THE SLEEK BLACK Uber pulled up to the curb, the glow of the city reflecting off its polished exterior. Tristian insisted on splurging for the ride, claiming he couldn't be bothered to walk—even though the club was just a few blocks away. Semaj and I exchanged amused glances, but we didn't protest. After all, it was Tristian's treat. Spend that money all you want rich boy, you won't get one complaint out of me.
We rode in the Uber with the windows down and the music blasting. The shots we took at the house were finally starting to settle into my system now. When we pulled up the club the long line was the first thing I noticed, nearly wrapping around the block. We get out of the Uber, Tristian leading the way to the front of the line where the club bouncer stands letting people in and checking IDs. His stern eyes flicked over us, lingering on Tristian for a moment longer. With a nod from Tristian and a subtle flash of cash, we were ushered past the long line of waiting club-goers, their envious stares following us along the way.
This must be what it feels like to be a rapper baby mama, oh my God.
Inside, the pulsing bass reverberated through the air, mingling with the chatter of the crowd. Tristian led the way, his confidence seemingly infectious as the security barely glanced at our IDs, ignoring the fact that were fake. Semaj shot me a grin, clearly enjoying the VIP treatment. Tristian may have his quirks, but tonight, he was the key to our elevated status. As we made our way further into the club, I couldn't help but marvel at how smoothly everything was going. Maybe Tristian had his uses after all.
The club throbbed with energy, the music reverberating through every inch of the expansive space. Tristian, Semaj, and I found ourselves swept up in the pulsating rhythm, the crowd gyrating around us as if in a trance. Lights flashed overhead, casting vibrant hues across the dance floor where strippers moved with mesmerizing grace, their bodies twisting and contorting to the beat. People swung from ropes suspended from the ceiling, adding an element of danger and excitement to the already frenetic atmosphere.
We finally reached our VIP section, where a bottle of top-shelf liquor and chilled water waiting for us. Without hesitation, we grabbed the bottle and poured ourselves shots, the fiery liquid burning a path down our throats as we surrendered to the music, our bodies moving in perfect sync.
"If you would've told me last week I'd be out with your ass I wouldn't believe it." Semaj cheers to Tristian who only laughs at his words before throwing back another shot. Drinks were flowing the music was blaring, everything seemed to blur together like a dream and I could only enjoy the moment, and before I knew it Semaj, always the social butterfly, waved over a group of girls, inviting them to join us. They giggled and accepted, melding seamlessly into our group as we danced together, lost in the euphoria of the moment.
I danced with one girl, her blue eyes flashing under the lights and I couldn't help but notice Tristian's antics, dancing with one of the girls as if he didn't have a girlfriend waiting for him at home. I shook my head, choosing to ignore his indiscretion.
Suddenly, a tap on my shoulder broke through the haze of the club. I turned to see one of the girls from the group, her expression serious as she motioned toward a figure across the room.
"Someone is looking for you," she said, her voice barely audible over the pounding bass.
I followed her gaze, my heart skipping a beat as I locked eyes with him—the mysterious, seductive man I had met that fateful night with Stone. The way he said he fucks. The man exuded an aura of danger and allure, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. He beckoned for me to join him, his gaze never wavering. I point back at myself just to make sure, and I can see his lips pull into a sly grin before he nods. "You," he mouths.
I don't know why, maybe it's the alcohol but my feet started to move on their own towards him, but I felt a hand on my arm. I turned to see it was Tristian, brows raised in curiosity.
"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice slightly laced with worry.
I hesitated for a moment, then forced a reassuring smile. "Just to the restroom," I lied, not wanting to worry him further. With a nod, Tristian let me go, and I continued on my path, my heart racing with anticipation.
The pulsating beat of the club faded into a distant throb as I made my way across the crowded dance floor, my eyes locked on the enigmatic figure beckoning me from the VIP section. As I drew closer, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, a mixture of anticipation and trepidation coursing through my veins.
Entering the exclusive area, I was met with a scene that was drastically different from our section. There were more people, more alcohol, and more drugs—so many drugs. My eyes widened as I watched a man casually snort coke off a woman's chest before pulling her into a passionate embrace on the plush couch.
I hesitated, unsure if I belonged in this world of excess and indulgence. But before I could retreat, the man — Stone's friend who had summoned me gestured for me to sit beside him, nonchalantly kicking away one of his companions with the bottom of his Dior boot to make room for me.
Reluctantly, I took a seat, feeling a wave of discomfort wash over me as I found myself surrounded by opulence and decadence. The man beside me exuded an aura of power and confidence, his presence both intimidating and mesmerizing. But when he spoke, his voice was surprisingly gentle, a stark contrast to his imposing demeanor.
