“Okay, okay how about this?” As Nirali emerged, clad in a crimson, shimmering, backless dress that hugged her curves, my words evaporated in awe.
‘Marry me,’ I stammered, barely able to form a coherent thought. “So yes?”
Her lips curled into a coy smile as she turned to survey herself in the mirror, analyzing every angle.
Abandoning my drink on the nearby table, I rose from the couch, unable to resist the urge to shower her with compliments. ‘Darling, that dress was made for you,’ I gushed, admiring the way it danced around her graceful legs.
A subtle blush crept across her cheeks as she locked eyes with me through the reflection, her gratitude in every inch of her being. ‘Thank you for agreeing to this last minute,’ I added, though she waved away my concerns with a dismissive flick of her wrist.
“I’m available anytime Reena.”
My brow furrowed in confusion as I utter the name, ‘Reena?’ But before I could finish, she let out an exasperated sigh. ‘Your name is quite long. So, allow me to introduce you to your new nickname: Reena, Irena.’
As her proclamation echoed in my mind, I couldn’t help but let out a half-hearted chuckle. ‘Nirali, my name is not long to say, and Reena and Irena have the same number of letters.’ I pointed out.
But Nirali wasn’t having it. ‘Oh, hush, Reena is a charming nickname, and I shall call you that from now on.’
I shook my head, smiling, before stepping back to admire my friend in all her glory.
‘Whatever you say, Nira,’ I replied with a smirk, lifting my hands in defensive playfulness as she turned to look my way. ‘You call me Reena, and I call you Nira. Besides, it rhymes,’ I added with a grin, watching to see the smile spread across her face as she turned back to fix her makeup.
Yearning to escape this suffocating atmosphere, I was grateful for Nirali’s invitation to revisit the club she and Abel frequented back in the day – a surefire way to find some fresh air and forget our worries. Finally, I’d have the chance to let loose, drink, dance, and make the most of the night with my one true friend.
But first, I had to carefully select the perfect outfit for our evening out, laying on my bed wrapped in a silky robe, “I don’t know what to wear.”
groaning over my lack of inspiration.
Nirali shoots me a sly look and arches a perfectly manicured brow. ‘Please, Reena. You’ve got a wardrobe full of gorgeous dresses just waiting to be worn,’ she announces, gesturing to my closet. I sit up straight, turning to face her. ‘Half of them were picked out by Saint,’ I grumble. ‘Not bad taste for someone who’s not even a fashionista,’ Nirali teases, her eyes dancing with mischief. I close my eyes and let out a deep sigh of frustration. ‘Niraaaa, please help me. I want to look smoking hot tonight,’ I pleaded with her. She laughs softly. ‘Alright, alright. Don’t get your panties in a twist. I’ll find you something,’ she says, disappearing into my closet like a bright, shining light.
As I wait for Nirali to work her magic, my mind begins to wander. I can’t help but wonder how Saint will react when he finds out that I’ve left the house to go clubbing with my best friend. In my previous marriage, my husband never allowed me to go out, not even to fancy society events or dinners. I was a prisoner in my own home, barely allowed out for even a few hours each week. But not anymore. This time around, I was determined to live my life on my own terms.
As my eyes fell upon the stunning silver dress that Nirali presented, I couldn’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation. I took the dress delicately from her outstretched hand, holding it up to the light. My heart quickened as I took in its intricate, sparkling details.
‘Where did you find this?’ I ask incredulously, barely daring to believe my good fortune. Nirali’s eyes twinkle with amusement.
‘It was in your closet,’ she informs me with a smirk. ‘I’m willing to bet it’s Saint’s – the man has impeccable taste.’
Without hesitation, I rush into the closet and strip off my robe, revealing my barely-there thong. I slip into the dress, feeling it hug my curves in all the right places. As I secure the spaghetti straps over my shoulders, I bask in the way the fabric sparkles in the light. This dress flows flawlessly against every inch of my body, accentuating my feminine curves and emphasizing my slender waist. The luminous silver fabric radiates with an ethereal sheen, elevating my beauty to unforeseen heights.
Subtly revealing yet charming, the spaghetti straps caress my toned shoulders while the daring plunge of the V-neckline draws the eye tantalizingly close. With its daring mid-thigh cut, the dress presents my strong, captivating legs with a breathtaking air of confidence and allure.
As I emerged from the closet, Nirali’s eyes widened in awe and she flung her phone onto the plush bedspread. She glided over to me, gasping in admiration.
‘Reena, you look positively breathtaking,’ Nirali gushed, causing a rosy flush to bloom across my cheeks. ‘How did you manage to look like a goddess in just a few minutes?’
