Page 6 of Rough Diamonds

The sultry music starts playing. The lights are dim and swirling. Red and black are the club's colors. Right as you walk in, you almost choke on the oxygen that’s being poured out. Smoke machines light up and make noises. Every once in a while, I drop a quarter in to keep them going. I walk up to the bar and tap the wood twice. “Evie, your usual?” the blonde at the bar asks. “Yup,” I say, popping the ‘p’. I twirl my hair around my finger, trying to keep myself occupied. I usually do more private events, crowds aren’t my thing. I take the shot from the bartender and shoot it back in one motion. The burn reminds me of what I’ve been through and what I overcame. The person I am today is a fighter. No one, and I mean no one, is going to take that light from me.

“Evie, nice of you to show up.” Jen slides her arms around me. “Now, I have some very important people upstairs. I need you on it pronto.” She gives me her signature smile. Jen is older than me, she's been working here her whole life. She’s gorgeous, wearing a silver dress that shines in the lights. She has some crows feet outlining her big brown eyes and slender face. “I got you, Jen. When have I ever let you down?” I smack her ass and laugh like a crazed hyena. “I better get my ass in gear,” I shout over my shoulder, and run up the black carpeted stairs. This whole place is taken care of so no creaks at all.

There’s a red curtain at the top, where another bouncer sits just outside it. This area is closed off to the regular men. You have to be someone important in order to have access to this space. He nods at me, as I push the curtain to the side. I grab a tray from the back room before entering the entertainment area. We stash everything back here. A mop flops over, I bend down to pick it up and shove it back in its corner. I fix my lipstick and flip my hair to give it volume. Every tip matters right now. I know for a fact the better I look, the bigger they are. And these heels are killer. I can make any man beg for a night with me.

I push through another red curtain and stop. My nipples rub against my cotton crop top, and rub my thighs together. Shit. I do a double take but there's no hiding that is Sylus. His thick neck constricts. I watch as his neck tattoo moves up his throat, releasing as he swallows. My body’s confused. On one hand, I want to yank that slut up off the floor and strangle her. On the other hand, I am beyond turned on. Sylus is an enigma. My lover boy. Lost in my thoughts, the air becomes thicker around me, and I begin to sweat as my eyes lock on his piercing blue ones. He pulls the belt around the bitches throat. As she’s bobbing up and down, gasping for air on his dick, his stare rips through my heart. He knows what he’s fucking doing and my heart stops. His head slams into the velvet upholstery behind him. With one hand firmly around the belt, his other hand pushes her head down, forcing her to take his full length. His fingers constrict, and I read the ‘Demon’ letters tattoo across his knuckles. They flex as he pulls her hair harder.

I try to hold everything back, my emotions, my tears, the bile that is rising in my throat. To surrender is to show weakness. And as I was once taught, to show any weakness is a form of vulnerability, of letting someone inside. The faintest sob escapes me. I try to school my features before I turn and run away. I can’t show weakness. I run into one of the dark rooms, slam the door shut and quickly lock it. Sliding down onto my ass, I pull my hand to my heart. Sometimes the right thing, the most selfless thing is the one thing that hurts the most. Because those men will always be mine, they just don’t see it, yet.

After a few moments of allowing myself to cry, I stand up, straighten my spine and wipe my hands on my thighs. They might have made me into who I am today, but I will not let them take that away. After all, I learned from the best. With a smile plastered across my face, I re-apply some lipstick. It’s going to take so much more to break down these walls. I feel up my side, checking for my knives. Each one’s accounted for. I step back out, breathing through my mouth with my head held high. I go back to the VIP room, all five of my men are here. “What can I get for you guys?” I look for something on the wall, to keep my eyes on and distract myself.

“On your knees, Evie.” I shake my head. No way am I letting these guys win. “No.” A hand comes up behind me, resting on my shoulder. “Then I’ll fucking make you,” he spits out. “On your goddam knees. Don’t disrespect your bosses.” God, no. I should have known. Of course they own this place. With his firm hand on my shoulder, he pushes me down to my knees on the cold, hard floor. It’s uncomfortable as fuck, but I won’t let anyone know that. “What are you doing here?” One of them asks, I'm not looking but my guess is, it’s Damion. “What do you mean? This is my fuckin’ job.” I try to put all my confidence into my words. Show no weakness, I keep telling myself over and over. “Not anymore.” The venom in his voice makes me cringe. “What?! No. Who the fuck do you think you are?” My words barely come out as a sob works its way up.

