LOVE IN CROSSFIRE

THE STRUGGLE

AURORA'S POV

Was I hurt by everyone? Yes!

Was I in a bad place? Yes!

Would I ever call my father? Never!

While people rehearsed the scriptures, I rehearsed these three facts to myself every day after my breakup with Bastian.

I needed to survive, especially without Bastian and Bella was showing the only way possible at the time. My head was spinning as I followed Bella through the haze of perfume and neon lights. I didn't want to be there. I knew that I didn't belong there.

Places like Coldstone Club weren't my world. It was the biggest club in the Bronx, New York City. It was clearly Bella's world — strange men, alcohol, fast money. She called it survival — I called it sin.

Before we got to the club that night, it took my rivers of thoughts to agree to it. Bella convinced me with all the necessary reasons. “What's there to lose?” She asked.

I thought of it. Corey's medications had to be bought; he might need surgery soon, too. Law school wasn't free, my house rent and electricity bills will definitely not smile at me once it was due. Worst of all, I had demons that didn't like to stay quiet for so long.

There was so much to lose if I didn't follow Bella.

I was trying to fit in, but my chest was pounding — the music throbbed hard. It felt easy for Bella, she was swinging her waist and screaming at the top of her voice. She wore a sexy red dress that accentuated her curves. I could bet any guy would want to take her home.

Bella glanced over her shoulder, flashing a grin at me. “Loosen up, girl. Nobody bites around here.”

Before I could blink five times, Bella was heading to the VIP section with a guy who looked like he could buy the whole club.

I was pissed at mine, but there was obviously nothing I could do. I juggled my way to the bar and took a seat. The bartender slid a shot glass my way. I didn't ask what it was, I just drank. The liquid burned its way down my throat. It was a good feeling, but I liked it.

For a moment, I thought of leaving before I made a mistake I couldn't undo. But then, the crowd parted, and a young, cute guy was walking towards me.

He was tall, with broad shoulders. He wore a shirt that clung to his muscles in all the right places. His eyes were locked on mine, like I was already his.

“Hey, beautiful.” He said. His voice was soft and calm, “You look lost.”

Lost was just one of the many ways I looked.

“I'm Cal.” He added, sliding into the barstool next to mine. “I work here.”

I raised a brow and turned to look at the bar. “You work here?”

He chuckled, “Not behind the bars. Let's just say, I… ensure people have a good time.in ”

Well, I wanted to have a good time. But I didn't know if I wanted to stay there and talk to this cute guy. I wanted to walk away, but I heard myself say, “Aurora.”

He smiled, as if he'd heard the name before. “Beautiful name for a beautiful lady. Suits you.”

He gave the bartender an eye, and there were two shots in front of us in a matter of seconds.

“I don't drink a lot.”

“Just one isn't too much, my lady.” He said with a smile.

I took it. I was still battling with the thoughts of staying or going back home. Corey was alone at home, and my books would appreciate that I was spending time with them rather than in a club.

“So…” Cal leaned in, “What brings a hot girl to Coldstone on a night like this?”

I looked at him in silence for a while, and I wondered if I should tell him why exactly I was there. I almost told him the truth. That my life was falling apart. That my father ruined my life, got my mother killed, and I have to survive away from him. My heart needed repair more than my brother's heart needed surgery. That I needed money more than my pride and ego. And that I was trying hard to drown the cravings I hated, but couldn't help.

I shrugged, “I just needed a distraction.”

“Then you're at the right place.” Cal said with a smile.

He gazed at me without saying anything. It looked like he was studying me for a while. Then he said, “You don't belong here.”

Finally! Someone who could see through me.

“But I can help you.” He said.

“Can you help me?”

“Yes, my lady. I'll do something for you because I just like you. You'll come in with me, I'll pay you but I won't always pay you. I'll always get you a good client every night. How about that?” He asked.

Just when I thought he could feel my pain.

That was crazy though, but I thought, maybe it wasn't a bad idea. “That's fine,” I said without thinking about it.

“You can come with me, Aurora.” He said.

That was when it clicked. He wanted to go into him for the night, meaning he would be my first client. I wasn't ready for this sin, but the thoughts of my life without Bastian, and the sounds of my demons crying convinced me. Then I heard myself ask, “How much?”

He smiled softly, “Enough to make tonight worth it.”

My brain and my mind was screaming No. But my body was screaming, and the thoughts of the money I was going to make made me stay.

I hated myself for believing that this was the only option. I hated Bella for bringing me here. And I hated Cal for making it easy.

He held out his hands, “Follow me.”

I reached for his hands. My heart was beating faster than normal. I knew it was time. This was the line between the girl I was, and the lady I was turning into.

Cal's hands were cold and soft, and I liked the way he held my hands in his. I told myself I shouldn't like it, but my body betrayed me — it was breathless, restless and waiting to be touched. Those were my demons, and I hated them.

Cal led me out of the club like I belonged him. Maybe I'm the moment, I did.

We got to his car, it wasn't as flashy as I'd expected. It was black and clean. He said his house was ten blocks away. Ten blocks was enough for me to change my mind.

I sat in the passengers seat with my thighs pressed together. My cravings, or maybe my demons were telling me to accept whatever was going to happen. But there was another voice reminding me that it wasn't too late to turn back.

Cal looked at me with a smirk, “Chill. You'll get exactly what you want.” Like I was some thirsty b*tch. Well, maybe I was.

By the time we got to his house, my body was shaking within. I wanted to be numb, to stop the ache.

But the moment we walked into his living room, my heart sank.

They were two other men on the couch.