Chapter 2

As the afternoon approached with a stunning sunset diminishing outside I hurried to have dinner ready for Seth tonight. My hands worked carefully as I tended to the lasagna. I began pouring the remaining meat sauce and white sauce over the last layer of lasagna sheets. I plucked a handful of shredded mozzarella from a bag and began sprinkling it over the top. Once there was an adequate amount I popped it in the oven, as I did I set the timer for twenty five minutes. In between this time I did in fact feel my phone buzzing a few times over the course of this morning. I struggle to get myself to look at the missed call from the high school. I just really couldn't take the stress right now. Maybe that was my minds way of putting it off, avoiding reality.

Feeling satisfied with my work in the kitchen I stroll leisurely to the bathroom near the stairs. Steam filled the room as I cut the shower on. I had a slight headache coming on, so I figured it would be wise to get undressed quickly. I stepped into the shower, toes flinching as they touched the chilled ceramic floor. My mind was still in shreds from this morning's debacle with Seth. I turned the dial, old and metallic, setting it to where the water temperature was comfortable. I alternate facing the wall opposite the shower head. Leaning my head back as I get use to the tepid water. It begins darkening my hair and trickles down my back. My eyes fell closed over and over, revealing in the sweet embrace of the water. The soap I used smells like sandalwood and makes me feel so lavish at times. I open my eyes to see how the grouting of the tiles are so cracked in places I just hope enough water doesn't get in there and causes a leak.

Once I'm done rinsing myself off, I cut the water off. My dark hair falls like a curtain stopping at the ends of my shoulder blades. Cold air nipping at my skin, which makes me uncomfortable. I rush to get ready for the rest of the day avoiding the mirror at all costs, which was simple with the steam making the reflection appear foggy. I rubbed my body down with coconut oil and took time to really rub it into each pore. My clothes for work were usually the same, I had to alternate of course simply because it's easy to dirty your clothes at the bar. I slid into my black leggings and my long sleeve V neck, also black. I slump into my black vans and just as I'm combing my hair back into a sleek high bun I hear the front door click shut. Perhaps I hadn't heard it open?

I get my dirty clothes into the hamper and hurriedly stumble out to towards the dining table. I stare into the foyer to see Seth just coming in. He stands there for a moment, as if he's trying to get himself together or as if he's deep in thought. I don't say anything and just watch.

He sees me finally. "Hi," He spoke softly.

"Hey," I furrow my brows, for some reason he seems recluse which is normal now-a-days, but he just seemed…I don't know, off? "I made dinner."

"Alright," He starts past me stiffly not looking up, tripping up the stairs. "I'll eat, I just need to get in the shower."

When he walked past I swore I smelt alcohol, which both surprised me and angered me at the same time. My brain stuttered for a moment. Every part of me goes on pause while my thoughts catch up. "Hey!" I shout up after him. Seth stops on the top step, as he turns his head is still down. I take in his disheveled appearance. Leaves and dirt adorn his unruly mess of dark chocolate hair. Mud streaks along his green sweater.

Though, I already know what's going on, I intended on hearing this from him mouth directly. "What's up with you?" I ask.

He looks almost deranged, I know he's doing his best but he somehow can't seem to answer me. When he finally raises his head to look at me. His eyes looked busy with nagging obsessive thoughts, dark eyes highlighted by the redness around them. Seth's presence is so very dominated by a profound sadness, fatigue engraves on his worn face. He was gone, my mind called out for his, but he was just gone. Light became shadows, the pain came and went like waves on frigid sand in the winter.

"Staring contest?" I tried cracking that joke but it was met with a snort.

His face was just so impassive but he tilted back a little until it looks like he's literally looking down on me. After a few seconds he seems to not be looking at me at all, but holding his eyes still, above my head. His glare sucked something out of me, I was visibly wilted before his clipped words were uttered, "I drank a little bit," He spoke with such a robotic tone.