I smiled, basking in the compliment, and thanked her.
With swift movements, Nirali darted into the closet and emerged with two pairs of high heels. One was a shimmering silver that matched my dress, while the other was a fiery red that complemented Nirali’s own ensemble.
As she handed me the silver pair, I slid them on with ease, and we gathered our essentials for the night ahead. Chirping and giggling, we descended the stairs, and Nirali’s driver awaited us outside, ready to whisk us away to our adventures.
Nirali headed towards the car, but I halted in my tracks, informing her that I needed to retrieve the keys for the house. As I reached the key holder, fate intervened and I bumped into none other than Saint.
As he peered up from his phone, his eyes weighed heavily upon mine before travelling down my frame, scrutinizing my ensemble. Curiosity piqued, I cocked my head to one side, studying his features.
“What?” I snapped.
“Where are you going?” he questioned. “Clubbing with Nirali.”
I brace myself, prepared to push back when he tries to restrict my freedom.
Saint remains silent, slipping his phone into his pocket, his tongue darting out to moisten his lips.
“What time will you be back?” I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. ‘I can’t say for certain,’ I responded warily.
He nods but has an ominous warning. ‘Leroy and Nick will be keeping watch over you.’
I swallow hard and clear my throat before responding. ‘I understand, but I’ll be accompanied by Nirali’s driver.’
A tense energy crackles between us as he regards me skeptically.
“That’s fine,” he replies.
“Good.”
“Good.”
Saint left without uttering a single phrase, leaving me perplexed. With a furrowed brow, I mouthed an unspoken ‘Okay’ before stepping out of the house and shutting the door behind me.
As fall blew gusts of wind, the trees started losing their golden leaves, bidding adieu to the sun as it set into the sky. The moon and the stars prepared to take over the night, setting the perfect backdrop. Suddenly, out of nowhere, two soldiers appeared with a sleek black BMW sliding smoothly behind the SUV.
My thoughts immediately wandered to Leroy and Nick the second I caught sight of them. I hopped into the SUV, as Nirali was busy placing her small mirror into her bag, and questioned, ‘What took you so long?’ We hit the streets as the car sped away from the driveway.
“I, uh-” Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I summoned all the courage I had left and darted a glance at Nirali. With a smile, I whispered,
‘Nothing.’ She scrutinized me for a moment before wisely deciding not to pry any further.
‘Are you excited?’ she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with unbridled excitement. I couldn’t suppress a giggle. ‘More than you could imagine. I can’t wait to bust out of this place and live a little,’ I declared with glee. Nirali tossed her dark tresses over her shoulder. ‘Well then, you’re in luck,’ she teased, her eyes smouldering with a hidden promise.
Just then, Nirali’s phone buzzed, and she scrambled to answer it. A shy grin played over her lips as she read the message. ‘Sorry, it’s Abel – do you mind if…?’ she trailed off. Without a second thought, I threw up my hand in a dismissive gesture. ‘Don’t be silly, go right ahead,’ I encouraged, and she quickly tapped out a response, giggling softly to herself.
As I gaze out the window, the rustling trees blur by in a verdant dream. I take a deep breath and rest my head against the supple leather seat. Saint’s odd behaviour from earlier today still haunts my thoughts. He simply nodded and left without a disparagement or a huff, which is highly unusual.
Perhaps, he has finally surrendered to my wishes?
Regardless, I’m elated that we didn’t clash in another fruitless argument that only results in sourness lingering till the next dawn. Nirali’s words echo in my mind, this is the day to abandon my worries and relish in the electrifying thrill I’ll experience tonight.
The air was thick with anticipation as the doors to the nightclub swung open with a soft thud. The intoxicating aromas of perfumes, colognes, and smoke merged, forming a unique and heady scent that filled the senses. The dim lighting, coupled with the thumping beats of the music and the flashing strobe lights, made it easy for one to get lost in the moment. The dance floor was alive with bodies, moving in sync with the rhythm of the night. The drinks flowed freely, glasses clinking, and laughter filled the air. The night was young and the possibilities endless, as the nightclub held within it an air of promise and excitement.
‘Can you believe it?’ I whisper excitedly to Nirali, my eyes roaming over the vibrant atmosphere of the club.
‘I absolutely can’t,’ Nirali breathes, her gaze hungrily devouring the scene before us as we settle down on a cozy couch.
As a waitress approaches, we lose ourselves in the beat of the club music before placing our drink orders.
‘Can you even handle all this energy?’ I ask Nirali rhetorically, as the crowded room pulsates with excitement. I laugh, slightly moving my body to the beat.
