Trapped In Sin: Ava’s Story

The Darkness Knows Your Name

Ava POV

I sat in my hotel room, feeling completely drained. I couldn’t sleep after that weird dream I had last night—the dream with that mysterious man, and his haunting words that still lingered in my head.

“Be a good girl…and admit it —You built me to ruin you” That sentence of his kept repeating in my mind like a scratched record.

Esmeralda had gone down to reception earlier, after dragging me all the way here for work I couldn’t focus on.

The hotel room was quiet except for the rustle of fabric as I searched through my suitcase. Dresses, lace underwear, and heels I never wanted to wear—were all laid out like costumes for someone I was forced to play.

Esmeralda’s words from earlier just make me feel sick, I can’t even concentrate on finding an outfit to wear.

“Smile, charm. And don’t forget, he’s paying for your time, not your attitude.”

I rolled my eyes, and tossed another pair of stilettos aside. I wasn’t in the mood for anything, but Esmeralda was making sure I never catch a break, she kept blabbering on about the new client that she met yesterday — apparently he asked specifically for me, I really have the worst luck these days.

The TV was playing softly in the background, more for the noise than anything else. Some late-afternoon news recap was droning on, but I barely registered it—until I heard the name, ‘Midnight Lounge.’

My hand stilled over a silk dress, I turned to face the screen. The reporter’s tone was somber as she spoke.

“A murder has rocked the city’s nightlife scene-again. The body of an unidentified man was discovered in Midnight Lounge earlier today. Authorities have confirmed that the victim was completely drained of blood. —

Forensic analysis reveals no signs of struggle —But the victim is believed to have been murdered two days ago, The victim’s body was discovered today by an employee of the nightclub, who told authorities that he found the dead body in the men’s bathroom.”

A wave of dizziness washed over me, and my eyes widened in shock. Surely this can’t be real. Right? —My hands tightened around the dress I was planning to fold. My attention was solely on the screen as the news anchor continued.

“Police suspect this may be the work of the elusive serial killer known only as The Beast, A name whispered across crime scenes with similar patterns of violence, this is his third, confirmed killing in the last month. The suspect remains unidentified and at large.”

My skin turned cold. The Beast was in Midnight Lounge two days ago?

I felt a cold shiver run down my spine, I was there two days ago — under the same roof as the Beast.

I remember how the colorful haze of lights gave way to a sharp, and sterile brightness. The music stopped so abruptly it felt like a rupture, and people were pushed toward the exit in a frenzy.

But I also remember what happened before all that chaos occurred, I met HIM.

The man I met in the club corridor. He walked out of the men’s bathroom that day, I don’t think I’ll ever forget how he looked. He was built like a nightmare—tall, and muscular, with eyes that swallowed the light, and he told me to forget that I ever saw him there.

I pressed the heels of my palms to my eyes, trying to stop the rush of thoughts—but it was useless. Because all I could hear was his voice, Not the anchor’s. His.

“I’ll be back for you, Anne.”

That was the last words he said to me, before he disappeared into thin air. And that was all I chose to hold onto from that encounter. But ever since that night, I can’t stop dreaming about him. And now someone is dead—and that person was murdered in the same place I saw HIM last.

And then there was Ronaldo.

“You think you want the truth. But this one? You don’t.”

His words echoed in my mind, each syllable twisting inside me. It wasn’t like Ronaldo to be so… evasive.

Ronaldo has always been blunt with me, and never hid behind riddles. So why now? What was he so determined to keep from me?

I swallowed hard, trying to push aside my growing suspicion. Was Ronaldo involved? Or had he known about the murder before it was aired?

I stared blankly at the TV, even though the news had long since moved on to traffic updates, and weather alerts. My mind was still back at Midnight Lounge… and still stuck on the drained of blood part.

“You still not dressed?” Esmeralda’s voice cracked through the air like a whip. I was so lost in my train of thoughts, I never heard her come in.

She stormed into the room, her eyes scanning my open suitcase, and untouched heels on the carpet. “Do you think you’re on vacation?”

“I told you I needed a break.” I muttered without looking at her. My head really wasn’t in a good place right now.

She scoffed. “Breaks are for women who work, Ava. Not for spoiled little girls who think clients will wait around while they pout.”

I felt the heat rising in my chest. This woman was really insufferable. “I just need one night. One night to think, someone was murdered—”

“Someone is always being murdered, Ava.” She cut me off, and waved her hand like it was nothing. “And none of that concerns you.” She hissed.

“It does concern me.” My voice was sharper now. “I was there.” I glared at her.

Esmeralda’s eyes narrowed. “You want to ruin your face before the client arrives?” Her eyes held malice, and a strong warning.

I didn’t answer.

She crossed the room, and grabbed my chin with her ice-cold fingers. “You’re seeing an elite tonight, the kind that pays to own their time. He’s nothing like the others I let you be with, you should be happy.”