The breath from my body felt slightly choked, my mind still short circuiting. My eyes became stone, fury blurred my sight slightly as I tightened my jaw. "Seem like such a good idea now?" I know the pain he feels, I feel it just as much as he. I just wish he understood that. I quickly get a hold of myself, trying not to get too angry with him. I suddenly feel the emptiness in my heart.

"Absolutely not," his eyes harden.

"I can call out."

"No!"

"Seth," I begin with a languid sigh.

"I'll be alright, I swear," he rushes the sentence out so quickly that it takes me to a moment of thought afterwards. There was a feeling in my gut that said, "hell no," but another in my heart that said, "It's okay." My breath was beginning to get caught in my chest, the fear gaining on me. How much he reminds me of mom. But this is supposed to be transitory, but Seth's process is lasting longer. I can level with him on things like these because this is a wound that has not yet healed and scabbed over yet.

"I love you," I say breathless, not really sure of what I can say to him to snap him out of it. The same delusion he's in, I am in as well. We are very much broken right now. But I get it, the level of trauma in this household is an inside job. Our heartbreak is a painful reminder every day, coming in waves, grueling, stealing our appetites and sleep alike. It's a shard in our guts that never want to leave, though perhaps with time the edges will dull. It wouldn't do any good for me to send him off to his room and try to teach him some lesson.

He finally takes a decisive breath. "I love you too sis."

I shrug and let out another long sigh. "Just takes time, I guess, huh?" I just wish I could see that smile of his. I can't remember when the last time was. He has a smile that could ignite inner laughter in all who saw.

"I guess…" His eyes were shining like pebbles washed by the ocean. After a long silence he grunts to clear his throat. "I just wanted to try numbing it…see if it'd make a difference."

I tilt my head to the side. "Did it?"

He was shivering slightly. Seemed like this was something that would be hard to clean himself from, since he did this against his better judgement.

"Not at all."

It looked like Seth was doing everything in his power to keep from exploding into tears, and honestly I felt so helpless.

All I could do in the moment was head back into the kitchen, I grabbed three bottles of water and headed back up the stairs. Seth had already collected himself and made it to his room. I look around the dimly lit room. The smell of stale hangover hitting me immediately. He laid on the bed in the fetal position, with his back facing me, his muddy shoes still on. One of his sheets were in a piled heap on the floor off the side of the mattress. I looked around at the empty walls. All day the sun had been pouring down upon the rood, and the little room was like an oven for heat. I walk over to the only window directly behind where his bed is located.

"You need to drink water," I asserted, which was met with silence on his behalf. I ignore the twinge of annoyance and reach over his body, wrenching the window open with one swift motion. I patted his shoulder nimbly.

I stop for a moment to stare at him, he's asleep. His chest was rising and falling with the sedative qualities of a lullaby. It's so quiet that I can hear each breath with ease. A small smile creeping onto my face as I just focus in on him. The sun hasn't entirely gone down yet, the glare coming through the screened window shone so brightly against his golden brown skin. I wanted to cry, because he looked like an angel. Such a charming kid. He had the type of face that would never age, it was rounder than my own but his cheeks were sharper and longer. Behind his tangled dark hair are closed eyes. I reach out to gently swoop his hair out of his face noting a small cut along his jaw that I hadn't noticed before. I plucked a few stranded leaves from his hair, crumpling them in my palm. I watched him for a few minutes, listening to the sound of him breathing. It brought me comfort that would seep into my being.

The loss he feels I am sure no one can see nor comprehend. At least he still speaks on occasion, even if it is only during his very minimal functional moments. I remember a counselor I went and saw when this all first happened had expressed to me that some people handle loss differently. Activities run on automation, one may shut down for weeks or months on end. In all losses as heavy as this only time will heal us. I just don't want my brother to feel deserted, I'd do anything for him on any given day. I love him more than myself, that's why I am here doing what I have to do for him. So that we can both find the greater understanding of it all, and for once, find some mental peace and stability.

