Page 12 of Roxanne

There are so many attractive men here tonight, and I’ve already crossed my fingers that a couple of them might pull my key. When I walked into the club tonight, I left my key with the doorman, or security guard, whatever he is. Then I came straight to the bar for a drink.

To be honest, I just feel like I should get tonight over with. Lose my virginity, and get it out of the way, so I can stop thinking about it. I used to think I wanted to spend my first time with someone I loved. Now I just want it done.

“Hello, everyone. Can I have your attention, please?”

Everyone looks over to the stage. An attractive, older gentleman with a mic in his hands addresses the room.

“Welcome, everyone, to the first Wicked Temptation Key Party. We are glad you all have decided to join us tonight for what we hope will turn into an annual event. I’m Damien and your MC for the night.”

“A few housekeeping issues to get out of the way before we get to the real reason you’re all here. Everyone here was medically checked for any transmittable diseases and pregnancy. While we’ve been given the all-clear, I still want to mention there are condoms in the bag you will be given once your key number is called. Using them or not is on you.”

“Next, you all signed a waiver and an NDA to attend tonight; so as the old saying goes, what happens here, stays here.”

“Lastly, in the same bag with the contraceptives, there will be some fun little toys you’re welcome to keep and a list of your partner’s hard and soft limits. These limits are to be respected at all costs. Security is posted around the inside of the club, so if there are any issues, please reach out, and it will be handled immediately.”

“Tonight is supposed to be fun, not some shit you’d see in a bad porno. Okay, so without further ado, let’s get me off the stage and see who’s playing with whom, shall we?”

“Men who are picking keys please line up, and when I call your name, please step onto the stage. You’ll draw a key card, and I will announce the name and number of who you drew. The rest is all up to you guys. Have fun and be safe!”

I sip from my drink, staring at the stage as the first four men go on stage and pull keys.

One of the men I’d hoped would pull my key draws another woman, and I pout.

That's when I see him.

No. Not him. Fuck! What’s he doing here?

I shake the fear off quickly because there’s no way he’ll draw my key. He probably doesn’t even know I’m here, there’s such a crowd. I’m safe, surely. Plus, if he draws a key now, he’ll leave and won’t be here to see me get picked.

I try to internally rationalize, but I know I’m freaking out.

“Storm Moreno, your turn.” The announcer holds the bag out for Storm to draw from, and I watch, holding my breath.

There must be dozens of women here tonight. More. There’s no way. Just no way…

“Twenty-one!” the announcer calls, and my blood goes ice-cold. Oh, no…no! “Roxanne!”

For a moment, I consider melting in place. If I sink to the floor now and play dead like a possum, will they let me? My legs move, even as my mind screams at me to run. I’m too scared…

I make my way to the stage, shaking as I approach. Storm’s brown eyes meet mine. The look in them could rival the scariest of Papa’s men. He looks ready to bend me over his knee and skin me alive. Memories of him catching me at a club a little over three months ago flood my mind.

I sway my hips, dancing to the beat and grinding against the guy behind me. April dances with me, our fingers laced together. We’re drunk and having fun. That's what you’re supposed to do when you’re in college. Live life. Have fun. If only I didn’t have a dark cloud stalking me. Ruining my happiness. But not tonight. Tonight, I do whatever the fuck I want.

“I love this place!” April shouts, before taking a sip of her beer. I nod my head in agreement as I sip my own drink. Vodka soda. We’ve been to this club a few times, but tonight is different. Tonight I’m determined to leave with the hot hunky jock behind me. I don’t even know his name. I don’t need to either.

Years of having my dates scared off have made me desperate. Tonight, I’m taking a stranger home. A guy who doesn’t know me, or the threats issued to any man dumb enough to touch me.

April looks at me, smirking. The guy behind her wraps his arm around her waist, pulling her into him. She lets him drag her away, giggling and squealing when he gropes her ass.

I bite my lip, trying to hide my jealousy. I’ve never been held like that. Not really. The guy behind me is being respectful. But I don’t want to be treated with respect. Not tonight.

“Want to get out of here?” I ask, and the hot jock smiles.

“Fuck yes.” He pulls away from me, and I turn to follow him, waving at April, who screams a whoop. She knows my struggles better than anyone.

We make it ten steps, and I allow myself to feel hope, but it doesn’t last long, because I walk straight into my arch nemesis. My worst enemy. The bane of my fucking existence. That fucking cloud.

My brother’s best friend, Storm Moreno.

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