Excitement bubbles within me as I confess to Nirali that I’m a first-time clubber. She gapes in disbelief, her eyes widening like saucers. ‘Are you serious?’ she gasps, and I nod shyly, feeling like a newbie amidst the clubbing veterans. ‘I’ve never really had the chance to let loose before I married Saint,’
I explain, and a flicker of sadness darkens Nirali’s face before she covers it up with a reassuring grin.
‘Don’t worry, Reena,’ she promises, her voice as sweet as honey. ‘You’ll be a clubbing queen before you know it.’ With that, we’re served our drinks, and we toast to a night of wild and crazy adventures.
As the music pulses through the club, Nirali and I take to the dance floor like we were born to boogie. Our hips sway in perfect sync, our bodies move like liquid fire, and our smiles light up the room like a disco ball. Soon enough, we’ve attracted a crowd of curious onlookers who can’t seem to get enough of our killer moves.
Locking gazes, we exchange a silent vow to make this a night to remember
– one filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of shaking our booties.
Our VIP escapade was an absolute marvel, leaving us in utter awe. Dazzled by the glittering lights of the club, we savoured the most exquisite drinks, from exotic cocktails to premium champagne, relishing the sheer opulence of it all.
With each delectable course, our taste buds danced in delight, as we rediscovered the sheer pleasure of indulgence with succulent appetizers and mouth-watering entrees.
But it was the company that made our VIP experience truly unforgettable.
We laughed, reminisced, and savoured the moment, lost in a world of luxury.
As the night waned on, our feet tired but our spirits high, we danced until we could no more, revelling in the VIP treatment which left us utterly fulfilled and yearning for more.
I flopped down onto the plush couch, relishing in the cool fabric against my skin as the sweet taste of my drink danced on my tongue. My protectors, two looming shadow figures, stood guard behind me with steely gazes, just as Saint had promised they would. Nirali’s hired guards kept a watchful eye from the sidelines, expertly concealing their presence in the room.
As Nirali and I chatted away, a striking figure caught our attention. He sauntered towards us in a dark blue shirt that flattered his chiseled frame, black jeans that hugged his curves in all the right places, and sneakers that whispered against the floor. His tapper hair was expertly styled and his dark skin positively glowed under the neon lights. His muscular build was only accentuated by his full, pouty lips and siren-dark eyes, framed by full eyebrows and lashes that touched his cheeks with each blink.
I watched Nirali take in the newcomer with a quiet gulp of her drink, while I couldn’t help but be transfixed by his captivating presence.
“Bonsoir mesdames.” With a deep and raspy voice, the man addressed us, causing me to look up from my drink. ‘We don’t speak French,’ I replied.
He simply nodded before taking a seat across from us, his legs wide open as his eyes scanned over my figure. His French accent lingered in the air as he complimented us by saying, ‘You two ladies look beautiful.’
Nirali, ever the inquisitive one, asked him who he was. The man chuckled, unfazed by her annoyed tone. ‘I couldn’t help but notice you two from afar.
Are you having a good time?’ he asked, his eyes darting back and forth between us.
Wanting to keep the conversation light, I chimed in, ‘Yes, we are. This place is simply gorgeous.’ As I took in the surroundings, I couldn’t help but feel like the man was watching us a little too closely.
“Thank you,” he exclaims, his proud gaze sweeping over his domain, and I share a quick look with Nirali, realizing he’s the master of the club. ‘You’re the owner?’ I inquire, unable to contain my curiosity as his eyes glitter with pride.
‘Aye, I am,’ he boasts, sweeping out his arm in a grand gesture. ‘I own three of the most illustrious nightclubs in Paris.’ His hand extends toward me. ‘Laurent Duval,’ he introduces himself charmingly, holding a winsome grin on his lips. I can’t help but stare at his outstretched hand and then meet his piercing gaze before smiling poignantly. ‘Irena,’ I replied in turn. ‘Nirali,’
she jovially chimed in.
He noticed me declining his handshake as his smile stays steadily fixed on his visage as he leans back on the velvety couch with a regal air. His fingers flutter deftly and a waitress waltzes over. ‘Fetch me the golden Moet Midnight,’ he commands, and the young lady hastens away to comply.
‘So, what brings two gorgeous ladies like yourselves here with no date?’ he inquired with friendly curiosity.
‘We’re on our lonesome tonight. Our husbands are busy, and we just wanted a girls’ night out,’ Nirali explained, offering a satisfactory explanation for our presence. Laurent’s gaze flitters down to the gleaming wedding rings that envelope our fingers.
