Page 83 of Scarred King

“Turn off the music,” I shout and walk inside. The music is off, the girls stop dancing and the men look at me curiously.

“Thank you for coming,” I press my hands together and bend forward a little, “but for us to succeed in our complicated mission, you really do need to play the part.” They look at me and nod enthusiastically. “Imagine you’re all horny, pathetic straight men,” I say, and they burst into laughter. “No laughing!” I raise my voice angrily and they look embarrassed. “Lie back on the couches comfortably, like you own the place.” They do as I say. “Remember, you’re a group of rude guys who think that every dollar you give the stripper lets you do whatever you want to do to her.” They look at the girls sympathetically. “I want to hear cursing, I want to see your hands all over the girls' bodies. From now on the only thing you care about is tits, tits, tits.” Now they look disgusted. “Smoke and drink. It’s all on the house,” I yell to the bartender. “And most importantly, don’t giggle.” They all put on a serious expression and I place my hand over my heart and pant in distress. This will never work.

I go back to the bar and see that there are only two minutes left. I stare at the door. “Ralph, come on!” I mutter and clench my hands.

“Midnight!” Charlie calls out and there is silence. I think that my heart stopped beating, that there is no air in my lungs, but my brain is razor-sharp.

The door starts to open, and I sit down quickly on a barstool. “Pour me a drink,” I request quietly, as two men enter.

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“Vladimir, come. It's good to be firsts for once.”

I turn my chair around and look at them. One is tall with fair hair, the other is almost a head shorter, wearing a gold necklace that reminds me of a dog collar. I feel like I’m choking. I drink some wine quickly and shake my head gently.

“I haven't been here for a long time,” the Russian with the collar laughs. “They have too many rules about their hookers.” He looks towards the girls sitting in their places tensely. “Bring me a bottle of vodka,” he shouts in Charlie’s direction and when he starts to turn towards the shelves behind him, I tap my thumb on the counter and he stops.

“Dima, I will start by claiming these two.” Vladimir stops in front of the twins. “And when I finish with them, I have someone who will pay a lot of money for them.” They lower their heads and I must do something. “Bring our men in,” he orders, and I stand up straight and cross my arms over my chest.

“It will cost you,” I say dryly, feeling as if someone else has taken over my body and doing whatever she wants with it.

“Who is this bitch?” Vladimir turns to me and spits on the floor.

“This bitch is the owner.” I don’t even blink, as a strange calm envelops me.

“Fine,” he laughs. “Don’t worry, you won't be left out. After I finish with the twin bitches, I’ll do you, too.” He puts his hand on his groin and pushes his pelvis forward.

I fake a small giggle and grow serious again, walking directly to him and stand in front of him. “Vladimir,” I say, “I don’t believe that you haven't heard of me.”

He inspects me for a moment. “You're the bitch they went to war over?”

“I’m that bitch.” I spread my hands to the sides proudly. “And now, if you don’t mind, take your perverted brother and get the hell out of my bar before I go upstairs with you and finish this.” He looks at me quietly and then his expression grows crazy. “Fucking bitch!” he screams in my face. “Now you'll go upstairs with me and we will finish you.” He pulls me hard by the hand, and I realize that if I don’t do something drastic, it will be the end of me. My brain is firing hysterical orders and I take the pocketknife out of my belt, flip it open and stick it into his thigh. He collapses, moaning in pain. “I’ll finish you!” he screams. I keep hold of the knife and twist it in his thigh. He screams again and Dima runs over to him.

“Take one more step and I’ll move the knife to the right,” I say quietly, almost whispering, and Dima stops. “I’ll cut his main artery and you can take him straight to the cemetery.” I have no idea where the main artery is, but I sound believable, even to myself.

“Don’t listen to her!” Vladimir yells, and collapses again when I move the knife from side to side. “Finish her already!”

Dima takes out his gun and I wave my other hand upwards.

“I’d move away if I were you,” Charlie says sternly, aiming his hunting rifle at him. The three guards inside the bar do the same. For a minute it seems as if he is considering his options, but then he puts his gun back in his belt. I take a step back and Dima helps his brother up.

“Wait,” I call out, and they both stop. “My knife. I’m very fond of it.” I twist it again in Vladimir’s thigh and pull it out. Vladimir screams and curses in Russian, and I throw my head back and laugh insanely. I wipe the blood on my white shirt and groan out loud.

“Crazy bitch!” Vladimir screams as he staggers with his brother towards the exit.

“Duchess,” I correct him. “Don’t forget to tell everyone outside.” I burst into laughter again and the door slams behind them. My laughter stops instantly, and I collapse on the floor.

The twins run to me and within minutes I'm surrounded by all the girls.

“You were awesome!” one of the twins says excitedly. “That was amazing acting,” the other continues, “even I believed you were crazy.”

“I stabbed him.” I raise my hand and try to stop it from shaking with my other hand. “I didn’t think I’d have to stab anyone.” My voice is trembling.

“You have to admit it feels good,” the blonde sits down on the floor beside me. The connecting door to the club opens and Leo and Victor rush inside, jumping and clapping their hands.

“We saw everything, what a performance!” They're still jumping as the main door opens again.

“Get away from me!” I order the girls. I cross my legs and remain on the floor. I recognize the three French men walking in casually.

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