subject.

  "Toys? You mean like vibrators or dildos?"

  "Sure or anything else. I bet you’re into BDSM aren't you?" Dakota slid her chair next to Cammie and leaned closer in a conspiratorial manner. "It sounds exciting," she whispered.

  "Well, it can be fun. I've done it a few times but only the basic stuff. Cuffs, restraints, dildos, things like that. If someone likes a little pain, I'm not opposed to acting the Dominatrix. Nothing extreme, though. It's not for everyone."

  "Hey! Until I've tried it, I'll never know, now, will I? I've wanted to do a little experimentation but never had the nerve."

  Yemaya had just taken a sip of wine when she heard Dakota's confession. It took all of her skills not to spit her drink out on the table. Instead, she swallowed hard and then coughed a little bit, trying to clear her windpipe. Cammie looked at her and frowned.

  "You okay?"

  "Oh, yes, sorry," Yemaya said, her voice slightly husky from the burning in her throat. "Just... inhaled at the wrong time."

  "She's fine," interrupted Dakota, making it sound unimportant. "Now, about those toys and things. I'd really like to hear more about them. Perhaps you could show them to me sometime. Give me a little insight into how they work... or some instructions."

  Wiggling her eyebrows, the journalist's expression was almost comical but Yemaya wasn't amused.

  "Well... ummm... sure. If Yemaya, here, doesn't mind."

  "Oh she won't mind. She's not into that sort of thing, but who knows. Maybe I can get her interested with a little coaching. You know, work my own magic on her. Anyway, I'd sure like it if we could get together. I bet we have a lot to offer each other."

  Cammie was at a loss as to how to respond to the journalist's advances. Looking toward the Illusionist for help, she gave a slight shrug as if wanting some cue on how to proceed. At that point, Yemaya decided the conversation had gone about as far as it should. Whatever had come over Dakota, she was definitely going to regret this conversation later.

  "I think you might have embarrassed Cammie, Dakota."

  "Oh, come on! If she can handle two women at one time she can obviously handle me."

  "Well, we should head back to the apartment. Tomorrow is going to be busy."

  "I know... but what's the hurry? Tonight I feel like having some fun. You go on back if you want. I'm sure Cammie doesn't mind keeping me company. I can interview her." Dakota grinned almost slyly.

  "I think not. We only have one car, remember?"

  "So, I'll take a cab."

  "Dakota, it has been a long day for both of us and I am sure Cammie probably has things to..."

  "I'm not going anywhere!" Dakota declared, becoming irritated.

  Yemaya sighed, not wanting things to progress into an argument.

  "Alright, we will stay until you are ready to leave."

  "Listen, Yemaya. I don't need a babysitter. You just said you want to go... go! Right, Cammie?"

  "Sorry but I'm not getting involved in this one," Cammie said feeling unco
mfortable. "Look, I need to talk to Agra and then make a few calls. I'll catch you another time."

  Getting up, she quickly walked to the bar and began talking to the bartender.

  "Now look what you've done!" Dakota said, angrily. Slamming her hand on the table, she stood up and glared at Yemaya, ignoring the curious glances she was attracting. "You chased her away and now she's with another woman!"

  Storming from the room, she ignored the giggles coming from several of the customers. Yemaya, however, didn't. Icy blue eyes stared coldly at the offenders causing them to shift nervously in their chairs and then fiddle with their drinks. At the end of the bar, Lilith watched the scenario and smirked. The Illusionist was a force to be reckoned with.