I clutched onto Stephanie's hand as we walked into the club. My fear increased as we took a step. Out of all the places Steph had taken us to, this was by far the most impressive and expensive. The club was pitch black. We wouldn't have seen anything if not for the bright blue lights on each side of the club. The name Violenta was curved beautifully but dangerously. The later V was represented with a red flame in the middle. Two bodyguards stood side by side at each entrance .

There are dim lights shining in the ceiling, highlighting the people on the dance floor.

I was trying to get a proper view of my surroundings, but Stephanie dragged me to the bar. The bar surface was made of black marble.

Everything in this place screamed rich and expensive. Stephanie and I took a seat at the bar and ordered our drinks.

So, you know how it requires a pass to get into the club, right? Stephanie asked with a guilty expression.

"What aren't you telling me?" I raised my eyebrows, knowing very well that I wasn't going to like her next words.

"I may or may not have gotten them from Jason."

"What....." I exclaimed.

In case you're wondering who Jason was, he was one of my best friends, who later became my boyfriend, and we were so close, I thought we loved each other, but I was wrong. I found out in the most painful way when I caught him in bed with my cousin during my parents' funeral. I was so furious, and that was the last time we spoke to each other. I didn't know Steph still kept in touch with him, and I felt betrayed.

"Why would you do that?" I asked, annoyed at the fact that she didn't tell me until now.

"I know you're pissed, but you wouldn't have come with me if you knew where I got the passes from." She was right; the last thing I wanted was to associate with Jason. You could say I'm still not over his betrayal.

"Damn right I won't!" I answered, angry.

"He looked like he still wasn't over you when we saw him, and believe me, I was ready to beat him black and blue," she said, emphasising each word, "but I'm a little bit ashamed to say he got me when he pulled out those passes."

"Still Steph..."

"I know, I know. I really wanted to come to this club so badly. I'm sorry," she said, giving me her best puppy eyes. This is the second time she is using that trick on me. I really need to get immune to these before it gets me into trouble.

"Ugh...fine, you're off the hook for now," I replied, making her let out a dramatic sigh.

"Come on, let's dance," she said, stretching her hand to take mine as we both got up from our seats.

"I can't, not with these heels," I complained as she took me to the dance floor.

"Don't worry; when you get tired, we will take a rest," she assured me.

We both moved to the dance floor, making our way through lots of sweaty bodies to find a perfect spot and moving to the groove as the DJ played Shots and Wine by Sean Paul and Steflon Don.

I was smiling so widely that my cheeks hurt, and I felt my body move dangerously in a teasing manner as the music took control.

You could say that I was a pretty good dancer.

I was getting lost in the groove, almost.....

There are times when you feel like you're being watched, and when you look around frantically, you find out that you are just making a fool of yourself. Then you decide to shrug it off, thinking that it might just be all in your head.

That's how I felt right at this moment. I tried brushing it off, but the constant feeling of being watched kept surfacing. I could feel someone's eyes burning into my skin, watching my every move.

I felt a shiver down my spine, and I felt so cold all of a sudden.

I kept looking around the club until I caught sight of him, and my eyes locked into his dark orbs.

He was standing on the VIP section balcony with a drink in his hand and a girl with dark red hair and heavy make-up clenching onto his arm as if her life depended on it, dressed in a very skinny dress that left no room for imagination. He rested his elbow on the rail, leaning forward, watching me with those magnificent eyes.

He was dressed in a black shirt and trousers. His black shirt clung tightly to his body, enabling his tattooed muscles to move. His face was forward as he looked at me without blinking. His jaw clenched as his lips formed into a thin line. His black hair was messy.

I was so engrossed in him that I forgot what I was doing until I felt a light tap on my shoulder, bringing me out of my trance.

"Are you okay? You seem to be in another world of your own," Steph asked with a concerned look.

"Sorry, I'm just tired. My legs hurt," I said, not wanting to worry her.

"Should we take a break?" she asked as I nodded in response, and we both headed back to the bar for another drink.

My eyes drifted back up to look at him just to find him still watching me, not a hair out of place, and I doubted if he had blinked once. I couldn't help but check him out. He is tall and huge and, for some reason, looks scary, and I couldn't deny how very attractive and freakily handsome he looked, but still scary .

I couldn't bring myself to stop staring, and he knew that. His eyes didn't move an inch from my face.

"Hey Steph, I think it's best we just leave," I said suddenly.

"But why... We were having fun," she whined.

"I have got assignments to do, and I feel tired."

"Fine, let's go." She said, finally giving in.

We quickly made our way to the exit. I was almost close to the door, and I didn't know what possessed me, but I found myself turning back to look in his direction, and my eyes widened when I found him in the same position, staring at me without moving. The side of his lips raised in a smirk, and he raised the drink up in a cheer before bringing it to his lips. His dark eyes held promises I surely didn't want to know, and I walked out the door. Steph and I called a cab back to the comfort of our home.

It has been a month since Steph and I went to the club, and I was finally done with the semester's exams. I still have one more week due to my assigned project, and I'm done with school. I can finally graduate and then start my internship as a doctor.

We were already at the beginning of summer, making the weather so hot, and working as a part-time worker as a waitress in one of the most popular restaurants, V°I°P, didn't make it easy at all. I could feel the sweat gathering under my white shirt; my forehead needed constant wiping, and I was pretty sure my makeup was a mess at this point.

