Horned Angel

Chapter 2: This Is Gonna Be Fun

~ Marlaysha

It had been 2 days since the video started circulating online and it had over 130k views. I've been rewatching it, paying close attention and even slowing it down. The only good thing is that a guy stepped in front of the camera during the assault so no one could see my face.

"Can you stop watching that video and finish my hair please? No one saw you so stop stressing. If I knew you would act like this wouldn't had brought it to your attention." Mari said while threading a needle. She spent the last 2 days at my house helping me pull myself together and after the argument with Hakeem plus the video going around, I couldn't bring myself to get out of bed. But tonight she's encouraging me to go back to the club, after all the bills won't pay themselves. I came out of the kitchen carrying two mugs of coffee and placed them on the table.

"You know, after watching that video as much as I did, I swear I know who that girl with the red hair is." I said. "I know I've seen her before but everything moves too fast to really see who it is."

I took a track and started sewing it to the back of her cap. One thing Omari and I had in common is always trying new things so this time she wanted a blonde/brown 30" sew in and was willing to let me practice on her. I've been taking classes at Rockwell Beauty College after giving up on my dreams of becoming a school teacher. The economy had gotten so bad I doubted finding a well paying teaching job, but one thing I do know is that every girl wants to look her best no matter what and will pay a good price to achieve it.

"You're lucky I wasn't out there when it happened or that b***h would've gotten beat down." She chuckled to herself while taking a long sip from one of the mugs. "And you know what else? You and Shayla been arguing a lot lately."

I rolled my eyes and concentrated on the next track reaching the very top of her head. "Yeah so?" I said confused.

Mari sat her cup down and turned to face me. Her eyes are a deep green with brown specks, which she inherited from her dad. Given that her mom is black with dark brown eyes and her dad is white, she has a lot of different features about her, from her tan skin to her wide hips. Her eyes resemble Emeralds so it's easy to get trapped in her gaze.

"Soooo.. You don't think Shay was trying to set you up?"

There was a silence for a few seconds while we exchanged looks from each other. I wasn't quite understanding where she was going with this but I was willing to hear her out. "Go on."

She excitedly turned back around. "Okay so boom, y'all been arguing a lot and she's always telling you not to leave the club because you bring in the big spenders. So it's not hard to believe she wouldn't have one of her homies try to take you down. If we're being real, there's a possibility that if everyone knew your identity it would hurt your chances of being hired professionally after school. Or at least that's what Shay thinks."

I had to admit she actually has a point. But if Shay had it in her to be spiteful I at least thought she would try to take me down herself. "You make sense but I feel like Shay the type to handle her own dirty work, she needs me at that club or else she probably wouldn't be able to make rent." I said while smiling to myself. I started applying hair spray to complete the look when a thought hit me "Or maybe one of the girls she tried to run up on me with in the dressing room had a problem and rushed me on stage!"

Mari clapped her hands as if to say congratulations, now you're getting it. It all made sense but I just couldn't find it in me to make a villain out of Shay, after all she did help me get to the bag.

"Alright I'm done." I said while I started cleaning up around the work station. I was a terrible neat freak and had been that way my whole life, I couldn't just leave things where they are and get to them later, I have to clean up right away or else it'll bug me. Mari went over to the full body mirror on the living room wall and studied her reflection. I watched as she ran her fingers through her hair and caught her smiling out the corner of my eye. "Omggg, my hair is so beautiful! You can't even tell that this isn't my real hair." I lifted my head as if I was unaware to give a nonchalant response. "Oh you like it? Thank you girl." I loved receiving compliments but I didn't want to seem as if I was fishing for them.

She focused on her reflection again and started taking pictures while I continued to clean.

"You can really go somewhere with this hair thing. After all this time I can tell you've really evolved as a hair stylist and I should be paying you at this point. But I'm not doing that." She said jokingly and looked at me out the corner of her eye with a smirk. "Yeah whatever." I said chuckling at her childishness. She knew I would never charge her anyway. "I'm serious though, why haven't you thought about taking your talents to the club? I know you see them girls showing up with Party City wigs, you can seriously double the bag by doing their hair or at least offer hair services after you get your own salon." She urged while posing for the camera, making sure to get her butt in the photos.

I haven't thought about bringing hair services to the club before and if I actually build some clientele I could transition from a dancer to a hairstylist sooner and still make the same amount of money.

I checked my phone for the 10th time today and was greeted with a screen that had 0 calls and 0 messages. I felt a sting in my heart knowing that the one person I actually wanted to hear from didn't want to hear from me. It had been almost days and Hakeem still hadn't reach out. I tried checking my phone a few hours at a time thinking if I played it cool he would say something, but to no avail. Sometimes I wondered where the sweet man I once met had gone. He used to be so caring and understanding, checking on me all the time, taking me out to the most romantic places and indulging in fast food runs, calling them mini dates as we sat in the car. But now I'm stuck with a cheater and abuser with soul snatching s*x.... Goodness his s*x had my mind blown, it just resets my wires and make me even more foolish. It would be so much easier for me to walk away if I could just give up on who he used to be... my heart just won't let me...