With a depleted sound of breath escaping my lips I give him a kiss on his forehead, careful to not make too much noise while placing the water bottles beside the mattress. I also take a moment to take his boots off, being careful not to wake him.

Afterwards I left the room and went on to continue prepping for my night at the bar. Discarding the broken leaves from Seth's hair into the garbage. I had a bright idea that would somewhat ease my mind for the duration of the night. I grabbed a big serving plate, cutting half of the lasagna and placing it atop neatly. I wrapped it in tin foil and grabbed my truck keys. I decided I'd be paying old man Quil a visit, which is nothing relatively new. But I figured I'd ask him for a favor.

Sometime later once I get my backpack and supplies into the truck I take one long look at the house and drive around the block. I pull up to the familiar barn red single story home. I gather the plate I served earlier and step out into the refreshing air outside. I stride with a sort of swiftness. Every footstep crunching leaves behind me.

In a moments time I'm going up the concrete steps. I knock on the screen door watching the hallway expectantly. A thin man stepped from the shadows, old Quil limped on over to me, opening the door with better ease. "There's my lil' Lea. Right on time," he says cheerfully.

I sighed with satisfaction just from hearing his voice. "Hiya, I brought you guys some home cooked food," I said warmly gliding past him through the dimly lit hallway all the way down till I reached the kitchen.

"Oh, my dear, I tell you this all the time you know? But you don't have to do this for an old withering man like me."

I turn after placing the big serving plate delicately on top of the granite counter top. The wrinkled old man smiled as he approached with his missing canine. He always looked pleased to see me, which filled me with relief every time I came for a visit.

"Nonsense!" I shake my head at his kindness. "Where's your mini me?"

"Quil?"

I look at him like, yeah who else?

"He's pulling a double at the shop, old man Douglas crashed into the old hardware shop down by the quarry," he states in his matter of fact tone.

"Oh. Wow, hope Douglas made it out okay."

He nods, wiping the back of his hand against his mouth, "Oh sure, just too much moonshine in them veins."

My eyebrows raised understanding it all now.

After a moment of silence he coughs fiercely. "Heading to work, are ya?"

"Yeah I am," I say. "I hope you aren't puffing on no cigarettes Unc." I always loved to drop by and see old Quil, I called him unc as a term of endearment since I was a child. He was like a father to Seth and I growing up. My words must have captivated him because he gives me a wrinkled toothy grin.

"Tryin' to follow that there doctors' orders, but I'm telling ya, I'd be able to diagnose myself better than the shit they try to sell me."

I nod my head mocking him slightly in pure fun. "Yeah, yeah, sure," I give my best impression of a smokers accent. Making my voice sound as raspy as I can get it.

He chuckles. "You ain't got nothin' to worry 'bout."

I chuckle as I lean against the cool counter top behind me. I ponder my thoughts for a moment, and my thought flickers back to Seth. My anxiety begins creeping back, my fingertips playing with the cupboards below. "I also came to ask for a favor."

"Anything my dear, you know I owe you."

"Can you," I stop short for a moment, trying to find solace. "Please, have Quil check on Seth tonight when he gets back from the shop? Make sure he doesn't get into any trouble while I'm out?"

Quil's face fell faster than a corpse in cement boots. "He's not asleep by now?" His mouth hung open, lips slightly parted with his eyes stretched as wide as he could get them.

I shrug nonchalantly, which is the farthest from what I am feeling, but I have to put up a front. I just don't want anyone to get too worried. We've already given everyone enough grief. "He is, but…You know how that's been going lately, just…stressful." I really didn't want to discuss Seth getting drunk, I'd explain it to the guys, Quil is just getting to old now to handle that type of concern.

He nods, looking down at the white tile. He scratches the back of his neck roughly, "I'll give him a call and have him stop by there."

"Thank you, I appreciate you guys." I felt like sinking to the floor with alleviation.

