Gaia
There was always a calm before a storm. You see the sky darkening above you, and you feel the wind picking up. You step inside, boarding your doors and windows, thinking that you’re safe because you’re inside. But what about those in the eye of it? The storm in my life came late one night when I least expected it. It came on in full force, wreaking havoc, destroying everything in its path.
There was an event happening tonight, a necessity for the crime families of New Orleans, and where better to have it than at a club? How these things still occurred was a mystery. Politicians, celebrities, and the wealthiest businessmen attended these things. Ugh, I prayed this would be the last one. I had to act like everything was fine, so that I didn’t give away the fact that Arthur was coming for Charles. Gabe was with me, so I would be okay. These were the worst parties though, an excuse to have sex in public and not get arrested.
I wore a black leather dress that ended above my knees, Louboutins, and my hair hung loose. I wore a simple lace eye mask since it was a masquerade party. I took my brother’s hand and walked into the club. The music was loud, the lights mesmerizing. We were led to a VIP corner. My parents, thankfully, were seated in another part of the club, where the business was happening.
“These are pretty lame when you don’t drink or snort.” Gabe laughed.
“Well, I’ll stay sober with you, so we’ll be lame together.”
“No fucking way. You need a drink, you’re so tense.” He called for a waiter, who Gabe could not keep his eyes off, and ordered me a martini. The guy was gorgeous, shirtless with just a bowtie and black pants that did wonders for his ass.
One turned to three, and I found myself no longer bothered by the booming music. The waiter, Darren, apparently felt the same way about Gabe since the two guys were soon tongue locked. Apparently, the waiters did more than just serve drinks.
I laughed.
“Dudes.” I slurred. “I’m going to dance.”
“I’ll come with you,” Gabe said, breaking away from Darren reluctantly.
“Fuck off, you need to get laid.” I giggled and walked out of the area. There were rows of VIP areas like the one we’d been in, and they were now filling up. “Follow the music,” I chanted to myself as I walked toward the dance floor.
“On your knees.” A male voice commanded, and I stilled in front of the private VIP room I was passing. I knew that voice, had been commanded in much the same way by it before. I stalked into the room, and there, casually sitting on a couch, was Arthur. Even with a silver mask on, I knew it was him. I’d run my hands through that salt and pepper hair, kissed that jaw. His eyes met mine. They were cold and void of emotion, nothing like the ones that had laughed with me.
Two women kneeled before him, one blonde, one redhead, both naked save for their masks. One had her hands wrapped around his thighs, so close to his groin I wondered why he bothered keeping his pants on.
I knew I should say something, not stand there like a mute. I should tell him what I thought of him. The redhead climbed onto his lap, and he slowly ran his hands down her body.
“Get out!’ I yelled at the girls who hurriedly shuffled out.
“So, this is your kind of love, Arthur?”
“I showed you who I was. I never pretended.” His voice was cold. “You got it all wrong, whose fault is that?”
He stood, his chest pressing against mine. “You were looking for a fairytale. Sorry, Gaia, those don’t exist.”
My hand connected with his cheek hard, and he turned back to look at me. I slapped him again, climbing onto him, my legs wrapped around him as I punched and hit him. He held me, so I wouldn’t fall, but he was cold and rigid.
“Go home.” He said and set me down.
I turned, making my way down the staircase and headed to the bar. “You look like you need a drink.” A familiar voice said.
I turned toward him. “Leo?” The son of my father’s business partner sat on a barstool, wearing a warm smile.
“In the flesh. So, what’s your poison tonight?” He motioned for a bartender who immediately made his way toward us.
“Tequila,” I said bravely, knowing I would hate myself, Leo, and tequila in the morning. I was a weak drunk to top it all, and already way past my limit.
The bartender lined up a few shots, lemon, and salt.
“Okay, let’s do this.” He laughed. I downed my first shot as did he. He made fun of me when I scrunched my face. The second one went down easier and right to my head.
“Fuck me,” I yelled over the noise. “This stuff is not for sissies.”
“First time, huh?”
“Virgin right here.” I giggled. “Let’s dance.” I pulled him to his feet, pulling him to the dance floor. Call Out My Name by The Weekend was playing and bodies were dry humping everywhere.
