Why was it that it seemed like all the male idiot of the world congregated in the bar SHE worked in? It never seemed to change and Piper was sick and tired of having to turn the other cheek while potbellied fat dudes tried to cop a feel of her ass. It was one thing when she actually invited the attention with some young stud but all these middle aged punks trying to relive their youth?? It was just pathetic, thats what it was.

Not to mention that their sour breath turned her stomach and it was all she could do not to hurl on them.

Inhaling a deep breath, Piper Blair ran a slender hand through long sunshine locks even as she picked up her bar tray and headed back to her rounds. A quick glance at the clock showed that it was almost midnight so her shift would soon be over. If she could just keep her temper long enough to finish it, that is. As it stood, she'd taken this job in this strip joint in order to some fast cash and she didn't have enough yet to justify quitting. That was as annoying as the fact that most of the idiots in this hell hole seemed to think stripper/waitress was synopses for "bar whore".

Like she'd let any of these fools in her pants. Hello? Ever heard of personal hygiene? She suspected that half of them still believed that bathing was a twice of year event. Don't even get her started on the whole toothbrush thing. She was very afraid if she mentioned the word, some idiot might ask what it was. That thought alone made her want to shudder.

Approaching her first set of tables, the petite blond went through the motions of smiling as she passed out their drinks and picked up their tabs. The leering smiles sent her way had her suppressing the urge to roll her eyes but at least they were half way respectful. The next table though.. She wasn't as lucky.

"Hey there darlin.... Have I told you how fine your looking tonight... With a ride like that.. You shouldn't be working your pretty little fingers to the bone in a place like this...." drawled out the first idiot as he watched her approach and gave a low whistle before nudging his buddies. "Why don't you and I get to know each other a bit better after you get off work? I'm sure I can make it worth your while."

That said, the biker flashed her some twenties and Pip had to grit her teeth as she gave him a smile that resembled a cat baring its teeth.

"Sorry, Darlin" she drawled back out, syrup sweet. "I don't think my old man would like that much. See... Hes kind of possessive and the last guy who thought he could buy my favors?? Hes pushin up daisies.. If you know what I mean."

Setting the long necks down on the table, she was about to turn away when an arm snaked around her waist and pulled her back to sit on one of the "friends".

"Come on, Baby... Your working in here... Its common knowledge that your all fair game. Your man must not be worth his salt if he lets you serve drinks in this bar.... Whats a matter? No need to be stuck up when we just wanna be friendly."

Pushed almost to her breaking point, Pip growled low in her throat before grabbing the man's hand and twisting his fingers hard. When he howled and relaxed his hold, she shot off his lap and whirled around to glare at him.

"Listen you smelly, over grown sewer rat... I'm not your baby and I'm not your whore. You want pussy? Go find yourself a willing bitch cause I aint it. I serve drinks.. I don't service men. Got it?? GOOD!"

Whirling around to stomp off, Piper was shaking with barely contained rage even as the bikers got to their feet with sputtering outrage. Paying them no mind, she reached the bar, grabbed her tip money and tossed the tray on the counter. The bar owner shook his head and sighed. "You ain't makin any friends there, girlie. Suppose to be keepin the natives happy, not starting fights."

Snorting, Piper gave him a look and then set about straightening the stupid outfit Buzz always made the girls wear. "Well, if we didn't look like a bunch of trollops in this get up, maybe the men wouldn't think we are all sluts." she retorted, managing to cover herself the best she could and then reaching for the next load of beers as her boss rolled his eyes. "This is a strip joint, girlie. Not a tea parlor. You knew it when you signed on."

Blowing out a breath, Piper nodded and wished for the millionth time that she didn't need the money so bad. Unfortunately, she was still paying for hospital bills and that was that. Just as she was about to turn, another of the girls walked up and gave her a grimace that she suspected was suppose to pass for a smile and took her tray.

"Your up, girlfriend." she drawled out. "Knock em dead... Preferably Literally."

Laughing at those words, Piper handed over her orders and took a deep breath. "you and me both, sister. Although, if they actually dropped dead, we'd be out of a job and easy money."

Then, turning towards the back, she weaved in and out of the crowd until stepping through the curtain. The next ten minutes were spent slipping into the school girl costume that she, personally, found repellent and fixing her makeup. Then, when she couldn't avoid it any longer, she headed for one of the stages and the men waiting.

Best to just get it over with.

With the lights blazing and the spotlight practically blinding her, Pip didn't even bother to look at the tables surrounding her stage. Going right into her routine, she closed her eyes and lost herself to the beat of Aerosmiths "CRAZY".". IT was one of her favorite songs and she could pretend she was somewhere else, dancing for someone else instead of in a seedy little strip joint supplying a bunch of nobodies with a few cheap thrills. The fantasy was so good that a secretive smile was playing on her lips as she opened her eyes mid song.

Jack's Evo pulled up behind a Blue Charger as he parked in the open car lot. Getting out, an appreciative whistle escaped him when he let his eyes wander over the Dodge in passing. The car was well kept; something he always enjoyed seeing.

Someone clearly knows their muscle cars.

A few moments later he'd made it across to Wild Cats, a seedy hole-in-the-wall strip joint, where a lapdance was like the oasis in a vast desert. Not that that was why he was here. No, not tonight. With its scuffed walls and dirty, yet clean enough interior, this place was perfect for doing louche business; no questions were asked here, and no one cared who you were as long as you didn't kick up a fuss with the ladies.

Jack found his contact sitting at one end of the bar in the very place he would have chosen to sit. Back to the wall, eyes on both exits. Where any person watching their back would pick. He caught the older man's eye at the door and then wandered over to the middle of the bar to ask for a beer and a shot of whiskey. The whiskey was downed straight away, but he slid the beer down the counter as he went to join his contact at the far end of the room.

Without saying a word, Jack slid a piece of paper across the table towards 'John'. John took it and unfolded it, reading over the content before his eyes settled back on Jack.

"That's it?"

"That's it."

"Alright." John folded the piece of paper back up, then slid it in the breast-pocket of his jacket and stood up as if to leave. Before he did, though, he grabbed Jack by the scruff of his neck, leaning down and bringing his mouth close to his ear, lowering his voice a little so that no one would be able to accidentally overhear what was being said.

"Best not be thinking about screwing us over, boy. 'cause ain't no place on this planet we won't be able to find you."

Jack remained silent and expressionless. Pleased, John eased his grip, then patted the younger man's shoulder as he straightened back up.

"Enjoy the rest of your night, Jack. Drink's on me."

The muscles in his jaws tensed as Jack watched John walk towards the exit with a kind of saunter as if he hadn't a care in the world. Of course he didn't. Jack did. He wasn't particularly fond of no-so-empty threats. Especially when he wasn't 100 percent sure he could pull off and deliver what he had promised...

"Hey there darlin'.... Have I told you how fine your looking tonight... With a ride like that.. You shouldn't be working your pretty little fingers to the bone in a place like this.... Why don't you and I get to know each other a bit better after you get off work? I'm sure I can make it worth your while."

Lifting his bottle and taking a sip of beer to soothe his suddenly parched throat, Jack switched his attention to the sight that had half the male population of the bar rolling their tongues in appreciation; a blonde waitress, one that was flaunting curves in all the right places. The ring leader of the greasy haired bikers two tables over from his was holding up what looked to be a couple of twenties, a 'I'm gonna get me a slice of that sweet pie' expression on his face.

Well shit, this is like watching a car crash waiting to happen. Chick doesn't look like the kind you wanna be messing with.

Now there was a part of Jack that wanted to warn the guy before he made an even bigger ass out of himself, you could call it solidarity for his gender or unity against the common man-hating enemy, but there was a larger part of him that kinda wanted to see what would happen when the jerk poked the bear. If he was really that drunk and lecherous, he probably deserved what he was about to get anyway.

"Sorry, Darlin'. I don't think my old man would like that much. See... Hes kind of possessive and the last guy who thought he could buy my favors?? Hes pushin up daisies.. If you know what I mean."

She had given him a warning, you couldn't deny that she wasn't playing fair, but greasy biker dude seemed to hear it as a challenge instead. A tattooed arm slithered around the girl's waist, and soon she was pulled onto his lap.

"Come on, Baby... Your working in here... Its common knowledge that your all fair game. Your man must not be worth his salt if he lets you serve drinks in this bar.... Whats a matter? No need to be stuck up when we just wanna be friendly."