Quil's gruff voice somehow calmed me, "Of course, honey, we have formed a pack of some sorts with y'all. I still remember the day Quil was picking on ya. Well hell, ya stomped right on up those steps and had a talk with Molly and me. If we didn't know any better judging by your size, we woulda thought you were twice your age then. Only five years old, with a mind of an old bat like me."

I dissolved into a puddle of laughter and I can see Quil's stomach shaking as he fights a new gale of giggles. "I have quite the personality, you know?" I respond with a chortle. His calmness and happiness just rippled, like a still pond after an abundance of stones has been thrown into it.

"Oh I'll never forget it," He says with great confidence. But after a few moments his face grows tense suddenly. "Do ya' think Seth is losing it?" He makes the gesture with his hand, pointing at his head and making a circle with his extended fingers. His eyes showing gentle concern.

I ponder this for a moment, knowing that Quil's house is a safe space, where I can say what I feel and know there will be no judgement waiting to knock me down. "I think he's getting close to the edge, if you catch my drift."

"What's making you think that?"

"You know…uh…when you have a feeling? Like someone is drifting away? You should have seen him today, like his eyes are vacant. As if he's gone already but his body is just on auto pilot." My own thoughts kind of ran from me at that point. Almost like I was spacing out again thinking of that unabashed sight of my younger brother. Who, was in just so much pain, that I was beginning to feel helpless at the thought. The sadness wreaked havoc on me. It soaked into me, traveling through each cell.

"I know that it's breaking your heart girly, 'specially with everything y'all had to deal with already," He stops again, realizing his own words may have triggered me. He clears his throat after a lengthy pause. "I'll have Quil call Paul. Maybe he can get out there sooner and check on him, hang out with him for a bit. That's good for him ya know?"

I sighed, tuning into the warmth of his voice as he spoke to me, feeling the melody of his everyday rhythms, brings me the most exquisite sense of thankfulness that renders me whole. "That'd be great, having some more people around the house, it'd help ease the loneliness."

"Sure would, don't worry, we've got chur back girly."

"Well, thanks again unc, honestly."

"Don't mention it, and thank you darlin', for the food and being an amazin' human bein'."

I had fresh tears stinging my eyes. "You're amazing to us, don't know what we'd do without you to be honest."

He waved me off. "Oh please, you keep me fed."

I grinned at his humbleness as I began walking towards him to embrace his skeletal frame. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close, gently rubbing my arm. Despite the heaviness in my stomach that has become somewhat second nature, it fluttered at the feeling of a warm embrace like his. He always gave the best hugs. I appreciated the simple gesture. It made the room warmer somehow, my future always seemed less bleak whenever I came to realize the kind of support system we have in this town. "Start headin' on to work with a pip in your step before you're late." He gave my forehead a little peck. "I love you, be safe, and I've already told you I don't like you working downtown."

I hold my tears in as I burst into a short laugh, which sounds more like I am chocking back the tears. "It's temporary, till I can find something more professional."

We let each other go with a refreshing calmness in the air once again.

"Well, just be safe."

"I will," and with that I head back down the hallway towards the screen door. I open it with a loud creak and stall for a moment. I glance back over my shoulder to see Quil standing in the threshold of the kitchen. "Make sure one of the guys calls me before heading out, whoever is heading out there first. Just to make sure everything is okay."

"Of course darlin'. Don't worry, y'know how Quil and Paul are with Seth. They've got his back."

That was all the assurance I needed as I stepped out into the cool air. "Love you!"

"Love ya' girl, be safe!"

I chuckled at his repetition.

