This story is my first in a long time. But, I am already enjoying writing it alot! This first chapter is mainly world-building, but the spice and the fluff will be coming very soon. This will be an eventual NSFW story, with strong mature content. Minors DNI. 18+ only please. Thank you and enjoy!

The Black Diamond Chapter 1- Lucas

"You'll be just fine! I know it! Before long, you'll be too busy with a new job, and have some new friends to chill with!"

She wasn't wrong, but the look of dismay my face revealed that I was more than upset about my best friend and roommate leaving to live with her fiancée a few cities over. I fidgeted with the edge of my long nails as she pulled the handle up on her suitcase and slung her carry-on bag over her shoulder. "C'mon! I already feel bad for leaving you with all of the rent! Come give me a hug goodbye!"

I hesitated, but relented to her request. She was so happy to be starting a new chapter in her life, so it was best to show her how happy I was, and how much I supported her decision…Even if I wasn't included in it. "I am honestly very happy for your new adventure," I say as I hugged a little tighter, "Text or call when your flight lands, OK?"

"Of course! I'll let you know as soon as I can. It shouldn't be longer than a few hours. Now, I've gotta run, or ill miss it!"

"Ill miss you!" I exclaim, leaving the embrace and waving her a last goodbye.

With that, she smiles, wipes a small tear from her face, and disappears down the stairway.

Now alone in the half empty apartment, I disjointedly look around. I had lots of work to do. With the whole amount of the monthly rent on my shoulders, I needed a new job to pick up the slack. Working retail was fine for the time being, but there had to be other opportunities for me out there…An opportunity to make the money I needed, and something that agreed with my daytime class schedule.

The search begins.

Between the lack of choices that met my financial needs, and businesses not being flexible with college hours, the job search was becoming stressful. The rent was coming due, and the rush to find something that worked was becoming more fierce. I needed to think outside the box…and quickly. In the city I lived in, there was a main strip downtown called 'Blackburn' that was lined with different restraunts, bistros, bars, and night clubs. The night life was so alive, and I could always view the groups from my apartment window as they were walking home from their party-filled evening. Maybe a walk will clear my head for the next steps, and I can see if any of the places are hiring downtown In the meantime.

Blackburn was only a short 10 minute walk from where I lived. The leaves were just starting to change color, and the air this evening was a bit chilly, but it still made for a pleasant stroll. The bars and nightclubs weren't quite open for business yet. It was a Wednesday, and it wouldn't have been as busy even if they were all open. I had only been to a few of them, and it had been with my roommate and her fiancée, so it wasn't like I went out of my way to drink and party every night. I much preferred to stay home, but could be a fluent social butterfly if need be. There was one club I had never able to visit, however. The 'Black Diamond'.

The Black Diamond was the most popular night club on the strip. From what I have heard, it is more dedicated towards the "higher-class" individuals of the city. It had a line out front every night, and was extremely difficult to gain access to. You either had to know someone who was already in the club, or be recognized as one of the many main figureheads of the city. Walking up to it felt…intimidating to say the least. Even the sidewalk in front was different. Black marble tiles lined the front of the business that lead to and intricate dark-wood arch by the main entrance. Velour ropes created areas for the large lines to form, with a smaller side area for VIP entrance.

I should have been paying more attention to what was in-front of me than what was to the side of me. Making a small yelp,I trip over the base of a sign sitting in the middle of the sidewalk. With a crash and a bang, I land on the ground roughly. On all fours,I bring myself up to my sore knees. "Ouch…" I say pitifully, inspecting the scrapes on my hands. Looking up, I notice the multiple cameras outside of the Black Diamond, watching my every move. Heat wells up in my cheeks. "I REALLY hope nobody saw that.."

Standing up, I brush off my leggings and pick up the sign that came down with me, the sign wobbling back to its original position. It catches my attention.

HIRING

SEEKING NEW HOST/HOSTESS

COMPETITIVE PAY, EVENING/NIGHT SHIFTS

21+ REQUIRED, MUST BE GOOD WITH ELECTRONICS

SEE INSIDE FOR DETAILS

If it wasn't for the great opportunity that virtually slapped my ass, id still be thinking about the scrapes on my hands. I was well dressed, my dark hair curled loosely. I could go up to the door to see if anyone was there to ask for an application, but…My face was still so red from embarrassingly tripping over an inanimate object in the middle of the sidewalk…and what if someone had seen that? What a lousy first impression.