“Evie, you know what women do here, right?” Why is he trying to be so subtle? No shit, I know. “Yeah I know, and I have bills to pay.” I lower my head, pressing my palms into my eyes. This is fucking great. “Really Evie, you want to be a whore?” His words slice what’s left of my heart. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.” I try to lift my eyes, to look at all five men circling me. “So what, you run off and decide to be a prostitute?” Damion’s grilling me, hard. “It looked like you guys had no problem with it a second ago,” I snip back, I’m not taking their shit. I get lost in my head for a second. Damion, my protector. I can’t believe he’s here.

I try to get up but another hand keeps me down. “Ah, ah, ah. I don’t think so, Princess. You’re not going anywhere.” Fuck. Treven’s using that stupid nickname. It sounds more vindictive than a word of endearment. “Shut the fuck up, Treven.” My jaw clenches, my molars grinding against each other. Sylus, pushes his cock back into his pants and zips up. “Let’s go.” I start to stand as an arm comes around my stomach. “No! Marcus put me down!” My fists slam into his back. “What, Angel, are you too good for us now?” I look at Marcus and notice his blond, shaggy hair has grown longer. His beard is trimmed neatly against his face making me think of how that would feel. Nope, mind out of the gutter Evie. His cool, blue eyes look like they are about to kill something, I just hope that something is not me.

Treven steps up to Marcus’ side. His arms are covered in vibrant colored tattoos. Knowing Treven they each tell a story. His brown hair is cropped on top into a fade. Styled to perfection, just like him. His hazel eyes tear into my soul, calling to me. He always sees me for who I am. He’s wearing a button up that’s rolled up to his forearms, paired with black slacks. I look to Marcus’s other side, seeing Emmit smiling like the cat that got the cream. I want to claw that fuckin smug look right off his face, this fucker. He’s wearing his jeans with combat boots, and a black fitted tee to show off his ink. His tanned skin makes his green eyes pop. He looks like the devil himself. He wears his brown hair in a buzz cut. Swaying his arms to the side, he swats my ass, causing me to yelp. “Fuck you Emmit.” I seethe. “Yeah, Babydoll, isn't this what you wished for?” His smile never disappears, even after hearing my ‘humph’. Cocky bastard; some things never change.

Sylus is off to the side. He has dark hair, and his eyes are the darkest green I have ever seen, they almost look black. He wears a black fitted tee, black jeans and black boots. His normal all black, he was never one to wear much color. He flexes his hands, and I watch as his tattoos practically come to life. His face has no emotion whatsoever. He acts as if my presence alone had kicked his puppy. FYI, I would never do such a thing. Damion takes up the rear. I can see his black tattoos against his dark skin when the lights shine on him. His caramel colored eyes lock onto mine, seeming to promise so much. I don’t know what the promise is, but I’m nervous to find out. He holds his head up high, nodding as we walk. I notice, out of the corner of my eye, the guy that’s been following me. I knew it! I knew something was up with him. “Hey stranger,” I greet him. “Hey Evie, long time no see.” He daps up with Damion, before he excuses him. “I thought you would be smarter than to let him tail you,” he says. Damion can’t shut up, can he? Fuck. Calling me out on all my shit. “Yeah. I’ve been in my head.”

Evie

11 years ago

My jean skirt fits perfectly against my thighs. I pull a black tube top over my breasts and pair it with a white tennis skirt. After pulling my hair up in a high pony, I put in a pair of hoops and leave. Even though I’m 19 now, I still have to sneak around and find places to stay. My stepdad won’t let me move, I tried. But no one dares to go against his word. The police are in his pocket, so what use are they to me? I stroll down my street. Thank God he had a meeting today. I didn’t tell the guys I was coming to the party tonight. I thought maybe I would surprise them. You know, show face and all. I take in my surroundings, trash litters the streets, the smell of urine and copper mix together. The wind blows slightly, it’s not cold, but more of that hot air that smacks you in the face, assaulting you any chance it gets.

The tags of the North Side Gang litter the buildings over here; it’s my stepdad’s gang territory. I roll my eyes. At the borders of the territory, you usually find more people from each side. It’s like they're waiting for something to happen. I follow the shadows and slink to the buildings. It’s better to stay undetected. Don’t talk, don't ask questions. Look like you have a purpose and go for it. The old warehouse tilts to the side. Music filters out, and people pile in with their cheap beer and drugs. The graffiti here is all DM tagged. I walk up the old stone steps, nearly tripping over my feet, and wipe my hands on my thighs. I don’t usually get all dressed up. I just wanted to be something more.

