"Yeah, that's Angel for you," Cherri laughed, nodding as Vaggie finished her account. "He's a real hard nut to crack, makes it tough for folks to figure him out." Cherri's single eye showed a touch of sadness. "But I reckon he puts up those walls so he doesn't get hurt. I'm real glad you and Charlie found him when you did, and it warms my heart that he's starting to trust you both as friends."
"So we shared our story," Charlie said brightly. "What about you? How did you and Angel meet?"
"I met Angie," Cherri stated. "It was about a few months after I arrived in Hell, during my first Cleanse. My initial encounter with him was certainly different from yours, but you gotta remember, things were quite different back then."
"12/31/1988"
The day had felt weird all morning. She woke up and headed to the local coffee shop, only to find long lines stretching for blocks, with signs indicating they'd close by two. Many stores and bars were either tightly shuttered or displaying signs that read, "Hopefully open soon." Even the clubs had notices stating they were closed until further notice. There was an unsettling, nervous energy everywhere she looked. This was the last day of the year, but there was no sense of celebration. The denizens of Hell around her seemed agitated, scared, either huddled in their homes or seeking various forms of shelter, as if they were waiting for a nuclear bomb to hit.
"Hey, sista'," a tall demon with a New York accent said as he hurried past her. "If ya got any smarts, you'd be layin' low like a ghost right about now." The demon was dressed in a pink and white Valentino jacket and thigh-high boots.
"Hey," Cherri asked the stranger. "Do you know what's going on? Why is everything closed and shit?" The demon came to a stop in his tracks, appearing to ponder something.
"Oh... you're a virgin," the taller demon stated, a single dark-colored eye regarding her from over his left shoulder.
"Excuse me," Cherri said firmly, immediately reaching for one of the Cherry Bombs she carried on her person. She might not know what was happening, but she wasn't about to let some stranger on the street insult her without consequences.
"Hey, I ain't talkin' no disrespect," the other demon clarified, turning to fully face her for the first time. "Ya mean to tell me, ya never even heard a' the 'Cleanse' before?"
"I don't even understand the crap you're talkin' about," Cherri replied, irritation evident in her voice. The taller demon seemed agitated about something going on but also appeared quite conflicted.
"Ain't got the time to give ya the whole scoop," The taller demon said, growing more stressed by the moment. How far do ya gotta hoof it from here?"
"Around the west side of the pentagram," Cherri responded. "Why?"
"Ya ain't gonna make it over there before the lockdown hits," the taller demon retorted, looking around like he's watching for trouble. "If they nab ya, you'll be gone by mornin', no questions asked."
"If who caught me?" Cherri demanded, her irritation growing. "If you're thinking that sexist 'I'm dumb because I'm a girl' garbage, then I've got something for you to choke on." The taller demon approached her, firmly but not unkindly taking hold of her shoulder and started to pull her along with him.
"Come on," he said. "Listen, my joint ain't too far from here. It's no palace, but you can lay low there 'til this whole mess blows over, capisce?" Cherri wanted to resist, but something inside her told her not to fight him.
They arrived at the front doors of a dingy apartment building. Her unknown companion tapped in a key code into the security access panel. The door buzzed, and he immediately opened the dirty and cracked glass doors, pushing her ahead of him into the sorry excuse for an entryway. The two stopped to catch their breath. Now that things were beginning to feel more settled, she was finally able to get a good look at her companion. He was obviously a bug demon of some kind, though she wasn't certain exactly what. He was covered in white fur, with pale pink tones, including what looked like a large heart-shaped mark on his chest. While clearly male, he had a rather effeminate appearance. Even the attire he wore seemed to be in a women's style. His dark pink eyes were an interesting contrast, with one gentle-looking white eye. His second eye, however, was the only feature that appeared physically intimidating, being a sinister-looking black with a single pink orb.
The other demon was gradually becoming less anxious now that they were indoors. Cherri soon realized why he had been so stressed as a siren sounded, and a metal grate suddenly fell in front of the glass doors they had entered through.