Alas, desperation had me acting, and before I knew it, I was checking to see if the doors were unlocked. "They did say 'See inside'.." I think to myself. The large, heavy door pulls open slowly, and I walk in shoulders back and head held high.

My mouth hangs open slightly in awe of the view after the hefty door closed behind me. It was unlike anything I had seen in a nightclub before. The black marble floors continued onto the inside, but now had white sparkling flecks that shone under the soft lighting of the LEDs on the ceiling that vaulted above me. This large, main space must be the dance floor. It was complimented by a DJ booth directly across from the door. On either side, lavish loungers and cove-like areas with folded curtains pulled to the side lined the edges of the dance floor. Haze still hung in the air from the night before, and swirled around me as the high heels I had worn that day clicked loudly against the floor. I looked to my right, and saw a large, ornate bar, the backsplash of which was an amazingly beautiful saltwater tank. Corals, colorful fauna, and artic blue lights entranced you. Whoever performed the maintinence on the tank must work hard to keep it this beautiful.

I approached the empty bar, and folded my arms onto its surface, leaning forward with my gaze affixed to the aquarium. The ebb and flow of the water waved the corals around in circles delicately, while fish swam in and out of vibrantly colored anemones. A shuffle of shoes to the left of me breaks my gaze. "Can I help you? Im sorry, we are currently closed. You'll have to come back when we open in a few hours."

Turning, my gaze is met by a well-dressed man in a black suit, complimented by his slender figure and golden cufflinks. His jaw was sharp and chiseled, his eyes a deep blue and piercing. He crosses his arms, putting a few winkles in his well-pressed tuxedo. "Oh…I actually…Saw the sign outside. You're hiring?" I mention.

The man smiles and sits in one of the chairs close to you on the patron-side of the bar. He curls his fingers underneath his chin, elbow propped up on the edge of the bar. "We are hiring. We lost our main host recently, and we desperately need someone to replace him. I actually just placed that sign outside. Guess that didn't take very long!"

"Well, I hope im not intruding or trespassing. It said inquire inside so-"

"Are you good with electronics?" He interrupts.

"Oh…My grandpa taught me a thing or two when I was younger. He owned his own business making small, domestic repairs around my hometown, and I followed him around part-time when I was in high school."

"Perfect. Did he ever teach you how to solder or reconnect loose wires?"

"Yes, Sir. Figuring out why something wasn't working was what we did each time we went anywhere in that job."

"Sir?...Ha-ha! You can just call me Lucas. I'm the owner of The Black Diamond. What is your name?"

"My name is Julia. Its nice to meet you, Sir."

"You are naturally very polite, not to mention mesmerizingly beautiful…Why are you interested in working here?" Lucas probes, smiling curiously.

Slightly taken aback by the comment, I regain my composure and continue the interview. Compliments usually don't fluster me, but his eye contact was so intense, that it was hard not to react. Interviews with me usually go quite smoothly. I have a way with words and don't shy away from confrontation.

"My roommate and best friend of several years just moved out. I need a job to meet my financial needs to cover the full rent of my apartment. Even though im quite the homebody, I would like something to do with my time outside of my place to keep busy when im not working on classes during the day."

"Oh! Beautiful and honest. What a nice combination. Do you have reliable transportation to and from work?"

"As long as my legs aren't broken by the mob due to a debt I havent paid, Yes. I only live a few minutes away from Blackburn."

"Witty comebacks, too? Oh, where have you been all this time? Tell you what, I would love to have you shadow me tonight. We have a very small, private gathering of guests tonight, and I want to see what you think of the job before I extend an offer. It's not easy, as many of our guests can be picky at the type of service they receive and how they receive it. That way, you can meet the boys as well, so you know what you're getting into, as you will mainly be working alongside them to support their services to the clientele. What do you say?"

"That would be nice, but I would like to know what the pay for this position it before I-"

"You will be paid quite well. Including tips from some of the wealthiest people in the city." Lucas states promptly.

"In that case, that sounds great. What time do you need me here tonight? Also, who are 'the boys'?" I question.

"Come by at 9 o'clock and Ill start showing you around. Make sure to dress appropriately for a higher-class establishment to keep up the appearances of our club. 'The boys' will be your co-workers that will be working the private event tonight." Lucas smiles widely "I must leave you now, as there is still much to prepare for our guests this evening. It was a deep pleasure meeting you, and im sure that the boys will enjoy your company as well."

"Thank you, Sir. I will be there." I say, getting up from the barstool I had sat on, walking towards the door.

"No need for thanks. It truly was a pleasure…Julia. See you later tonight."