𝑬𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆.

Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ ４

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑱𝒆𝒘𝒆𝒍

After what felt like an eternity, I finally got a break from the stage. My feet were throbbing from the six hours of wearing high-heels, and I longed for the comfort of bare feet.

The constant spinning and flirtatious glances had taken a toll on my body, and I couldn't help but feel like I was on display in front of a room full of hungry animals. It was a relief to have a moment to myself, to escape the noise and pressure of the club.

I made my way backstage, where I could shed these damn heels and get some much-needed relief. As soon as I stepped into the dressing room, I kicked off the heels and wiggled my toes, feeling the sweet bliss of finally being able to relax.
Then I looked around at the other girls, who were in various states of exhaustion and makeup application. It was clear that we were all feeling the same way - tired.

It was finally the end of my shift, and I couldn't have been more relieved. I quickly changed out of my stage outfit, putting on some jeans and sneakers from my bag. I didn't care about my appearance now; I just wanted to get out of there.
As I rushed out of the back exit, the cool night air hit my face like a breath of fresh air. The back-alley way leading to the front of the club was empty, save for a few drunken patrons stumbling out and making their way home.

A ping rings through my bag, I bury my hand in my bag, spooning out my phone, entering the password before unlocking it, the bright screen illuminating on my face.

Shit- I forgot kamila invited me to her house after my workshift. I completely forgot. My eyes scan over all her messages,

-

-You done your shift yet? If you are you can come over at my place. (10:23)

-You done yet? KRISTEN. (10:32)

-KRISTEN. Are you kidnapped? I swear I'm about to call 911 right now- (10:48)

-What if your actually kidnapped? Oh my god. I'm calling 911 right now. (10:58)

-

I let out a quiet chuckle as I read through Kamila's hysterical texts. It was funny how she went from being worried about me to being overly dramatic and threatening to call 911. It was a typical Kamila move, but to be honest, I didn't blame her. She knew how dangerous nightlife could be.

As I type a quick reply, letting her know I'm fine, I can't help but feel a wave of exhaustion wash over me. My body was sore and tired, and my mind was on the brink of collapse. It was going to take a miracle to keep me awake throughout the night.

As I walked further down the alleyway, a sudden loud scream shattered the relative silence. It was a blood-curdling scream of pain, and it sent a shiver down my spine. I froze in my tracks, my heart racing as adrenaline surged through my veins. My instincts were telling me to turn and run as fast as I could, but there was something else that kept me rooted to the spot - curiosity. What if someone was being attacked? I couldn't just turn a blind eye to that.

As I rushed towards the sound of the screams, my heart thudded heavily in my chest. But mid-way, I froze in my tracks when I saw the men attacking the bruised man. It was a brutal sight, and I couldn't look away.

Fear gripped me, but my survival instincts kicked in. Without a second thought, I dropped my bag to the ground, letting out a soft "thump" as it hit the cold, hard pavement. My jaw dropped open as I took in the horrifying scene before me. What the fuck?

"Listen to me right now. We've warned you multiple times..." The man's voice trailed off as he suddenly spotted me. Our eyes locked for a brief moment. He looked shocked, as if he had seen a ghost. In a flash, he dropped the man he was holding, who fell to the ground like a lifeless rag doll. I stood there, unable to move, as my body trembled in fear. The other men turned to look at me, their eyes scanning me up and down.

"Boss said no damn witnesses. This fucker was being too loud." He growls, staring down at the montionless body on the floor beside his feet. Not even giving a second thought I turn around on my heels bolting out of the alleyway.

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