A couple comes bursting out, laughing, with their hands intertwined. They start to kiss, shoving their tongues down each other's throats. I laugh because that just seems so normal. My life is anything but normal. I make my way back through the crowds, grabbing a red solo cup on my way. Taking a sip, I nearly hurl, and plug my nose, being overly dramatic. Fuck, that shit is strong. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is someone’s hooch. I dry the corners of my mouth with the back of my hand. I hear some giggles and look up. The guys are all sitting in the back of the house. They have 40’s and Mad Dog in hand. I think I even saw one with a Four Loko. There’s women in short skirts, with their thongs and midriffs showing, while they grind themselves all over them. Some are kissing and making out, others are nearly dry humping.

The cup slips through my fingers and the splash makes contact with my body, but I barely recognize it. I kick the cup as hard as I can, balling up my hands into fists. What game is this? I mean, I never said anything to the guys about us being exclusive, but I guess I just assumed they want the same things as I do. Clearly, I was sorely mistaken. My heart starts to beat faster, it feels like it’s gonna rip out of my rib cage. I turn to storm out of the room, but before I leave, I whip my head back around. Feeling five sets of eyes looking at me, I hope they get the picture. I bring my fist up and punch it through the wall, plaster dust and particles whirl through the air as they make their way to the ground. I glance over to the guys and blow them a kiss. Take that, fuckers. I slam the doors on my way out. Fuck this shit. I got all dolled up, so I’m definitely not going home. I guess I’ll just have to find another party.

I start walking towards my house trying to come up with a plan. “Yo, Evie! You look good tonight. You up for going to a party with me?” I look back to see Vic. I’ve gone to school with him for years. I might as well live this up. I mean, the guys seem too occupied to worry about little ole me. “Sounds good, Vic.” I bat my lashes. If the guys want to play, fine, I’ll play their little game. I put my arm through Vic’s. “Show me the way.” I wink, needing to amp up my flirting. I laugh to myself. Vic says very little as we walk to another party.

I love summer nights, they are amazing with this slight breeze. I try to soak up the night and forget about the guys. I don’t think my heart can take much more. “Do you want a drink?” Vic asks. He’s wearing a pair of jeans and a black fitted tee, his head is shaved and he sports the gang tag my stepdad runs. I know he’s bad news, but oh well. Why should I give a fuck? “Here, babe.” He hands me a cup, I tip it back without a thought. The music turns up as hot bodies grind into one another on a makeshift dancefloor. I pull Vic by his hand. “Come on, let's dance.” The air becomes thick, and sweat forms on my brow. I take a deep breath and let it out.

The music starts to pulse through my veins and all I want to do is swing my hips to the music. “Come on, let's go somewhere else.” Vic grabs me around the waist and I fall into his side. He takes me up the stairs, bodies lining the walls. The sound of kissing, along with many more sounds, echoes through the hallway. “Vic, what’s going on?” He pushes through a door and swings me over onto a bed. My head becomes dizzy. “Wait! Vic, what’s going on?” I try to pry his fingers loose. “Vic, let go of me,” I say loosely, trying to not think too much of it. I’m so dizzy, and at this point, I can barely see him. Trying to use some of the self defense moves that Marcus showed me, but I can barely function. Vic just pushes my face into the worn out quilt.

The old quilt is thinning. Definitely not something you would use to warm up. “Stop fucking around and let me go, Vic.” At least that’s what I think I’m saying, but my words come out more like a jumbled mess. He takes his cold hand and glides it down my body. I shiver but not from want. Quite the opposite. He pushes up my skirt, and moves my panties to the side. “I’m only giving you what you asked for.” He bites on my ear. I try to move but I feel like I’m frozen underneath a lake. My mouth is so dry, all I want is to lick my lips to wet them but I can’t even do that. Something’s definitely wrong. “Shut up, you little bitch.” He smacks my face. The sting registers but I’m not able to do anything. He slowly rubs my slit up and down. “I know this is what you wanted, you little slut.” He shoves his finger hard into me, causing me to cry out. “Shut up and take it. You’ll take every fuckin thing I decide to give you.” He pulls back out, but this time pushes a bottle inside of me.

