Music played loudly as one of the girls danced on stage, her body moving on the pole in slow motion. The neon lights bounced off each every surface, making it hard to make out the faces of those present. Still, I scanned the room to see if I could find a familiar face, feeling the heavy burden of disappointment when I couldn't.

I walked through the club, Serena and my friend Alex following close behind. Despite the environment and it's promise of a good time, the atmosphere was tense. The seedy music, the dark lighting, the hidden expression on the girls faces as they sulked away from the patrons... Didn't make me want to sit back and enjoy the show.

I found myself further away from the exit and perhaps even farther away from Aurora.

Despite this, my feet would not move towards the door. As if on autopilot, I separated from them and made way towards the bar.

The bartender setting down the glass broke me out of my bubble. She offered a look of sympathy, but it didn't last as she moved on to the next person. I watched my reflection in the mirror wall that showcased the alcohol, my own image gazing back at me in creeping discontent. It felt like I had been sitting there for hours, admiring the strangers reflection that I was fighting to recognize. The ever so familiar feeling of adrenaline pumped through my veins slowly, just as warmly and soundly as the alcohol began to consume me further. It was the same sense of apprehension, the creeping sensation that I was doing something wrong that felt right. Except this time, something did feel wrong.

I pulled out my phone just as Aurora was calling me. I would've ignored the call. I should've, but something inside me told me not to, and for the first time I listened.

"Hello?" I tried to sound like I hadn't been drinking.

"Abel? I-I'm sorry for calling. I just- I really need you to come. Something happened at the club."

Before I could register her words, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

Alex.

"William and Jax are in the back, urgent business to be discussed," he scanned the room, the sense of urgency in his voice undeniable.

"What happened?" I asked, not sure who my question was really directed at.

My stomach was in knots. I regretted the carelessness I carried myself with.

Alex shook his head, his brow furrowed with sweat. "Seriously, what the fuck? This isn't a game. They're waiting. Let's go."

"I'm gonna send someone for you, ok?" I answered, trying to sound reassuring but realizing I was as cold as always.

Even though everything inside me was telling me to leave, to go to her and help her, I realized that I couldn't.

I quickly sent a text to Noah, a friend I knew I could trust. I hoped that whatever had happened, he'd be able to handle it until I was able to.

Alex motioned me towards the back doors. I could see Serena standing by, as if saving our place in the clandestine meeting. Her appearance once pompous and self assured, now only one of self preservation. Much to her chagrin, I saw right through her. Her predictability was comforting.

Comfort wasn't the same thing as peace. Love isn't the same thing as lust. I didn't have time to differentiate the two.

I looked around the room, familiar faces and silhouettes.

Alex kept his head down, "Keep your mouth shut," he said as we approached Serena.

"I've never caused problems before, why start now?" Her reply and the sincerity in her voice caught us both off guard.

"Right," I responded, uneasiness creeping over me.

We entered the office, Serena following close behind Alex and I. Frank, a character I had encountered only a handful of times, feigned disinterested as we sat down.

"The last time you were here, you left without answering my question."

Frank clapped his hands together, releasing a deep sigh.

Alex shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Something about this guy made both of us extremely nervous. He was bad for business. Something about him wasn't right.

"With all due respect, Frank, your merchandise isn't the type of thing we want to get mixed up selling," I said, waiting for his expression of disappointment.

"Well, why not?" Frank pestered, narrowing his bloodshot eyes at Alex, then me. He looked directly at Serena, eyeing her like a lion a lone gazelle.

"I didn't think we came all this way to give you an explanation," I said dryly, my hands fists on my lap. A wave

"Right, of course," he smiled, clapping his hands together again and pulling out a check from the binder on his desk.

Alex took it, examining it to make sure all was in order. There was no problems, there never was.
From our first meeting, he had always proved himself to be serious. I had to give it to Frank, he kept his word.

"How much?" He motioned for Serena.

She froze up, her face pale.

"She's off limits," I responded.

"Is your other girl off limits, too?" He grinned, as if he knew something I didn't.

I could feel heat rushing to my face, a bad combination of anger and adrenaline coursed through my veins.

"I'd watch it if I were you," I responded trying to keep a neutral expression.

"She works at my club, she belongs to me. You're the one who isn't playing fair."

Frank smiled innocently. "I want you guys to do business with me, I think we could really do something big with this organization"

His voice sounded like he was speaking to old friends, reminiscing on plans that never came into action.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Alex asked angrily.

"Maybe this is the push you needed to say yes, to change your minds," he stood up and made his way towards Serena.

He rubbed her arm, ignoring her shuddering and discomfort. Her eyes were full of fear.

Frank opened the office door, the security guard from when we arrived coming into view.

"He's going to escort you out, sweetie, you can wait at the bar."

He yanked Serena's arm and the security guard grabbed it, dragging her off in the direction we came from. Her small cries were drowned out by the music.

"You have no other choice but to accept my offer and become my partners," he confessed as he slammed the door shut.

Alex rolled his eyes, "why is that?"

Frank chuckled. "Your boss has taken a permanent leave of absence. Consider this the beginning of our business partnership or the end of your lives."