Dangerous Love

CHAPTER 3 (Summer Haze)

There was a light thunderstorm that hits New York over the weekend. The sky was dark grey with thick, swollen clouds. A sprinkle of light rainfall damping the morning air and the cold together with the heavy smoke pollution made the New York's morning sun hazy and gloomy.

I curled up inside my heavy layered of duvet. The sudden drop down temperature made my room a little bit chilly, the heater however was still not fixed. I called on Mathilde to do something about it or else I'll pull out my deposit. She promised again to fix it. I gave her one day ultimatum. It was Sunday, a cold and lazy Sunday.

I already called on the number that Black Widow gave me this last Thursday just for follow up, her assistant answered it saying I should report six in the evening tonight to show up, also to give me instruction and get the dress I will wear for the evening event. I was not that auspicious but I need this job very badly. I need money to support my private sleuthing without causing trouble, well if my uncle find out I'm out here doing some espionage practices, I am in huge trouble. It's only matter of time before he finds me here.

I even called Nigel to just say I'm alright. We gave each other our few basic info like my new address, new phone number and some place where we can meet up. He even told me that he was actually trying to reach me through my old phone. I chucked that one since the El Pueblo incident. I didn't even know if they solved the case close because from what I've heard, it was reported as an isolated case of homicide by the local police. Huh, of course they will shaded that out. Money buys everything even their silence.

I decided to get out of the warm comforter and rose up to start my day. The cold floor was a little surprise. Never thought that the unpredictable weather will give me fuss. Well, it shouldn't be a bother if only my landlady kept her promise.

I hissed and shook a little when water hit my hands. I washed my face and brushed my teeth. Then I threw my weathered khaki jacket on my back, donning it. I was wearing a chemise and boxer shorts. My legs gave off a slight shake as I tested the shower. Damn, the water was too cold.

I hesitated if I should take a shower. In the end, I didn't. I can't afford to comprise my health catching cold or flu. I got out of the shower thinking if I should go to a public bath house, a sauna or just public shower. I sighed. I have a handful of problem, I shouldn't be suffering with this kind of ordeal.

So I circled to the island top table making myself a hot and strong coffee. I set the pot and let it brew. Then I checked on my personal fridge if I can eat something inside. Unfortunately, I didn't have extra stock that I can eat. I took out an one day old orange and sliced it. Then I checked on the small dining table where my left over sat. I took the French bread I bought the last day, sliced it and took the half eaten cheese out of the chiller. I silently partook that light meal then turned the T.V. on for a dose of update news about this fussy weather. Everyone hates summer rain.

It gave an unwanted gloom and blues throughout the day. Me, typically, I love the rain. I even played in the rain when I was a kid back in Seattle. We actually resides in Queen Anne, typically known for its green, green grass and the view of the hill's spectacular vegetation, farms and lushes green scenery. Our house, my grandparents' ancestral house was an old Victorian farm house with a nearest gable house. I loved that place. It gave a lot of good memories but also the bad and horrible one.

I shook the urge to cry again. I have to try not to be affected with the past but it's so hard not to. It made me who I am right now. It made me do things I shouldn't have. It made me stronger, wiser, bolder.

I scanned the channel searching for CNN or Fox News. However, because of the rain, the reception was too poor. I settled for NBC and watched the top of the hour news.

I sat and nestled with a cup of hot coffee in hand in the sofa propping my crossed legs. I was concentrating to the news when Alice chimed in.

"This is a nasty weather, don't you think?"

I smiled. "Yeah, but I love it compares to the heat of summer. It will be temporary, maybe in two days it will pass. How are you?"

"Kind of feeling a little bad, I woke up in the bad side of the bed. I feel a little stressed. If you don't mind me telling you this but, I really hate this season, much as the winter."

I smirked while sipping on my coffee. "I understand you. You're network's not going to work efficiently when it's cold. Maybe I could do something to keep you warm."

I swiftly rose up, swayed and took her from her dock on my bedside table then went back to the sofa. I put her inside my jacket giving her my body heat. "Feel better?"