"Ya gotta be feelin' lucky you ain't one of them poor schmucks still stuck out there, am I right?" He said, giving her a smirk, though there was a slight bitterness in his humor as well. Turning from the sealed doors, he started towards an elevator bank. "Let's move, this joint's still far from safe." He had stopped physically guiding her, leaving her to follow if she wished.
Figuring having a companion would be better than sitting in this entryway alone for however long, she decided to follow. They took the rickety elevator up to the sixth floor, and there were other demons milling about in the halls. Occasional sneers and jeers were directed their way. Cherri noted that her companion ignored them or pretended not to hear them.
"Hey, slut," one large demon called out. "How much did she pay you to give her a good time?"
The white-furred demon noticably felt the sting of the insult but maintained his composure, not willing to escalate things further. Cherri companion, however, didn't take it lightly.
"If she made a man outta him, it'd be an improvement," another demon added. "But then again, she'd still be the one wearing the pants in the relationship from the looks of her."
Cherri's grip on her temper started to slacken, but she maintained her resolve not to let the provocations get the best of her. She glanced at her companion who again maintained an uncaring attitude, though it was clear the comments did bother him.
"Like you'd know," Cherri retorted, rounding on the two demons. "He's probably a better man than you two assholes will ever be." Her companion didn't say anything, but he gave her an impressed smirk. Arriving at a door, he pulled out a key and unlocked it.
"It's a mess in here," he warned her as he entered. "To be fair, it ain't like I was expecting company today." Peering in, she could see what he meant by "mess." The single-room apartment was littered with various sex toys, ranging from dildos to vibrators, and some things she preferred not to know what they were. He was hurriedly picking up these items and stashing them in a cardboard box with the words "Work Shit" written on it. He put the box away in a small closet, which was filled with more women's-styled clothing, ranging from fancy evening gowns to casual feminine attire.
Cherri entered the small dwelling, closing the door behind her. The androgynous male demon drew the blinds down, bathing the room in darkness. He located a small lantern and turned it on, placing it on the floor so there was at least some light in the room. Settling on the floor himself, the white-furred demon regarded her as if she was no more significant than the furniture, just something that was there.
"It's a mess in here," he warned her as he entered. "To be honest, I wasn't exactly rolling out the red carpet for guests today, ya know?" Peering in, she could see what he meant by "mess." The single-room apartment was littered with various sex toys, ranging from dildos to vibrators, and some things she preferred not to know what they were. He was hurriedly picking up these items and stashing them in a cardboard box with the words "Work Shit" written on it. He put the box under a dress rack, which was filled with more women's-styled clothing, ranging from fancy evening gowns to casual feminine and unisex attire.
Cherri entered the small dwelling, closing the door behind her. The androgynous male demon drew the blinds down, bathing the room in darkness. He located a small lantern and turned it on, placing it on the floor so there was at least some light in the room. Settling on the floor himself, the white-furred demon regarded her as if she was no more significant than the furniture, just something that was there.
The Cyclope bomber girl took a seat on the bed, which wasn't much more than a mattress placed on the floor. She wasn't feeling entirely comfortable in this cramped room with this unknown demon, but something about him told her he had no intention of causing harm. And even if he was inclined to try, she had ways to show him she wasn't one to mess with.
The white-furred demon pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his jacket and shook one of the tobacco sticks loose. Before he lit it, however, it seemed to occur to him that he did have someone else in the room with him.
"Ya mind?" He asked, pointing at the cigarettes.
"Go ahead," Cherri shrugged. "This is your home...I'm just a guest for the time being. So what's all this stuff going on? You were saying something about a 'Cleanse' earlier?"