"My name is Akeno," he said, his voice a smooth velvet caress against my ear. "And you are?"
Akeno. A pretty face and a pretty name? Fuck, I never even stood a chance. Not that I want to fuck Stone or anything — I don't know, do I? I don't know why but even still if I did how can I compete with this guy? His face alone looks like it belongs on the cover of Vogue even with the face tattoos and sharp almond eyes that make him look all the more intriguing.
I'm giving Cabbage Patch and he's giving Bratz.
I swallowed hard, my nerves getting the better of me as I struggled to find my voice. "Kylo," I managed to reply, my words barely audible over the din of the club.
Akeno studied me for a moment, his piercing gaze seeming to strip away the layers of my facade, exposing the vulnerability beneath. "Tell me, Kylo," he said, his tone deceptively casual. "Where have we met before?"
I knew he remembered me—how could he not? He grabbed my face and called me pretty. I'm starting to think there was no mistake behind this invitation. "We met a Stone's place one night," I tell him, forcing a smile. "It was only for a short minute."
Akeno arched an eyebrow, his gaze narrowing slightly as he assessed me. "Stone?" he repeats the names before tapping his forehead as if having a "duh" moment with himself. "You meant Benavonté. Yeah, I remember you now. How do you know Ben?" he asked, his voice taking on a more serious tone.
I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. Stone was a complicated figure, and my involvement with him was best kept under wraps. But Akeno's penetrating stare left me with little choice but to answer truthfully.
"I... I work for him sometimes," I admitted, my words coming out in a rush.
Akeno nodded thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. "Interesting," he mused, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on the armrest of the couch. "Ben is a... fascinating individual." I couldn't help but agree. Stone was a mystery wrapped in an enigma, a man of many secrets and hidden agendas but I still don't quite understand Akeno's reasoning for inviting me over here.
I'm caught off guard when he offers me a drink and a sense of unease settles in the pit of my stomach. Something about him just didn't sit right with me, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I shouldn't trust him. Hesitantly, I declined, citing some excuse about already having enough to drink and Akeno shrugged nonchalantly, downing the drink himself with practiced ease.
Leaning back against the plush cushions, Akeno fixed me with a curious gaze. "So, Kylo," he began, his voice low and smooth like honey. "Tell me about you and Stone. Have you two ever... Do you know? Fuck?"
The question caught me off guard, and I felt a flush of heat rise to my cheeks as I struggled to find the right words. "N-no," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "We're just... friends."
Akeno's lips curled into a knowing smile as if that was an answer he wasn't expecting. "Interesting," he murmured, leaning in closer. "Because let me tell you, Stone is quite the lover."
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, a knot forming in the pit of my stomach as Akeno began to delve into explicit details about Stone's sexual prowess. He spoke of dominance and control, of aggression tempered with tenderness. It was clear that Akeno had firsthand knowledge of Stone's bedroom habits, and the thought made me uneasy.
"Are you a top or bottom?" Akeno randomly asked.
I blinked at him, head tilting to the side. "What happened to hello? My name is?"
"I'm just asking because Ben portrays himself as a power top, he likes to fuck hard — I don't think he gets tired, seriously like there's some nights where I can't even walk properly the next day." He continued to paint a vivid picture of Stone's sexual prowess, I found myself growing increasingly upset. Hearing him speak so casually about their encounters stirred up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within me that I couldn't quite understand.
Taking a deep breath, I met Akeno's gaze head-on, determination flickering in my eyes. "I think I should go," I said, my voice firm despite the tremor of uncertainty that lingered beneath the surface. "my friends are waiting for me." I nod over to my section across the club.
Akeno's smile widened as if he had been expecting my departure all along. "Of course, Kylo," he said, his tone laced with amusement. "But remember, if you ever want to... explore your desires further, you know where to find me." he winks.
With a final nod, I rose from my seat, my heart heavy with conflicting emotions as I made my way back to my world, leaving behind the allure of Akeno and the tangled web of desires he represented. The pounding bass of the music echoed in my ears as I made my way back to our VIP section, weaving through the throngs of dancers with a sense of relief. Semaj's voice cut through the cacophony as I approached, his expression a mix of concern and annoyance.
"Where the hell have you been, hoe?" he demanded, his words slurred slightly from the alcohol.
Tristian chimed in, his brow furrowed with worry. "You good?"
I waved off their concerns with a dismissive wave of my hand. "I'm fine, guys," I reassured them, forcing a smile. "I just got caught up talking to someone." Without missing a beat, Semaj poured me a shot, and I downed it with practiced ease, the fiery liquid burning a path down my throat. The three of us fell back into the rhythm of the night, laughing and dancing as the hours slipped away.
