Harlem Heat

Blush Blu Nightclub, Harlem. 9.30pm

The neon blue of the sign above the door reflected in the puddles on the pavement from the downpour earlier in the night, Blush Blu, Harlem’s hottest black lesbian club was open and there was already a queue to get in.

Harlem thrummed with the usual Friday night sounds, car horns, sirens, shouting and above all of this, the sound of the beat from inside the club bleeding out through the open doors. The queue snaked into a quiet side street, a mixture of leather, denim, vibrant colours and plenty of attitude.

At the front of the line a young woman bounced impatiently on the balls of her feet, her short afro was sculpted to perfection and the iridescent eyeshadow she wore caught the glow from the sign. Beside her, her girlfriend leaned against a lamppost, arms crossed, a smile on her lips.

“Relax babe. We’ve been waiting ten minutes.”

“Yeah, ten minutes too long. I want to be dancing not stood out here in the cold. DJ Royale is spinning tonight; I don’t want to miss any of her set.”

Further back the atmosphere was equally impatient as three women wearing matching short sequined dresses, tapped their feet impatiently. One of the women pulled out her phone “This is ridiculous.” She complained “We RSVP’d over a week ago. What is the hold up?”

Her friend giggled. “Girl your just thirsty, we all know you want to get a front row seat for Kendra.”

All three women laughed “I don’t know what you mean.” Came the reply.

A booming voice cut through the chatter of the crowd “NEXT.”

Brianna, the infamous Blush Blu door woman was something of a Harlem legend. A large, imposing women. with arms thicker than most men’s, she was a Harlem native and had a reputation for being hard but fair. She had worked the door for over six years and no-one who knew her stepped out of line when Brianna was on duty.

“Have your id cards ready.”

A sigh of relief rippled through the crowd, turning into laughter and a smattering of applause as the young woman with the afro performed an impromptu dance, earning herself a kiss from her girlfriend and a rare smile from Brianna.

The line shuffled forward as women entered the club fuelled with the promise of shaking free of their inhibitions for a few hours, making new connections and uncomplicated sex.

*****

Kendra

The atmosphere inside the club is thick with anticipation, the air full of the scents of sweat, perfume and alcohol. Waiting backstage Kendra can hear a steady hum of voices punctuated by an occasional burst of laughter and the clinking of glasses. The backstage area is cramped but she doesn’t mind, she has done this a thousand times and is fully in the zone, waiting for her cue to take to the stage.

Kendra has been performing weekends at Blush Blu for two years now and she loves the club, the people and the freedom she has to pursue other things during the week. For Kendra it is more than just another lesbian club it a haven for black women to celebrate their sexuality without judgement and without boundaries. In Blush Blu anything goes as long as it is legal and consensual.

The walls of the club are painted a deep, seductive crimson often surprising first-time visitors who expect something more in line with the name of the club and throughout the building are framed pictures of iconic black queer woman – Audre Lorde, Lorraine Hansberry, Josephine Baker. Each woman a reminder to fight for what you believe in.

The voice of the MC cut through her thoughts.

“Okay, okay, settle down ladies…and ladies.” Laughter and cat calls filled the air. “Y’all know what time it is!”

The music changed, and taking her cue Kendra stepped out onto the stage to wild applause.  Bathed in the glow of the spotlight she took in the crowd, noticing familiar faces and a few she had never seen before. The Blush Blu crowd were always boisterous, and tonight was no different. Kendra stood still milking the moment before throwing off the large red cape that was wrapped around her, revealing the sexy red lingerie that she wore.

The applause grew louder, and she could hear her name being called from different sections of the crowd, she gave a small nod to someone off stage and the music changed, a slow sensual number that was one of her favourites.

She ran a hand through her hair and down her body, her movement deliberately slow, provocative and vulnerable. What she did wasn’t just stripping; it was about expression, power and owning her own body. She moved in sync with the music, her hands tracing the curves of her body, her fingers lingering on her thighs, her hips, her breasts. With every item of clothing she removed the crowd became more boisterous and she responded with smiles and a wink here and there feeding off the energy in the room.

