LOVE IN CROSSFIRE

NEW LIFE, NEW DEMONS

After checking the whole house, I returned to the room and found a note on the table. It was a number written on it. With shaken hands, I picked up my phone to dial the number.

“Hello?” My voice was desperate.

“Hey, beautiful.” A familiar voice answered.

“Cal?” I said.

He didn't respond. He just continued, “Drop your account details. I'm with my boss right now, so there's no time to talk. Drop my key by the flower. Save my number and I'll see you at the club tonight.” He hung up before I could say anything.

Cal. I knew it was his voice.

I texted my account details immediately, and waited for a response that didn't come. I was desperate for the pay, but I decided to take a chill pill. I rushed into the bathroom to have my bath. My body reeked of dried c*m, spit and obviously — shame. I wished the water would wash off my shame like it washed off the dirt on my body.

When I got out of the shower, I realized my dress was messed up. I picked up my phone, and debated if I should call Cal to beg for clothes. That's when the alert came in.

I couldn't believe my eyes… I got a credit alert of two hundred dollars. I'd never had such money in a single day.

I just checked out Cal's wardrobe, picked a pair of jeans and a plain T-shirt, and got out of the house.

I locked the door, and left the key by the flowers as directed. I had a class by noon, and I had to get to it.

When I got home, I found Bella and Corey sitting in the living room.

“Sis, where have you been?” Corey asked, his voice was filled with worry.

I collapsed on the sofa. “That's a way to say Good Morning to me right?”

Corey smiled, his expression softened. “No. I'm sorry. I was just worried about you.”

I forced a smile, but deep down guilt was killing me. My sick brother was worried about me but I was out there, doing the unthinkable.

“I'm good. I've got to freshen up and go to school.” I said. I walked to my room and Bella followed me.

Her ears were itching to hear the whole story. She clapped like I'd won a golden medal

Bella almost flared up when I told her that I was going to Coldstone again that evening. With the money I saw, I had thoughts of going there everyday too.

“Aurora, you cannot make this an everyday thing. I do this just twice a week, most times just once. You have law school, you have Corey…”

“That's you, Bella.” I cut in, “This is me. I'll balance all of this. I'll do it well and I won't flop my academics in the process.”

She heaved a long sigh, shaking her head. She knew I'd made my decision.

I had plans already for the money I had received and the ones that were yet to come. I planned to pay the house rent on time, stack enough money for Corey's medications so that we don't have to be found wanting, and keep enough cash for my next semester fees. That was how I justified it.

Days passed, and it was a week, then two weeks and going. On good days, I went home with clients that paid handsomely— all thanks to Cal. Other days, I went home with nothing, but I had the three guys who became my friends — Cal, Michael, and Nolan, and they always made my night worth it. They were like another part of my family, or maybe tools I used to silence my demons.

****

One beautiful night, I was in my feelings at home. It was Coldstone O'clock. The weight of the memories I had made me gloomy. Bastian's face was all in head. I hated him for leaving me, but I hated myself more for letting memories of him break me.

My phone buzzed. It was a message from Bella.

BELLA: Coldstone’s packed tonight. There are super good clients. Don’t stay home and sulk, Bastian can't match up to the money and satisfaction you'll get tonight.

I smirked, and shook my head as if shaking off all my problems. I slipped into a black sexy dress, with a black leather jacket, the one that made me feel untouchable. I looked at myself in the mirror, but the girl who stared back wasn’t a disciplined law student anymore. She was different. I was Aurora Coolman by day. By night… I was someone I couldn't even recognize.

While at the club, after waiting for a while I didn't have a client. Well, maybe I did— but the guy left before I could even agree to follow him home. That was so weird but I didn't have a problem.

I was making good money, and if I couldn't make money tonight, I'd still satisfy my cravings with Cal, Michael, and Nolan. I didn't believe that this was my new normal.

I was still drinking when Cal came to me, “Hey.”

I smiled. “What's up? What time are we heading home out?

He hesitated for a while. It made my heart skip.

“What’s wrong, Cal?”

He cleared his throat and said, “You actually have a client.”

My face lit up. He never failed me. “Really? Where?”

“He's in the special room. We have a room in the underfloor, that's where you both will be staying.”

“Special client, huh?!” I teased, and nudged his shoulder.

As usual, Bella had already gotten her client for the night and she was probably having a good time as usual.

“He'll come meet you soon,” Cal said, as he stood up and walked away.

It was funny though. Cal was acting too formal but I didn't care, I just needed to be satisfied — my demons were already calling.

A guy walked up to me with black pants, a leather jacket, cowboy shoes, and a shade to cover his eyes. He took a bar stool next to me. I almost forgot how to breathe when he took off his shades.

He had golden eyes. Not brown, not hazel — It was f*cking gold.

“Hey.” he said softly.

“Hey.” I answered boldly, trying to hide my shyness.

“You haven't been in the club long, I noticed.” He said.

I took a sip of my drink, and narrowed my gaze at him, “Do I have to start watching my back? Seems you've been watching me.”

“I've not been watching you specifically, my dear. I've just got my eyes on any soul that gets into this club. It's probably something I do for fun” He said.

“Impressive! Is that in your job description?”

He smirked. He didn't respond to that. He just switched on his phone, and the time was already past two.

“I think we should go into the business of the night. My demons are calling.” He said.

The word hit me hard. I wanted to make sure he used the words demons too, but I couldn't ask.

I got up and some security guards led us out of the main club to the underfloor.

When we got to the room, they opened the door for both of us and left us there. The room looked expensive.

He sat on the bed, while he fell on the couch unbuttoning his shirt. “Aurora Coolman.”

I froze, “Impressive!!! Tell me more about myself that I don't know.”

He smiled, “I didn't say I know more. I only know your name and everything you have associated with the club.”

I scoffed. This man was pretty weird though.

“You're not gon' ask about my name?” He asked.

“Is that necessary? If there's anything I want to know, it should probably be about the pay” I threw back and took my shoes off.

“Damian. That's my name. And for your pay, it depends on how much you calm my demons.”

This guy was naughty, wasn't he?

It interested me that he used the word demons too for his cravings. But mine was different, it wasn't just a craving, it was an addiction — one I couldn't explain.

“Nice name though.” I said calmly.

“As nice as my demons.” He said.

At that point, I was wondering if he really had demons— real demons.

As if he read my thoughts, “Everyone has these demons, baby”

When I tried to take off my jacket , he held my hands stopping me. “No darling, don't bore my demons. I should do that.”

Slowly and intentional, he took off my jacket.

“Why do you think my name is not necessary, señorita Aurora?” He said, his voice more like a mockery in my ear.

This guy was really something.

“Damian, you're….”

“Say it again. Say my name again. I like the way you say it.” He interrupted.

This guy was indeed strange. I was starting to believe he truly had demons.

He took down the strap of my dress slowly and slowly. Then he said, “Just let me know how your demons would want to be pleasured, I'll meet it at the points of its needs.

He kissed my shoulder, then kissed his way up my ears and whispered, “I'm in charge now, Aurora.”

For the first time, I couldn't place who was in control. My demons or his?