A little while later I am sitting in my car waiting for it to be 6:00pm. It's 5:58pm. I can feel the fear in my chest waiting to take over. Perhaps it only wants to protect me but there really isn't any danger. It just sits inside me like an angry ball propelling me towards anxiety I just don't need. I switch the radio off and hop out of the truck, glancing around the parking lot. There are a few cars parked around, but not enough to indicate the busy hour. I can hear traffic in the distance, but far enough to not bother me. I let the sounds of birds fill my ears instead of ticking clocks as I head towards the back entrance of the club. I rest my hand on the rough paintwork that coats the door and push. Rough wooden splinters cut into my palm; shards of black paint crumble to the cement. The hinges squeal as though they are warning, but their plea is silenced by a wall of noise. Droning pulses of a beat competing with the conversations told in loud voices. I punch in quickly, not trying to waste much time tonight. I remembered my conversation with Quil and checked my phone to see that there were no new notifications. With an exasperated sigh I walk on.

As I progress towards my station at the bar settled in the back right side of the club. A few of the same old club goers were here tonight. The smoke from their cigarettes twisted in an artistic way, forming curls in the gloom, illuminated only by the age-speckled bar lights.

Suddenly, the barn doors to the prep room slammed open, momentarily disrupting my thoughts. "Leah!"

I rolled my eyes. "Laurent!" I shout back.

"Don't hate me," his olive toned hands placed the cash count sheet next to me. "Maggie called out."

"Oh fan-fucking-tastic. Does this mean I'm closing by myself?"

"Nah, Emmett's shift is starting in an hour or so. He'll be here with you."

"Thank God, I told you Laurent I'm not closing alone anymore!"

"I know, I know, that's exactly why I'm taking extra precaution, if there's only one bar back, there needs to be an extra bouncer for grave."

"Thank you," I say with relief.

"'Course." He flashes me a bright smile, with consolation glinting in his eyes.

"Alright, I'll count this up and get started," I quip.

As if that's all he needed to hear he turns on his heels and walks back through the barn doors. "Thank you my dear, you are the best!"

"Mmhm," I hum softly.

The night proceeds to move on slowly. More and more people begin to file in. I notice Emmett with his towering masculine presence. From his glowering blue eyes comes an intensity, honesty, and gentleness. Perhaps this is what is meant by a gentleman. One with a beautiful spirit and noble ways. He has that strong chiseled face that kind of stopped you in your tracks, which I guess he must be used to by now. He shot me a glance and gave me a one of his killer smiles with those innocent looking dimples. I politely returned with a weak smile of my own. I knew by now that he didn't take too well to the long demanding hours at this place. Being a bouncer here wasn't a luxury job, but it paid the bills and left you with extra spending money. I'm sure he's grown accustomed to it considering his wild adolescence. Always the kid in the principal's office, not worrying too much about consequences, and of course, always the womanizer.

He progressively made his way over to me. Everything about him was an understated joy as he greeted a few people he recognized in the crowd. Finally stopping directly in front of me at the bar he gyrated to the music with moves humanity hasn't had the pleasure of seeing for some time. I couldn't help but laugh at the embarrassment. Temporarily distracting me from the hordes of people around the bar.

"What the fuck are you doing?" I'm still choking on my own laughter.

He put his hands up in mock surrender, still smiling and poking his tongue out a bit between his white shiny teeth. "I got a good laugh out of you, that's for sure."

I shake my head and continue to take care of the jubilant crowd, singing songs of the inebriated and joyful. They rubbed against each other's shoulders never minding that their toes were often stepped on or that they were in closer proximity to this strangers around than they usually were to their closets friends, or even family for that matter. The stench of body odor and liquor would always block my mind from thinking of anything else. That's why I kind of enjoyed the job. There wasn't much to think about except for, well…work.