She caught a glimpse of Tiarra moving through the crowd, her slim thicc body filling out the little black dress she wore perfectly, her black fishnet stockings begging to be torn off. A smile played across her lips as she remembered the night they had spent together in Tiarra’s bed a few weeks ago. She wanted a repeat performance.

But.

Dae.

She hadn’t worked at the club for long, but damn she was fine and wild in bed. Kendra flushed as she moved to the music and recalled the previous weekend with Dae. She wanted Tiarra and Dae but she also knew there was a lot of tension between them. As if to prove her point she watched as the two women bumped into each other near the bar and exchange words and dirty looks.

Her set coming to an end she removed her red panties with a theatrical flourish and tossed them into the crowd smiling as a group of women jostled each other trying to grab them out of the air. The music swelled to a crescendo and Kendra dropped to her knees, her head thrown back and her arms out wide as the music came to an end and the shouts, whistles and applause from the crowd took over.

She stayed like this until the MC took over.

“Please give it up to the beautiful, the talented, the always sexy…Kendra.”

Kendra stood slowly, unbothered by her nakedness and gave a bow to the crowd before leaving the stage and making her way back to the small dressing room that served as her private space before and after her performances.

Thirty minutes later she sat with a drink in her hand, showered and dressed in skinny jeans and a t-shirt. Royale had taken to her decks, and she could her the beat vibrating through her body as thoughts of Tiarra and Dae danced through her mind.

She was certain that Tiarra would know by now that she had slept with Dae as well, probably the reason for the earlier exchange she witnessed between the two women she thought. There was no doubt they did not like each other, it wasn’t a secret, all the staff knew it and neither woman did much to hide their thoughts on the other.

There was a knock on the door and Maya entered, she had run the club for as long as anyone could remember and while she was always very fair with “her girls” as she like to call them, she could also be tough when needed.

“Great show tonight. The crowd was wild.”

Kendra took a gulp of her drink “Mmmhmm.” Maya rarely came to her dressing room after a performance unless she had something particular to say.

“You see those girls tonight? Catty bitchy comments all night long. Bumping into each other all night.” Kendra stayed silent. “Did you have to sleep with them both?”

She waved a hand before Kendra could say anything. “Don’t answer that.”  Maya sighed. “I’ve seen this before, it’s going to go off between them Kendra. Mark my words.”

The door closed and Kendra lent back in her chair, her eyes closed as she finished her drink. She had to admit the thought of Tiarra and Dae in the box fighting over her was a turn on.

*****

Tiarra and Dae

Tiarra weaved through the crowd, her locs swaying against her head as she navigated her way to the bar. Her thoughts swirled with the news she had just heard. Dae, that bitch thought she was going to steal Kendra away from her? Trying to keep a lid on her anger she didn’t notice Dae until they were stood shoulder to shoulder at the bar.

Like Tiarra she was wearing a short black dress, and she had her braids up in a bun, black shot through with streaks of pink. Tiarra wanted to put down her tray and rip them out of her head. Dae looked her up and down, the trace of a smile on her lips. The two women had been circling each other all night but no more.

"Busy night, huh, Tiarra?" Dae’s voice dripped with false sweetness.

Tiarra flashed her a false smile. "You know how it is. Friday night in Blush."

Bating Tiarra, Dae leaned in her voice dropping to almost a whisper. “You heard Kendra has a new routine she’s been working on; you caught it yet?

“Can’t say I have.” Her voice tight. “I’m sure it will be captivating.”

Dae’s smile widened “Oh it will be, she’s really been putting in the hours on this one…well we have really.” Her smile grew even wider as she emphasized the “we”.

Anger flashed through Tiarra and as both women picked up their trays, she intentionally bumped into Dae sending a couple of drinks crashing to the floor.