If the pained howl from the greasy biker after she twisted his fingers hard, maybe even breaking them, was anything to go by, then it was a bad mistake to make. Jack couldn't help but grin at what came out of her mouth next, fairly impressed with how she'd handled herself, even when biker dude & co clearly were not.

"Fuck that bitch, Ray. We'll gut her after her shift. Teach her a lesson she won't forget," one of the bikers snarled. It issued a few agreeing sounds from the rest of the small group, and Jack was pretty sure that this threat, like the one he had received just minutes ago, was no empty threat either.

Maybe I oughta stick around a bit longer, make sure that bark doesn't turn into a bite...

It was as good an excuse as any to stay, no? As soon as the music started, his eyes turned towards the stage where the blonde bombshell had just entered a spotlight, wearing the costume of a not-so-innocent schoolgirl. Feeling like one of these other sleazy pervs or no, it was hard not to enjoy the view as she went about her routine.

...and if it gets me stabbed... totally worth it.

In her mind, this gig was simply a way to make a fast buck and not a long term career choice. A dancer was not something she'd ever aspired to doing and if it wasn't for the pressing need, she'd never have stepped through the front doors of a place like this. If someone had told her she'd be doing such a thing a few years ago, she'd have laughed herself silly at the suggestion. Her dad was no doubt spinning in his grave at this very moment at the idea of his baby girl ditching her clothes for a living. Hey, it was just flesh though right? Wasn't like she was sleeping with any of the idiots and the money was good. As soon as she got enough to quit? Her ass was long gone. Hell, to her only a crazy person would do it any longer than necessary and she wasn't that stupid. It simply was a means to an end and, quiet frankly, one that she couldn't wait to reach.

With all those thoughts bouncing around in her head, it was easy to make the smile on her ruby lips a little more genuine. The more she worked it, the faster she could see the end of this hell hole she figured. If it meant putting up with a few beer bellied bikers.. Well, a girl had to do what a girl had to do, right?

Which was about when she spied a face in the crowd she hadn't seen earlier. Startled for a moment, she lost her step and almost tripped before grabbing on to the pole and turning the mis-step into a graceful spin that covered nicely. Although it threw off a bit of her routine, she'd work with whatever kept her from falling flat on her face and in control of herself. She was an expert at making due.

Casting another look in the man's direction, Piper licked her lips and was astonished to find her first impression wasn't off. Nope, no beer belly there and while he had sort of a scruffy look, he wasn't ugly by any stretch of the means. Which made her instantly wonder what the hell he was doing there. Definitely NOT the usual clientele for this place. He didn't look sleazy or slimy but then looks could be deceiving she supposed.

Shrugging it off as of no concern to her, the blond arched a brow at him before her devilish side got the best of her. A little"come hither" smile curved her lips as she reached the edge and gave him a wink. Since he was the only “customer” at the nearby tables of her little stage, she knew it wouldn't draw any notice if she spent more time here than anywhere else. Still moving to the beat of the song, she made it to her feet and turned her back to him before wiggling the little school girl skirt down her slim hips. As it hit the floor, she gave him a wicked smile over her shoulder and then sashayed back to the pole to spin around it gracefully. The saner voice in the back of her head shouted that she was playing with fire and probably going to get burned but it was drowned out by the vixen who was being ornery.

Those thoughts only made her more defiant and more daring as she went towards the end of her dance. Since it was a topless bar, she turned her back to the watching gentleman and then unhooked her top before tossing it over her shoulder, and wouldn't you know it, right into his lap as a final shot to his defenses.

Take that, big guy! She thought to herself, grinning wickedly even as the song ended and she dipped down to scoop up a robe left by the exit of the stage. Slipping quickly into it, she cast a look over her shoulder once more before reaching the relative safety of the dressing room and about dropping over with delayed heart failure.

Oh Lord. What the hell was she thinking? No doubt, she'd given him entirely the wrong impression with that little display but she couldn't help the chuckle it gave her. It was a rare night that she actually enjoyed her job or had anything/anyone to dance for that was inspiring. Whatever it was though, it was over now and no harm done. It wasn't like she would probably ever see him again anyways, right? Right.

That decided, the blond quickly slipped into her cut off Daisy Dukes and then the sapphire chemise that she loved so well. Stuffing her things in her bag, she wondered if she could make a break before the boss caught her and then decided it was worth a shot. Her shift was up with the last routine and her feet were killing her. The idea of a hot shower and a cold beer was right up her alley.

That thought in mind, the dancer slipped out of the back and weaved her way through the shadows towards the front door. Not bothering to glance around for fear of drawing undue notice, she stepped out into the cool night nodding to the bouncer even as she headed for her car. Already, her mind was turning over what she could do with the wad of cash in her pocket for tonights earnings so the crunch of gravel behind her as she reached her car didn't at first register. When it did though, she twisted around with a frown only to see the three bikers from inside stepping out of the shadows.

Well Hell. This was NOT what she needed tonight. She had no doubts in her mind about what they wanted and she silently cursed her temper for letting it get away with her.

"You want something, boys?" she shout out, keeping her voice composed even as she reached into her bag for the glock she never left home without. "Fraid the private dances are in back... not out here."

Smirking at her, the big guy whos fingers she'd bent back earlier stepped forward. "The boys and I thought you could give us a better show out here... With more perks. Seems to me its the least you can do to apologize."

Letting out a snort, Piper shook her head. "Your mama drop you on your head a few to many times as a baby? You aren't getting any apology from me. Fact of the matter is... You aint getting anything from me. You and your boys would be best served going back inside." she bluffed, still searching for the gun. A quick look towards her car told her that it was to far away to reach before one of them grabbed her and fear began to take hold for the first time.

Now that he was on his own at the table, Jack leaned back in his seat and made sure he had a good view of the show before calling over one of the waitresses to ask her to leave a bottle of whiskey on his table. If drinks weren't coming out of his own pocket tonight, he'd better make good use of that, no? He slipped the waitress a few bills, giving her a quick wink when she flirtatiously smiled at him. She didn't stay though, and Jack didn't encourage her to, preferring to make sure he didn't miss a thing of what was going on on the stage.

The show he got was mesmerizing to say the least; the blond dancer seemed to be focusing most, if not all of her attention on him, and seemed to be actively trying to tease him with the way she smiled at him invitingly, forcing his eyes to stay glued on her with every little sultry move she made. It didn't help either when she turned her back to him to give him a perfect view of her ass once the little skirt was down on the floor. With everything she'd done so far, she'd already sparked a growing sense of arousal in him, one that had quickly taken up base camp in his gut, but when she unhooked her top at the end of the song and threw it over her shoulder right into his lap, it was all Jack could do not to let a soft groan escape his throat.

Dammit Jack, pull yourself together. This is not the first striptease you have ever seen...

Taking a couple consecutive shots of Whiskey and a few minutes to mentally refocus, Jack stood from his table a little later than the three bikers had done, leaving the more than half empty bottle of liquor for what it was. Call it a false sense of heroism, but he was rather safe than sorry. Those bikers hadn't looked or sounded like they'd been making empty threats.

Outside, the air was a bit cooler than it had been inside, and the parking lot of the strip club looked to be deserted under the amber glow of a night time street light, until...

"The boys and I thought you could give us a better show out here... With more perks. Seems to me its the least you can do to apologize."

Sure enough, there was the guy that the blond waitress/dancer had taken down a couple of pegs with his two buddies flanking his sides and evidently, he wanted some retribution. Jack was surprised that his approach wasn't heard sooner, but then again, it seemed the biker was enjoying threatening the girl too much to notice him, probably figuring that his friends were keeping a lookout.

"Your mama drop you on your head a few to many times as a baby? You aren't getting any apology from me. Fact of the matter is... You ain't getting anything from me. You and your boys would be best served going back inside."

Thankfully for Jack, they were not. All of them were far more intent on getting what they felt they deserved from the blond dancer when Ray, or whatever the hell his name was, grabbed her.

