Page 1 of Loki
Chapter One
Dominique “Nikki” Honoré
“What the hell doyou mean, you’re not going?” Cadence said, her face contorting into a deep frown as she spoke.
As we sat at our usual table waiting for our food, the sounds of people going about their daily lives and the gentle hum of city traffic became distant, while the throbbing in my head intensified. I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. I knew they wouldn’t be too happy about this news.
A heavy silence settled among us as I locked eyes with my three best friends, their expressions reflecting a mix of anger, disappointment, and fear. Like an unwelcome blanket on a sweltering summer day, guilt draped over me. I would love to go, but unfortunately, there was no way around it. I needed to get this story. It was too important.
We had just sat down outside our favorite hangout spot,Bistro Chic. The weather wasn’t too warm or too cool. It was perfect. One of the many reasons I loved California and after graduating, I made this my home. And my friends were the only people I had left in my life. I couldn’t see myself living without them.
“I can’t go. Something came up.”
Tomorrow was supposed to be the start of our yearly girls’ trip to the Bahamas, but I couldn’t resist the intriguing story I’d been investigating coming out of my home state—Louisiana.
Once my source got in touch with me about an auction being held every six months by wealthy and influential men in the country, I couldn’t resist the urge to find out more about it. After reaching out to members of the community, I suspected a link between the exclusive invite only auction and the disappearances of women around Louisiana. Specifically, the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas. A sex trafficking ring, orchestrated by one of the country’s most influential individuals, catering exclusively to those with the highest bids. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to write this story.
No matter what it cost.
I savored another sip of refreshing iced tea, feeling the cool liquid soothe my parched mouth. I prayed they’d just let it go because I couldn’t get into why I couldn’t go with them and telling them work had interfered with our yearly girl’s trip would not cut it. They would want details—details that I couldn’t give.
“Nikki, if this is about money…”
I quickly raised my hand in the air, signaling Sarah to stop, and let out a sigh of frustration. I loved her but sometimes she worried too much, especially when it came to me and money. It got exhausting.
She was not only my college roommate, but also the first person I met when I moved onto campus. We became close friends even though we were nothing alike. She was a sophomore, studying interior design, who was also filthy rich. I was a freshman, studying journalism, from Harvey in Jefferson Parish. Although we had unique life experiences—very different life experiences—she was like family to me.
She was the mother figure in our tight-knit group, constantly worrying about me more than Cadence or Raven. They were allwell off, including being married to extremely possessive, rich men, but this wasn’t a money issue for me. Of course, they would think that. Although I didn’t have the bank accounts they had, I could afford the trip. But I had a job to do.
“It’s not about money, Sarah. I may not have as much as y’all have in the bank, but I can afford to go on vacation.”
It was a challenge to conceal my frustration in my tone. But they sometimes treated me like I was one poor decision away from being on the streets and spreading my legs to make ends meet. I lived a very good, comfortable life by pursuing my passion.
“Then what’s the issue?” Raven asked. “We take this trip every year.”
“Plans change.” I sighed, placing my glass of tea on the table, then leaning back in my chair.
“That’s not a good enough reason, Nikki,” Cadence said, calling me by my nickname. “We know you look forward to this trip every year just as much as we do. We want to know what’s so important that you can’t make it this year? If it doesn’t involve money, then it must be a man.”
I rolled my eyes in response. I knew they wouldn’t let it drop.
“I wish to hell it were a man,” I said. “When’s the last time you’ve seen me with someone?”
It had been a long time, months, in fact. Other than the occasional fuck with Dylan, I haven’t had time to date. But I planned to use this vacation to have a little companionship. Unfortunately, I’d have to wait. I wasn’t happy about it, but I wouldn’t be changing my mind about heading home. People’s lives may depend on what I find out. There was no way I could enjoy a vacation.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you with someone,” Cadence said. “I thought maybe that’s what you’d use this trip for. We all just want to see you happy.”
We all just want to see you happy was code for we want you married like us. I had no intention of finding a husband. My focus was on my career. While I didn’t mind having some fun with someone, it would have to wait until I finished this story.
“That was the plan, but things change.” I shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. “I’m not lonely guys. I understand y’all are happily married to gorgeous, rich men, that would burn the world down for you. And you would like to see me with someone who would do the same for me, but that’s not what I’m looking for right now. Maybe in the future, but I’m happy with my life.”
Raven scoffed. “You’re happy being alone?” she asked, with her eyebrow arched.
“I’m not alone. I get dick when I want it. And I still have my own space. Yes, I’m incredibly happy with my life.”
“So, tell us again why you’re canceling on us?” Raven asked.
She didn’t look convinced by my statement, but it was the truth. I wasn’t lonely. I had them. And whenever I needed companionship, I called Dylan and he would come right over, fuck my brains out, then go home after we hung out for a little while and talked about random shit. Just like I liked it.
