Hey guyyysss I'm experiencing hella burn out so I feel this one aint that good. But hope yall enjoy regardless :)

The blue dress hung just as Jasmine had described it as Cindy and her sauntered towards Grandeur club. The line to get in was thankfully not super long, which usually made Jasmine ecstatic, but this time her heart palpitated a little harder than usual.

She knew it was because she had a game to win. A game for what exactly she wasn't sure – but Huey Freeman had humiliated her for far too long. Not even his little rescue episode was enough to salvage the rest of his horrible actions – taking care of her intimately then treating her like scum, not telling her about some random trip and then acting like she wasn't good enough for it anyhow. She was done. Done with how he has treated her and Ferlin. And as she sipped on a caprisun, smiling at a rambling Cindy, Jasmine promised herself she would avenge both her and Ferlin against this monster she is forced to endure. If he thought he could stop her from entering her friend's club and treat her like scum he had another thing coming.

"Sorry ma'am I can't let you in."

Jasmine blinked, overhearing the conversation between the security and a person in line before her.

"Excuse me?" the girl put her hands on her hips, teeth gritting. "I have come here many times with no problems. What the hell is the issue tonight?"

"The owner of the establish is having a no blue or green day here at Grandeur." The security eyed the girl's dress. "No green or blue is permitted inside."

Jasmine gasped, crushing her Capri sun.

That sly bastard.

"Hey girl what gives !" Cindy seethed as Jasmine pulled her from the line and the heated conversation.

"What gives is my boss is a menace." Jasmine hissed, walking Cindy to the back of the club. " I'm so sorry Cin. Do you have an extra dress in your car or something?"

Cindy yanked her hand from Jasmine, crossing her arms. "You have been being very weird lately you know that ?"

Jasmine groaned, putting her hands on Cindy's shoulders. " I know. You're still mad about dinner too ?"

" I'm never mad to hit up a club bitch." Cindy snorted. Her hands took Jasmine's. " I'm pissed about you and this random shit. Why do you need a fucking new dress? We were almost in !"

"Because my fucking boss banned the color of the dress I told him I would wear !" Jasmine seethed.

Cindy cocked her head, blonde hair swinging. Jasmine hated the smirk that was forming on her face. "You told him what dress you were wearing ?"

"He asked."

"He ASKED? Girl obviously this boi wants to fuck him some Jas-"

"He did it to keep me from visiting Ferlin's club !" Jas huffed, throwing her hands up. "He didn't want me near here."

" So ? There's other clubs –"

" But this is our friends club."

" Uh huh." Cindy cocked up a brow. " So youz tryna get back at this dude randomly because you wanna defend Ferlin."

" Yes !"

Cindy snorted, eyes raking over Jasmine in a way that made her shrink slightly. " Oh girl. Are you that blind to what's happening ?"

Jasmine tensed. " What ?"she hissed curtly.

" Nevermind. I'll get you your new dress boo. I wanted to be here tonight too for another reason." Jasmine noticed Cindy's fair skin going slightly red, but Cindy pushed on before Jasmine could comment.

" Come on boo, let's head back to my car real quick. The night is young." Cindy grabbed Jasmine's hand, giving it a squeeze. She smirked. "And I have the perfect dress too."

Usually, Cindy's car being like a closet away from home for Cindy. That's what made her only having one specific dress in her trunk that was club friendly seemed almost intentional.

" Cindy I was trying to blend in a little bit." Jasmine hissed, as another man gawked at her from the dancefloor.

Cindy's evil self snickered, her hand reaching to twirl one of Jasmine's curls. "Girl, you came to make a statement, so we are making one."

If Jasmine thought the blue-green dress showed a lot of skin, she was completely and utterly naïve.

Cindy had her in a black strapless dress that though it covered her technically, was mesh over her breasts and stomach. The skirt fell around her knees but was paired with two giant slits up to her hips. Crystalled straps ran across the slits ending at her thighs. She looked like a mysterious goth stripper.