"Today's what you'd call the end of the line for the year, ya see?" The other demon said, lighting his cigarette and taking a drag of the rank-smelling tobacco. "Picture the 'Cleansin' as some twisted New Year's bash. Instead of raisin' glasses with bubbly and throwin' a party, it's a welcome mat for bloodshed and a massive wipeout. Every year 'round this time, these celestial big shots called 'Exorcists' swoop down from Heaven to handle the overpopulation problem. Any demon with half a brain knows to hunker down before the lockdown bells ring. If you're dumb enough to miss curfew or be outside, you better find a darn good hideout for the next bunch of hours. 'Cause if you get nabbed, it's lights out. The purge ain't started yet, but it's just around the corner. A hotshot from Hell's royal family pops out and calls an end to this madness around midnight, but we got some time to kill until then."
"Oh," Cherri said, starting to piece together the gravity of the situation. "So...what was the deal with calling me a 'virgin' earlier?"
"That's just somethin' we toss around at the studio," the other demon clarified. "We sorta give nicknames to folks who're fresh off the bus to Hell, ain't been through a 'Cleanse' yet, call 'em 'Cleansin' Virgins' or 'Extermination Cherries,' you catch my drift? Seein' as my line of business ain't exactly what you'd classify as G-rated, it's a little inside humor, ya know?"
"Okay," Cherri responded, really considering things from a different perspective. While these exterminations were terrible, maybe there was still something to be gained from all of it. "And what happens when these 'Cleansings' are over? I mean, if demons are actually killed off to the point they can't revive again, that's gotta leave a lot of places open for the taking, right?"
"Yeah," The other demon responded. "After these events, it's like a feeding frenzy for land and influence, like turf wars and such. Mostly the Overlords making power moves for themselves, but every now and then, you got other sinners or oddballs in this place tryin' to get in on the action too."
"I'm not exactly a pushover myself," Cherri grinned, holding three small explosives between her fingers. "If there's a place to party, I'm there." Her companion raised the brow of his darker left eye, another impressed smirk appearing on his face. "I'm known as Cherri Bomb...and you?"
"Angel Dust," her companion responded. ""Y'know, you got quite the fire, sista'... I'm likin' that." The two demons continued to chat amongst each other about what they had come to learn through their time in Hell as the hours passed, finding a needed companionship with each other for the time being. Cherri eventually felt herself lulled into a comfortable sleep on Angel's bed, grateful that she had found someone who could help her understand the chaotic world she had come to find herself in.
As the clock tower struck midnight, Angel looked up as the sound of fireworks boomed overhead, signifying the end of the lockdown period. Getting up, he drew the blinds back up again. The phone on his vanity table rang seconds later. He immediately picked up the receiver to answer it, knowing exactly who it was.
"Angel Cakes," Val purred. "I hope you managed to get some money for me before the lockdown started."
"I did get a few Johns," Angel replied. "My last customer was a real stiff, barely worth the dough he handed over. 'Bout to head to the studio now, just gotta handle some business before I go."
"Don't be too long, Sugar," Valentino purred. "You don't wanna make Daddy angry with you…" Hanging up the phone, he moved to the bed and started to shake Cherri's shoulder.
"Okay, Cookie," he said. "Time ta rise and shine." Cherri stirred, her single eye opening.
"Is it over?" Cherri asked as she started to sit up.
"Yep," Angel responded as he put the lantern away and checked the makeup he was wearing.
"Why did…" Cherri started to ask, her voice reflecting her confusion. She may not have been in Hell long, but she had been there long enough to know that most demons only looked out for themselves. Why would a demon protect another, especially a complete stranger? "You could have left me out there to be picked off by these 'Exorcists.' Why did you go to the trouble of helping me?"
"I guess…" Angel sighed, as if he was contemplating the question. "I reckon it's 'cause there wasn't a soul to hold my hand the first time around."he said with a bitter smile, the memory clearly still with him. "I lucked out and found a hiding spot in a broom closet before the slaughter kicked off."
"Well…" Cherri said as she made her way out of the room. "Thanks...maybe I'll see you around. I could use someone like you if I'm gonna start taking over some turf around here."