“Oops my bad.” Her voice thick with sarcasm.

“You bitch.” Dae shot back “you did that on purpose.”

“Keep your legs closed or I’ll throw you out with the rest of the trash.”

As Tiarra moved away Dae seethed. “If this bitch wants to play, we can play.”

As the two women danced round each other for the next three hours, both knowing that things could explode between them at any moment but also knowing that they did not want to risk losing their jobs. Neither woman needed the weekend shifts but they both loved the club, they both wanted to be here.

At one point Dae accidently spills a drink on Tiarra. “Ooops.”

“Bitch.” Tiarra muttered to herself.

As Dae delivers drinks to a table of rowdy women, Tiarra bumps her hard sending her onto the lap of one of the women.

“The fuck you doing?” Anger blazes in Dae’s eyes.

“Sorry sugar, I didn’t realize you were so delicate.”

Dae closed the distance between them, both women standing eye to eye. “Delicate, you want to see how delicate I am?” Suddenly the air is thick with tension, the women at the table now quiet and watching the scene unfolding in front of them.

“Keep talking baby and you goanna catch these hands.” Tiarra held eye contact with Dae, the threat of violence now heavy.

Another voice cuts through the tension. “Hey come on, not now.” Leya one of the other waitresses moved between them. “You get into it now and Maya will fire both of you.”

“You and me goanna finish this later bitch.” Dae picked up her tray

“Bet.” Tiarra replied as she turned away from her rival.

Watching from the side of the bar Maya let out a long-suffering sigh.

The rest of the night went by without incident, Tiarra and Dae consciously keeping out of each other’s way sharing the occasional dirty look and both counting down until closing time.

Word spread quickly through the staff that Tiarra and Dae were getting into it and the mood was one of expectation and excitement.

*****

Blush Blu, Mayas Office

Maya sat at her desk going over shift patterns for the next few weeks, the club had been closed for twenty minutes now and she couldn’t concentrate. Like the rest of the staff, she was waiting for Tiarra and Dae to get into it. It was coming there was no doubt about that. “Did you have to sleep with both of them Kendra.”

 She pushed the paperwork to one side and then she heard it. The sound of breaking glass and raised voices. She pushed herself to her feet. “I’m getting too old for this shit.” Leaving her office, she made the short walk to the bar pushing past a group of employees. She could hear them before she could see them, voices raised, curses flying around the bar.

“Bitch.”

“Ho.”

“Skank.”

Tiarra was up against the bar, with a handful of Daes hair and her right leg locked around the other woman’s left leg. Dae was pulling on Tiarra’s hair at the same time as they wrestled for position, cursing and scratching at each other with their free hands.

Maya’s voice boomed out silencing the room immediately “ENOUGH.”  All the staff were now watching her, and Tiarra and Dae had untangled but stood glaring at each other.

“You know how we do it here. If you want each other, you go to the box.”

Tiarra stepped to Dae “Your dead bitch.”

“Let’s do it then.” Dae was not backing down.

A tradition at the Blush Blu for years, if any of the staff have an issue they go to the staff restroom. There are four stalls, three are for regular use but number four is empty. It has a catch inside the door but is locked from the outside. One member of staff, and one member only, is permitted to enter the restroom as well. Their job is to lock the door and time ten minutes. When the time is up the door is opened, and the beef is either settled or it is taken outside of the club.

Everyone watched as the two women made their way across the club their hatred for each other blazing in their eyes, Dae pushed open the door to the restroom and both women disappeared inside. Maya walked behind the bar and bent down for a moment. “Kendra this is yours, seeing as how they are fighting over you, you get the honours.”

She tossed the stopwatch towards her and Kendra caught it, taking a deep breath before following Tiarra and Dae into the restroom.