Ray was a big fella and Jack had no desire to go toe to toe with him in a fist fight. It would have been like Indiana Jones facing off against the Nazi dude with the bald head in Raiders, and Jack didn't exactly keep a plane in his back pocket. So he did what he had to and clocked the guy across the back of the neck with the thick two by four he'd taken off a pile of rubble instead. In anyone who wasn't built like a brick shit house, this would have felled them immediately, but all it did to Big&Ugly was get his attention. Ray slackened his hold on the girl, probably enough for her to wriggle free, but clearly he was only doing so to turn and sneer at whoever it was tickling him with a wooden plank. Jack quickly hit him across the back of the neck a second time, splintering the wood, and almost raised his hand to repeat the action when big, strong and ugly's knees buckled and his eyes rolled up into the back of his head. Like a falling curtain, Ray disappeared from Jack's line of sight, leaving a very surprised looking blond in his place.

"What the--!" Apparently, taking out Ray didn't improve the bloodthirsty mood of his buddies. One of them clamped a hand around the dancer's throat to make sure she wouldn't go anywhere. The other pulled out a switchblade and sneered dangerously at Jack.

"You must a got a real death wish to be fuckin' with us, kid."

"Woah, wait a minute. Maybe we oughta talk about this first, huh?" Jack suggested hopefully, dropping the now useless piece of splintered wood and backing up enough to put himself between two parked cars making it harder for Switchblade to make some kind of move on him. He wanted to know how well he could handle himself before he took Switchblade on unarmed.

"What's a matter? You need your girlfriend to fight your real battles for you?" Switchblade taunted.

"Okay, firstly? She's not my girlfriend. I mean, look at her... way out of my league. And secondly?" Jack didn't give him a second, using the confusion to get the first punch in.

As fights went, this one would have easily fallen into the sloppy and ungraceful category. While Jack prided himself on his ninja-like poise and efficiency in fights (haha! as if...), when he'd had a few drinks, all bets were effectively off. That said, he had seen Drunken Master 2 more than once so he was hoping that maybe he'd managed to absorb some of the intoxicated skills Mr. Jackie Chan possessed. That, or he was about to get a stabbing.

Switchblade growled, enraged and seeing red because Jack had just sucker punched him without warning. He swung at Jack, but Jack backed out of the way just in time. Nevertheless, Switchblade was beginning to feel inspired by the yelling from his buddy. He was smiling now, not the kind of smile that was contagious, but the kind that could make a man cringe, and he licked his thin, beard covered lips as if he were about to slice and serve a turkey. He moved to swing the blade again, but Jack rushed at him before he had any chance to bring it to bear, catching the wrist and holding it in place to keep the guy from stabbing him. A swift knee to the gut disabled the biker enough for Jack to wrench the switchblade out of his hand and another hard punch landed squarely in the man's pox scarred face. Jack's knuckles came back bloody and he wasn't sure if it was his own or from the guy’s nose, but either way, the biker went down like a lead balloon and Jack felt a little smirk of victory creep onto the edges of his mouth.

Naturally, victory was fleeting as Jack had forgotten about the other guy who'd been unable to get in on the action because he'd had his meaty hand around the girl's throat last time he saw...

Ok, so evidently the big guy didn't take to being insulted. Good to know. To bad it was already to late. One of these days, Piper knew she was going to have to learn to hold her tongue but it obviously wasn't going to be tonight. Hell, she was going to be lucky to live long enough to even regret her words by her way of thinking. The trio moved for her in a burst of speed that belied the amount of liquor she knew they'd taken in and there was no more time to find the gun as a meaty fist clamped on her arm and she was suddenly smelling his rotted breath. Ugh. Gag a maggot took on new meaning. What did these idiots do for a living? Live in a graveyard? She was pretty sure walking zombies would smell better.

“God! Dont' you know what a toothbrush is?” the dancer spit out, trying to yank away even as the punishing grip tugged her closer. “Personal hygiene mean anything to you lot? You know, you might find a lady more willing if you took care of things like that.” As the man growled at her, she winced. Yeah, way to go Blair. Tease the rabid dogs, she thought silently to herself even as the biker shoved his face closer as if to say something nasty.

Only, he never got it out because, out of nowhere, a loud “THUMP” resounded through the night and Piper felt a brow quirk up at the look of surprise on the bikers face. What the hell? The big guy evidently had the same thought because his grip loosened enough for the blond to yank backwards, freeing herself just as another heavy “THUD” rang out. Goliath dropped like a fly to a swatter and Pip found herself looking at a scrappy version of David in stunned bemusement. And recognized him as the dude from inside that she'd taunted with her little dance. What the hell was he doing out here and more importantly.. WAS HE FUCKING NUTS? Grudging respect flickered across her features even as she met his gaze and arched a brow in question.

Which lasted all of about five seconds because the other men snapped into action as she and her knight in shining .. er... jeans stared at each other.


The feel of a hand encircling her throat was enough to bring the blond back to the moment and she mentally groaned. Right. This wasn't over yet. So much for the idea of taking out the leader and the troops would fall, right? Happy Happy Joy Joy. What she wouldn't give right about now for a few of the wicked witch of the West's flying monkeys. The thought would have made her smile if things weren't so grim at the moment. Gaze shifting, she saw the events in front of her roll out even as she wondered how the hell she was going to get out of her own predicament. Its all fun and games till someone pulled a blade, she thought absently even as fingers closed tight on her windpipe, closing off her air. Really? Some men had no manners.

Vaguely aware of the commotion behind them, Piper glared at the bastard holding her as he lifted her off the ground and shook her a bit like a chastised puppy. Pain lanced up her throat but it simply brought her anger at being manhandled to a boil. Without thought, she brought a knee upwards into his unprotected groin and was rewarded by a loud exhale of air and her feet finding purchase on the firm ground once more. Since she'd been in the air when she'd delivered the blow, it wasn't forceful enough to drop him completely but it did give him pause long enough for her to wind back and punch him with all the force she could get behind her slender frame. The impact sent him spinning backwards into another car and the sound of a loud, obnoxious alarm immediately started blaring loudly throughout the lot.

Oh, just freaking GREAT! Like that wouldn't attract attention. And not particularly of the kind she wanted to deal with. Cops were a real pain in her ass. Pip mentally grimaced at those thoughts even as she aimed a hard kick at the bastards kneecap with a pointed cowboy boot. The resounding “CRACK” and his hissed scream of pain was her reward before she glanced around, trying to process the rest of the scene. She managed to catch the last of the fight across the way even as she rubbed her throat. Huh, imagine that. David was still standing. Her estimation of him went up even as she saw the first biker start to stir.

Well, Hell. Time to get the hell out of Dodge by her way of thinking.

Darting towards her bag, the dancer scooped it up before tossing it in the back of the Charger. Casting a look over at her “partner in crime” she arched a brow even as she called out. “Unless you want to be spending the night in jail for brawling.. You better get your cute ass in gear. Cops will be here shortly with all this noise. I don't aim to be standing around when they arrive.” Pulling open the drivers side door, she looked down at the bikers before shrugging and continuing. She assumed he had his own ride since only an idiot came to a place like this without a get away car. “If you can keep up, it looks like I owe you a drink or two...Seems like the least I can do...”

Ok, what the hell was that? Had she really just invited him for a drink? A perfect stranger? Sure, he'd rescued her but he could be as psycho as the rest. Look how he'd decided to take on three big bikers without even a thought. Yup, definitely leaning to the crazy side she decided even as she mentally shook her head. To bad cute and crazy seemed to be her kryptonite.

“You gonna stand there all night and disappoint a lady or you gonna move?” she finished, ducking into her car even as flashing lights showed in the distance. With the ball in his court, she twisted the ignition and heard the purr of the hemi take right off as she hit hit the gas. Gravel flew over the downed forms of the bikers even as she barely missed running over ones feet.

Eight seconds later, she was on the road and heading down familiar streets leading to her place. Since she lived relatively nearby, the drive lasted a mere fifteen minutes and then she was pulling up in the drive of a small house with a chain link fence surrounding the yard. Glancing down the road behind her, she got out of the Charger and then leaned on the trunk as she waited to see if her offer had been tempting enough for her pseudo superman to join her. Was he as gutsy as he appeared or would he have had enough of their encounters tonight? She was surprised to find she actually hoped he was made of sterner stuff.

Absently, Jack rubbed at his now sore knuckles and looked down at the unconscious biker on the ground in front of him. The fight, short lived as it was, did allow him something of a release of all the pent up frustration that was currently driving him down the ever loved reckless road, but it was hardly enough. Adrenaline still pumped through his system, like wild fire during a dry summer. He was practically buzzing, reminded him of times long since passed where he would occasionally partake in drugs that'd make him feel this alive.