Cindy looked like a stripper also, but a much more blatant one. Her boobs were almost in full display in her two piece, and she was working a small skirt that barely covered her ass. She had her hair in curls for a change, ending around her waist. "And who are you trying to impress?" Jasmine raised a brow at Cindy who began blushing furiously. " No one Jasmine damn, a bitch just tryna look special to compete with your ass."

Jasmine eyed her blush and the way she wouldn't make eye contact.

Interesting.

"Come on girl I want at least one dance with your awkward ass." Cindy grabbed Jasmine's hand and rushed her to the floor, towards the many bodies on the colorful floor.

Jasmine was sweating. While this is usually gross, she was having too much fun to really care as she bent Cindy down in front of her and grinded against her ass playfully. Cindy laughed loudly as the people around them cheered around them.

Cindy high fived Jasmine as she worked herself back up.

And her smile wiped off her face.

" What is it ?" Jasmine frowned at her, turning to see what caught her friends attention.

For a second her stomach sank to her knees – but she realized it wasn't Huey as soon as she saw the cornrows, the slightly more hazel eyes, and the sadistic grin.

He was dancing with some random girl a few feet from them, the girl too elated to notice his lack of attention. He immediately let go of the girl much to her chagrin and sauntered towards them, giving Jasmine a cold – but appreciative- look before turning his full attention again on Cindy.

" I was wondering when your fine ass was coming back around here." His eyes raked over Cindy, grabbing a strand of her hair. Cindy's mouth fell open, and Jasmine was surprised to for once, not here any witty remark out of her friend's mouth.

Jasmine could take a cue.

"I'm going to get a drink girl; I'll be right over by the bar if you need me." Cindy froze at her words and Jasmine winked, scurrying off to the bar. She would keep an eye on her to make sure she was safe, but Jasmine knew Cindy could take care of herself.

Besides, she didn't just come to Grandeur to look cute.

"A peach sangria please." She said to the bartender, jumping to sit down on one of the stools. She frowned – the bar was completely open, which was strange for how busy it seemed to be that night.

"No problem - Jasmine?"

Jasmine gasped, looking up into Ferlin's blue eyes. "Ferlin?"

He cringed, leaning over the counter. " What are you doing here ?"

" What are you doing working the bar again ?" Jasmine sat up more, frowning. " Shouldn't you be on the floor ?"

Ferlin leaned in, the lights dancing off of him rapidly. Adding to the tenseness in his eyes. " Jasmine you cant be here today. " he hissed, reaching over to grab her hand tightly. " Tonight is not the night."

Jasmine rolled her eyes. Had Huey got to him too? " Ferlin if it wasn't a good day for the club then why is it open."

" Don't get smart with me. You need to go. And who ever came with you." Ferlin leaned over more, his blue eyes wide and pleading. He was beginning to scare her. " Please before-"

" Mr. Jonas."

Ferlin froze, his hand on her tightening. Jasmine's eyes snapped to the voice that interrupted them.

A tall man greeted her, his smile wolfish. His skin was pale under the moving lights, his brown eyes boring into her soul. The large scorpio tattoo that wrapped around his neck was partially hidden under his black polo. He looked like a shadow of death under the red and blue lights.

" Who is this Jonas ?" the man smirked as he continued to watch me closely. Ferlin's hand ripped itself from mine.

" No one important sir." He stammered, wiping his hands over his uniform. " A friend from my college days. Can I get you anything sir ?"

The man ignored him, and Jasmine trembled slightly as he walked closer to her. " I've never seen you here before doll."

Before Jasmine could speak her chin was snatched up in his large hand, and she winced at the tightness of his fingers.

" Ferlin never said he was keeping such a gem hidden."

Her legs were shaking. The aura this man gave off made her slower to respond, out of worry he'd rip her in half. Her eyes frantically looked over to Ferlin, who wouldn't make eye contact as he cleaned a nonexistent spot on the bar table.

The man snapped. " Are you stupid doll ? Can't speak ?"