"A little. But still, I can't access my network back in the base." She said in muffled sound. The thick fabric of my jacket blocked her audio.

She was referring to her wide connection to our base's main computer. She actually considered her live streaming data gathering as strolling, jumping from network to another.

"That's alright, maybe you could do that later when the rain finally stop. We can sit here and watch the news together."

"You know I can't live without my feet Quinn but if you say so, I will try to forget my blues."

I almost laughed. "When did you get that blues?"

"Since you left me nine months ago and when you're not taking me out for the day's stroll and many times over. I built this kind of feeling. Do you want me to elaborate all of it?"

I laughed out loud not caring for her complain. "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to put you aside, it's just that, there are times that I have to leave you behind. It's not safe for you and I won't risk your safety, I care for you, Alice. I really do."

She made a sound as if a huff. "Okay, you're forgiven. But next time you go out, please bring some magic stick so I know you're every move and give you a hand if you're in serious trouble. I care for you as much as you do. You're my friend, Quinn. My only true friend."

I smiled for the thoughts and pulled her out, putting her on my lap. "Thanks Alice. Promise, I'll never take you for granted again."

"So, you'll going to take me with you tonight?"

I sighed and leveled her to my face. "I can't. It's too dangerous."

She made a sound that seemed a loud scoff. "Like you said the last time,"

"Look, do I have to tell you the reason why I am doing this? You know that I'm doing my discreet operation here, I can't make any room for mistake Alice, please understand."

"I know, that's why I want to help. You can rely on me at all times. I can do you some useful help, just like before. You can count on me Quinn." She proudly enthused, convincing me.

"Please don't start again, I can't, that's final. I want you to stay here." I put her down to the center table together with my empty cup.

"I will download a code for you to crack down. And I want you to do make profiling concerning to the files that I input to you last night. Do a deep research about them but don't jump on their network if you happen to access to their gates. We never run a test yet about your capability in hacking system. You might step in a cobweb and get lost or worst, virtually capture in a trap. If something goes wrong, you have the permission to abort."

"You're just giving me tasks to keep me busy." She protested childishly.

"Just do it for me." I rose to my seat and stretched out my arms and yawned.

"I'll start now, you'll not be able to use me for the next two hours and forty five minutes. Is there anything else you want me to do?"

"Nothing for now. If you're done, send it to my phone. I'll leave it here." I put my phone next to her.

"Affirmative."

I went to the built-in closet and took out a pair of dark jeggings and pink blush knitted pullover. Then I pulled out my brand new pair of high cut boots I bought in a nameless boutique. I stripped down my sleepwear, put on my black bra, grey undershirt and my outfit for today. I have to drop by in the nearest laundromat for my dirty clothes, replenish my stock and buy some game consoles for my virtual baby.

I have to remind myself that Alice is my first creation. My first baby software, highly developed alternative intelligence with a very innovative and futuristic prospect. For now, she's still hungry for new things, curiosity is her best quality and her worst. I can't take a risk on letting her go on her own, I can't let her take an improvise step or over bound. She has many potential not ever develop yet. For me, she's still a baby who learned her first walk and she's not prepare for any harmful viruses scattered in virtual world. I have to prepare her and fortify her security features before anything else. She's not just a tool or a simple computer program that function for simple task, she's an AI.

I glanced back at her whose still busy to her task resting on the center table. I gave off a heavy sigh. Maybe I should stick with her more often. Even she's just a computer program, for me she's more than a virtual entity. I treat her as human. A friend and my baby.

I know I should not always depend on her skills but I have also the obligation to navigates her to the right path. As her considered parent. I smiled thinking about her future.

I heaped my dirty clothes and put it on the laundry basket, cleaned up the top table and checked on the time. I have to do all of the task in my head before my call time this evening. As usual, I have another busy day. I've got used to it.