It was with the faint traces of a smile on his face, that Jack found himself looking up then, just in time to see the dancer floor the last biker. He winced in sympathy. There were a few places on the human body where even a small injury was hard to ignore. For guys the groin was an obvious weak spot, something he wouldn't wish on his worst enemy. Then there was another place, one that went for everyone in general. There was nothing more incapacitating as a punch square on the nose. Not only would the impact of a fist hurt, especially one thrown in utter anger as this one had been, but when it breaks the bone and forces the shockwave into your skull, it also impairs your sense of balance and ability to focus. In short...

The biker stumbled backwards, crashing hard into one of the parked cars; it's alarm immediately started blaring on the impact. Fuck! if that wasn't going to attract unwanted attention, he didn't know what would, and he wasn't the only one who came to that quick conclusion.

"Unless you want to be spending the night in jail for brawling.. You better get your cute ass in gear. Cops will be here shortly with all this noise. I don't aim to be standing around when they arrive."

It soon became apparent that the feisty blond was leaving, with or without him.

Women. Can't live with 'em. Can't get a proper 'thank you' from 'em for putting your ass on the line.

"If you can keep up, it looks like I owe you a drink or two...Seems like the least I can do..."

Okay, maybe I oughta take that back...

By now, there was definitely no denying that it was a good idea to make tracks asap. Wailing sirens somewhere in the distance were a handy clue to that, one that even Columbo could work out without a long winded monologue about his wife.

"You gonna stand there all night and disappoint a lady or you gonna move?"

Despite still being a little perplexed as to what had happened whilst he had been brawling with switchblade-guy, the corner of Jack's mouth ticked up into an amused smirk. Frank O'Conner had never raised his sons to be rude, and disappointing a lady would mean he'd be doing just that, wouldn't it?

Can't let the lady nor the old man down now, can I?

Casting one last look at the poor sucker the dancer had floored, Jack let out a soft chuckle and headed for his Evo. Never overstay your welcome, he always said!

Point in fact, it was then one of the bikers decided it was a good time to wake up and scrambled to his feet, screaming and throwing things at the Evo just as he tore off down the parking lot in tow of the blond's Charger. Shit, if that made a dent, he was gonna be REALLY pissed! With the windows cracked open and the wind blowing in his face, Jack couldn’t help but hit the steering wheel with a laugh though. Sometimes his life was just too damned good. What was that now? Seal the deal that would ensure his early retirement? Check. Free alcohol and one hell of a striptease just for him? Check. Land his ass into trouble over a hot woman? Check. Getting rewarded for said trouble?

...well, that was yet to be seen.

Jack's Evo followed close behind the Charger. He’d only been in this part of the city once or twice and definitely didn’t know his way around these streets like the gorgeous blond did. One thing was for sure though; she wasn't leading him to a different bar or other establishment for that drink or two she owed him.

After a few minutes, the Evo pulled up outside a house. It was pretty nondescript, the type of plain old house you could find just about anywhere in the country. Naturally, the blond had already made it there before him, and was waiting on the driveway, leaning against the trunk of her Charger.

"Usually someone has to at least buy me dinner first before I let them take me to their home," Jack said as he climbed out of his car to meet her. Pasting a lazy grin on his face, his eyes wandered over her petite form for a moment before a purposeful bit of eye to eye contact covered the inner attraction. He didn't want to seem like a total pervert in front of the blond. Especially after seeing how she dealt with those types of guys.

"So I never did catch your name."

Leaning on the back of the gunmetal blue Charger, Piper crossed her long tanned legs in front of her even as she heard the sound of a smooth running motor cut down her street. Glancing up from where she was examining her crimson tipped nails, she took in the Evo as it pulled up short just beyond the drive. Running a finger over the bumper sticker that read “Lifes short, play Naked”, the lithe figure examined the car even as it shut down. It was a smooth lined machine and the purr she heard underneath the hood told her that its driver took good care of it. Another point in his favor even if street racers where a dime a dozen in this city.

As the driver climbed out from behind the wheel and headed towards her with a confident swagger, she clasped her hands on the trunk and tossed her long blond hair over one shoulder. Glimmering blue grey eyes watched him keenly before her ruby lips turned up in a smirk as his words broke the night silence.

"Usually someone has to at least buy me dinner first before I let them take me to their home,"


Quirking a brow up, Piper pushed off of the Charger before eying him. “Well, don't get to excited yet, handsome. Superman syndrome or not, these panties don't hit the floor for just anyone.” she teased right back, turning towards the house even as he asked his next question.

"So I never did catch your name."

Pausing to glance back over a slim shoulder, the dancer couldn't help but yank his chain a bit as she headed for the back door. “Well, I could tell you.. but then I'd have to kill you.. I'm sure you know how these things work.” she called quietly, putting an extra sway to her hips as she sauntered up the drive. “First, you have to meet someone.. If he likes you.. Then you can learn my name.” she continued, letting him make what he would of that as she reached the back door and set the key into the lock. A quick flick of her wrist and then the door was opening as she called out. “Rio? Rio, baby.. Come here...”

Ok, so on some level, Piper knew she was being a bit mean but she wanted to see what the dude was made of. The sound of heavy banging came from inside the house even as big paws slid over the age old linoleum. From around the corner flew a huge mase of flesh disguised as a brindled Bull Mastiff. With a grin, Piper locked her knees and wasn't surprised when the massive beast jumped up and gave her a sloppy kiss of greeting even as she half halfheartedly pushed him away.”Umph... Down, boy... RIO!! EWWWWW!”

As his front paws hit the ground again, the dog seemed to realize she wasn't alone and turned its beady eyes upon the unsuspecting visitor. Instantly, lips were drawn back in a snarl even as he seemed to size up his prey. The touch of a gentle hand on his giant head quieted him however as the blonds voice carried the distance. “Oh... I forgot to ask..... I hope you like dogs.. Rio here is the king of the castle and if he doesn't like you.... ” Letting her voice trail off , the dancer shrugged as if it said it all. What she didn't say though was that Rio's personality was at odds with his dangerous looking teeth and he generally loved everybody. As long as they played with him, that was.

“Rio..meet my new friend. What do you think of him?” she asked, letting the dog loose and watched in amusement as Rio gave a bark of happiness and bounded towards the man with slobber flying everywhere and knocked him down for his favorite game of wrestling. Yeah, she really probably should feel guilty about that but... hey ho.. If he couldn't get along with her dog, there wasn't much chance of anything else happening, right?

As the pair got to know each other, Piper pushed away from the door frame and entered the house. Calling out over her shoulder, she kicked off her cowboy boots. “When you boys are done playing..Come on in. I'll see to fixing us some drinks.” Setting actions to words, she moved on into the dim enterior of the kitchen and pulled out two tumblers. A bottle of Jack sat on top of the fridge and was quickly set beside them while she went to fetch ice.

Once everything was in order, she poured a healthy sum of whiskey into the glasses before hearing the sound of heavy paws running back into the house and wondering if her new “friend” would be brave enough to follow. When she heard footsteps, she smiled to herself before turning to present him with the Jack and a grin. “My names Piper.... I think I promised you a drink so.... Heres my follow through.” she drawled out, her south Texas accent heavy in her drawl. "I ... should probably apologize for not giving you warning about Rio but .. I always like to let him be the deciding factor as to whether I should let a man into my home or not... Hes a better judge of character than I am most of the time and he tends to scare away the unworthy."

“Well, don't get to excited yet, handsome. Superman syndrome or not, these panties don't hit the floor for just anyone.”

A short laugh escaped Jack's lips and he subtly shook his head, glancing down at the bumper sticker on the trunk of her Charger, reading “Lifes short, play Naked”. There was no denying that this woman was going to be a pain in his ass; the more she teased him, the more he wanted her, and damn it if that wasn't spelling some serious trouble for him. Still, it didn't stop him from leaning in a bit, as though he was about to reveal a huge secret.

"Good thing I'm not 'just anyone', then, huh?" he said, amused. Then, before the dancer could answer, Jack straightened back to his previous posture, acting as if he hadn't said a thing at all when he asked for her name instead.

It earned him a pause in the dancer's steps and a teasing look from her over her shoulder.

"Well, I could tell you.. but then I'd have to kill you.. I'm sure you know how these things work."