I felt so disgusted with her. I pulled my face away from her, but not fast enough, her manicured hand connected with my cheek - faster than I could blink.

The slap echoed louder than her voice.

She shot me a venomous glare, her bleached hair, and thick layers of makeup giving her an almost doll-like youth—but there was nothing innocent about her. She snatched my heels off the floor, and hurled them at me.

“You better get ready. He knows you as Lilith.” She spat. “He’ll be waiting downstairs in the restaurant. Don’t keep him waiting, Ava.”

And with that said, she turned on her heel and walked out the room.

I hated my escort name, and I hated everything that came with that name, including Esmeralda. That name was like a curse on my life, I just wanted to be Ava, but it doesn’t matter what name I go by. I will always be the towns w***e — whether I’m Lilith or Ava, it honestly didn’t matter…

———————————————

The sting of Esmeralda’s slap still burned my cheek as I slipped into the black dress she demanded I wear. It was stuck to my body like a second skin, every inch of the dress was designed to catch eyes, and silence resistance.

The heels she tossed at me earlier clicked sharply against the hotel floor as I moved around the room, it was echoing like a warning I couldn’t ignore.

“Make him want you.” Esmeralda’s words were like thorns being pierced into my brain.

I stood in front of the full-length mirror that was in the corner of room, the mascara wand was trembling in my hand as I tried to hide the redness on my face.

I hated this — the fake performance, and the mask I always had to wear. But I painted it on anyway. Red lips, and smoky eyes. Everything Esmeralda wanted me to be.

I exhaled slowly, whispering a quiet promise to myself. ‘I’ll be okay.’

I left the room, my heels clicking against the polished floor of the hotel corridor as I walked.

I pressed the elevator button, and waited.

Once I was inside, I selected the restaurant level, and watched the numbers glow as the elevator descended.

When the doors opened, I stepped into the softly lit reception, where elegance masked everything.

The hotel restaurant shimmered in the dim gold light, every detail was oozing with luxury—velvet blue chairs, polished marble floors, and crystal glasses that sparkled beneath the chandeliers. Jazz music played softly through the hidden speakers, wrapping around the clinking of silverware, and murmured conversations.

The air was filled with the scent of expensive cologne, rare wine, and power. The kind of power that didn’t need to be spoken aloud.

I walked in with my chin held high, wearing the black dress Esmeralda forced on me—tight, short, and sinful. My heels clicked like a countdown as I scanned the room.

My eyes fell on a man that was in a corner booth, but my breath hitched when I saw that he was already watching me, very intensely.

His suit was midnight black, and perfectly tailored to a body that didn’t need help looking powerful— he had a broad chest, strong arms, and long legs that were crossed with practiced ease.

The silver of his watch caught the light—a sleek, and gleaming watch that probably cost more than my whole wardrobe. I knew money when I saw it, and this man reeked of old wealth, and absolute control.

His features were devastating. Sharp, well refined, and too symmetrical to be real—like someone carved from marble. Now I see why Esmeralda couldn’t stop talking about this man, he was definitely eye candy. But his eyes… made my steps falter.

They were pale, Icy, and very silver. Like the blade of a knife, and somehow… His eyes felt so familiar. He felt familiar…

He rose slightly as I approached the table.

“Lilith.” He said the name with a stoic face. His voice was rich, and deep, he sounded like warm honey over something very dangerous. He sounded exactly like HIM..

“You’re even more stunning in person.” His compliment made my heart flutter, but I squashed that feeling very quickly.

I gave him a polite, and rehearsed smile before I slid into the seat across from him. “You’re flattering.” I muttered sarcastically as I sat down.

He didn’t smile, and he didn’t respond to my sarcasm either. He just studied me. I felt like prey under his gaze, those piercing silver eyes were staring into my soul.

“I don’t like small talk.” He finally spoke after a long pause of silence. “Let’s skip the part where we pretend this is anything less than what it is.”

I blinked, feeling confused by his words, and cold demeanour. “And what exactly is this?” I asked as I stared at him.

He tilted his head slightly. “An introduction, and a decision.” He answered coolly, his silver eyes were still glued on me.

“You talk in riddles.” My tone was dripping with boredom, I crossed my legs under the table, and sighed. He was so handsome, I was really trying hard not to stare at him, his whole aura screamed danger.

A faint smirk tugged at the edge of his mouth, he looked very amused by my response. “No…I talk like a man who knows what he wants.”

“And I suppose that’s me?” I asked, raising a brow, and tapping my nails gently on the table.

“I wouldn’t be here otherwise.” His voice dipped lower, there was something dark hidden in his words. “You’ll find I’m not a man who wastes time… Nor do I share.” His grey eyes darkened as he said the last words.

I instantly tensed, but I kept my poker face on. He’s not the first man to make me uncomfortable, and he won’t be the last either.. “Possessive much? You don’t even know my real name.” I teased.