******************

I hit the gym's public shower just to take a bath. I brought my sweatshirt, leggings and comfy sneakers. After a pampering hot shower, I went to the grocery, picked some easy to prepare meals mostly in cans and processed food. I'm not a good cook and I have no time to start exploring my culinary skills.

I ran onto the nearest ATM to withdraw cash and surprised to see my savings also depleting low. I shook my head. Damn, I terrible need a job. I can't afford to be broke here in this snouty, expensive city.

I sighed as I managed to carry the brown grocery bags while balancing a box of game console I bought in a nearest toy store.

I hailed a cab, ignoring the catcall of the loitering teens in the gutter. The driver gave me a lift and put my purchase in the trunk. We sped away to my apartment, paid him for his generous help. He even carried it up to my floor.

"Thanks for your big help," I said as I was putting my key on my door. Tugging my bag on my shoulder.

"No, problem. I remember my daughter when she started to live on her own. I see her in you." He said giving me a benevolent smile.

He was at his late fifties, medium height with balding head. He looks so nice.

"Well, she's indeed lucky to have you." I bantered. "You can put it down there, thanks." I pointed him to the top table while I was heaping my scattered clothes.

Damn, I have to do some general clean up again.

He saw me hiding my undies and crumpled dirty clothes then smirked. "That's okay, that's the usual thing I see every morning," then he headed to the door.

"Ah, you want something? Coffee or juice?" I offered with kinda embarrassed face.

"It's fine, I'll be heading out." He swayed just to say that and turned to leave. I walked him out with my clothes in both hands.

"Thanks again sir," I called out as he was curving towards the stairwell.

He just turned and gave me his smile, waving a hand on me.

Wow, it's rarely chance to meet a kind person like him in a harsh environment like this city. He even cut his payment half for he thinks I have to save up for my daily expenses. He even volunteered to carry my groceries and before we left the grocery store, he even stood up for me, scolding those teens whose catcalling me.

I smiled. I wonder how nice to have a father like him. I wish I have a father who will do the same as he did. I sighed.

That's not gonna happen. My dad, my biological father is too busy. Preoccupied and have no time to check on his only daughter. Have no time to know if I'm still breathing or not. Busy to his Goddamn work saving the world. His job is his top priority and I only come in second to the last, maybe I'm not even in his list of important things in his life. As if I care.

I gave out another harsh sigh.

Why would I ruin my day with this crazy thing inside my head? He didn't care about me so would I even bother to think about him?

I tackled on my household chores, putting the grocery to its proper place, washed the dishes in the sink before I prepare my meal. I decided to have ravioli and garden salad since it's easy to eat, healthy and no-brainer dish.

After I prepared my lunch, I set that aside and cleaned up, collecting my clothes and shoes. Alice was kind enough not to prattle that day and played soft melodies as I was doing my cleaning. I did it for just half an hour. Then I ate my lunch. Alice did something good about the reception making our viewing habit with no fuss.

The sky was already clearing with a bit of gusty wind and scattered thunder. The bloated, pewter-gray clouds slowly drifting away from the New York's harbor, drawing a glimpse of sunshine this mid afternoon. I guessed the rain will finally over, showing some hope for bright, dry and productive days for the next week ahead.

★★★★★★★

It was quarter to five when I had done my laundry chore, I changed my clothes from sporty sweatshirt, leggings and sneakers to Leather jacket, red cropped top paired with black mini skirt, and black vamp boots, clad in my leather choker, silver necklace and studded cuff. I checked my looks in the mirror. I'd done my make up relatively dark, heavy with nude lipstick.

After I checked the lock, plugged out the appliances and told Alice to behave, I ended up bring an earpiece gadget popularly used in surveillance. A typical spy tool for communication. It has a radio channel that connect me to her as the main receiver of frequency to locate and monitor me. She was indeed sweet but, this isn't necessary.

"Just send me signal so I'd know where you are. I'll try not to disturb you but I'll watch your every move from here." She added as I ran a test to my earphone, turning down the volume in gradual level.

"Okay, but you don't have to be apprehensive Alice. It's just a normal night." I said as I was collecting my stuff.