But as the alcohol flowed freely and the music throbbed relentlessly, I felt the telltale pressure building in my bladder. See, this is what I get for lying now I really gotta pee this time. With a muttered excuse, I made my way to the restroom, the neon lights flickering overhead as I pushed open the door.
The restroom is dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of sweat and cheap cologne. I made a beeline for the nearest urinal, relieved to finally relieve myself after hours of drinking. As I stood there, lost in my thoughts, two figures entered the restroom behind me.
Ignoring them, I focused on the task at hand, making sure my bladder was empty. But the two men who came in stand at the urinals on either side of me and I get a little distracted. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease at their proximity. I hate when people do that like you see all these damn open urinals and you wanna come pee next to me? Weirdos.
Once I was finished I stuffed little Kylo back in his home and before I could even zip up my pants I felt a rush of the weight of me. The two men beside me lunged at me in sync, their movements swift and coordinated. I barely had time to register what was happening before they were upon me, their hands grasping at my arms and legs, trying to drag me away.
"What the — get the fuck off me!" Panic surged through me as I struggled against their hold, lashing out with all the strength I could muster. But they were too strong, overpowering me with ease as they covered my mouth with a foul-smelling cloth, muffling my screams. Desperation clawed at my chest as they hoisted me off the ground, carrying me out of the restroom and into the dimly lit hallway beyond. The pounding bass of the music faded into the distance as they dragged me further and further away from the safety of the club.
Fear clenched at my heart as I realized the gravity of the situation—I was being kidnapped, and there was no one around to help me. But even in my intoxicated state, a glimmer of determination burned within me. I refused to go down without a fight, to surrender to the darkness that threatened to consume me. The darkness enveloped me as the kidnappers dragged me out of the club and into the alley behind. I could hear the cold concrete beneath their feet, the chill of the night air seeping through my clothes as I stumbled along in the grasp of my captors. My heart pounded in my chest, fear coursing through my veins as I realized the gravity of the situation.
As we reached the back of the alley, a sketchy-looking van loomed before us, its doors ominously open, waiting to swallow me whole. Panic surged through me as I struggled against the hands that held me captive, my mind racing with thoughts of escape.
Suddenly a voice cut through the darkness, stopping the kidnappers in their tracks. "Well, well, well," it said, smooth and mocking. "What do we have here?"
I strained to see through the darkness, my heart skipping a beat as I recognized the figure stepping into view. It was Akeno, his presence both reassuring and unsettling. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to hope that he would intervene, that he would save me from whatever fate awaited me in the depths of the van. But as he reached out and plucked my phone from my pocket, waving it teasingly in my face, my hopes were dashed.
"Looks like someone needs an upgrade," Akeno said with a smirk, his tone dripping with condescension. "How pathetic."
My stomach churned with a mixture of anger and despair as Akeno's words sank in. He wasn't here to save me— this fucking bitch.
Before I could react, the kidnappers seized their opportunity, tossing me unceremoniously into the back of the van. The doors slammed shut behind me, plunging me into darkness once more as I lay there, my heart pounding in my chest, my mind racing with thoughts of escape but there was no way out. The van was windowless, its interior shrouded in shadows, leaving me trapped in a suffocating embrace of darkness and despair. I could hear the muffled voices of the kidnappers outside, their conversation a sinister whisper in the night.
"How much do you think he'll fetch?" one of them asked, his voice low and greedy.
"I don't know whichever price those sick perverted fucks are willing to pay just get him out of my sight," Akeno replies.
A chill ran down my spine as I realized the true nature of their intentions. They were planning to sell me into the dark world of human trafficking, to exploit me for their twisted desires. Oh fuck no, I started to kick the van with the bottom of my shoe, screaming and hollering for them to let me out. I can't be sex trafficked. The person who's gonna buy me is gonna be so mad when he asks to suck his dick and say I don't know how. Panic clawed at my chest as I frantically searched for a way out, but there was none to be found. I was trapped.
My shouts are cut off by a sudden burst of gunfire shattering the silence outside, the sound echoing through the cramped confines of the van. I huddled in the darkness, my heart pounding in my chest as I listened to the chaos unfolding outside. Then, with a creak of metal, the doors of the van swung open, flooding the interior with blinding light. I shielded my eyes, blinking against the sudden glare as I peered out into the alley beyond.