The corner of Jack's mouth ticked up in a private smirk, a little nod of his head indicating that he'd play along with her game. If she didn't want to give him her name yet, then he wasn’t going to offer up his yet either. Two could play that old game.

His eyes stayed on her as the dancer turned again, noting the extra sway she put in her hips as she headed towards her house. Jesus, even the very way the woman walked was almost erotic in itself, how her body moved with each flowing step, causing her little Daisy Dukes to shift around her perfect ass...

"First, you have to meet someone.. If he likes you.. Then you can learn my name."

Jack's smirk faltered at the 'he' part, just a bit.

Oh, you’ve got to be friggin' kidding me?! If she already has a dude waiting for her to come home, than what the hell am I even doing here...

The sound of heavy banging (those were definitely not human footsteps) approaching from inside the house filtered into his brain too late, blocked by other thoughts until a large dog, coated in thick, brown fur, streaked with black, suddenly arrived in his frame of vision. Jack wasn't sure if he should be relieved by the sight of the massive Mastiff or not. Especially not when the animal bared it's teeth at him once it noticed him, showing off dangerously sharp looking fangs after the happy reunion with it's owner. A slender hand on the large head calmed the animal down though, changing the dog's demeanor almost immediately.

"Oh... I forgot to ask..... I hope you like dogs.. Rio here is the king of the castle and if he doesn't like you.... "

Yeah, yeah... I'll be doggy-chow.

"Rio..meet my new friend. What do you think of him?"

A loud bark issued from the dog before the large animal bounded towards Jack, slobber flying every which way in it's excitement. Jack, however, was a little less excited about his current predicament, knowing what the Mastiff had in mind...

"Oh shi--" He'd barely made it halfway through the word before the dog's heavy body slammed into his chest, bowling him over backwards. Jack soon found himself being licked half to death by the slobbery tongue of the full grown Bull Mastiff, and to try and end the tongue bath, he held the dog off with a hand in the fur of his throat, holding tight but not too tight. Floppy ears lifted from the animal's head, eyebrows raising as the Mastiff stared down at him with a very expressive, questioning doggy face.

"What? I don't know where that tongue's been, pal. Not to mention, I don't swing that way," was Jack's answer, and he found himself grinning at the eager canine as it tried to lick his face again from only inches away, giant pink tongue flapping in the air. Taking the dog's large head in his hands, Jack rubbed roughly at the Mastiff's ears and cheeks, then gently pushed the animal back, watching as it suddenly dropped his head to his front paws while his tail end stayed up in the air. The whole dog was quivering with excitement before he barked at Jack loudly, then bounded back inside the house.

Heh, sad to say that actually wasn't the worst tongue-action I've ever had the displeasure of experiencing in my life...

Swiping the back of his hand across his face to clean himself, Jack pushed himself back onto his feet, brushing some of the street dirt off of his clothes before he too walked into the house. He found the blond dancer in the kitchen, where she finally offered him her name and the promised drink, along with an amused grin on her lips.

"I ... should probably apologize for not giving you warning about Rio but .. I always like to let him be the deciding factor as to whether I should let a man into my home or not... Hes a better judge of character than I am most of the time and he tends to scare away the unworthy."

"Nah, that's alright. But I take it I passed the test then. Seeing as how I'm standing in your kitchen in one piece," Jack replied amicably, grinning a bit before he sipped on the drink she'd made him to wash away some of the dog slobber he was sure had ended up inside his mouth.

...which is a pretty gross thought come to think of it...

"Name's Jack, by the way. And I may or may not be as crazy as I appear to be. Haven't decided for myself yet."

Well, the dude had guts. That was for sure. He hadn't run screaming away at the sight of a hundred plus pound dog baring down on him and he'd managed to keep his smile through out it all even if he did look a little worse for wear. Of course, not all of that could be contributed to Rio, she figured, the pair of them having barely escaped getting their asses kicked earlier. Still though, here in the bright light of her kitchen, he was as interesting as she'd thought he'd be, scruff and all. Definitely not the pretty boy who spent more time in front of his mirror than she did but definitely not the sort to scared small children either. His features seemed to be a perfect blend of rugged good looks with an almost boyish glint to his expression that was enticing. His twinkling eyes seemed to invite her in on some private joke and she couldn't help the grin that spread over her own features as she watched him take a sip from the offered glass.

“Well Jack... Its a pleasure to finally meet you.” she returned, leaning back on the counter even as she sipped her own whiskey. “And for the crazy part.. I guess that makes two of us cause I don't normally invite perfect strangers back to my house. I'd claim I must have gotten hit on the head and had a momentary lapse of common sense but I'd be lying. Really don't have a clue what possessed me to get you here besides the thought that I really should make sure your all right. You are all right, aren't you? No injuries from our run in with the beer belly patrol?”

Just the reminder of the incident had her rubbing her sore throat and wincing as she felt the tender flesh. If it hadn't been for the man in front of her, no doubt she'd be sporting much worse. She definitely owed him but even as that thought flickered through her brain, she knew that wasn't why she'd brought him back home. Oh no, it might be a likely excuse but she'd been intrigued by the man before he'd ever stepped in to rescue her from her attackers.

And intrigued was something she hadn't be in a very very long time. Life had taken on a boringly mundane routine and something about Jack told her he might prove more interesting than just the normal idiots who generally made asses of themselves. “Dear Lord, don't let him be another chump without the common sense God gave a gnat.” she sent up in a silent, furtive prayer even as she tilted her head to the side and set down her now empty glass.

“Thank you for the rescue, by the way. How'd you come to be out there anyways? Grow tired of the show or something?” she asked, first question serious, second one bringing an impish light to her azure orbs. “Surely the sights were more interesting inside than out... Not that I am not appreciative and all but... you looked as if you were enjoying the show.”

“Well Jack... Its a pleasure to finally meet you. And for the crazy part.. I guess that makes two of us cause I don't normally invite perfect strangers back to my house. I'd claim I must have gotten hit on the head and had a momentary lapse of common sense but I'd be lying. Really don't have a clue what possessed me to get you here besides the thought that I really should make sure your all right. You are all right, aren't you? No injuries from our run in with the beer belly patrol?”

"Heh. Guess I'm lucky you're both crazy and caring then. But yeah, I'm alright. Just a couple of bruised knuckles," he answered, setting his own now empty glass down next to hers on the kitchen counter and flexing his swollen knuckles to keep them from freezing up as he watched her touch the tender, slightly red skin around her slender throat.

"What about you though? Guy looked awfully intend on leaving permanent fingerprints on your throat. Seems like he did a pretty good job at it, too." He was tempted to take a closer look at her bruised skin himself, but he wasn't sure what his touching her would earn him if it was unwanted, so he wisely kept his hands to himself for the time being. He liked his fingers unbroken, thank you very much.

“Thank you for the rescue, by the way. How'd you come to be out there anyways? Grow tired of the show or something? Surely the sights were more interesting inside than out... Not that I am not appreciative and all but... you looked as if you were enjoying the show.”

Jack couldn't help but smirk at that. Okay, so she had him there. He couldn't deny he had enjoyed the show quite a bit. Though in his defense, she was the one who had really given him something to look at in the first place. Piper's body was just as beautiful as her face, all soft curves and sensuality, and she knew how to move in such a way that she could wrap any man around her finger. But damn, she was also feisty as hell. In the past, he supposed he'd never really bothered with Piper's type; the mouthy, fiery blonds that twisted a guy's nuts just for ha-ha's. He'd been more into the types that didn't mind a roll in the sheets; the ones who were as easily forgettable as the names they gave him. There was no commitment with a one night stand, just instant gratification.

He had to wonder when all of that had changed. Some would say that it was simple; he'd just matured... somewhat, at least. But deep down, he supposed that he was just getting tired of women who didn't have much else to offer beyond their looks. These days he wanted more of a challenge, and Piper seemed to be just that and so much more.

Problem was though, now she probably thought he was some kind of death-wish idiot who jumped into trouble wherever he found it (or caused it, as Brian would probably say) feet first all the time. Most people didn't usually find that out right away...

"Alright, I'll just tell you the truth. After you practically broke that huge biker's fingers, I overheard them talking about teaching you a lesson. Wasn't sure they'd actually go through with it, but when I saw them leave soon after you did, it wasn't all that difficult to put one and one together. The rest is now history, I suppose."

A brief moment of silence followed. Then Jack let out a soft, but undoubtedly amused chuckle as he shook his head lightly.