Make up, small canister of pepper spray, two light dose shots of neuro-paralyzer, my wallet, phone, my handy, disposable gloves with latex texture that fit like a skin. And my mighty, muti-purpose, life saver lipstick. Just in case.

"Just making sure, It's better prepare than sorry. Did you bring your electric-lipstick?"

"Yes, I have it." I put my purse bag in a sling. "I'll be fine Alice," I placed her back to her dock.

I was heading to the door with my keys jingling in my hand when I heard her say,

"Good luck Quinn, break a leg. Kick their butt if you have to, just don't let them see your slit, you're still vulnerable for me."

I glanced back at her then smiled confusingly. "Thanks." I closed the door, musing if the sentences she just said fit for my venture. "Where in the world did she learn those things?"

I should not let her ramble in entertainment channel and limits her surfing the internet.

I took a cab taking me to the lower west side Manhattan. The taxi halted in front of a commercial building, a hair boutique and salon. I climbed out after paying the driver.

I walked in, hesitantly peering to the saloon. I searched for anyone to ask, there was a receptionist wearing black satin dress.

"Hi, I'm Hailey Danvers. I called last Thursday and Meriam told me to come. Is she in here?"

She smiled at me and gestured to the inner room. "Go straight then take a turn on the left, there's two hallway turn to your right, second door to the left." She instructed.

"Okay," I was turning when she called out.

"What's your name again? I will just do some check. My boss need to know if you're clean."

"What?" I was surprised.

"Just some background check Miss. Do you have any ID?"

"I--I have my passport but I left it in my apartment. Is that really necessary?"

"Yes, it's a protocol. Well, since you're Frida's recommendation maybe I'll give you a slack. Please proceed now, Miss.."

"Hailey Danvers." I repeated, wishing that Ziggy made a foolproof falsified documents for my fake identity.

"Hailey, I'm Dianne." She smiled then nuanced her hand, "Go now, Ms. Meriam is waiting for you." She was holding the phone.

I nodded and headed to the direction she gave me. I found myself staring at the big, glamorous, pink and beige painted walls adorned by gilded circa and rococo. It was surrounded by plushy lounge sofa with velvet red upholstered cushion and golden rimmed back supports. It counterparts with glass top, black wrought iron table resting in the center. Giant chandelier rested on top with glistening diamonds and crystals. I managed to navigate my way to the office in the west corner and knocked on its glossy lacquered, dark redwood door.

"Come in," I heard the voice of a lady.

I opened the door and got in soundlessly.

"You must be Hailey, right?"

"Ahm, yeah." I said quietly going to her table. I stood there waiting for affirmation.

She was tall, though she was sitting. Her copper head was neatly done in a slick bun. Her face was flawless from freckles or fine lines, her honey-colored hazel eyes piercing on me, scrutinizing me from head to toe checking my whole body. Her thin, red stained lips pursed in a bit and momentarily smiled then she finally stood, showing me her whole self.

She's Caucasian, probably five feet and nine inches, slender with elongated legs. She wore Dior in her prim lady suit and pink peplum, I noticed and she has a tattoo in her right palm.

"Can you turn around? take off your jacket honey." She instructed.

I did what she said and waited for her approval.

She placed her thumb on her chin. "Put your hair down, and there," she walked towards me and corrected me in every angle.

"You're perfect! Good thing I have enough dresses for you to choose from. God! Where did Frida find you?" She exclaimed turning me into different places, playing at me like a damn mannequin.

"Ahmm, are we done?" I tried to hide my annoyance.

"I have to dress you up and retouch your face, but I guess your make up is just enough. I'll send a stylist, hair and make up artists and maybe we can go straight to Ryder's."

"Where?"

She didn't answer me and pulled my arm dragging me out of her office.

"Ah, Meriam right? Can you tell where is that place?"

She didn't hear me, she was busy hurling me back to the hall taking me into a room, clapping her hands which made the people came in running out of nowhere. The last thing I know, I was surrounded by lesbian, homo and few girls.

