Page 31 of Sweet
Happy thoughts…think happy thoughts. No storm clouds.
I made my way through the crowded club, clutching my bag close. The music was blaring, the bass shaking my bones as I tried to squeeze through the drunken crowd of people dancing.
No storms clouds.
My mood lifted, the music carrying my worries and fears away as I danced my way toward the exit. I wasn’t too far fromfinally breaking free of the crowd when a firm grip on my arm pulled me back. “What the?—”
I stopped, staring at someone I’d hope to never see again.
The man grinned, his smile sending a shiver down my spine. His bald head reflected the neon lights as he looked at me with dangerous, dark eyes. “Long time no see, Danika.”
My eyes were wide with both disbelief and fear, seeing him after all this time. I glanced around the room, hoping someone would intervene. “Ray? What are you doing here?” His heavily tattooed arm remained extended, gripping me. I tried to rip free from him, but he only squeezed tighter.
“I knew I’d eventually find you here.” I didn’t like the way he was looking at me.
“You’re hurting me…let go.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think so.” He then pulled me close, touching my ass and trying to kiss me. I shoved him away, groaning as I tried to fight him off. “Get the hell off me!”
“What’s wrong,mija? Haven’t you missed me?” He gripped my face and held me tight, forcing me to look at his smug mug. “What? You think ‘cause you went and got yourself clean I’d just let you go?” Ray laughed. “Last time I let you go, I ended up in jail…serving time for all that shityouwere taking.”
“That was years ago. I’m clean now…I don’t do that shit anymore. And we were over the minute you tried to sell me to those ‘friends’ of yours down at that weird club.” I pushed him off me, watching as his smile fell. “Leave me alone.” I turned to leave when he grabbed me again.
“Get your ass back her?—”
I swung my arm, slapping him across the face. His jaw tightened as he growled, glaring at me with such raging hatred. I slowly reached my hand into my bag, feeling for the grip of my handgun. He raised his arm to hit me back—just like he always did—when an unfamiliar voice stopped him.
“So sorry to interrupt, but is everything alright here?” I turned around to see a tall man with brown hair, wearing a black leather jacket over a dark shirt and jeans. His smile reminded me of someone…but I couldn't quite place it, too distracted by the massive men behind him. He stepped between me and Ray, gently pushing me into the two men who surrounded me. “I said…” He stepped toward Ray, lifting his jacket for him to see. “Is everything alright here?”
Ray eyed the man up and down. “Nah.” He then shot his eyes back to me. “Perra,” he muttered, spitting at the man’s feet. “Till next time,mija.” Ray stepped back into the crowd, disappearing from view.
An immediate wave of relief hit me as I exhaled.
“Interesting.” I looked at the man in front of me who was staring after Ray. He turned around to face me. There was just something about his face that felt so damn familiar to me…I couldn't place it, but it was gnawing at my mind.
Who are you?
The man motioned his men away. “Are you okay?” I nodded. “Good. Say, why don’t you join me?” He offered his hand to me with a grin that felt a little disturbing.
“I-I was actually on my way home.” He didn’t move. “Thank you for everything, but I should really get going.”
“One drink.” His smile grew. “That’s all I’m asking for.”
I knew better than to say yes, but something about this man had me feeling even more hesitant to deny him what he wanted, so I gambled and nodded.
The man helped guide me through the crowd to his VIP booth. He sat down, patting the spot next to him. Hesitant, I clung to my bag and sat down. With a snap of his fingers, bottle service arrived. They poured some flutes of champagne and left, leaving us alone as his two men guarded the walkway into the booth.
“To new friends.” He raised his glass for a toast, waiting for me to do the same. I reached out and picked the flute up, trying to keep my cool.
The sooner you get this over with, the sooner you can go home to Felix.
“To new friends.”
He clinked his glass into mine and downed the entire thing. “Ahh! Forgive me, I never even asked your name…friend.” The way he pronounced that final word made me feel uneasy.
I hesitated again before answering him. “Danika. My name’s Danika.” But as I said the words, I immediately regretted telling him.
The man nodded softly. I didn’t like the way he looked at me…as if searching for something important. “Danika…” He reached over, raising a strand of my hair. “I must say, your hair color is so unique. I imagine not many people have it, do they?”