Jasmine's eyes snapped back to his, her sense slowly returning.

If Ferlin wouldn't be able to help, she had to try to take matters into her own hands.

" Sir I am just trying to enjoy a drink and the company of my friend in this open to the public bar." She forced a smile on her face, attempting to move out of his touch. " If you could please give me the kindness of-"

She gasped as his fingers tightened, making him laugh.

" Stupid bitch are you being sarcastic with me ? " he snickered, leaning in closer to her. " Do you know who I am ?"

Jasmine's hand shot to his wrist, trying to tug his hand away. " Ferlin ?" she glared incredulously at her friend as he continued to avoid her gaze. " Ferlin help me !"

" That man is as powerless as any other person in here." The man snorted. Jasmine frantically searched for anyone in the club to notice this, to help her, but no one was looking their way – almost intentionally. And she lost sight of Cindy.

She tried to force her breath to be even.

" Sir please I don't want any trouble-"

" Any bitch that shows up here, sauntering up to this bar on THIS day, is seeing trouble."

Jasmine gulped, almost fully hyperventilating now. She was sure that if she survived this encounter her chin was going to have the nastiest bruise.

" So tell me, little girl." He leaned even closer, his breath reeking of cigars. " Are you bold for walking up to my bar, or just stupid?"

" Let her go."

Jasmine and the man snapped their attention to the voice that interrupted him.

Never did she think she'd be so happy to see those brown eyes and serious frown.

" Huey." Jasmine gasped, her legs moving before she could truly think. With a strength she didn't know she had Jasmine yanked herself from the man in front of her. Her arms flung around Huey's waist, his rich scent engulfing her. Immediately she felt like that man behind her was years in the past, and she could never be in danger again. A shark could try to attack and she would be fine.

" Freeman." The man's timber voice rang unwelcomed. " Didn't realize you'd leave your office today. You know Every third Friday is my crew's day."

"Doesn't give you the right to harass my clientele Ramos."

Despite the vibration she felt from his chest, Huey sounded incredibly calm. His tone mirrored the quiet before a volcanic eruption.

The man scoffed. " Didn't seem to bother your bartender much here."

" That's because he's a lowlife."

Shocked, Jasmine's head shot up to look up at Huey.

He didn't spare her a glance, never taking his eyes off the man.

" So tell me. Ramos…"

The man Cindy was dancing with suddenly emerged with two other men, surrounding Ramos.

He had the decency to look at least a little disturbed.

"…. Do we have a problem ?"

Ramos' jaw tensed so hard Jasmine thought it would break.

" Obviously she's one of yours. My mistake." Ramos smiled sadistically, bowing low to the ground. " I hope this little mishap won't ruin this lovely deal we have."

Huey finally moved to touch Jasmine – a hand across her waist, ushering her to move with him. " Our deal is the last thing you should be worried about if this woman is harmed." Huey spoke through still gritted teeth. His warm fingers tightened around Jasmine, and she took one more look at Ramos' glare before being fully ushered away.

"You seem to be only smart when it comes to enraging me."

Jasmine was still shaking. Her shoes clicked slightly against the side of Huey's desk from where she sat atop it.

Should she thank him ? No she hated him. But she couldn't feel even an ounce of hate when Huey had pulled her from whatever she had gotten mixed up in.

Only relief.

" You truly amaze me. I have tried to be patient with you lady. Despite my common sense. But I can't be patient with stupid."

Jasmine felt her breath surging, everything feeling far too warm. She wrestled subconsciously with her dress, for a breeze, a cool air, SOMETHING to make it feel less like the walls were closing in. Ramo's eyes seemed to have wormed into her psyche – she could still feel his disgusting fingers burning into her skin.

" Ms. Dubois."

Like the tears that were burning in her eyes.

" Jasmine look at me."

A shudder left her. Her fingers danced nervously along the desk searching for any kind of solace.