At this moment, I feel utterly disgusted. Ashamed of myself. Why did I have to go off? He pulls the bottle out and shoves it back inside. “You will always be worthless, nothing but a warm hole to fuck. I’m sure daddy dearest knows that the best.” His venomous words sting my very soul. If I could get swallowed back up inside myself, I would take it. Tears glide down my cheeks. My eyes are swollen from crying. He takes his fist and hits me again. “Shut. The. Fuck. Up,” he yells as spit flies from his mouth. I can’t move, I just lay there. I feel useless. Something I strive not to be. I have been trying with the guys. I worked so hard, and for what? To feel violated. To feel out of control. Two things I hate more than anything. A sob makes its way through my throat as my face crashes into the crusted quilt. I sit here and try not to give him anything. This fucker is done! I already decided.

A bang and some commotion is heard throughout the house, but that doesn't stop the assault. Vic leaves the bottle in and undoes his pants. If I could, I would throw up all my bad life decisions on him right now. The door bursts open with guns blazing, literally. I have an AR shoved at my head and I think I’m going to pass out. “Get the fuck off our girl,” Marcus seethes. Humm. Vic just stands back. “Yo, bro it’s nothing she didn’t want.” I try to talk but it just sounds like a slurred mess up, jumbled up words. “She can’t even talk. Care to explain that?” He leans in and holds his gun to Vic’s temple. The other guys circle around him, guns still drawn. “She must have had a little too much to drink.” Vic’s dick is still out with his hands held up. “You should probably get out of here,” he says. “Tsk, tsk, tsk. I don’t think so.” Damion bends over and pulls the bottle out of me. He gives me a kiss on the forehead. Vic scrambles back as Marcus locks and loads his gun. Vic shoves his pathetic excuse of a dick back in his pants, and untucks his shirt over his pants. “I don’t want any problems.”

The funny thing is, he’s already created a huge one. He might not die this second but he will, sooner rather than later. Because I’m out for blood. And by the looks of my guys, they are too. He scurries away, out the door. I can’t move and I think Marcus notices that real fast. “She’s been drugged.” Sylus comes up to take a look at me. I get lost in his dark orbs as I feel them absorbing my soul. I’m vaguely aware of whispering into my ear. “If you wanted dick sweetness all you had to do was ask.” He pulls back and winks before he moves my panties back and pulls my skirt down. He pulls his own shirt over his head and drapes it over me before taking me into a fireman’s hold. “We got you, Sweetness. It’s going to be ok.” He smothers my face with kisses, trying to comfort me. “Let’s take her back to the house and get her sobered up,” Damion commands, not taking any denials from anyone. “Babydoll,” Emmit caresses my cheek for a second while I’m in Sylus’s arms. “I love you. I know you're upset with what you saw, but that wasn't anything serious. I am in love with you. I just have to keep up my appearances.” I wish I could speak and tell him that, that it doesn't matter. He gives me a kiss and steps back. Treven steps up to me next, “Princess.” He looks into my soul, kissing my forehead slowly. “You worried me back there. You know better than to go off with a low life scum like Vic. I know you probably think this is your fault, but it’s not. He will get what’s coming because we take care of what’s ours.” He kisses me on the lips. Marcus growls, “that mother fucker. I should have ended him there.” Damion places his hand on Marcus’s shoulder. “You couldn’t. You did what we had to. It’s too risky in their territory.” “Go to sleep, love. We’ll talk to you in the morning.” Damion strokes my face and lets go falling into line around me. Marcus says nothing, he gives me a kiss on the cheek. He’s mad, very mad. He’s stomping as he walks. His fists are balled. I practically feel the anger rolling off of him in waves. I feel like I’m drowning in it as I start to close my eyes. Fuck, I messed up. Somehow, I’m still angry at my guys who I love more than life itself.

Evie

Present Day

“OK, so what’s going on? You guys are just gonna like what, kidnap me or something?” I laugh at that thought I slowly move my hand down in between my breast and find a small blade that I had sitting there. I lift it up and slice at Marcus‘s back. He drops me with shock on his face.

“You fucking little shit what was that?” He asks as if he doesn’t know what he’s doing.

“No one's taking me anywhere. I have a job to do and I have someone who I have to take care of. That’s all you need to know.” I stand up on my feet and fix my hair, tightening the high ponytail.

“Yeah, that’s not happening Evie. You no longer work there and you’re coming with us, whether you like it or not.” Damion comes over and grabs my upper arm, practically dragging me at this point. “Sylus, check her over, she’s carrying more than just one knife.” Damion turns around on his foot, dismissing me as if I am nothing fine. He wants to think I’m nothing. I drag out the last blade in my bra quickly and throw it barely missing his face. It goes into the building.