As Laurent’s eyes flickered with a glint of disappointment, I couldn’t help but notice how his charming personality quickly took over, masking any signs of sorrow.
‘Your husbands must be fools,’ he said with a sly grin, ‘to leave two gorgeous ladies like yourselves here alone to hit the clubs.’ I shrugged nonchalantly. ‘We can take care of ourselves,’ I replied.
Laurent chuckled in response before rising from his seat and moving closer to me. As his body warmth seeped through my skin, I noticed Nirali’s watchful gaze and Saint’s guards eyeing him suspiciously.
Uncomfortably, I tried to smile, even though my skin was prickling with apprehension. Suddenly, without any warning, Laurent leaned in, whispering into my ear, ‘Do you want me to come closer?’
My heart raced, and goosebumps covered my skin as I quickly scooted away from him. ‘No, Laurent,’ I blurted out awkwardly, ‘I’m a married woman.’ But he shrugged nonchalantly, saying, ‘So what?’
‘So, you’d be wise to steer clear of her. Believe me, crossing her path is not a game you want to play. Her husband is off the deep end.’ Nirali cautions.
Laurent lounged back, his piercing gaze scouring the club until it landed on me. ‘Seems her hubby’s MIA. Unless you plan on ratting me out,’ he drawled, and I cringed.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch sight of one of my guards, striding away with an ominous air. The thick beat of my heart tells me that trouble’s brewing.
‘Nirali…’ I caution, my voice was heavy with foreboding.
Nirali reaches for her phone with a sharp gasp. ‘We have to go,’ she declares, jumping up from the couch.
An instant later, the guard returns, sharing a meaningful glance with his companion.
In quick succession, Nirali and I grab our bags and make for the exit.
After what I’d been through with Andrew, I wasn’t taking any chances with anyone.
Laurent rises, arms crossed, his demeanour giving nothing away. ‘So soon, ladies?’ he inquires as we exit the VIP section, unaccompanied by our guards. I glance at the time on my phone – 11 PM.
‘We’re pretty wiped out,’ I reply. And with that, we vanish into the night, the tension palpable behind us.
I furrowed my brows in confusion as I wondered why they weren’t taking any action. Although I expected them to intervene and remove Laurent’s influence, they were closely observing him without any reaction. Could it be possible that Saint instructed them to deliberately stand by and assess my allegiance?
Laurent’s fingers clamped down on my arm like a vise, sending an electric jolt of anger coursing through me. I wrenched my arm away, fury simmering just under the surface.
‘Mr. Duval, I suggest you leave before I take matters into my own hands,’
I said through gritted teeth, my warning falling on deaf ears. Laurent’s dark gaze bored into me, a wicked smile playing at the corners of his lips.
‘Is that a threat?’ he taunted. I shook my head, refusing to be baited.
‘It’s a warning,’ I spat out, my words razor-sharp. Without another glance, I turned on my heel and marched away, descending a flight of stairs with a purposeful stride.
As we emerged outside, I scanned the area for my guards, but they were nowhere to be found. Nirali’s driver was waiting for us, and the towering shadows of her guards loomed behind them. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, a sense of unease settling deep in my bones.
Strange.
The bustling streets of the city were alive with energy, but our evening had been cruelly cut short by a persistent man who refused to accept ‘no’ for an answer. As we climbed into the car, I slumped back into the seat, mulling over the incident in silence as the engine roared to life.
Turning to my friend Nirali, I made a plea. ‘Please, let’s keep this to ourselves. Don’t tell Abel.’ Confused, Nirali furrowed her brows and asked why.
I let out a heavy sigh. ‘He’ll tell Saint, and I’d rather he doesn’t know about what happened.’ Of course, that was assuming that his security detail hadn’t already alerted him. I cursed inwardly, hoping against hope that we wouldn’t be dragged into the spotlight.
Nirali sighs and smiles weakly. “Oh, don’t worry about it, my mouth is shut.”
As I looked out the window, I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the moon resembling a bright giant eye and the stars twinkling like scattered salt on a dark surface.
Nirali and I drove in silence until we reached my-Saint’s mansion. After an hour, I approached the door and unlocked it with my key. Upon entering, the foyer was completely silent with a tense atmosphere. I carelessly threw my key into the nearby bowl.
“Hey, honey.” As I made my way towards the dining room, a voice pierced through the silence, beckoning me forward. My heart raced as I followed the sound, each step echoing like thunder in my ears.
Suddenly, I froze in my tracks.