I always try to act like I don't care but it bothers me that I'm not on the front of his mind as much as he's on mine. He's probably rolled up in the covers with another woman not even thinking about me. Laughing at my attempts to get a hold of him. Nonetheless, I try to push my invasive thoughts to the back of my mind and text him a third time with a simple "Hey."

I hadn't noticed I zoned out until a voice took me from my thoughts. "You okay? You look down." Mari said with a worried look on her face, I hadn't noticed she finished her photo shoot and was watching me brainstorm. I always try to keep an upbeat mood around people because I hate to talk about my true emotions, even with close friends.

"I'm fine, don't worry about it." I said miserably trying to end the conversation and took a sip of my now lukewarm coffee, the same coffee I now wished I had put more sugar in. Mari walked over to the sofa and pat the spot next to her offering me a listening ear. Reluctantly, I stop straightening up and took a seat.

"Now, tell me what's on your mind cause I can tell you're bothered. I've known you since middle school so don't pull that I'm fine s**t with me." She cradled a pillow in her arms and waited for me to speak.

"Well to be honest.... I'm not okay." I said studying my hands. Mari nodded her head for me to continue. Taking a deep breath I let it all out before my insecurities could get the best of me.

"Hakeem hasn't text me all day and I'm worried that he's hurt or may be with another girl. My minds racing right now and I just wish he liked me as much as I like... love him. At least I think it's love.... Who am I kidding, it's definitely love. I just feel so dumb chasing a man that's treating me like an option you know?" I sighed deeply and placed my face in my hands. I hated that I felt so weak over someone that could careless about me.

Suddenly, Mari took my hands into hers and looked at me with sympathetic eyes. I could tell she felt my pain and it honestly made me feel a little better knowing that someone understood.

"Love can be so dangerous LayLay." She said. "When you get a taste of it it feels better than anything you could ever imagine and takes you higher than any substance. And when it's suddenly taken away before you can kick the addiction, it becomes the worst withdrawal you could ever imagine." She said while tears formed in her eyes.

"But I also believe that sacrifices for love are completely fine.... Unless the sacrifice is you..."

We sat there for a few long seconds, so long that I didn't even feel myself breathing. Then ever so gently placing my hands down on my lap she excused herself to the bathroom down the hall to wash the tears on her face. I couldn't tell exactly why she started crying but knowing her as long as I have, I've seen her go through so much that it couldn't be just one thing.

I was at a lost for words but that last phrase she said stuck with me "unless the sacrifice is you". It was something I had never heard before, something even my own parents never took the time to tell me, but it resonated so well with my soul.

Being honest I know that I'm not ready to let go of Hakeem yet, I still have some fight left in me because I know the man I met is in there somewhere. I just have to make him see that I'm the one that he needs, that I can take him places he's only dreamed about. I know I have to wait until my heart lets go for my own sanity, but Omari's words will stick in my brain from tonight going forward. Sometimes I don't think she knows just how inspiring she can be, but I love her for it.

***

We finally made it to the club after the crying feast on the couch and word had gotten around that I would be back so the club was packed.

I decided to go with a bright red two piece, bright red thigh high lace up boots with gold laces, gold plated diamond stud earrings, gold nails with red and clear Swarovski crystals, a bright red side part blunt cut wig, and a gold plated mask (which after the other night's fiasco didn't have straps but metal clasp that could be hidden in the hair of my wig.)

Omari of course had the blonde/brown 30" sew in, all white two piece, white platform heels with silver lining, small silver hoop earrings, clear gloss lips, mink lashes and French tip acrylics.

If looks could kill we would've been dead long ago with how the girls stared in jealousy. As soon as we stepped in men were breaking their necks just to get a look.

Tonight was amateur night so we weren't allowed to dance on stage. With that being so, we went around just providing the fantasy. Men offered to buy us drinks but we immediately turned them down and kept doing our rounds giving lap dances. Never trust a drink from a stranger, it's like our number one rule.

Even with so many people requesting a dance I could tell it would be a slow night compared to when I could show case on stage and people would just throw the cash by the fist full.

After finishing another dance I saw Danny approaching me through the crowd, bumping into a few angry onlookers that were trying to get to me first and I can't lie it was pretty comical.

"Hello Ms Xxxpression, nice of you to partake in this fine establishment tonight." He said giving me the once over and a big grin. It was refreshing to be greeted by Danny because he always had a nice cologne on and it was better than smelling the mouths on the floor that were riddled with Hennessy and Newports. "Hey Danny, I'm sorry it took me so long to come back, I was really shook from the other night." I exclaimed trying to be heard over the music and screaming. Danny waved his hand around with a sour expression. "Oh girl don't worry about it, I just came to let you know that I'm glad you're here and not to surprise you or anything-" he said wiggling his eyebrows "but you have a private room request in the back."