*****

The Box

Dae flinched slightly as the door slammed shut behind her and Tiarra, the walk to the box seemed to take forever, the tension between them almost thick enough to cut. Overhead the light flickered but neither woman noticed, adrenaline was flowing and they were both ready for what was to come.

The stood facing each other by the door to stall four.

Tiarra laughed “I’ve been waiting for this for weeks bitch.”

“Girl you talk tough but you goanna regret going in there with me.”

“You think your all that…” Tiarra laughed “You ain’t shit baby.”

“Ima be shit when I beat you and then drag your ass through the club.” Dae shot back “You better find a new hobby for Friday nights, Ima be with Kendra every weekend.”

Tiarra moved closer “Girl you are pathetic, just another low-class slut who can’t keep her mouth or her legs shut. I heard Kendra telling people you was begging her for sex. She said you dropped your panties as soon as she smiled at you.”

Dae launched herself at Tiarra grabbing a handful of hair and dragging her into the stall, the space was cramped and their bodies pressed together as Tiarra was slammed up against the wall, the door swinging shut behind them. She fought for purchase as Dae slammed her head against the wall making her eyes water.

With a grunt she forced herself off the wall sending Dae banging up against the door, she pressed herself against Dae as she grabbed a handful of hair. Their feet scuffling against the tiles both women pushed and pulled at each other as each one tried to get the upper hand.

“Fuck you, Tiarra.”

“You skanky ghetto bitch.”

“Bitch, you ain’t shit!”

“I’ll fucking kill you.”

Both women tore at the other the fight going one way and then the other all the anger and hostility of the last few weeks pouring out of them.

Dae had Tiarra by the throat cutting off her airway.

Tiarra slammed Dae face first against the wall.

Their bodies tangled together as they cursed and cried out in pain as they jostled and banged against each other and against the cramped confines of the box fighting like alleycats.

She didn’t see the hand until it was too late the sound sharp as Dae’s fist connected with Tiarra’s cheek and now Tiarra was pressed up against the wall, hissing in pain as a braid was torn lose landing on her foot.

Anger surged through her and Tiarra forced Dae into a crouch standing behind and over her punching her in the side of the face as Dae struggled to get back to her feet. Grabbing one of Tiarra’s legs she forced herself up and backwards toppling them both against the door again.

As she turned to face Tiarra she was pushed back against the opposite wall her leg wrapping round Tiarra’s waist as she grabbed a handful of hair pulling it viciously as her other hand found purchase on Tiarra’s face.

”Bitch. Bitch. Bitch.”

As she pulled harder she could feel Tiarra’s hand yanking on her own hair and a cry of pain escaped her as her head was jerked backwards and Tiarra’s hand closed round her throat.

“You want this, you want this.”

And then Kendra was wrestling herself between them. “ENOUGH.” She shouted, pushing Tiarra out of the stall.

Tiarra against the sink unit and Dae sat on the floor in the stall, the fight was over and they both sucked in deep breaths. Kendra stood between them in silence taking in the torn clothing, the smudged make-up, the bruise on Dae’s cheek and the long braid that lay on the floor between her and Dae.

No-one spoke for what seemed like eternity and then Tiarra broke the silence.

“So what now?”

Kendra smiled “Oh I have an idea about that…”

*****

Two Hours Later

The three women sat in Kendra’s apartment, Tiarra and Dae still throwing dirty glances at each other while Kendra tried to pretend everything was ok. “Who wants a drink.” She rose off the couch.

“Sure.” Dae replied

“Wine…or something stronger?”

"Something stronger.” It was the first time Tiarra had spoke in at least Twenty minutes, Kendra allowed herself a little smile. “Maybe they will come round to my way of thinking after all.”

She didn’t linger in the kitchen, she knew the slightest word or look might set them off again. She quickly scooped up a bottle of Tequilla and grabbed Three shot glasses. She brandished the bottle as she returned.

“Who wants to get fucking wild?”