“I’m glad you could join us sooner Doe.” Saint’s voice, rugged and raw, filled the room and I couldn’t deny the shivers it sent down my spine. And there he was – Saint, his hair tousled and his face bruised, holding a pistol to the head of a man who cowered beside him.
My voice shook as I mustered up the courage to ask, ‘Saint, what is this?’
He chuckles darkly, grabbing the man by the neck and lifting his head high, my eyes widen when I noticed the man. It’s Laurent.
“Remember your friend,” he questions and my mouth instantly turns dry.
“He touched what was mine, usurping the sanctity that belonged to you and me,’ his words dripped with venom as he languorously traced the sharp contours of the metal gun against his neck. My gaze flickered towards a tablet resting uneasily on the table accompanied by a solitary button.
‘Please, Saint,’ my voice trembled, but he remained steadfast. ‘You know the rules, Doe. No one crosses the line and lives to tell the tale.’
With each passing moment, my throat constricted, making it hard to swallow.
“I-”
“Now, where did he touch you?” he questions. “Saint-”
Saint’s dark gaze locks onto me, his voice low and dangerous, ‘Irena, tell me. Where did he touch you?’ I can feel his focus drilling into me as I whisper back, almost afraid to speak. ‘My arm.’
A strange smile curves his lips, only adding to the threatening aura he emanates. As I watch in terror, his single dimple pops out. Oh, how I wish I could look away, but his intense stare holds me captive.
‘Did he make you feel uncomfortable?’ he continues, and I can only nod mutely, my gaze darting nervously to Laurent, who is groaning in agony.
With a quick tap of the gun against Laurent’s face, Saint manages to bring the man back to his senses. ‘You! What is this?’ Laurent yells, trying to stand, but Saint pushes him back down. ‘Sorry to interrupt your slumber, Laurent.
But we need to have a little chat with our guest here,’ Saint purrs, placing the gun on the table.
But it isn’t until he picks up the tablet and reveals the three security cameras of different buildings that Laurent’s eyes widen in horror. Suddenly, everything clicks into place, and I realize just how deep this conspiracy goes.
‘Take a moment to truly see your babies,’ Saint’s voice instills a sense of dread. ‘You wouldn’t want any harm to come their way, would you?’ His green eyes twinkle with a cruel pleasure as Laurent’s pupils dilate in terror.
‘Please, I beg of you, name your price,’ Laurent pleads for his cherished building’s safety. Saint scoffs, shaking his head in disgust. ‘Money is not what I desire from you, Laurent.’
His eyes blaze with an almost tangible fury. ‘I want you to experience the seething rage I feel when someone violates what is precious to them.’ He seizes the remote and, with one push of a button, three buildings crumble into a cascade of debris, as I could physically feel their echoes resonating through the air and ground.
As Laurent stares vacantly into space, his once-lively eyes now drained of spirit, Saint saviours the pleasure of retaliation fulfilled.
A wave of fury boiled inside Laurent’s chest as Saint’s words hit him like a brick to the face. The thought of someone destroying what belonged to him was a bitter pill to swallow. ‘It’s not a satisfying feeling knowing that someone touched and destroyed what is yours,’ Saint’s voice trickled into his ear, stirring a fire within him.
Laurent gritted his teeth, feeling a mixture of despair and rage surge through him. ‘Y-you monster,’ he stuttered, fists clenched tightly at his sides. ‘You’re all fucking monsters!’ His voice thundered through the room, echoing off the walls. In a fit of desperation, he lunged for the gun on the table, finger hovering over the trigger.
I braced myself for the worst, shutting my eyes tightly, but nothing came.
The gun clicked, but there was no explosion – only a smirk from Saint, and a trembling Laurent, confused and frightened.
Saint’s voice crooned smugly, ‘You didn’t think I was that stupid to leave a loaded gun on the table with you untied, did you?’
“I-”
A sinister chuckle escaped Saint before he revealed the weapon nestled in his pocket. The cold metal pressed against Laurent’s flesh as a deafening pop echoed through the room, shattering my senses with a grotesque display of gore. He grabs Laurent’s head and smashed it on the table before breaking both his legs in one swift motion. I stood rooted to the spot, my mind reeling as I struggled to comprehend the carnage before me. As Laurent shivers on the floor while soft cries escape his lips, Saint calls out for one of his guards.
Minutes later they walk in and without a word drag Laurent’s crippled body out of the room while he is still alive.
The stark reality of the situation hit me like a freight train – men were tortured or brutally killed because of their association with me. The mere thought was enough to chill my bones. But more terrifying still was the realization that Saint brutality killed three men because of his twisted obsession with me.
And I couldn’t help but find comfort in it.
