Page 22 of Rough Diamonds

He acts like he’s doing me a favor, really he just wants me trapped. I have been skimming off my tips for months. I’m so close to leaving. I can feel the safety in my bones. It's so close.

“You're not going anywhere.” He sneers. He pushes off the wall. “Get your fuckin’ ass up and presentable.”

I don’t say anything. I just hold my head down and act like everything‘s OK cause I know that if I fight back right now I’m too weak to fully defend myself so it’s better just to agree even if I really don’t.

“We have some special people coming in tonight. I expect you to be on your best behavior. You need to be the best. I made you into one of our top girls so act like it Evie. Because if you don’t it is not going to be fun for you.” He stalks off and laughs under his breath.

I’m dragging my ass. I took a shower and did my makeup, got dressed in the best outfit I had available right now. I’m wearing a little petty coat over my outfit trying to conceal everything underneath. I stumble into the back room. The nausea won’t stop. I have tried everything and I might have to go see a doctor somehow even though I don’t have any insurance. That's for another day and time. Right now, I need to get through this awful night because who knows what my stepdad has planned up his sleeve.

I hear some laughing as my ears perk up. Can this night get any better. “Evie there you are. I was starting to wonder if you were going to make it.” I don’t say a word, I smile. The fackiest smile. Shit I’m going to vomit. I try to hold myself together for just a bit longer. “Get your ass behind the stage. Everyone is so excited to see you.” He laughs it off and starts walking to the front.

I guess I’m doing this. Behind the stage I try to freshen up but I just can’t get any relief. The smells of cigarettes and liquor are just making it worse. Usually I am nothing but graceful as I move across the stage but tonight I’m wobbling like a new fawn. My movements are jerky, as the bright lights warm my face. I plaster on a mask and try to hide behind the glitter and bright red lips .

“What’s wrong with her?” A voice I know asks. My gut cringes and before I can hold back I’m vomiting over the side of the stage. I’m lifted from the kneeling position and moved to a back room.

“Shh, it’s ok Evie, it’s me.” Treven looks down with his long fanned out eyelashes and hazel eyes. They start to relax me.

“Why are you here?” I tap my hand on his.

“Don’t worry about that. What’s going on? Are you on drugs Evie?” Treven’s eyebrows pinch, and he’s holding on to me like his life depends on it . “We can help you.”

“Oh, you mean the guys who are supposed to love me, can what? Be my prince charmings and save me from this hell.” I shake my head. “I’m fine Treven just leave me alone I’ll get back out there…” I can barely finish as he cradles me.

“No princess, you look like a frail leaf, if a little gust of wind blew, you would fall over.” Treven makes me feel small wrapped up in his arms. The tears start coming and they won’t stop.

“What’s going on, please Treven, I feel like everyone around me knows something I don’t.” It takes everything in me to say that. My energy is so low I can barely hold up my head.

“This world was never intended for women, Evie. You throw yourself right in. Look who your stepdad is. We come from the opposite sides. But you made sure you were going to be with us.” He strokes my clammy forehead. “You are the wrench to all the plans. But your stepdad sees you more as a profit right now, a way to an alliance.”

“He's not going to use me in this game, Treven. I can’t let him. Look at me.” His eyes darken and his face becomes a bit red. He’s angry.

“You look like you are barely surviving. He has you selling yourself for a few bucks. Yes I see you and my heart is about to come out of my chest. I can’t sit by any longer and I know the others aren’t going to hold it together much longer. Things have become more intense within other gangs are moving into our territory’s war is coming. Alliances are being made and enemies. Go home, go take care of yourself. I’ll cover for you.” Treven lets me go gently sitting me down on an old turn up live seat. He grabs me and kisses me deeply pushing his tongue through my clenched teeth. I open up and let him dominate me just for a second before we pull away.

Evie

Present Day

“Oh, hi Sara, I didn’t know they were taking in just anyone these days. Seems a little desperate.” I can’t help my words as they leave before I can even shut myself up. I try to regain control of my feelings and leave my face expressionless.

“Now ladies there’s plenty of me to go around.” Sylus slinks his arm around me.

“Respectfully, go fuck your self Sylus.” I throw his arm off. “And you wonder why I left.” Sara comes up and puts her hand on his arm. “It’s ok Sy, let’s go.” I look her in the eyes. Why he insists on playing these games I don’t know but I have grown since we last were together.

“Don’t worry I’m just leaving.” I spin on my heel.

Emmit comes up and holds me by the waist. “You're not leaving. Face your problems, Babydoll. She’s here for you, not for us.” He side eyes Sylus.

“You know you’ll always be mine, sweetness.” I practically growl. He’s so god damn infuriating.

“Oh, I don’t know Sara, you were my best friend, other than the guys’. Were you ever really my friend or were you just too busy getting on your knees.” My molars crash together grinding so hard I’m sure everyone can hear it. “Emmit, please give me whatever you have. I need more if I’m going to be in a room with her. I don’t know why it matters if we are cool or not. At this point I’m ok with just ending her and moving on in life.” My chin is gripped as cool blue eyes stare me down.

“That’s why Evie. There’s so much going on right now her dad is the chief of police. We can’t afford for shit to go down wrong. Now that you're back we have to pick up where we left off.” I know exactly what he means. I have to go through the shit to deem myself. I laugh. They know I’m capable but I won’t show my cards just yet. I can’t. I smile. And flutter my lashes.

“Should I get on my knees now or later, sir.” I add in. Emmit looks over and winks at me. Treven holds his hand over his mouth trying not to laugh. Damion leans against the wall.

“She always was a brat Marcus.”

I roll my eyes. “You know you’ll have to do more than that, boys.” I look at Sara as she just stands there. “The sad part is, I did so much for you Sara. I gave you food and clothes, I even took you in when no one else would. I loved you. But when the chance came, you ditched me as fast as you could. All you ever wanted was something was never yours. I might have left but I have my reasons. Not everything revolves around Sara. I needed a friend when I had no one but you turned on me. People wonder why having other women as friends doesn’t work. That's because they always want what you have. When they can’t get it they take it. Just like you tried to take everything in my life. Isn't that right? Guess what Sara, it's too late.” I lose my shit, as I pull out a knife I had in my hair I push Sara up against the wall. The knife nicks her neck, and tiny little blood droplets start to blossom. I lick my lips.