A solid touch against her ear made her almost flinched, but the warmth of it seemed to slam into her – the solace she was looking for. Huey's hand lifted her face slightly, careful of the bruise that was now garnishing her skin. He scowled at it for a moment before dropping his hand, the cold left after him a shock to her skin.

They watched each other. He was dressed nicely as usual – deep brown slacks and a brown button-down shirt tucked into his belt. A gold watch adorned his wrist. Jasmine shrunk a little as his eyes wandered over her, glaring at her bruise, rushing past her exposed skin.

She took a heaving breath. " I'm not sorry for sneaking in."

His eyes snapped back to her face, mouth tightening.

" But," Jasmine hurried along, " I am sorry for getting involved. And causing any issues with you and your crew." Jasmine looked back down at her hands. " And Ferlin."

Huey scoffed , making her frown. He had crossed his arms, looking up at his office ceiling in exasperation. " Your. Friend. Ferlin." He spoke slowly, before shaking his head, turning away from her.

Jasmine seethed. " What is your problem with him ? You take his bar and have an attitude about it."

He turned slightly towards her, cocking a brow." Is this part of your apology ?"

Jasmine moved to jump from the desk. " That's why I'm here in the first place ! You treat my friend – Ach !"

Her heel snapped on impact when she hit the floor, and she tumbled forward.

Right into Huey's arms.

" Fuck !" As if she could embarrass herself even more in front of this man. " I JUST bought these stupid heels-"

Suddenly she was off the ground, her eyes widening as her butt smacked against the desk top again.

Huey's hands quickly removed themselves from her thighs to her ankle. Undoing the strap of her heel. " I have some flats under my desk."

She winced as he rubbed her ankle slightly – the fall must have hurt her more than she realized.

" Are you sure whatever girl they belong to would… shit !"Jasmine unintentionally grabbed his shoulder as he rolled her ankle slowly. Testing.

His eyes slowly move up her ankle and leg, up to her face. Her breath caught in her throat as he studied her, his brown eyes cool in his assessment. Her eyes darted to his lips for a quick regrettable second before returning his gaze as calmly as she could.

" The shoes belong to some of the employees. Sometimes the heels are too much." He raises a brow at her hand before letting go of her ankle. " As you obviously know."

Always so caring. So considerate of others behind that frown. Jasmine remembered that night he helped her from that mugger. The way his hands felt in her hair, nails scraping her scalp as she leaned into his warm solid body. The money, the job, saving her from Ramos- and now tending to her possibly sprained ankle.

She hated his kindness, and how it confused her – how it made her feel so small.

Almost as much as she hated the feel of his muscle underneath her fingers.

" Why are you like this." She hissed at him, snatching her hand away from his shoulder. He straightened, looking down at her balefully.

" The job," she continued, " the money, the mugger, the bath – " his nostrils flared- " all for what ? To feed your ego ? Do you help people to boost that giant ego of yours ?"

He said nothing. His eyes were no longer on her – they looked calmly over his office, at the soft fire from the fireplace Jasmine was too anxious to notice before. His jaw worked – his hand moved to cup his jaw, his thumb resting by his full bottom lip.

Jasmine hated his face.

" I will go now. Thanks for your help. Whether for your superiority complex or not." Jasmine looked down at her hands, how they glowed in the firelight. " My friend-"

" She's with Riley."

Panic seized Jasmine for a moment, and she almost hopped from the desk again before Huey rose his hand to ease her.

" My brother. And second in command here. He's…" he surprisingly smirked, as if he was struggling with his words- " Rowdy, but he's got a good heart. And he mentioned your friend to me before."

Jasmine recalled the boy with Huey's face and cornrows, and her shoulders dropped in relief.

" You should though." Huey turned fully towards her. " Go, I mean. I'll have Riley escort you both to your car."

Jasmine nodded, slowly dropping to the floor. She slid on the flats he had offered, wincing slightly. She felt Huey's arm wrap around her again, helping her to his door.

" For what it's worth – I should have listened to you. I just…"

" Are stubborn to a stupidity."

She smacked his chest, ignoring the grin that was growing on his face.