Suddenly a pair of ivory elbows smack onto the bar counter next to me, causing me to jump and curse under my breath. Of course I spill the vodka that I'm currently pouring all over my black apron, just shy of missing my shirt. Gosh I loathe the stench of alcohol. My gaze fell like an act of violence, a glare to stop a heart. Once I realize it's just Emmett his laugh comes next. Like a newly sprung leak – timid at first, stopping and starting. He wasn't done yet though, I could tell from the way he rolled his blue eyes to the ceiling and half bit his lip. From deep in his chest came a great shaking motion as his face muscles grew tight. I folded my arms, eyebrows arched, just waiting. In mere seconds his laugh was like a busted water main, arching up and around him with unrestrained glee. I punch his shoulder and hide the pain in my knuckle immediately afterwards. This just makes him laugh harder. I really wanted to stay straight faced, continue about my business and maybe even storm off. He was laughing at me and not with me after all. He glanced over trying to fight the smile, his eyebrows slightly raised. I looked away before that look of his spread. I swear this man's exuberance for trouble is a contagion. But before I can strengthen my resolve I've already glanced back. In a few seconds I'm giggling despite myself.

He flinched finally from my punch, tenderly rubbing the spot. "Ouchy, Lee, you hurt me," He pouted with an adorable kid-like tone in his voice, all the while giving me his best puppy dog look.

I motioned to my apron. "I was doing just fine, Emmett, then you come over like a storm."

He sighs. "I prefer, a sexy tornado, if I'm being compared to weather."

I rolled my eyes, but damnit he got another giggle out of me. "Regardless, be careful, I could've dropped a glass and cut myself-"

Then a small voice took us both out of our conversation. "Hey Lee, can I get another bottle of tequila for table two?" I hear Jessica's voice, trying to strain over the music and chaos. I look over to see her small frame trying to get past. Her long brown hair tied tightly in a ponytail. Her expression could be defined as annoyed.

"Only if you do a body shot?" Emmett says mischievously.

She scoffs. "Off of Leah? Any day hot shot."

His eyebrows raise slightly. "I'll be the first one to witness," Emmett deadpans. We both roll our eyes in mock disgust. "Y'know, I've got an eye for fun. It's an opportunity. You guys hunt for bargains in stores and such. You guys get cheap veggies, I get cheap laughs. We aren't so different!"

I bit the edge of my smile again in a vain attempt to keep my creeping grin at bay as I knelt down to grab the bottle I'm looking for. Jessica places the tray she's holding onto the bar with a loud 'thwack' and reaches over to grab some glasses. I come back up to hand her the bottle. "Anything good yet?" I ask.

She shrugged nonchalantly. "Eh! Decent so far, some guy gave me a fifty."

I gaze over at my tip cup behind the counter, it's only been about two hours since the shift started but I've been making out good so far. "Maybe that'll be a catalyst for the rest of the night?"

"Let's hope!" She rolled her eyes again before grabbing what she needed and heading back to work.

"I just want her to sit on my face," Emmett stares on longingly.

I could vomit. "Ugh, God Emmett, why you feel the need to tell me these things!" I continue passing out bottles of beer and some glasses of wine as Emmett chortles.

"Well, hey, you are my confidant." He took it as a means to literally tell me whatever is on his mind in every single moment. "But seriously, I'm going to scan IDs outside, if you need me just grab the walkie, okie dokey?"

I gave him a thumbs up while resuming my work.

"A smile Clearwater! Give me a smile for crying out loud!" He pleads, clasping his hands together and pressing uncomfortably close to me.

I move away slightly, worried that he might make me spill something again. "For fuck's sakes Emmett!" I laugh relenting.

He raises his hands and looks up as if he's praising the God's above. "Thank you!" He skedaddles away, while I'm left shaking my head, gaining back my concentration and proceed to get my work done.

Another hour or so flies by and I'm looking around for Angie. She is usually late anyway with her commute. But she should be in at any second, I always wait to take my break so that we can sit and talk for a bit, about anything and everything.

The crowd at the bar slowly disperses as people get their drinks and head to the already crowded dancefloor. I see a few of the other bouncers file up against the wall, watching for any nonsense breaking out in the sea of people. I hear the song change to Drake's remix of Get It Together and let myself relax a bit. I've already mixed and served people the drinks they wanted and am getting prepped to take a break, I've gotta check my phone for any missed calls from Paul or Quil. "Hey my love!" I hear a familiar voice call out.