"I gotta admit though, I felt kinda sorry for the guy's jewels you broke. Something tells me that you've done that before."

Catching sight of the way he flexed his knuckles, Piper was tempted to capture his hand in hers and examine them but experience had told her that men tended to hate to be coddled over. Since he insisted he was fine, she simply shook her head and listened to his next words. If he stuck around long enough, maybe she could grab a look later.

"Alright, I'll just tell you the truth. After you practically broke that huge biker's fingers, I overheard them talking about teaching you a lesson. Wasn't sure they'd actually go through with it, but when I saw them leave soon after you did, it wasn't all that difficult to put one and one together. The rest is now history, I suppose."


So, he hadn't just followed her outside hoping to get a piece of ass from a stripper. That knowledge eased a place inside that she hadn't even known was waiting with something resembling trepidation. It had been so long since she'd been around a man with anything resembling a gentlemanly streak that it had become a sad fact that she expected the worst in a guy instead of the best. Finding herself proven wrong was a nice change.

"I gotta admit though, I felt kinda sorry for the guy's jewels you broke. Something tells me that you've done that before."

Tilting her head to the side, Piper examined her companion for a long moment before she spoke again. When she did, a more natural smile played upon her lips as she grinned. “Yeah, well... My daddy didn't raise no fool. He made sure I knew how to protect myself from scum like that before I could walk almost. He was fishin for something that wasn't in the water and I wasn't bittin so....”

Giving a delicate shrug to punctuate her words, the blond reached for the bottle of Jack and refreshed both their glasses before nodding her head in the direction of the small living room. “Why don't you come on in and make yourself comfortable? Afraid its not much but its home.” she invited, intentionally passing by him closer than necessary. “That is... If you don't have any place better to be, I mean... I'm not gonna get punched in the nose by a pissed off girlfriend am I? For inviting you back here, that is?”

Although her words were said teasingly, Piper suddenly realized how truly crazy it had been to invite him back to her place. For once, her normal common sense seemed to have flown the coop but it had been a long time since she'd felt even a flicker of the attraction as she had for this man. She supposed that she could be forgiven this time. Besides, something about him was strangely comforting and she suddenly realized that she didn't relished the idea of being alone at the moment.

HEll, maybe SHE was the crazy one, after all.

Moving on into the dark living room, Piper flipped a lamp on low and then leaned over to set the Jack bottle on the scarred coffee table. Glancing over her shoulder at her companion, the dancer raised up before pushing a tawny lock of hair out of her face and then licked her lips. Suddenly, the reality of the moment hit and she found herself unsure of what to say or do as she watched him. The events of the night flashed through her brain and as good as she was at playing the tough chick, the close call she'd had hit home in that instant. If it hadn't been for Jack, there was every chance that she'd never have made it home at all. That was quiet an enlightening thought. She really truly did owe him but it was just as obvious that he wasn't looking to collect anything on that fact either. Which made her completely unsure of how to deal with the moment. How to deal with him, really.

“So, Jack.... You obviously know what I do for a living... What do you do? Besides, you know.. Moonlight as a Superman, rescuing damsels in distress?” she finally got out, trying to cover the swell of belated reactions kicking her in the gut.

“Yeah, well... My daddy didn't raise no fool. He made sure I knew how to protect myself from scum like that before I could walk almost. He was fishin for something that wasn't in the water and I wasn't bittin so....”

Well... props to daddy then, I guess...

“Why don't you come on in and make yourself comfortable? Afraid its not much but its home.

That is... If you don't have any place better to be, I mean... I'm not gonna get punched in the nose by a pissed off girlfriend am I? For inviting you back here, that is?”

"Nah, there's no girlfriend," Jack answered truthfully as he watched Piper refill both their glasses with whiskey.

All the while he silently kept insisting to himself that he wasn't here for anything else she might offer, that he was just here for those two drinks and nothing else; he could behave like a gentleman for once, right? His resistance to letting his mind wander to what exactly could happen between them waned however, when Piper went to move passed him much closer than was necessary, no doubt (at least not to his mind) with the intention of upping the sexual tension he already felt crawling under his skin, heating his blood.

He breathed in slowly as she passed, his lungs filling with the scent of her perfume. And in that instant, it was all he could do to not grab her wrist and--

Uggh! Down, boy! Think of something else. Think of something else...

Clearing his throat as if mentally refocusing (which was not for the first time this night), Jack followed Piper into the living room. Like she said, it wasn't much, but there was still enough furniture present to make it feel like a home. He watched as she turned on a dim light, unable to stop himself from letting his eyes wander over her body as she then leaned over to set the bottle of whiskey on the coffee table. He wasn't sure what it was with her, whether she was still actively trying to tease him, or whether he was just reading her wrong, but by the time she turned back around, it felt as if the air in the room between them was charged with electricity. Jack could practically feel it swirling around the two of them, and his heart felt like it was beating a mile a minute.

A silence hung heavily in the air, as if they were both at a bit of a loss for what to say or do now. Finally, Piper broke the silence between them, though her voice sounded just a bit different; not as confident or steady as it had before.

“So, Jack.... You obviously know what I do for a living... What do you do? Besides, you know.. Moonlight as a Superman, rescuing damsels in distress?”

"Uh.. I'm a mechanic. Or was... Got fired a couple weeks back," he answered, a little surprised at the husky tone his own voice had taken on, yet unable to give it, or anything else much further thought.

At that moment, it was as if his body took on a will of it's own and decided that enough was enough; it just wouldn't take this building tension any longer.

As he wordlessly moved closer to Piper, Jack's hand lifted from his neutral position by his side to the more dangerous territory of her arm, from where he let it roam upwards until it was cupping the side of her face. Before she could react, his lips were pressed to hers in a raw, pure, unimpeded kiss, obliterating any last restraint in his mind the moment they made contact. He'd wanted to taste her lips, so badly. Every fiber of his being had wanted it, screamed for it, and it easily overshadowed any thought that he might end up with his nuts kneed all the way up into his throat for this...

The instant Jack moved towards her, Piper felt her body freeze in place. Like a doe caught in the headlights, she watched him come, licking her lips nervously. The sparks of chemistry flying between them amp'ed up to new levels and by the time he touched her, she was half surprised they didn't set the house on fire. With the trace of his fingertips up her arm, he brought something to life that she instinctively knew would burn hotter than anything she'd felt in a long time.

Problem was, she wasn't at all sure she was up to paying whatever price might be required to dance in the flames. A man like this, no doubt, could complicate her simple life to no end but it wasn't as if she had anything better to do right?

Before she could make a choice, however, Jacks hand cupped her face and then his lips found hers in a kiss that drove all other thoughts from her mind. Parting her lips in a soft gasp of surrender, her own hands came up as if to push him away but only ended up pulling him closer in a crazy battle of want and need. With each taste of him, she wanted more and each inhaled breath teased her with his scent.

Unbidden, her hands slid up so her arms could wrap around his neck and their bodies somehow ended up plastered together in a manner that super glue would have envied. Oh hell, she was in so much trouble, the dancer thought to herself even as she broke the kiss and gazed up at him with eyes glazed a bit with desire. A smart woman would probably have ended it right there. A wiser woman probably would have shown him the door and said “Despedida”.

Unfortunately, Piper was evidently neither smart nor wise as an impish grin spread over her face and she stepped back, making a show of looking him up and down. “Well, if your stayin... I should probably tell you that I have a thing for cleanliness... I need a shower after working all night and.. well... It would be rude of me not to offer to let you clean up too...”she drawled out, making a decision in that instant even as she moved backwards towards the hallway, giving him a moment to let the words sink in. “That is... if you want to stick around....”

Invitation given, the blond smirked as she looped a finger through his jeans and gave him a little tug. Azure eyes glinting with mischief, Piper arched a brow in question even as she took another step backwards toward the bathroom before letting him go.

“Going once.... Going twice.....”

Piper's body pressed so tightly against his own that he could barely recall a time that she had not always been there. She was as veracious and fiery in her kissing as he'd imagined her to be, barely giving him a chance to breathe as she hungrily devoured his kisses. Her lips were afire with lust as they worked to discover the exact shape of his lips, causing a reaction in Jack that was hard to miss. He let his hands roam, smoothing a path down the outside of her thighs then around to her ass, subconsciously pulling her even closer to him so that their groins were touching through their jeans, and she'd really be able to feel what she was doing to him...