"Make her look stunning Emma. Georgie, take the dresses, I want to see if it will fit on her." Meriam demanded.

"Lindsay, make her hair shiny and style the way it will compliment to the dress, Macky, go and find her the perfect shoes, bring all of them to let me decide what she would wear, everyone listen. Our client pay for a generous price, let's make him happy this night alright?" She continued.

"Okay," everyone said.

I was just there, standing and let them talk in front of me like a third person.

"Take off your clothes dear so we can start." The lady in blunt bob hair said nonchalantly.

"As in here?" I was stunned, confused and relatively speechless.

"Yes, here. C'mon dear, we have limited time only. The party starts at exact ten o'clock." The gay man said.

"Ah, o-okay.." I uttered in perturb manner and reluctance. "Can I keep my undies?"

"No, take off your bra and your panty." Meriam countered.

My jaw dropped. Look what did you do to yourself, Quinn. Just great.

"Maybe leave the underwear, she's a novice, just give her an extra lube and protection. This is your first time dear?" The gay man asked. Of all of them, he was the only one talking and Meriam.

Everyone was on silence, doing their tasks respectively.

"Ah,...yes." I managed, hiding my quivering. Damn, I'm not prepare for this!

"Okay, ready? Take it off." He said.

I gingerly took off my top, then my fitted skirt. I let them see through my nakedness. They also instructed to take my boots off.

I never heard them say anything but they kept on playing on me like a Barbie doll, dressing up, then dressing down. At last, the head of them, Meriam decided to keep my two pieces emerald body fitted dress, brassiere top with string lace back detail and body hugging knee length skirt matching to my satin peep toe pumps in three inches. They donned me jewelries, diamond ear bobs, a diamond choker hanging on my neck chucking out my leather choker and silver necklace. My hair was glossy and put in a messy bun.

It's a waste of time to scratch and put another make up so, what they did was they just intensified it with caking me with tons of foundation, mascara and liners which made me look a different person.

I gasped as I saw myself in front of the full body mirror. I couldn't believe I will look like this.

"Gorgeous! I love it. Everyone done a great job!" Meriam shouted gleefully.

Everyone agreed, clapping their hands.

"Look at that, you really are beautiful. I'm sure our client will be surprise," the gay man said taking pride on me.

"Oh...thanks," I didn't know what to say.

I looked like a celebrity model of haute couture dress.

"I agree, now, let's roll out." Meriam motioned me to follow her.

I followed her when I remembered my earpiece that I quickly took off and put it inside my purse bag. I immediately searched for my things.

"Where's my personal belongings?" I asked not in particular.

"I put it in the paper bag, don't worry, you will retrieve them tomorrow morning." The gay man informed.

"I need my bag, my phone is in there." I said calmly.

"You wouldn't need that," Meriam snapped her fingers. "Emma,"

The lady in bob cut hair materialized behind us. "Madam,"

"Give her the protection kit."

A moment later, she came back with a gold clutch. I took it and looked what's inside. My eyes popped out. It has a pack of lubricant and condoms! "Oh God!" I muttered under my breath.

"We have to hurry, carpool will be in five minutes." Meriam urged me to walk.

"Wait please, I just need to get my phone... Please let me have my bag just for a sec." I pleaded while they were dragging me out of the saloon.

"You would have to forget about your link outside, relax dear, you'll have them back tomorrow." She pushed me to go further.

I wanted to go back, get my things and maybe get out of here but I have no choice.

Two men in suits escorted us. A moment later, a black limo stopped in front of us. Meriam led me towards the car. The driver opened the door for us. We sat inside with the two men on the other side of the seat across, intimidating me in a way.

I was edgy and unease. I fidgeting my hand trying to figure out how to break this down. Think Quinn, Think!

We reached a hotel-like building with fancy lights and rich embellishments. I tried to see behind the heavy tinted windshield, just to make me calm down. I am weaponless, I don't have my gadget in case thing gets tough.