Glasses in hand she raised hers above her head. “To possibilities.” She downed it in one gulp grimacing as the fire burned her throat. Watching Tiarra and Dae do the same she felt herself relax a bit, she hadn’t noticed until now how tense she was. She did not want them fighting in her apartment.

“So what is this about Kendra?” Dae put her empty glass on the coffee table. “Why am I here with this bitch?”

Tiarra was out of her seat in a flash “You want to step to me and say that shit to my face. Bitch.”

As Dae got to her feet she slammed a fist on the coffee table. “Hell no.” She waved a hand towards the front door. “Both of you get the fuck outta here and go kill each other in the alleyway.”

No-one spoke and she sucked in a deep breath. “I’m tired of you both fighting over me like a piece of fucking meat, yeah it was fun for Five minutes but now it’s fucking boring.”

She let her tone drop “Look I fucked you both yes..and I want you both yes, so we can do this my way or you can both leave now and forget that we ever slept together.”

They glared at each for a moment and then sat down.

“What’s your way.” Dae reached for the Tequilla and poured herself a large shot.

She settled back in her chair. “My way is fucking sexy and fucking fun.”

“Okay.” Tiarra spoke again. “I like fucking sexy, and I like fucking fun.”

She grabbed the bottle.” We need more Tequilla.”

As they drank she could see Tiarra and Dae relaxing and noticed the glances they were giving each other were no longer hostile but now a lot more admiring as they stole glances at each other legs and let their eyes wander over each other’s bodies. Finally, she decided it was time.

“Dae?” she purred

“Yes?”

“Go and sit next to Tiarra on the couch.”

Dae slowly finished her drink and made her way to the couch; Tiarra watched her as she moved. She sat next to Tiarra crossing her legs as she did, her dress riding up her thigh, her foot almost touching Tiarra’s leg.

Kendra bit her lip. “This is better than fighting hmm.”

“Tiarra tell her how hot she is.”

Her voice was husky and low “Your fucking hot Dae.”

Kendra clapped her hands. “Fuck this is fun.”

“Tell us what to do mami.” Daes eyes flicked towards Kendra.

“Kiss her neck.”

Dae leaned forward brushing aside Tiarra’s hair, her lips teasing her neck, tasting her with her tongue. Tiarra moaned in pleasure as Dae sucked on her earlobe, leaning back into the couch as her head tilted back and her eyes closed.

On the chair opposite Kendra felt herself getting aroused as she watched the two women.

“Tiarra, touch her legs.”

Opening her eyes Tiarra rests a hand on her knee, moaning as Dae sucks harder on her neck. She lets her hand travel slowly up the smooth skin as Dae uncrosses her legs, finding her way between her thighs and brushing against the hem of her dress. Now it is Dae’s turn to moan as she feels Tiarra hand rubbing against the fabric of her thong.

Kendra watched them as they sat facing each other, their lips almost touching, Tiarra’s hand under Dae skirt, Dae moaning and pressing herself against Tiarra. Her hand finding it’s way into her jeans.

Dae’s hand wrapped around Tiarra’s wrist as her legs opened wider. “Yes mami.” She pleaded. Tiarra’s lips worked soundlessly as though she could not get the words out.

“Oh fuck…kiss me.”

As their lips and tongues met they fell back into the couch in a tangle, bodies grinding, arms and legs wrapping round each other, moans of pleasure filling the air. A stockinged leg rode up and wrapped itself around Dae smooth chocolate skin, their tongues sliding in and out of each other’s mouths.

Dae’s leg moved between Tiarra’s as she felt hands grabbing her ass and they both worked their hips against the others legs.

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” Dae’s voice was husky and course, barely getting the words out before Tiarra’s tongue was in her mouth again.

Dae leaned back just out of reach of Tiarra’s demanding mouth and cast a quick glance at Kendra before turning her attention back to Tiarra. She pulled at her tights. “Take them off girl, I want to feel your legs against mine…your skin against mine.”  Her tights came off in a clumsy rush and a jolt of electricity passed between them as Tiarra’s bare legs wrapped around Dae’s, skin meeting skin.