Of course, it was then that she pulled back from him.

For a moment Jack thought she might have come to her senses and realized they shouldn't be doing this, but the mischievous, sultry look in Piper's eyes as she took a step back and looked him over told him otherwise. This was merely a pause in the game, a change of tactics.

“Well, if your stayin... I should probably tell you that I have a thing for cleanliness... I need a shower after working all night and.. well... It would be rude of me not to offer to let you clean up too...

That is... if you want to stick around....”

As if he had any other choice but to do just that. Jack couldn’t ever remember wanting a woman so much and, more unusually, wanting a woman to be dominant of him the way Piper's actions promised him she could be. Then again, he’d never really gotten much from the ones who just expected him to do everything. It was no wonder they became the one night stands, he’d been forever looking for someone who was more adventurous and daring. Someone who could excite him again and could keep up.

Piper hooked a finger into his jeans, looking every bit like a hungry, prowling tigress as she eyed him like a piece of tasty meat to be devoured, something Jack was more than willing for her to indulge in; he didn't even need the encouragement her little tug gave him.

“Going once.... Going twice.....”

Ding, ding, ding! Sold to the highest bidder!

Once they were inside the bathroom, Jack closed the door with his foot and trapped Piper against the tiled wall with his body, his lips finding hers again in a heated kiss. His fingers slipped into her hair and got a firm grip, selfishly enjoying the kiss for a minute longer before he pulled her head to the side to expose the length of her neck. His lips grazed over the revealed skin, lingering on the pulse point at her neck while he reached with his free hand for the shower tap, turning it on. As the water began to fall down on the two of them, Jack lifted his head from Piper's neck and his lips brushed against hers as he spoke with a mixture of amusement and barely hidden lust in his voice. It was already so difficult to breathe from the increased need building within him.

"You're wet," he said, smirking just a bit. "You want me to help you with that?"

Well, one thing could be said for Jack. He didn't waste any time after she'd made her invitation. Before she could even get out a laugh, he was on her and they were anything but quiet as they navigated the distance to the bathroom. Later, Piper would wonder how they made it without knocking something down and breaking it but any lingering doubts about what they should and shouldn't do were lost in the moment as the bathroom door slammed behind them and Rio's sharp yip of surprised echo'ed behind it.

Losing nothing of their building momentum, Piper found herself caged by a hard body even as their lips met for another hungry kiss. Oh, hell yeah. This was exactly what she'd been wanting since seeing him earlier in the evening even if she hadn't known it. His firm grip in her hair made a soft moan escape even as his lips left hers to travel south down the slender column of her neck. Damn, the man definitely knew how to trip all those bells, she thought inanely to herself even as water rained down upon them.


"You're wet," he said, smirking just a bit. "You want me to help you with that?"


Then, his words somehow made their way through her desire clogged mind and a laugh rattled its way up from her chest. For a moment, she stared up at him before pushing a soaked lock of hair out of her face and grinning wickedly. “Baby, I thought you'd never ask..” Piper drawled out, reaching down to grab the bottom of her chemise and then pull it off, letting it fall where ever it would. “But thats sort of the point, isnt it? If I wasn't... Something or.. someone.. wouldn't be doing their job right..” she teased, eyes dancing with mischief even as she reached for him again and nipped lightly at his firm lips.

Fingers questing, Piper found the bottom of his tshirt, giving it a sharp tug, tugging it up and over his head, wanting bare skin against her own. With the water soaking them both to the skin, she had a feeling there would be a mess to clean up later but for the moment.. She really didn't care. Desire ruled and nobody ever died over a few puddles. What was the worst that could happen? Their clothing would soak it up?

“But, I think we are both wearing a few to many clothes, if you know what I mean... We can't really get clean with all these layers on...” That said, she made a show of shimmying out of her shorts before beckoning to him with one finger. “A little less talk.. a lot more action, Jack..” she tossed out, stepping further under the water and arching one slim brow with an almost challenging note.

{{OOC – And just a note, at any point we can fast forward if you like. Whatever makes you comfortable. I'm easy peesy soooo... }}

Clearly, Piper wasn't one to beat around the bush either, and Jack had to say it was a personality trade that made her all the more sexy. Soon, her top was on the floor, his own t-shirt following suit shortly after with his help, both of them not caring where they dropped their clothes in their need to feel each other's bare skin.

“But, I think we are both wearing a few to many clothes, if you know what I mean... We can't really get clean with all these layers on...”

At that moment, it was all he could do as he watched Piper make a show of shimmying out of her shorts next. If she didn't already have his blood pressure rise with desire in his veins before, then there was no denying that she did now. God, he was going to make sure they were both going to enjoy this; against the wall underneath the shower, on the floor, and wherever else they might end up. Honestly, it didn't matter to him in the least so long as he could take her...

A little less talk.. a lot more action, Jack..”

Piper's words only caused his lips to pull into a devious smirk and his eyes darken to reflect what was coming.

Just like that, Jack began getting rid of his pants and any other piece of offensive clothing he'd still had on, shedding them as if they were an annoying companion from the day before while he moved forward until he had Piper trapped against the wall once more. Her bare breasts pressed against his body, nipples already hard from arousal, and denial of this kind of skin on skin contact over the course of the night only served to heighten his need now. Water poured down on both of them as he leaned down to initiate another heavy, lust-filled kiss, though this time his tongue moved slow and languid against hers while his hands ran down her body, fingers touching places that he'd only wished for until now, every beautiful crook and curve becoming familiar to him until his hands reached her backside.

His fingers dug into Piper's firm flesh as Jack grabbed her ass and pushed her up without warning, forcing her to straddle him, a low groan of sensation slipping out when she wrapped her legs around him and pulled him close, trapping his eager erection between them. He wanted her so badly it almost hurt, his carnal urge burning inside him like acid.

Unable to torture himself any longer, he pressed his hips forward and slid himself deeply inside her in one decisive stroke. A husky groan came with it as the tightness of her enveloped him and he buried his head against her shoulder, hands holding her ass firmly as he grazed his teeth over her collar bone.


((OOC: Honestly, I'm comfortable with pretty much anything (though proboards might not be lol), but same goes for you. Fast forward at whatever point you want/feel comfortable with. I'm easy peesy too ))

Mutual attraction was a wonderful, wonderful thing. Especially when it burned as hot and bright as it did between her and Jack. Piper could name on one hand the times she'd felt this sort of chemistry and it had definitely been awhile. In fact, she wasn't sure she'd EVER been this turned on as her would be lover lost his clothing and she ditched the rest of her own. By the time he rejoined her? She was pretty sure the steam coming off their bodies had nothing to do with the temperature of the water and everything to do with the heat of passion.

And, thank the lord, the man didn't believe in wasting time.

Before she could even give a sassy remark to his good given charms, he distracted her with a kiss that drove all other thoughts from her mind. Oh Hell Yeah! That was EXACTLY what she'd been wanting all night. Exactly how she'd known it would be from the moment she'd spotted him in the crowd at the bar. When she'd first seen him sitting there, she'd wondered what his mouth would taste like, what his body would feel like against hers. At the time though, she hadn't thought she'd be finding out.

Now, she was ever so grateful she was. Oh hell yeah.

Dropping her head back against the cool tile of the shower, Pip gave a soft gasp as their bodies slid against each other, quickly shifting her lithe form to cradle Jacks. His hard frame against her softer, wetter one only made her want him more and it quickly became obvious that no foreplay was needed. Wiggling her body around a bit, his hips rocked against hers and then he was inside her with a smooth thrust that had her crying out his name. “Jack! God yes..”

Wrapping her legs around his waist, the blond rocked her body with his even as her fingers threaded through his hair and held him against her. Tugging at the tawny locks, she pulled his mouth up for another kiss even as she ran crimson tipped finger tips down his back and arched into his every move. Reality and the real world faded to oblivion as each movement, each caress drove their senses to higher peaks. Piper lost track of time as water poured down around them and then ecstasy had her quivering in his arms as her release hit her with savage intensity.

The icy feel of the now cold shower eventually brought her back to her senses though and she lifted her face from his chest, amusement making a soft laugh escape her lips as she met his gaze with twinkling orbs. “You know... I think its a really good thing my roomie is gone for the weekend. All the noise we made, she'd probably be jealous.” she teased, leaning up to kiss him again before stepping into the now freezing water and rinsing off. “Shit!! BRRRRR!!” she yelped before reaching outside for a towel and then seeing their clothing all soaked on the ground. “Oh damn....”she said, glancing at him with a grin. “Looks like your going to be wearing a towel for a bit... Your things are dripping wet....to bad, so sad.” she finished, her tone and smirk saying otherwise.