"We didn't become friends overnight," Cherri admitted. "But he did become an ally to me. He taught me about how this city worked, and I've been someone he could turn to for anything. The both of us are reliant on each other, but I know when he has something handled, I've literally seen him take on entire groups of demons on his own like it's nothing." Both Charlie and Vaggie exchanged a glance, as if sharing a thought between them.
"I know," Cherri sighed. "All of that stuff is problematic, and it's something your hotel is trying to discourage."
"It's not that," Vaggie responded. "If Angel can take on groups of demons on his own, what's stopping him from going after Valentino?"
"I don't know," Cherri stated. "It might be the fact that Valentino is an Overlord. I mean, yeah, the two of us took on Sir Pentious together in that turf war we had some weeks back. But that wannabe, snake-brained, edgelord isn't really all that much of a challenge. He's mostly just all talk with nothing to back it up. But Valentino... I don't know what sort of hold he has over Angie. I mean, I know Val's abusive and manipulative, but... Still, I'm glad the worst he's done is forcing Angie to give him blowjobs at times."
"Excuse me, my dear." Alastor interrupted."I, myself, do not indulge in the forbidden pleasures of the flesh. However, how can you be so resolute that events more grievous than these sporadic, coerced acts haven't transpired?"
"You aren't seriously suggesting...?" Cherri angrily demanded.
"He's just being realistic," Vaggie pointed out. "As much as I hate to say this, I do agree with Alastor. We can't be certain worse hasn't actually happened. Look at Angel's profession... look at what he does...is it that hard to believe that Valentino may have hurt Angel in that way?"
Charlie's eyes widened in horror at the suggestion, but the more she thought of it... the more it made sense. Angel was guarded, he didn't trust people easily. And even if he did trust someone enough to talk to them, he would turn to crude comments or snide remarks as though he was trying to force others away from him. Even the times she had heard him laugh, it wasn't honest laughter. Or even laughter at all. It was always this bitter, angry-sounding raucous noise that was meant to sound like laughter. The egotistical mask he would wear whenever he was among others. Now that she thought about the way Angel reacted when Vox appeared at the hotel. Was it just Valentino, or were the other Vee's also doing their own versions of torture on him as well.
"This is ridiculous," Cherri protested. She knew in her heart that what Vaggie was saying might be true. Angel may have been victimized by Valentino and possibly others. Val was sleazy and despicable, so why wouldn't he stoop to something so humiliating? But that didn't mean she didn't have a hard time believing it.
"He was with Valentino before he met you, Cherri," Charlie said. She also didn't like to think such awful things were happening, particularly to someone she had grown to love and respect as a friend. No, Angel wasn't just a friend. She didn't know him well, but she had come to think of him as a member of her family. "He's probably never told you because he wants to spare you the truth of it...or it's something he hasn't admitted to himself." Cherri's cycloptic eye grew troubled as she shook her head as if she didn't want to believe that was so.
"No… Angie..." She said mournfully, gritting her teeth angrily. "I swear... I swear I'll kill that evil son of a…" Charlie put a comforting hand on Cherri's shoulder, offering her support in this difficult moment.
"He'll need you to help him heal from all that's going on," Charlie said. "Going after Valentino in anger is not going to help matters, it's only going to hurt him more. And that is what that Overlord wants, for you to act against him so he can hurt Angel because of it. Or he could hurt you or worse as a means of hurting Angel."
"But things are getting worse," Cherri said. "I'm worried I'll lose him…" Her voice trailed off, expressing the genuine concern she felt for Angel.
"I'm worried about that too," Charlie said. "Maybe... maybe a change in scenery might help things. Leaving the city, even for just a weekend, might give him and the rest of us a chance to clear our thoughts and figure out what we could do." She offered the idea as a way to take a step back and regroup, hoping it could provide a bit of relief for everyone involved.
