The Obsidian Debt

The energy buzzed in this club. I hated this type of place. I worked in the shadows. I didn't club, I didn't party. I did what I had to do to make as much money as I could. Tonight, that meant meeting with Caim Vane. Although he wanted to remain anonymous, I know everyone in this city. My safety depends on me knowing every detail of every job I do. My job is to clean the scene, nothing more. So tonight, I had to dress for the club in order to get in on a line of jobs that would let me retire from this type of work. Caim was brutal, being a demon fae, he was known for his unforgiving nature. So there were plenty of jobs he needed cleaning up after, and I was the best person to do it. I made my way to the VIP where we planned our meeting, not knowing what to expect. I'd never met someone like this, It's always been gritty and to the point. But I guess I needed to make a good impression if I wanted this job. When I got to the entrance, it was covered by red velvet curtains with two guards on the outside. Absolutely not. But I was the best in the business. "This is VIP, turn around and go enjoy the rest of the club," one of the guards said. Of course, they would. Why would they let someone who looked like me in? I was beautiful and I knew it, but i'd covered myself in tattoos. I was not the prim and proper type of girl you would expect Caim Vane to invite to his VIP. Did I look like a cleaner either? "Gentlemen, I've got a meeting to attend. Please reiterate to your boss that Elara is here for her meeting." I said with my back straight. Men drove me crazy. Just let me f*****g be, and let me get to my meeting. "How does someone like you get a meeting with the boss?" the bigger, burly one said. "How do you not know how to mind your f*****g business?" I said back with a smile, making the other guard chuckle in the process. "Listen, girl. I won't tolerate the bullshit. Why are you..." he was cut off. "Gentlemen, are we holding my guest up? I'm growing impatient," Caim said eyeing the guards. "Sir, we were just making sure you'd be safe. We didn't want to let someone in who wasn't supposed to be in there," the bigger one said. "I'm sure a direct question to myself would have been sufficient," he said "I will take my company, thank you gentlemen." I followed Caim past the two guards and made my way into his VIP, His hand found the small of my back and I froze at the sudden contact. Yes, he was trying to be a gentleman, but no one touched me unless I asked for it. I shifted uncomfortably and made my way to the table in the corner. "So, let's talk business," I said. "Hold on, now." he said "Let's do this properly. We can discuss business over drinks." he smiled a wicked smile. I know what type of person Caim Vane was. He was not a good man, but damn was he charming. "Drinks aren't necessary, I'm sure you're a busy man," I said. "Extremely busy, but not to busy to treat a lady like yourself to a drink," he said. A lady? He's hiring me to clean up his failed "business transactions", I'm the furthest thing from a lady. "I'm no lady, simply looking for a job." I said. "My mother taught me to make people comfortable while talking business. Please, accept a drink and we can discuss business." he said with finality. "Okay, of course. One drink will be fine." I said, understanding he was not asking. "Briliant," he said smiling. He called the bottle girl over and ordered us two drinks. The asshole didn't even ask what I wanted. Fine, whatever. I didn't plan on drinking anyway, I just didn't want to end up on his bad side. The bottle girl came back with the two drinks. I knew what it was without even asking. He ordered nightshade sours, of course he ordered the strongest drinks you can order. I never drink so this is going to be fun. "For the lady," he says passing me my drink "Now, here is my proposal. I've heard plenty of good things about your work. I need help in your department confidentially. My last cleaner will be joining the to be cleaned." he said. The 'to be cleaned'. He plans to kill his last cleaner. Lovely, he seriously means business. "I don't tolerate nonsense, this will be a full-time job. Not only for my 'messes' but my associated messes." he said while ordering two more drinks. Damn, had I already drunk the whole drink? Elara, you don't drink, calm down. It's just a job opportunity, I mentally scolded myself. He continued on telling me my job description, going into detail about what I would be required to do. I listened with open ears while he continued talking and ordering us drinks. I was already borderline drunk, and he looked like the liquor wasn't even touching him. "You know what?" I said with heavy eyelids. "I think I'm a perfect fit for this job, I also think I could be a perfect fit for something else as well." I said, my eyes roaming to his crotch and back up. I couldn't help the laugh that came out just as I looked back in his face. What kind of pickup line was that? Why am I hitting on this man? "Oh yeah? Are you insinuating what I think you are? Because with that face and that body, I would gladly take you up on that offer," he said reaching across the table for my hand. He grabbed my hand and placed a kiss on the top of it. Am I really doing this? Absolutely. Alcohol says yes you are, regrets can happen tomorrow. It's been months since I've been laid, and this man is beautiful. Why not? "I absolutely am." I said. The alcohol gave me the bravery I definitely didn't have a couple of hours ago when I first got here.