Danny pointed to the back of the club where there was a room with a red light above it that read "Devils Den". I nervously made my way there thinking about who could be on the other side of that door. I had done a few private shows before but it was always nerve wrecking knowing it could be a weirdo on the other side.

I entered the room sexily, making sure my hips swayed and looked around. There were two light skin dudes I had definitely seen before on a different occasion being catered to buy a different dancer, but what I saw next made my heart drop.

It was a very familiar face that I had hoped to never see here, in this back room of all places.

Hakeem....

He couldn't return my text or answer my calls but he had time for strippers. My knees almost buckled at the sight of him and I fought back the need to break down and retreat. Right now was not the time for feelings it was the time for business.

Keem had on dark denim jeans with crisp white Air Force 1's, a Cuban link gold chain and a black fitted t shirt that showcased his muscles and abs. He looked so d**n good that I didn't know whether to be upset or excited for his mere presence.

His eyes roamed my body as if I would disappear if he didn't stare hard enough. Licking his lips he motioned for me to close the door and make my way to him.

Straddling his lap and staring into his soul through the eyes of my mask he said his first words to me in days. "What's your name beautiful?"

I sat there in disbelief... was he serious? Did he seriously not know who I am? He doesn't know what my body looks like? What I feel like on top of him? I know I don't have any tattoos to give a lead or wear my mask when he picks me up or drops me off but he should at least know this is me that he's talking to. But nope. He stared at me like a newborn and I could see clear as day there was no recognition and that made my heart crumble a bit more in my chest.

I said nothing and placed my finger over his lips. He grabbed my waist digging his hard on deeper into my backside through his jeans. "Okay, I see you're not a woman of many words, I can respect that. But see I've been hearing a lot about you in the streets. Nobody can seem to get enough of Ms X, so I think I wanna try you out for myself." He said sweetly.

Standing up from his lap I stood with my hands on hips shaking my head no. Just because he doesn't know who I am doesn't mean he can just ask me to sleep with him... even though we have already... whatever, the answer is no.

He laughed and sat up straight. "I don't mean s*x baby, I want you to dance for me. Show me why everybody is crazy about Ms Xxxpression. And if I like what I see, we can discuss a get together." He removed his shirt and I got a full view of just how ripped and sexy he is. His gold chain complimented his smooth dark chocolate skin. I watched as he pulled out 3 bands from his back pockets and lean back. "I'm ready when you are." He said grinning.

I couldn't believe I was about to dance for my man in all places and he didn't even know who I was. It was saddening but part of me was kind of... excited?

On a regular bases he had stopped spending much money on me because I was so giving without it, even though he runs a trap house and has disposable income. It was kind of like earning the money I deserved by giving him the best of me and having a good time while doing it. I'm comfortable getting n***d for him on a regular bases so this will be a cake walk.

Making my way to the pole I went topless and let the music that played from outside the room take over me. I twerked, spun and flipped all around that room as the 20's rained on me. I guess he got word from the other men that I accept nothing less. I gave him the best 25 mins of his life, watching him become hot and bothered and squirming on the couch with a few more to spare. Climbing back into his lap I bent my back exposing my bare chest so close to his face and letting my erect n*****s meet his gaze.

Before I could straighten my posture he had latched on to right n****e, gently sucking and nibbling with his teeth and occasionally letting his tongue flick the tip. I could've sworn I had died and gone to heaven as I let the waves of pleasure take over me while being careful not to moan. It felt like I had won the lottery getting to dance for the man I loved, showered in money, and now passionately caressed. The world could've came to an end at that very moment and nothing would've mattered to me.

His hand started to wonder down to my center when suddenly there was a knock at the door then an entrance. "Hey man your time is up, you gotta go." Said one of the bouncers. He stood there to make sure nothing else happened past the time limit Hakeem paid for.

Reluctantly standing up and putting our tops back on, Hakeem made his way towards the exit. Before he left he turned around to say one more thing. "You're one hell of dancer. Best believe I'll be back.. Ms X..." he stared at me lustfully and then disappeared while I collected my money. I couldn't believe what just happened.

***

After giving Danny his cut of the money and preparing to go home I checked my phone and saw that I had one message. It was from Hakeem.

"Aye, did you work tonight? I wanna come scoop you and give you what you been missing."

I was shocked, pissed and excitedly all at once. I couldn't believe I got him that bothered in the back room that he texted the real me to come through. But it dawned on me.. I'm dressed as Xxxpression, he can't see me like this, it will give everything away and I'm not ready to wake up from this fantasy yet. Besides if he can wait days to text me he can wait a little longer for a reply. Just then another message from him came through.

"You ignoring me? Another n***a got your attention?"

I chuckled and locked my phone. If I can bring myself to the club, I can take myself back home.

This is gonna be fun.