Page 12 of Unlucky You

“What can I get you?” A tall, beefy guy wearing black jeans and T-shirt a few sizes too small approached, leaning across the sleek, glossed wood bar top. Almost the entire surface was littered with glasses and bottles positioned in front of occupants who were lost in the music or conversation.

“Water, bottled, and I’ll open it myself.”

Beefy Guy grinned, extending to his full height. “You don’t trust me?”

“I don’t know you; so that would be a no.”

He chuckled but it was lost to the track pounding out around us and I was grateful he didn’t attempt to flirt. Instead, he left to hopefully fill my drink order even if it was only bottled water. While he was busy behind the bar, checking in with other patrons, I shifted onto the empty stool, turning toward the crowd to take in the scene.

My fingers were itching to capture a few shots but all I had at the present was a cellphone. The chaos around me was the perfect backdrop to steal some great stills and I did my best work when there wasn’t an obvious target. I lived for finding the beauty hidden in things and the sea of bodies was definitely a diamond in the rough.

A tap on my shoulder had me turning back toward the bar to find Beefy Guy placing two clear, plastic bottles down which he pushed my way.

“I only need one.”

“The other’s on the house. Consider it a gift.”

“Nope, I’ll pay.”

I leaned back, digging out a twenty, which I extended his way. “Keep the change.”

“Sure thing, even though I’m insulted.” He smirked but accepted the cash.

“You want to do me a solid?”

I waited while his eyes did a slow crawl, fully taking me in. In contrast to the other women around me, I was dressed in jeans that, although they hugged my body, didn’t compete. The loose-fitting graphic tee I paired them with also didn’t scream choose me.

As opposed to the other women who were baring it all in short, second skin type, revealing outfits. Either way, the guy didn’t seem disappointed. Regardless of my fit, I was physically appealing. My warm brown skin was cared for, which meant a flawless complexion on a face that housed naturally pouty lips, thin, honey-colored, almond-shaped eyes, and a crown full of thick natural hair that framed my face and brushed my shoulders. I was a beautiful woman without putting my body on display.

“Sounds like a trick question but I’ll bite.” He leaned over the bar once more, angling himself in my direction.

“Tell me what you know about the underground fights everyone’s buzzing about. Matrix.”

His expression dropped briefly but that smile of his returned in a matter of seconds.

“Not a damn thing.”

“Aww, come on. You’re lying. I saw that thing your face did.”

“I think I should be offended.”

I offered a smile of my own. This one more flirty. “Not at all. It’s a very nice face, but also a very telling one. What do you know?”

“I know that it’s not the type of scene a woman like you would enjoy.”

“A woman like me?” I arched a brow and he chuckled.

“Thisisn’t your scene, so seeing men beat each other until there’s bloodshed or a knockout doesn’t fit, pretty girl. Those aren’t going to be your type of people, trust me.”

“I’m not looking to make friends. I’m just intrigued. Truthfully, I’m a photographer and I’m hoping to capture something unique.”

“No can do. It’s exclusive for a reason.”

“Agreed. I’m not a cop and from what I heard, it wouldn’t matter because it’s not illegal.”

“You’re definitely not a cop and I don’t know what you’ve heard but the shit is very illegal.” His eyes traveled my body from head to toe again before he leaned over the bar. “Photographer, huh? What’s your name?”

“Saniya Montgomery.”

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