"What about Valentino?" Vaggie pointed out. "He will still come here looking for Angel, wouldn't he? Even if we can get out of the city without Valentino's knowledge... he could still destroy everything we're trying to do. We could return here and find the hotel just a pile of smoldering rubble, or he could be waiting for us to return so he could force Angel to leave with him." Vaggie's concerns highlighted the complexity of the situation, making it clear that finding a solution would not be easy.
"You also gotta remember what kind of forces are tied to this building." Alastor said. "I'd made a promise to assist this hotel, so I wouldn't just let it be torn apart. And while King Luci might've granted Charlie the use of this place, he ain't gonna take kindly to someone deliberately wrecking it for any reason." His words emphasized the potential consequences of any attempts to harm the hotel, showing that there might be more protection than Cherri initially thought.
"Speaking of Legs…" Husk grumbled as he glanced at the wall clock by the bar. "Isn't he usually back by now?" He expressed his concern about Angel's absence, noting that it seemed unusual for him not to be back by this time.
"You… You're right," Charlie said. She pulled out her Hellphone to see if Angel had sent any texts informing her he would be late. There was nothing, not even a call from her mom. "Cherri... has he sent you any calls or texts?" She turned to Cherri, hoping to find some reassurance.
"No," Cherri admitted after checking her phone. "You don't think that…?" She didn't need to finish the question. The worry on her face and the concern shared by everyone else in the room indicated that they had all reached the same conclusion. Something was happening to Angel.
"I recall hearing that you are at that hotel my darling Charlotte is running," King Luci commented as he adjusted his jacket and bow tie. Angel just lay curled under the blanket. It was clear that King Luci was aware of Angel's presence at the hotel and was addressing him directly.
"Uhh-huh," Angel said noncommittally. He knew he wasn't at fault since the King of Hell had asked for him. Still, that didn't mean he didn't feel lower than dirt right now. How could he look Charlie in the face, all the while knowingly getting involved with her father's affairs? How could he live in that hotel where pictures of King Luci hung, as he proudly stood beside his wife and daughter? He just wished that his 'Royal Anus' would leave so he could get cleaned up, dressed, give Valentino the souls he had earned today, and finally return to the hotel. He wanted to be alone in his room, where he could suffer in private until he needed to go through this ordeal all over again.
"I do hope you are being good to her," King Luci said. "My dear Charlotte can be flighty and doesn't always think things through, but she does have a good head on her shoulders. Sometimes I wonder if she cares a little too much. Then again not everybody would see something redeemable in most demons...at least not in a whore like you." Angel hugged himself at that remark. People only saw what they wanted to, which was whatever was on the surface. Never the full story surrounding it.
Even when he had been alive, this had been his everyday existence. He was the child of a notorious Mafioso, so he must be destined to be a criminal as well. He got into fights with other boys at school because he was protecting and defending his younger sister from being bullied by them. He was automatically assumed to be a troublemaker. The nuns at school looked down their noses and proclaimed that he had too much of the devil in him, and that nothing good would ever come from him. It was a life marked by preconceived judgments and assumptions, shaping him into a persona that felt trapped by the expectations of others.
Even though he chose to enter the sex trade as a means of distancing himself from his relatives, he could still feel the pain and loneliness of being cut off from those he knew. Accused of having forgotten what family meant, even if he did desire to return, he knew he would not be welcome. He felt like a freak, an anathema, an unnatural creature because of his desire to love and be loved by someone of the same gender. And now, all people saw was a spoiled brat who was able to create an easy living for himself on his back. They didn't know the pain and humiliation he suffered as part of his existence. Yet, even if they did, most would say he still brought it all on himself; that it was what he deserved.
Once the King of Hell had taken his leave, Angel located his clothing. The small room didn't have a shower, so he made do with running a damp washcloth over his body, trying to cleanse away any trace of his previous client. A hot shower back at the hotel should take care of anything he may have missed. Getting dressed, he picked up the stack of souls that King Luci had left and made his way to the elevator. Once the doors opened to allow him into the box-like car, he pressed the button for the penthouse. The door obediently closed but didn't ascend. This was proceederal since Val had to permit entry to the penthouse, or the case of Vox or Velvette possess a key card to grant them access.
