Trapped In Sin: Ava’s Story

The Pact Sealed In Silence

Ava POV

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the crowd thickened. More and more people flowed into the club - women in stunning, elegant dresses, and men in sharp, high-end suits.

The club is known for its rigid dress code - formal attire is a must. But if you’re in David’s inner circle, the rules tend to… loosen. David’s favourites stood out effortlessly in the crowd, I laughed at my silly thoughts..

Cocktail number five just landed, and so did the giggles. My head was already feeling a bit foggy, I waved at Reed with a dreamy smile.

“I need water.” I mouthed the words to him without speaking, I was definitely drunk - I got too cozy with those cocktails. Reed laughed, and gave me a thumbs up. I’ve only been chatting with Reed, since Ronaldo disappeared with one of the bouncers earlier…

I shifted my gaze to Ronaldo’s empty chair, And a frown marred my face. His been gone for over an hour, He just told me that he needed to speak with the bouncer, and he left… I know Ronaldo can take care of himself, especially when it comes to unarmed combat - But, I still worry about his safety, He’s the closest thing I have to family.

I took out my phone, and dialled Ronaldo’s number. “Here’s your water, beautiful.” Reed said as he handed me a bottle of sparkling water. “Thank you, handsome.” He gave me a cheeky wink, and slipped away to serve someone else.

“The number you have dialled is unavailable.” I clicked my tongue, and ended the call..Ronaldo wasn’t answering his phone - I was starting to get worried. I kept dialling his number, until he finally answered my call. “Ava, is everything okay at the bar?.” I breathed a sigh of relief.

“Not really. You’ve been gone for so long, Ronaldo. Where are you?? .” I questioned. I can’t wrap my head around this. why would David’s men want to speak with Ronaldo - none of them have spoken to Ronaldo before, so what’s so special about tonight.

“Erhh. I’m on my way to you now.” The line went dead. “What the-“ I took a deep breath to compose myself.

Ronaldo hung up on me, before I could drill him with more questions. I put my phone back on the table, and reached for my water - I opened the cap, and chugged down the water, I had so many questions…

My thoughts were interrupted when the lights went out. One by one, the disco lights dimmed, until only a harsh white-light, lit the room, I winced, squinting my eyes as the intense light hit my face. What madness is this?

A wave of confusion passed over the crowd, everyone exchanged puzzled glances. I remained seated by the bar, I silently watched the chaos unfold.

Without a moment’s notice, the music stopped-a fatal error, as angry voices erupted, aimed straight at the DJ.

“Fire the music back up.” A young man screamed at the top of his lungs, he was belligerently drunk - his curly hair sat perfectly on his face, and highlighted his features. He cast a look over his shoulder at the others, silently shaking his head. “This is why, I wanted to go to Tony’s bar.” He murmured to the man at his side, I turned my gaze away from the pair.

And I reached for my cocktail, things were getting interesting - I might as well enjoy the show..

The entire club buzzed with anger - murmurs spread like wildfire, while furious voices kept yelling at the DJ.

“This is nonsense, where’s the damn manager?” I giggled at the woman who said that, I silently lifted myself off my seat with measured movements.

I gave my dress a quick adjustment, and peered through the throng of people, Ronaldo definitely wasn’t in the crowd - I was getting really impatient. “Good evening, Ladies and gentlemen.” My attention snapped to the DJ’s booth in an instant.

Nathan stood there, mic in hand, his perfectly tailored suit was sharp, and precise. Nathan worked for David, and was practically his shadow - rarely seen apart. That’s why it felt so strange to see him alone.

“Your meals, and drinks are complimentary tonight. However, I kindly ask that you evacuate the premises now, for your safety.” Nathan’s speech only infuriated the other partygoers.

The promise of free food, and drinks fell flat - what really stirred the crowd was the abrupt closure on a Saturday night. You could’ve handed out gold - these people still would’ve been outraged that the party was over.

“This is rubbish, I’m never coming back here again.” A soft, irritated voice slipped out from a group of girls. I turned to Reed, but he wasn’t behind the bar. I was so caught up in everything, I didn’t see when he left...

Just then, Ronaldo decided to grace me with his presence. He was a mess, and his hair looked like it had lost a fight with gravity. “Did you get laid or something, why do you look like that.” I scrutinised him with a frown on my face.

Ronaldo sighed, and hoisted my work bag on his shoulder, he gently took my hand in his. But I’m still very upset with him for leaving me alone, and I’m not okay with this silence, I need answers. I yanked my hand out of his grasp, and glared at him.

“Can you please tell me, what the hell is going on, where is David? I can’t just leave, Esmeralda will have my head - and you know that.” Ronaldo groaned out in frustration, he seized my hand - and pulled me with determined steps.

“Esmeralda already knows that you’re leaving, I’ll explain in the car.” He proclaimed. He was walking so fast, I was struggling to keep up with him in my heels. I’m literally being dragged by Ronaldo like I weighed nothing. “You owe me big time for this, Ron.” I muttered bitterly.

People were flooding toward the exit, and the narrow corridor quickly became packed - bodies were pressed against each other, shoulder to shoulder.

I was bumping into random people, and they were looking at me with disgust. I honestly wanted to punch them in the face, but I refrained from doing so.

As soon as we got out of the club, I yanked my hand away from Ronaldo - my chest was heaving, sweat dripped from my forehead. It was a mission to get out of the club, the bouncers weren’t playing games - they were pushing everyone out.

I ignored Ronaldo’s glares, and stomped my feet towards the car. I definitely sobered up after that mess - Ronaldo unlocked the car, and opened the passenger door for me. I held the hem of my dress - and quietly jumped into the car.

I was ecstatic that I didn’t have to be with David again, no doubt about that. But I couldn’t help but wonder, what had pushed David to shut down, Midnight Lounge so suddenly - and on a Saturday, no less. I was also curious about what role Ronaldo played in all this..

Ronaldo started the car ignition, and pulled out of the parking lot - he was squeezing the steering wheel so hard, that his knuckles were turning white. I sat there quietly, glaring at him, and waiting for answers.

“Can you stop staring at me like that, I’m trying to drive, Ava.” He groaned out, I gave him a death glare. Is he being serious right now? “ I’m still waiting for answers, Ron.”

He sighed. I could sense his hesitation, I just knew that whatever happened, it was bad. “I can’t say much, Ava - there was a minor problem at the club, and that’s why David’s not available tonight. He rescheduled for next Friday. ” Ronaldo exclaimed.

I pressed my lips together, and gazed out the window in silence. The night cloaked the sky in darkness, letting the stars blaze like diamonds. The only thing on my mind, was the incident inside the club- whatever it was, it had to be serious enough to shut the place down.

My thoughts were spiralling, each one darker than the last. Ronaldo was hiding something from me, and it was bugging me. I exhaled slowly, jaw tight. “Just tell me what happened with the bouncer. You’ve been acting off since you got back”

His laugh was hollow, almost shaking. “I want to, Ava. God, I do. But I can’t. You don’t know what you’re asking.”

He looked at me like it physically hurt, then faced forward. “You think you want the truth. But this one? You don’t.” I huffed out in annoyance. What does he mean by that?

Ronaldo’s always been honest with me. He’s never hidden anything - so I don’t get it. What’s changed ? Why is he shutting me out now?