I inhaled and breathed out shaking up my tensed nerve. Okay Quinn, you can do this. You've been in this situation before. You can get out of this.

"We're here, we need to get you inside before the selection." She tugged my arm to get out of the car.

So I did, reluctantly. I don't know what awaits me inside but I have to be brave, I'd made this far, there's no turning back now.

"Good luck, I hope you'll be chosen." Meriam said as we got in to the lobby. The men escorted me further while Meriam was talking to a man in clean cut suit, brushed up black hair not to mention, shiny as f**k like his polished black shoes. He whispered something on her and gently tugged her to the other side.

I craned my neck just to hear their conversation but the man escort pushed me to just walk.

I glared at him but I didn't argue. I made it to the big, blindingly stunning ballroom hall with several chandeliers hanging on the high, intricately decorated ceiling. There was a grand winding, two way staircase in the center which overly adorned with gilded circa in gold. The stairs step laid with red velvet carpet with fine lining of gold. The other plush furniture resided in every corner, lounge seats, settees, ottoman even the tables around were in the same fashion. A rich Victorian seats sat above in the balcony around the upper floor the same with the one below.

Everyone dressed so damn well, cultured and polished. The men were in their handsome suits; tuxedos, three pieces suits in variant of colors but most of the dominating one was black. The ladies too, they were dressed overly abundant with colors and style. It even hurt my neck to crane back at them as I was going into a hallway. The arcades and walls were also a master piece alike. Decorated in very rich influence of Baroque style.

I have to hold my jaw from dropping from the floor. What the f**k! Is this the place I will work?

We finally reached the far end of the west wing. The men on my left opened the double door then motioned his head for me to go inside. When I didn't get him, he gave me a nudge on my back. "Get in,"

"Okay! you don't have to push me." I said in chagrin.

There, I met several eyes from the ladies that been talking and laughing when we came in. The men on my left stepped forward.

"This is the new recruit, be nice to her. Boss don't want any fuss in anyone of you."

"Okay," the ladies answered showing their obvious disinterest.

The men left after they gave me a warning look. So I was left there with these snouty, snickering, sneering bitches.

I went to the side observing furtively to the ladies busying themselves adding more make up on their already fixed faces. I randomly scanned them and chose to seat in the sitting chairs. Everyone were dressed in nice evening cocktail dresses, some even provocative.

"Hey, what's your name? I'm Emily." The girl with brunette hair blurted in my side. Wearing a navy blue appliqué dress.

"Hi, I'm Hailey."

"Everyone is so ecstatic. The royals are here, we will have the chance to see them, aren't you excited?" The blonde one said placing her hand on her breast. Her dressed was good, complimenting her fair complexion, it's just that it shows all her hidden treasure. I mean, her deep cleavage, her bikini line. Oh well, it's a brothel anyway.

Nobody care's about appropriate and proper.

"I know right! I wish to bed the Emperor, they said he's a master of seduction, every girls he slept with keep on wanting for more." The one in red dress with overly caking make up on, professed enthusiastically.

"I like the Earl of Clover, he's hot and I heard he was a jockey. I believe he ride horses too, I wonder what it feels like if he rides on me." The other girl with cute pink dress cut in, doing a demo of her fantasy. "Ah, ah ah ah!"

"Snap it Denise! He will not pick you. You're a lousy lap dog." The girl in black dabbed her in the butt, laughing.

"I wish James is still single. So sad he married last year." The lady facing the mirror said making everyone sighed.

"Yeah, from the bunch, he's the nice guy." The other girl next to the first agreed.

"Is anyone knows the Duke where about? I heard he's dating a normal girl." The girl behind me snorted unladylike.

"Yeah, that's common knowledge Greta. Here's the latest, do you have any idea who's he's dating?"

That caught their attention. "Who?"

"The daughter of a former escort lady."

"Really?!"

I lost on their conversation. I shook my head and tried to find an isolated place from them. Emily seemed to notice my discomfort and followed me. The room, however, was huge and have many doors for sleeping quarters I guessed. I chose to lean on the white painted wall and sighed.