“I could kiss you all night girl.”

“Come here then.” Tiarra’s hand moved round the back of Dae’s neck pulling her down as their tongues and lips met again.

From the other side of the room Kendra watched them writhing against each other on the couch, their bodies so tangled she was having trouble telling where Dae ended and Tiarra began.

She stood pulling down her jeans roughly and then stepping out of her panties she moved to the couch. Her voice was husky and dripping with lust as she spoke. “Perhaps we should take this to the bedroom.” It was not a question.

They separated reluctantly, Dae climbing off Tiarra and both pulling down their dresses as the stood. Kendra pulled Dae to her pressing her body against her as her tongue slid into her mouth, a slow deep kiss that had them both moaning into the others mouth. Then it was Tiarra’s turn, the kiss more frantic and intense almost toppling them both onto the couch.

“This way.” Kendra made her way to the bedroom, the sound of footsteps following behind her. She turned as she reached the bed; Dae was up against the door frame with Tiarra pressed up against her, the two woman kissing again. She let herself watch them for a moment, taking in the sound of their kiss, watching as they writhed against each other before pulling off her top and moving up behind Tiarra.

Her lips found Tiarra’s neck as her hands roamed down her body, pulling up her dress and sliding a hand between her thighs. She could hear Tiarra moaning into Dae’s mouth and she stepped back taking Tiarra by the shoulders and turning her so they were face to face.

“My turn.”

Sandwiched between kendra and Dae, Tiarra bit her lip as she felt Kendra’s leg move between hers and ground her hips against it as the sounds of Dae and Kendra kissing reached her ears.

*Flash *        Kendra fumbling towards the bed with Tiarra

*Flash*         All three on the bed together, clothes discarded on the floor

*Flash*         Tiarra’s head between Dae’s thighs as Kendra sits on her face

*Flash*         Dae and Kendra Kissing while Tiarra’s fingers are inside Kendra

*Flash*         Dea and Tiarra scissoring

*Flash *        All three women tangled together, moans and cries of pleasure fill the room

*Flash*         Silence at last as Tiarra, Dae and Kendra asleep in each other’s arms

*****

Next Morning

They sipped their coffees as they sat talking in Kendra’s lounge, not about the night before just swapping stories and talking about the club. The atmosphere was relaxed and the vibe easy going. They laughed as they told jokes and talked about customers that they all knew of.

The tension of the last few weeks gone in the space of one evening. “Not wanting to sound like I am kicking you both out, but I have an appointment at Eleven and I really can’t miss it.” Kendra finished her drink.

“Hey its ok.” Probably about time I headed out anyway. “Dae finished her cup.”

“I’ll walk out with you.” Said Tiarra. They both grabbed their bags and said their goodbyes with brief hugs.

Outside the apartment Tiara checked her phone. “I don’t know about you, but I am starving. How about some breakfast.”

“Well that depends.” A smile lit up Dae’s face.

“Depends on what?”

“What’s on the menu mami?”

Biting her lip, Tiarra took Dae’s hand as they made their way towards the waiting lift.

*****

Epilogue

Dae lay naked on her back, beneath her Tiarra was also naked and her fingers were inside Dae’s mouth and pussy. Her body shook as the orgasm passed through her and Tiarra wrapped her legs around Dae’s, trapping her there. Tiarra’s hand moved up Dae’s body finding her breasts, pulling and twisting at her nipples.

She moaned against Tiarra’s fingers and felt her breath as her mouth hovered by her ear.

“You said something about wanting to kiss me all night…”

“I did, but it’s not nighttime anymore.” Her tone playful and mischievous

Tiarra released her from her grip and rolled so now Dae was underneath.

“Well, I guess you will have to improvise.”

Dae hungrily pulled Tiarra to her. “I guess I will.”

*****