When he'd watched Piper on stage at the strip club, she'd been the promise of paradise as temporary as a mirage; he hadn't thought he'd actually end up naked under the shower with her, touching her wherever he wanted, doing whatever he wanted. He'd imagined it, yes, but reality was much, much hotter than anything he’d constructed in his mind.

And damn it if he didn't love filling her, didn't love how she felt pressed against him.

Piper was every bit a match for his unquenchable libido as Jack had expected her to be, and it didn't take too long for the both of them to find their natural rhythm, their hips meeting in time like a perfectly choreographed display of sexual prowess, two lovers so in tune with one another they made it look effortless. Every delicious groan and gasp of pleasure Piper made sent chills down his spine, all the way to his groin, feeding that growing need for release that was pooling in his stomach, and eventually their bodies rocked against each others so hard Jack had to grasp her thighs with both his hands to keep her in place. Her skin was so hot to the touch, the pair of them practically sizzling under the spray of the shower, that at the back of his mind he wondered if they might spontaneously combust at some point.

When they kissed it was electric, when their skin touched, passionate fire burned within and when Piper began to clench around him, it was pure bliss. He was so close to coming and he sensed that Piper was too, but he wanted her orgasm to be the thing that pushed him over the edge, wanted to feel the tightness of her envelope and pull the release from him. Changing the angle just a bit, he continued to thrust into her, knowing that in her current state of arousal she'd be powerless to fight against what it would do to her and as Piper came over him, Jack watched her beautiful face until he could no longer hold back himself, a wave of extreme pleasure flushing through his own body.

They remained pressed flush against each other a bit longer, until the shower turned cold brought them back to reality and the icy water temperature eventually forced them to move.

“You know... I think its a really good thing my roomie is gone for the weekend. All the noise we made, she'd probably be jealous.”

Jack couldn't help but laugh at that as Piper looked up at him with that little devilish twinkle in her eyes.

"She always could have joined us. Wouldn't want any bad blood between you and your roomie," he answered amused, not able to help his eyes from wandering over her nude form as she rinsed herself off, then moved to grab a towel.

 “Looks like your going to be wearing a towel for a bit... Your things are dripping wet....to bad, so sad.”

"I'm sure I'll survive," he said smiling, not the least bit remorseful about the prospect of wearing nothing but a towel as he snaked an arm around Piper's waist from behind and pulled her closer until her back was against his front. "So... what was that again about those panties not hitting the floor for just anyone?" he whispered teasingly, his face so close next to hers that his mouth grazed her ear as he spoke.

Smirking openly now, Jack pulled away before she could react and grabbed himself a towel, drying his face with it before draping it over his shoulder. Damn, they really had made a mess; not only were their clothes strewn everywhere, but water, too.

Ah well, it would dry...

"She always could have joined us. Wouldn't want any bad blood between you and your roomie,"

Physically sated and grinning like an idiot, Piper couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her even as she arched one slim brow at his words. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I don't think you could handle two of us, no matter how good you might think you are.” she tossed back, feeling relaxed and playful even she pushed her wet hair back from her face. “Besides... neither one of us really swing that way and I don't play well with others.”

Letting him stew on that one a bit, the dancer grabbed up her towel even as he followed her from the shower and took in the mess on the floor. His assurance that he'd survive had her rolling her azure orbs just before being pulled back against a hard frame once more. Oh damn, the man was dangerous to her health because she already wanted him again.

"So... what was that again about those panties not hitting the floor for just anyone?"

The husky tenor of his voice beside her ear cause her slim frame to shiver just a bit even as her cupids bow lips quirked up in an impish smirk. Oh, he was good. Turning her words back on her like that. To bad for him, she was better. “Hmmmm Well, are you saying that your “just anyone” then? Cause, baby, I'd say you left those ranks behind the moment I let you get me wet...” the blond retorted, mischief flashing in her eyes as he stepped away and grabbed his own towel.

Reaching to grab a black silk robe from the hook on the bathroom door, Piper slid it on to her slim frame even while letting her gaze travel down his with purely feminine appreciation. “Are you hungry? I usually grab something to eat when I get home from work to unwind and I've got coffee in the kitchen. I can whip us up something if you like...” she invited, already reaching for the doorknob and pulling it open. “You sidetracked me earlier but now.. I have another hunger that needs to be fed.”

Giving him a wink over her shoulder, the blond moved from the bathroom and almost tripped over the huge dog waiting. Barking his disgruntlement, the mastiff eyed first his master and then the man before laying his big head on his paws.

“Aww baby... I'm sorry.” Piper said, leaning down to pet his big head. “Its your feeding time too, huh?I'm amazed you didn't throw a fit.” Then, climbing back to her feet, she eyed both males before beckoning them forward. “Come on then....” she told both man and beast as she sashayed back towards the kitchen. “Let it not be said I don't keep a guy happy....”

Entering into the surprisingly large kitchen, Piper hit the on button on the coffee pot and then frowned. For a moment, she looked a bit perplexed before glancing at Jack. “Um... What DO you like to eat? Man can not live on whiskey and sex alone so.. I'm hoping you like omelets or something...I'm afraid I don't have a whole lot on the menu since I wasn't expecting company...”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I don't think you could handle two of us, no matter how good you might think you are. Besides... neither one of us really swing that way and I don't play well with others.”

An amused smirk curled up one corner of his mouth, showing that he could handle a bit of teasing banter. He should have known that a little eye rolling and ego-bashing was in order. After all, Piper gave as good as she got (maybe even better) in more ways than one; it was one of the things he'd quickly come to appreciate about her over the short amount of time they'd known each other.

 “Hmmmm Well, are you saying that your “just anyone” then? Cause, baby, I'd say you left those ranks behind the moment I let you get me wet...”

Jack tried to keep the smirk from stretching further across his face, but that smirk had a mind of it's own and stayed just as surely as the gorgeous blond was feisty, pleasantly yanking his chain whenever she could.

“Are you hungry? I usually grab something to eat when I get home from work to unwind and I've got coffee in the kitchen. I can whip us up something if you like... You sidetracked me earlier but now.. I have another hunger that needs to be fed.”

"I guess I could do with something," he answered while his observations of her continued. He tried to be subtle about it but it was hard. Every curve of her body, and every drop of water on her skin that complimented that curve made him feel like she was beckoning for him again without even saying so, but that spell was quickly broken once she'd put on her robe and opened the door of the bathroom, revealing the large Mastiff waiting behind it.

Ah shit, almost forgot about that damned animal...

“Aww baby... I'm sorry. Its your feeding time too, huh?I'm amazed you didn't throw a fit."

Jack quickly pulled the towel from his shoulder, wrapping it around his waist instead to cover himself from the dog's inquisitive eyes. Better not give it any ideas by dangling 'prized meat' in it's face, eh?

“Come on then.... Let it not be said I don't keep a guy happy....”

Amen to that.

As the dog jumped to its feet and followed its master to get fed, Jack bent down to retrieve the slightly wet pack of cigarettes from his jeans pocket. He always craved nicotine after a good lay (or whenever, really. It was an unhealthy habit he'd never bothered to try and kick; you had to die from something, right?), but as it were it seemed he had no choice but to postpone his post-sex smoke. None of them had remained dry enough.

Following Piper to the kitchen, Jack scratched the Mastiff behind its ears on the way in, earning himself another look from the large dog. If he didn't know any better, the animal looked almost jealous, as if he'd stolen it's owner.

"Don't worry, buddy. She's still all yours," he reassured the dog. As if the animal understood, the Mastiff hesitantly wagged its tail in answer, which brought a slight smile to Jack's face.

Heh, smart doggy...

“Um... What DO you like to eat? Man can not live on whiskey and sex alone so.. I'm hoping you like omelets or something...I'm afraid I don't have a whole lot on the menu since I wasn't expecting company...”

Jack turned his attention back on Piper then and gave her a shrug. "Eh, don't worry about it. I'm easy when it comes to food, so whatever you have is fine with me," he answered, tossing his lightly mangled pack of smokes on the kitchen table so they could dry. "You need help with anything?"