"Are you nervous? Having a cold feet?" She asked.

I glanced at her but I didn't answer.

"Well, everybody experience that when we were first brought here. It's normal." She gave a genuine, friendly smile.

I faced her with serious look. "How did you end up here, Emily?"

She wasn't expecting that but she smiled. "I was a vagabond, from old orphanage. I once lived in the street, met bad guys and did something.." She shrugged off. "When Black Widow approached me, I was on the brink of despair. I tried to kill myself once but I realized that I shouldn't give up my life yet when I can do something about it. I was r***d for so many times. I got used to it, being abused and being used and when this opportunity came in front of me, I decided to accept it. I have nothing to loose anyway. But when I got here, things changed."

She put a hand on my shoulder and pensively looked at me. "When I first met my client, he asked me the same question. The club don't prohibit that but you must have intercourse first. When we were done, he asked why I had so many bruises. I told him and he listened. One day I found out from one of my friends that the guy who abused and r***d me was found dead. I don't know what he did to him but I was so relieved. I didn't care if it was wrong to wish him dead after all he had done to me. But one thing is for sure, I finally got my justice. They guy I slept with was James Patterson Jr. A highly appraised and successful lawyer."

"James you mean the guy who become the district attorney?!"

She nodded her head. "Unfortunately, he's married now and already have a kid. I'm not remorseful in fact, I'm happy for him. He's one of the nice and gentle guy I met here."

I was shocked by this reveling confession and new facts slapping on my face. "So you mean to say that the James that we're talking about is the guy that they..."

She nodded again. "Celebrities, showbiz or political personalities alike, they all go here. Sometimes the whole place is jam-pack with Hollywood stars and music artists. It's an exclusive club. Membership is too high and made for affluent and influential people."

"Alright, so what's the name of this club?"

She stared at me nonplus. "You don't know? Meriam didn't tell you?"

That was the moment I shook my head.

"It's the popular Ryder's club. And this is their New York chapter. The Golden Palace. You don't really have any idea?"

"Nothing at all."

"Oh, that's...unusual, they always give a short briefing for the novice like you."

I was a little confused too, bewildered in an unusual level. "Can I ask why do you have to give a legal ID to them? Is that really necessary?"

"Oh. Probably it's because of the recent incident. I understand now." She was composing riddle adding to my confusion.

"What incident?"

She sidled to her left and to her right then pushed me gently to the inner section of the hall. "I just heard it from one of the men, Black Widow's body guard. He said that FBI tried to plant a mole to bust her secret organization and stop her illegal operation, s*x trade and human trafficking sort like that. So they were alarmed, take a careful measures, doing back check to the new recruits for, you know, to prevent hiring a special agent on the cover. So that maybe the reason why they ask for your legal ID."

I nodded, finally understanding the situation. "That figures," Then another question bugs me. "Did Black Widow owns you––I mean us girls here? Is she the only one producing and hiring girls for this club?"

"No, they have other competitors. I think they are three others, only Black Widow have the best girls. She's treated here as a celebrity too. It's not the only club that she supply with girls, she have other more clubs and brothel house. They said she was handled and protected by mafia too, that's why she have many body guards."

"Oh," it was all I could say. Damn, if Alice got this, she will jump into the task of profiling people and Black Widow is on top of the list. I have to investigate more. Something tells me, I was on the edge of something. There's something fishy about this guy.

"Hey bitches! Line up now! The selection will about to start." A shrilly voice from a man, probably gay person disturbed our private conversation.

Emily tugged me out of the hall where we were hiding and started to scramble in hysteric group of women, shouting for excitement or just being hysterical. They were hushed by the guy who called us, chiding them to calm down. Emily and I were in the same row. They guy checked us out as if doing a mental roll call.

"You," I stopped in front of me and pointed me out.

"Me?"

"Yes you. And you, and you and you and you and you. Come with me." He said, pointing on other girls behind me.

"Why do the newbies always have to be the first to showcase? How about us, old timer?"