I look up trying to find her face among the crowded area. My face breaks into an easy smile once I find her. I move my hands up waving enthusiastically, with my masked expression of happiness. Angela can always see right through that of course, but she knows I try.

She gives me the signal to meet her outside ASAP. I nod in reply, still trying to multitask with the business of the bar. Just as I'm about to call Laurent out to the bar to cover me I hear a whistle.

I turn my attention to the noise and see a man. He's wearing a loose black shirt and black trousers. I notice the gold Rolex on his left wrist as he puts his hand up to motion me to come over. His rich tousled blond hair promised finesse. He had strong arched brows and eyelashes so thick, it would make any girl envious. And then those eyes, so deep and catastrophic, a vivd pale blue as a great body of water that softly melted into a milky green. His cheekbones were distinct with an angular jaw, his pale skin made him look devilishly handsome.

"What can I get you?" I ask stiff suddenly. Just the way he was looking at me, like he could eat me up.

"Whiskey on rocks, please," He smirks with those pink pouty lips.

I nod, "Sure."

As I begin grabbing a new cup to pour the amber liquid in he moves suddenly. Closer, like he's wanting to say something but isn't sure yet.

I ignore the feeling in my gut and continue making his drink. Once I finish and begin to slide it over to him, his hand suddenly is reaching out, like he is signaling for me to come closer.

I abide for a moment, almost hypnotized by his striking face. "Yes?"

"I'm going to ask you a question, and it's going to sound a little…too good to be true." His voice was like pure southern honey.

Now the wheels were turning in my head. "Yes?" I repeat.

He chuckles slightly and leans forward, looking around to make sure no one else is paying attention. "How would you like to make some extra money?" He takes a sip of his drink.

His question rings through my head like a red alert. "Excuse me?"

"Okay, okay, open minded. Stay open minded now. My wife and I run an exclusive club, we're trying to fill in some extra spots because people come and go, ya know?"

I leveled a glowering look backing away slightly offended. "Are you like a pimp?"

His drink almost came out of his mouth back at me. He brought his sleeved arm back up to wipe the excess liquor that was dribbling down his chin. His brows furrowed as his mouth turned up into a grin, "Of course not! We're doing a private sale. It's like a general auction in which all of my lovely associates are sold to the highest bidder. There is a one week contract, everything is consensual, no dark corners or anything like that. No prostitution ring. You are made aware of every little thing behind the process if you choose to accept the offer." He watches me and notices I am not relenting at all. His eyes lingered down my body once again and he reached into his shirt pocket for a card.

The handsome man holds it out to me across the bar. "I'll let you simmer on this for a bit. The auction won't be until Friday the 27th, so you have time. Give me a call."

I hesitate with the idea for a moment, before I have the chance to reach out and take it he pulls it closer to himself. With the space being closed between us, he lingers by my ear, "I should have had my other half approach you, because I know how strange this can seem and she is a lot better with this than I am. But, I've seen you working in here for some time. There is no doubt you are stunning, but there is something in your eyes. I figured it'd be worth a shot to ask if you were interested." He pulls away slightly so I can stare directly into his eyes.

Only the drone of music gives background noise. In my world this is considered suspicious, and I have more shit on my plate to think about than something like this. I stared on fixedly, trying to take all of that in.

"Just think about it." He winks as he walks off into the crowded dance floor.

I look down and see a few hundreds by my hand which flies up to cover my mouth that is now hanging open with shock. I glare at the card poking out from the money and immediately look up to get another look at the mysterious man. I slide the card out a bit and read the name aloud to myself.

"Jasper Whitlock?"

Holy shit.

Author's Note:

Hey, hope you're enjoying the story thus far you can review if you'd like, or if there are any suggestions, I like to hear as much feedback as I can. This is a way of distracting myself from the madness going on in our world these days.

I hope you stay safe, and wash your hands!

With Love

A