"Ah, Angel…" Valentino's voice echoed through the elevator car, making Angel tense up.
"I got the dough from our big-shot customer." Angel stated, trying to keep his exhaustion and discomfort hidden in his voice. All he wanted was to return to the hotel, to find solace in his room. He longed to cuddle with Fat Nuggets, to feel the comfort of Cherri's embrace, to know that he was loved and cared for unconditionally. He didn't want to be seen solely for what he could provide but rather for who he was.
"Excellent," Valentino remarked as the elevator rose straight up five floors without stopping until it arrived at Valentino's ostentatious penthouse suite. The main room, as always, was tackily decorated. The entire sitting area was filled with deep-purple plush couches and chairs. A white heart-shaped rug sat underneath a taupe-colored coffee table, and the plush carpet under the floor rug was a bright rosy pink. The walls were all covered in Bordeaux red wallpaper, lined with heart-shaped pinstripes. The walls displayed various framed posters of Angel Dust's photoshoots. Some featured Valentino with Vox standing alongside Angel, Dia, and Summer, as if they were a close-knit group of friends. There were photos of Velvet standing in front of the three porn stars, creating a façade of a happy family. Other photos showed Angel Dust with a forced smile on his face, while Valentino stood beside him or leaned around him, grinning like a proud father, all for the camera, creating a false image of their relationship.
Currently, Val's back was turned away from him. He was captivated by an image of Angel dressed as a provocative mermaid, seemingly reviving a sailor he had saved. Angel maintained silence as he entered the room, carrying the souls he had rightfully earned. Approaching a console table, he noticed three reception boxes. Two of them were already filled with earnings from Dia and Summer. Carefully, Angel placed the money he held in the box designated with his name. Satisfied with this task, he pivoted to push the elevator door, signaling the end of his workday.
Suddenly, Val's hand firmly grasped Angel's wrist. Swiftly, he spun him around, capturing his chin in a firm grip, and without warning, he pressed his lips against the spiders, initiating an unexpected and forceful kiss.
"Hey, where do you think you're headed?" Valentino demanded, his tone assertive and filled with a mix of curiosity and the need for control.
"Back…" Angel piped up, his discomfort evident in the air of tension that hung in the room. "Back to the hotel, see? I'm done for today and…"
"I never said you were off the hook," Valentino's glare intensified as he spoke, making his intentions clear. "I still got plans for you." He didn't hesitate, forcefully tugging Angel along with him towards the bedroom.
"But...if I—" Angel's protest was cut short as he fought to break free from Valentino's firm grip. "If I ain't headin' back to the hotel, they're gonna..." he began, only to be met with Valentino's swift and forceful response. The Moth slammed Angel back against a wall, silencing his words and asserting his control.
"Don't forget who's letting you stay at that hotel!" Val's voice was a snarl, a potent reminder of the power dynamic between them. "They'll manage just fine without you for a single night." he asserted, his tone leaving little room for argument.
"If this is on account of you and Vox not seein' eye to eye lately," Angel protested, his words carrying a hint of defiance, but before he could finish, the flat of Valentino's hand collided with his face in a sharp, punishing smack, silencing him instantly.
"Don't you dare utter that bastard's name again!" Val's snarl echoed through the penthouse as he forcefully threw the Porn Star into the bedroom. Angel landed with an undignified sprawl, his body coming to rest against the plush pink carpeting, the impact leaving him momentarily disoriented.
~Please...no...not this…~ Angel's thoughts raced in fear as he reluctantly turned to look behind him, finding Valentino's intense gaze fixed upon him. The sinister red glow in his eyes and the malicious smile, illuminated by the dimness of the room, sent shivers down Angel's spine. As Valentino closed the door, sealing off any chance of escape, he began to undo his coat, revealing a bare chest that contrasted with the sleek black silk sleep pants he wore. Dread filled Angel's heart as he desperately scrambled away, knowing all too well the inevitable and horrifying events that were about to unfold.