And there, standing before me, was Stone, his expression grave as he surveyed the scene before him. In his hands, he held a gun, its barrel still smoking from the shots he had fired. Relief washed over me like a tidal wave as I stumbled out of the van, rushing into Stone. I don't think I've ever been so happy to see his big, intimidating face, his presence a beacon of safety amid the chaos. I don't even seem to care that my arms are wrapped around his neck like I'm a damsel in distress, and he doesn't either as he helps me out of the van.
But as I clung to him, my heart still racing with adrenaline, another figure stepped into view. It was Akeno, his expression smug as he clapped his hands in mock applause.
"How cute," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Looks like the big bad wolf has arrived."
I recoiled at the sight of him, my fists clenched with anger and frustration. But before I could react, Stone held me back, his grip firm but gentle.
"What the hell is your problem?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.
Akeno shrugged, his smirk never wavering. "Oh, nothing much," he said casually. "Just wondering why you've been ignoring me for this broke, cookie-cutter college kid."
"Cookie cutter? Bitch fuck you!" I gasped at the words a little taken aback.
Stone's eyes blazed with fury as he confronted Akeno, his voice a low, menacing growl as he marched towards the man. "I thought I told you to stay away from him," he snarled, his grip tightening on Akeno's collar. "What the fuck is your problem?"
Akeno smirked, unfazed by Stone's anger. "My problem?" he retorted, his tone mocking. "My problem is that you've been ignoring my calls and texts, Stone, and for what? This loser? Are you serious?"
I bristled at Akeno's words, my confusion giving way to indignation. "I haven't done anything to you," I interjected, my voice tinged with frustration. "I barely even know you."
Akeno's smile widened, his gaze fixed on Stone. "But you know him," he said, nodding towards Stone. "And that's enough for me."
Before I could process his words, Stone lunged forward, his hands closing around Akeno's neck as he slammed him against the wall. Akeno's eyes widened in surprise, but his smile never faltered. "If you ever touch him again," Stone growled, his voice a dangerous whisper, "I won't hesitate to kill you."
Akeno's smile only grew wider at Stone's threat, his eyes gleaming with twisted delight. "Now that's what I've been missing in my life," he purred, relishing in Stone's grip on his neck.
But Stone's patience had worn thin. With a grunt of disgust, he threw Akeno to the ground, his expression a mask of disdain. "You're a crazy son of a bitch," he spat, his words dripping with contempt.
Turning to me, Stone reached out a hand, his expression softening slightly. "Come on," he said, his voice gentler now.
As Stone and I made our way back around to the front of the club, the chaos of the street unfolded before us. Sirens wailed in the distance, mingling with the shouts and cries of panicked clubgoers who rushed out of the budding. I guess the gunshots must've sent everyone into a frenzy. Yeah, gotta love America.
Amidst the confusion, I spotted Semaj and Tristian, their faces drawn with worry as they scanned the crowd. Relief flooded their features as they caught sight of me, rushing forward to envelop me in a tight embrace.
"Kylo, where the hell have you been?" Semaj demanded, his voice tinged with concern. "We've been looking everywhere for you. Them motherfuckers started shooting. This why we can't have nice things here because people don't know how to act."
I shook my head, trying to reassure them. "I'm fine, guys," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I got caught up in something, but I'm okay now."
"Who the hell was shooting?" Semaj asked.
But before I could answer, his attention was drawn to something—or rather, someone—behind me. His eyes widened in recognition as he caught sight of Stone, his expression shifting to one of knowing understanding.
Stone stepped forward, his presence commanding as always. "Just some troublemakers," he replied vaguely, his tone brooking no argument.
"Oh, okay . . ." Semaj mouth formed an O before he closed it and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. He seemed to understand, sending Stone a knowing look before turning back to me with a nod. Tristian, on the other hand, looked utterly baffled, his brow furrowed in confusion. I know his upper-class brain going crazy he ain't used to anything like this.
"Kylo has a lot of lore," Semaj explained quietly, giving Tristian a meaningful look.
"Lore?" Tristian's confusion only deepened, but before he could voice any further questions, Stone intervened, offering to take us home. Semaj and Tristian eagerly agreed, their relief palpable as they climbed into the backseat of Stone's Rolls Royce.
As I settled into the passenger seat beside Stone, Semaj leaned forward as he looked at Stone in the driver's seat. "Hi, Mr. Stone is it? Sup I'm Semaj . . ." He said voice tinged with excitement. "Can we stop by Waffle House on the way home?"
Stone shot me a look, his expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation. But as I added a quiet "please" to the request, he relented, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
With a shake of his head, Stone revved the engine and pulled away from the curb, the dim glow of the streetlights illuminating the road ahead. As we drove off into the night, the chaos of the club fading into the distance.
••••
EXCUSE ANY MISTAKES OR ERRORS