Page 17 of Poison

Chapter 12

"I was hoping I would see you here tonight," Vic said. He wasn't in uniform, so he must've had the night off. Grinning, I nodded for him to join me in my booth, and it was just the two of us.

Cherry was spending time with some new fling. Apparently, he liked to frequent another club, so I saw less and less of her. It sucked. I could go to the other club and party with her, but I really enjoyed seeing Vic. When I was around him, I felt a small flicker of freedom. It was almost as if I didn't wear shackles. And we were somewhat dating.

When Vic sat down, I took the opportunity to sit on his lap, snuggling my nose into the crook of his neck.

Gently, he pushed me away. "That tickles."

Leaning back, I tickled his sides, making him wiggle and squirm. His hand wrapped around the back of my neck, pulling me in for a kiss. Being with him was like a dream. He didn't care what I did for a living. Perhaps it was because I was forced to do it, but he never acted as if it bothered him. I couldn't get enough. I felt like an entirely different person. It was as if there was a small shred of hope that I could live happily ever after with someone who wasn't Trevor Hobbs.

When the blond waitress came to take our order, I requested Poison Apple martinis and tossed a fifty on the tray. "Keep 'em coming."

Vic sighed, "Do you really need that much?"

Sliding from his lap, I groaned, "What are you? My dad? You sound like my sponsor."

He winced. I didn't mean to hurt his feelings, but it was the truth. I was constantly getting the same line from Hobbs. If Vic were in my shoes, he'd be throwing them back, too.

"I'm not trying to be like that. It's just… never mind."

I pressed my lips gently to his. "I'm a big boy. I can take care of myself, okay? Let's just have a good time, stud."

I didn't know why he cared so much. We weren't even officially dating. We shared a few kisses and made out once or twice, but that was it. We were in the "getting to know each other" phase. As much as I would love for there to be more between us, I couldn't handle living life completely sober.

"Have to go use the little boy's room. Don't run off." Blowing him a kiss, I walked out of the booth. Weirdly enough, the bathroom was empty, aside from the towel guy. Ignoring him, I stood in front of a mirror and placed both hands on the countertop to stare at my reflection.

It was time to give myself a pep talk. It had been nearly ten years since I had sex with a man of my choice. I chose to sleep with Trevor Hobbs, and that choice ruined my life. After him, he made all the decisions. He decided who, when, and how many. He controlled every aspect of my life. He selectedwhat was in my closet and what color my furniture was. He dictated my diet and how long I could stay out. Hobbs damned near had a stroke when I got my tattoo. That was until he realized he could sell it and make it my brand. He tried to keep me locked up like a songbird until he realized that I was slowly killing myself. First with the razer to the wrist, then when I tried to starve myself to death a few years later.

Ever since Hobbs allowed me that little ounce of freedom, I lived that part of my life as if there would be no tomorrow. With every drink and snort of Nova, I hoped there wouldn't be another day. Since I became Hobbs' servant, there wasn't a single morning where I wasn't disappointed that I woke up. It was stupid to think that Vic could be a reason to keep going. Hobbs wouldn't let me keep him, and in all honesty, I didn't know what he would do to Vic if he found out I made out with him.

I should walk away. It would be safer for both of us. But I didn't want to. I wanted a choice. I needed a choice. I wanted to choose to sleep with Vic, to lay down with him on my terms and no one else's.

This would be the night. Somehow, I would ask Vic to take me home with him, and I would do whatever he wanted. We would have fun, and hopefully, he would let me cum right along with him. After glorious sex, we would lay together, snuggling just like Trevor and I used to do. Rolling my eyes, I glared at my reflection. "Stop thinking about Trevor motherfucking Hobbs!"

Twisting away from the mirror, I stormed out of the bathroom and bobbed my head in time with the music to loosen up a bit. Just as I returned to my booth, someone called, "Starburst!"

I froze instantly. The hairs on my arms stood on end, and my jaw trembled as I focused on Vic. When he tilted his head in confusion, I gave a quick, subtle shake of my head.

Swallowing hard, I turned around and came face-to-face with Trevor Hobbs. What was that saying? Speak of the devil, and he shall appear? "Trevor." I tried to force a smile. It didn't work. I was sure he could see how timid I was in his presence. "What are you doing here?"

Trevor grinned, swaying a little before catching himself. Great. He was drunk. A drunk Hobbs was unpredictable. "Went out bar hopping with a few possible business partners." His gaze turned to Vic, and a deep frown embedded on his handsome face. "Who's this?"

I glanced between them, trying to think of a lie and think of it quickly. "Nobody." I prayed Vic would play along. "You remember my friend, Cherry Pie?"

"The redhead."

I subtly placed myself between Trevor and Vic. "This is her boyfriend. She was supposed to come out but ate something that didn't agree with her. I told him it was cool if he wanted to hang out."

Hobbs grinned, but it wasn't the good kind of grin. This wasn't happy Trevor. This was threatened Trevor. He was looking at Vic like he was some vile beast that needed to be exterminated.

Vic, who was around my age and well-built, was a lot younger than Trevor. My sponsor was pushing fifty, but he was built like a brick shit house and very dangerous.

"Well, the boys and I decided to rent a private room for a party. You should entertain my guests, Starburst."

I could feel my body deflate. "I thought I had the night off."

His head snapped in my direction, his temper turning on a dime. "You never truly have the day off, my little star. You will do what you are told when you are told. If I want you to get on your knees and suck every cock in this establishment, you will suck every cock available." He grinned viciously. "If I tell you to fuck this young man right here and now, you will drop your pants without a single question." He gripped my chin hard, making me wince. "Do you understand?"

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