"Come to Daddy, Angel Cakes," Valentino crooned, his words laced with an unsettling mix of desire and dominance, a tone that strongly suggested obedience. The Spider's fearful instincts took over, and he huddled in the corner, a vulnerable and terrified figure, fully aware that resistance was futile.
"Please, Val," Angel begged, his voice desperate and pleading. "I've been on the level. Doin' what youse wanted... just... just give me a break and let me head home." The plea carried a fragile hope, an appeal for mercy from a situation he felt trapped in.
"You're back where you belong..."Valentino growled, grabbing the Spider by the ankle and pulling him forward. "Baby, ain't I been your main man, your sugar daddy? I've showered you with love, tenderness, and treated you like you were my own personal treasure. I've whispered sweet words about how damn unique you are, time and time again. The day I scooped you up from that joint was the flyest day in your whole afterlife, 'cause I turned you into something real fine. And yet, here you are, hangin' with a bunch of folks who ain't got a clue about you. These cats are gonna split the scene as soon as that joint starts tankin', leavin' you high and dry. Even that one-eyed Aussie chick you're rollin' with...she gonna give you the boot when she's done usin' ya. We both know the final curtain's comin', darlin'. Time to face the music and admit you're in my stable, belongin' to me. When 'Daddy' tells you to fuck somebody, you present your ass and allow them to fuck your brains out. When 'Daddy' tells you to suck a dick, you say 'how many?' When Daddy tells you to come to him, you get on your hands and knees and crawl to me like a good little pet. I ain't a fan of puttin' the smackdown, but you're pushin' me, baby. You gonna play nice or am I gonna have to show you the rough side of town?"
Angel reluctantly complied, getting onto his hands and knees as Valentino released his ankle. He began to play along, feigning obedience to his captor's demands. But deep inside, he couldn't help but contemplate the situation. Val's actions were becoming increasingly conspicuous, and it wasn't lost on Charlie and the others. They were aware of what Valentino was subjecting him to, the torment he endured. While he didn't anticipate an immediate rescue mission, Angel knew that when he eventually managed to return to the hotel, there would be no denying the line Valentino had crossed. The truth would be evident to everyone, and there would be no way to overlook or forgive it. The thought that things could never be the same gnawed at him, and he wondered if he'd ever be able to regain a semblance of normalcy.
The weight of the situation bore down on Angel's thoughts. If he submitted to Valentino, he understood the cycle would continue. The uncertainty of when he'd be allowed to return to the hotel, the constant threat of further humiliation and pain—it all seemed unbearable. He was exhausted from the constant fear, a feeling that wasn't new to him. Memories from his past, the cruel discipline he'd endured at the hands of his own father, rushed to the forefront of his mind. The image of his older brother, standing guard outside their father's study, tried to mask his own distress. But Angel saw through it. He recalled a day when Molly, their sister, had defied their father's rule about entering that study. Molly had protected him, sheltering him from the worst, and in her embrace, he felt a rare moment of safety. The realization that something similarly horrifying was unfolding before him now was impossible to deny, and he grappled with the profound emotions that were resurfacing in this dark moment.
If dere's anythin' honest I've done since meetin' ya, Charlie, it's dat. It was a choice I made on my own.
~No Val, ~ Angel mentally said to himself as he stood up, his eyes met Valentino's with a glair of defiance. ~This time, I'm the guy settin' the rules. Youse gonna have to face the music when the repercussions roll in.~
"Looks like you're hankerin' for some heavy-handed action, huh?" Val's voice dripped with a predatory tone, a low growl underscoring his words as he cracked his knuckles. "I'm more than capable of fulfillin' that craving of yours." He continued, his intent clear. "And you can bet your sweet self, I'll make damn sure them screams of yours catch everyones attention in the Lust Ring." The sinister promise hung heavy in the air, a testament to the lengths Val was willing to go to exert his control.