He leaned in closer to the table, his silver eyes never leaving mine. “Lilith is enough. Names are masks, I only care about the woman wearing this beautiful dress… the one sitting across from me, and pretending that she isn’t afraid.” His eyes narrowed on me, and his lips curled into a smirk.

I looked away—only for a second, I was perplexed by his words. Unfortunately the waiter arrived at our table before I could ask him what he meant.

The waiter’s eyes widened when he saw my client, and I could’ve sworn that I saw sweat magically drip from his forehead. He smiled awkwardly at the man sitting across from me. “Mr Volkov, it’s a pleasure to have you at our restaurant, Sir.”

My heart skipped a beat the second I heard that name, and I couldn’t understand why. I decided to push those thoughts aside, Esmeralda hates it when I ask her clients personal questions, so I never ask the clients about their name’s - she’s the only one who has access to that information.

So I decided to drown out the rest of their conversation, I was too deep in my thoughts.

Mr Volkov ordered for the both of us, without asking what I’d like to eat. Of course he did, he looks like the kind of man that loves being in control. I barely heard the waiter leave—I was still trying to shake off the ice in my blood.

He didn’t speak for a long moment, he just watched me with that unshakable intensity. As if he was waiting for something, he looked at me like he knew all my dirty, and hidden secrets.

“I’ve seen you before.” I said quietly. “Or… I feel like I have.” I spoke truthfully, his face was very familiar, but I don’t recall where I’ve seen him.

His expression didn’t change, but something flickered behind his cold eyes as he stared at me.

“You haven’t.” He deadpanned. And somehow, I didn’t believe him.

———————

The waiter quietly poured our champagne, it was sparkling, and pale in the crystal flutes. I lifted my glass, mostly to keep my hands from fidgeting. He hadn’t taken his eyes off me since I sat down, and that was starting to make me nervous.

“You’re quiet.” His voice was low, but sharp, like a knife tracing silk.

“I’m observing.” I replied coolly, looking anywhere but him.

His brow arched slightly, but there was something darkly amused in his stare. “And what have you observed about me, Lilith?”

That you’re dangerous, and you look like someone who could snap a neck without blinking.

You also feel like a memory trying to claw its way out of a dream.

But I didn’t say all that, instead I gave him a soft, and polite shrug. “You like control, and you don’t tolerate disobedience. You’ve also got expensive tastes, and enough money to never hear the word no.” I responded confidently because I knew men like him very well.

He smirked, and tilted his head to the side, slowly nodding his head in approval. “You are sharper than most.” I could hear the amusement in his tone.

“I try.” I muttered under my breath, and shrugged.

He leaned back in his seat, his fingers idly circling the rim of his glass. “I prefer women who don’t pretend to be something they’re not.”

I almost laughed at that, but I restrained myself. “And what do you think I’m pretending to be?” I asked with a faint smirk.

“Innocent.” His gaze slid down my body, and settled on my face again. “But you’ve seen too much of the world for that, haven’t you, Lilith?” The coldness in his tone almost made me flinch.

A cold chill rippled down my spine. I forced myself to hold his stare, even as the weight of his gaze pressed into me. “What about you?” I asked, dismissing his question, my voice was tight. “You hiding anything?”

He stared at me for a long minute, before he spoke again. “Would it matter if I was?”

I didn’t answer his question, because I already knew that it would matter. But he doesn’t need to know that.

There was something deeply wrong about how familiar his voice sounded. Like it echoed from a place I couldn’t quite reach—somewhere between sleep, and nightmare. My thoughts kept trying to piece it together, but the fragments slipped away like water through my fingers.

His rich accent.

Those piercing silver eyes.

Even the way he held his glass.

Where have I seen him before?

As if sensing my inner turmoil, he reached across the table suddenly, his fingers brushing along my jaw, and lifting my chin until I was looking right at him.

“You’re thinking too much.” He murmured. “Relax. Tonight is simple.”

“Simple?” I echoed, barely able to keep the tremble out of my voice.

“Yes.” His hand dropped back to his glass. “You belong to me for the evening. And I intend to enjoy every second of it.” He spoke so carelessly with a harsh tone.

I stared at him, my skin crawling and burning at the same time.

He didn’t blink.

Didn’t smile.

And he didn’t try to make my situation sound sweeter than it was.

I swallowed hard, and took a sip of my champagne. I was losing myself to my thoughts at this point.

He sat back again, content, as if the matter was settled between us. “After dinner, we’ll go up to my room. You’ll walk beside me, and you’ll be silent unless I ask you to speak. Understood?”

I nodded slowly. But in my mind, I was screaming. Because I didn’t know who this man was, but I was almost certain that … We have met before, In a place I shouldn’t have been in.

I just kept smiling, even though every word he said made me feel like I was suffocating inside silk, and diamonds.

This wasn’t business—this was survival.

And tonight, survival came in the form of a black dress, a fake smile, and a man who was awfully familiar, but I had no idea where I’ve seen him.