" I just want to show that just because you're kind you can't push me around." She frowned again, looking up at him. " Or my friend."

Huey's face hardened slightly as he led her through the hall, towards the lounge's back door.

" My kindness is a luxury only for good people. Ms. Dubois. Your friend Ferlin, unfortunately, does not count."

Jasmine wasn't sure what she was expecting from this obscure relationship Cindy was having with this man she hadn't mentioned. Probably complete romance – flowers, club dancing, expensive dinner dates because she knew how Cindy liked to eat out.

But from just this man walking them to the car she couldn't imagine anything romantic between them.

Unless an MMA fight was considered romantic.

" Youz such a bitch bro, no wonder you're a Lakers fan."

" Girl fuck you. Actin all tough like I ain't ten times taller then you."

" Then run my fade bitch the fuck ?"

Jasmine rolled her eyes, glaring at Cindy from Riley's arms."Can you guys please chill out. You're making this walk to the car feel like an hour."

" Bitch I'll drop you right now green eyes."

" Don't talk to my friend like that you bitch !"

" Jasmine's eyes hurt from how many times she rolled them by the time she made it to the car. She couldn't wait to go home, curl into the covers with some hot cocoa, and – "

" So when am I seeing you again ma ?"

Jasmine's eyes flicked over to the driver's seet, where Cindy sat, Riley leaned over her. His eyes were almost soft as he looked at her.

Cindy twirled a curl around her finger, a giggle escaping. " When you stop being a bitch."

" Not a bitch right now so wassup."

" You have my number boy." Cindy pushed his chest away playfully, closing the car door. " Just let a bitch know."

"Gotchu girl."

" He kissed her knuckles, turning to give Jasmine a smirk before walking off. " See ya Strawberry Shortcake."

Jasmine glared in response – but honestly fuck him, she had bigger fish to fry. Raising an eyebrow, she turned back to her blonde friend.

" What was that about missy-"

" Just sit your dumb ass down and let me drive," Cindy shifted gears, not making eye contact. " Always up in my business, damn."

Jasmine smirked at the blush across Cindy's cheeks. Maybe MMA fights could be romantic after all.

Jasmine glared at her pink MacBook, Cindy snoring away on her shoulder. Despite how late the godawful night seemed to drag on, Jasmine always needed to make sure she checked her email daily for any updates from the hospital or any work related offers ( because the way things were going she just might ditch the mighty Freeman).

And when she had finally settled down with her nightly hot cocoa, ignoring Cindy slobbering away on her shoulder, there it was on her computer.

An email.

With an itinerary and attached plane ticket.

Sent by none other than Mr. Freeman himself.

A part of her wanted to get payback for him being so disrespectful. For humiliating her constantly. Just because he was so gracious to her financially doesn't mean he can keep fucking with her mentally. She was grateful for tonight, but the night wouldn't have gone so south if he didn't fuck with her at work. Or if Ferlin was in charge like he should have been.

Then she saw the bonus. An extra $1400 for going. Jasmine's mother flashed in her mind, and her hand tightened on her mug, the marshmallows shaking.

Fuck him.

Fuck him for being so rich and so giving and using it to fuck with her. To treat her like dirt one moment and fake kindness with money the next.

And like the poor woman she was, she was forced to take the bait because she had no choice. She needed all the money she could get her hands on, for more than just her house bills. And despite the horrid hand it was coming from, she needed that cash.

He had her by the girl balls.

Jasmine simmered, trying her best not to wake up her friend. Cindy only stirred slightly, her hand raising and accidentally smacking Jasmine's computer. Her finger hit the clicker, which was hovering over the automatic response Jasmine was stressing over sending.

Perfect see you then !

Even in sleep, Cindy was giving her advice.

Jasmine groaned, moving to close the computer. Mid close, she paused, smiling at the screen.

Because if there was any lesson her dad taught her, a cornered pup still had teeth.

She would make the stuck up son of a bitch pay in more ways than his coin.