"Shut up, Greta! You're not the one who should decide." He cut the girl waspishly. "Besides, your p***y smell like fish sauce, try to soap that up so you can have a client."

The girl blushed in embarrassment and anger which send every girls except me and Emily, suddenly snickering.

"Everyone I call on, proceed,"

He marched down leading us out of the room. I looked back at Emily who was not pick and was left behind. She gave me an encouraging smile. I gave out a heavy depressive sigh.

Mom, help me.

‡Will Castillo ‡

I yawned deliberately showing my sheer boredom and weariness to this occasion. If I wasn't a member of this club, I shouldn't be here. But traditions are not made for religious belief and cliché for nothing complimentary. Here, every night is a celebration and every rare gatherings of the pioneer members and new acquaintance is much even more special. I glanced from my top view the people below me. I was sitting in the balcony, west side from the center. Our master of honor was not present and nowhere to be found. I heard from other members that he was on the run screwing a typical city girl. Luke Ross Valderwick is a notorious playboy, sadistic lover and unforgiving bastard. Just like me.

His brother, own the throne in the center as the Royal's head and considered royalty both here and in business. Kaiser is one of the most influential member of this club so far and no one, try to dethrone him in his seat.

At least for now, wait till I get my hands back to my dad's ill handled company. In his side, was my cousin's seat. The right hand of the king. Bastard.

I sprawled my legs, stretching up for a while. I think I need some action tonight. I took the cue cards from the table. I scanned one by one the candidates. Something flashed some recognition when I looked at the girl in rich beryl gown. Wait a minute...

"Sir, are you going to bid tonight?"

The old wicked smile of the acting host flashed on me as I gazed on him.

"Yeah, sure." I stood up. Juggling the card with my bet on it. The one with the emerald body fitted dress.

A/N

This is the first time that I put an Author's note and I will use this worth your while. As you can see, I input some familiar names and places here. The Ryder's club, the Golden Palace and the Royals which actually my other characters in my other works. Does Temporary Bliss sounds familiar?

(P.S. to whom who had read it which I'm totally grateful, it will not be so long explanation but to whom who don't, then you're free to read it. It's just one shot. Meet Luke there, oh my God! I used Alex Pettyfer there too which also in this story portraying Ash Castillo. How ironic. So I have to chuck Luke's character out of the picture. It's also a teaser to my impending story like If I will write a full story about Luke, his brother Kaiser and his other buddies and what will happen to the love triangle that will lead into a perfect disaster. I said long enough.)

Will they be involved in this story?

No.

It's just a short passage but I can't say yet. Maybe in the future. I'm a self proclaimed impulsive writer. I write on my impulse and if ideas come in mind, I write it down so it won't slip away. You can see the evidence in my other works which still on hold.

Secondly, why do it seems familiar with Billion Dollar Girl written by hisracingheat?

It's a fanfiction so. Don't be confused. I'm just her avid fan. I happened to read her story back in 2017 if I'm not mistaken. She ridiculously made 44 chapters with a lot of cliffhangers and anticlimactic scenes. Though I really love her characters but the way she construct the story kinda triggered my impulse to write a fanfic story to somehow subjugate her characters and hopefully, deliver a nice rendition. I mean, I love Ash and Ella but for God's sake! They're still playing cat and mouse. Although in late few chapters that shows a slow development, it finally cut down to chapter 44 which leaves me hanging...like WTF?! No more ud. So I dropped by to her account and learned why. To cut it short, I want to continue her work, introducing her characters in new form. Though I'm not saying I'm much better than her but I just want to share my frustration about her story long time overdue. And I sympathize to what happen to her. Nobody deserve that.

Anyways, I already said it. It's just a fan fiction. If you don't like it, don't read it. If you're a frustrated fan of her like me, free to read it and criticize it. I wouldn't mind. And if you're generous enough, vote and leave comments. I will value your opinions respectively.

Vomments!!!

Yuck! It sounds ridiculous in my tongue..

Nightxshade