"Normani, tables six and nine, please."

"Coming right up, Mrs Smith," I said as I smiled at her, which she gracefully returned. She is the manager and a very good and kind one, which makes both the workers and the customers love her.

I walked into the kitchen to meet her as she gestured to four plates that were lined up on a stainless steel surface. I managed to balance all four plates on my hands, and I walked over to the kitchen doors and walked backwards.

I set the plates down on the second table and wiped my clumsy palms on the front of my apron. I turned to see Selena, the restaurant receptionist, welcoming and directing a couple in. I smiled when I saw they were regulars. They were given a seat. I grabbed my notepad from my apron pocket and walked up to them with a smile on my face. I flipped the notepad to get their orders.

"Good evening, Mr and Mrs Williams. Welcome to VIP. What can I get you today?" I asked, still with a smile on my face.

"Hi Mani, you look good today," Mrs Williams said, smiling back at me.

"I doubt that, but you, on the other hand, look breath-taking. Any special occasion?" I asked.

"It's our twentieth wedding anniversary," Mr Williams answered, taking his wife's hand in his and placing a soft kiss on the back of her hands as they both smiled at each other lovingly.

"That's wonderful. Congratulations," I said, admiring their love and wishing for a love like theirs.

"Thank you, I will like the steak and chips with your best red wine," Mr Williams ordered.

I jotted it down and turned to look at Mrs Williams for her own order.

"I will have the same as John," she said.

"Okay, coming right up." I went back to the kitchen to place their orders and took a little bit of a break before sending one of the male waiters to deliver their wine.

As exhausting as the job might be, I loved working here. I have been working here for four years, and it has helped me with my tuition and feeding.

"Done," Ashley, one of the kitchen staff, says.

I placed the plates on my hands and carefully walked out.

"Here you go," I say, as I lay the plates down on both sides of the table.

"Thank you," the couple replied simultaneously.

"Don't hesitate to call if you need anything. Have a wonderful night."

I left the couple to their dinner and walked to the empty table with plates on it as I tidied it up. I usually tidies up the tables before I go home.

While doing my chores, I looked around at the people in the restaurant. Some of them were couples, businessmen, and families. A family consisting of a father, mother, and daughter appeared in my sight at the far end of the restaurant, close to the windows. They were laughing happily, ignoring the hotness of the weather.

It was a happy moment, but at the same time, painful for me. My mind drifted back to my family.

I miss them so much.

After I finished with my chores, I went to the locker room to get my things and change out of my uniform into my own comfortable clothes, which consist of a sweatshirt and jeans. I know it's hot, but I feel more comfortable in a sweatshirt and jeans. I took out my phone to check if there were any messages or missed calls and saw five missed calls and one message, all from Steph. I unlocked my phone and checked the message. Due to the exams, we haven't hung out properly.

Besties: Heyy Mani, I'm planning on going to Club Violenta with a couple of friends. Are you interested?.

Me: Not really. I'm tired and would like to get some sleep. Maybe next time.

Besties: Okay, I will probably be gone before you get back.

Me: Okay, have fun, but not too much fun.

Besties: Can't make any promises?.

I locked my phone before placing it in my bag, not wanting to forget it.

I said goodbye to my co-workers and Mrs Smith before walking out of the restaurant.

It was not unusual for me to go home at this hour, and I wasn't scared. I didn't bring my car because it wasn't far from my apartment, and I liked the night walk. It was not that dark as I walked towards the direction of my apartment, praying not to encounter any perverts.

I was almost close to my apartment when I felt these feelings again. It felt like someone was watching me, and it had been going on for a month. I told myself that I was just being paranoid, but I just couldn't help it. I looked behind me, but there was no one there. Someone was following me, but I just couldn't see the person. He didn't hurt me; he just watched without doing anything. But still, I always make sure to quicken my steps .

Safety first, right? Just because he isn't doing anything doesn't mean he isn't dangerous.

I continued walking again, faster than before, and still couldn't shake out the feeling. I sighed when I saw my apartment across the street.

Before I could cross over, I left a presence behind me. I turned around and found myself crashing into a brick.

No... no. Not a brick, but a man.

"Hello Bella, I think I have waited long enough," he says, looking down on me. I don't get a chance to reply before I feel the prick of a needle against my skin, and just like that, I was out like a light.

His eyes were the last thing I saw.

I woke up with a ray of sunshine seeping through the window curtains. I stared at the light. Lying on my stomach, I recall the horror of last night. Thankfully, I felt nauseated but not enough for me to vomit.

I looked around my surroundings, and everything felt quiet and calm. I managed to get up from bed. I turned my eyes to the door without wasting any more time. I ran towards the door, fearing it might be locked, but let out a quick sigh when I noticed it was open. I gently opened the door, trying not to make any sound, and looked at the empty hallway before getting out of the room and cautiously descending the stairs.

The view of the house is magnificent and very luxurious, which made me wonder who the owner is.

My eyes went straight to the main door, and I gave a quick thank you to the man up there. Then I walked towards the entrance, but before I could get to the door, I heard a voice behind me.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

I slowly turned back around like a deer caught in the light and was met with dark brown eyes and curly dark hair. He was attractive.

"Sin won't like the fact that you tried to escape," he said again, empathising more with Sin, who I'm guessing is the guy who kidnapped me.

"I'm Luca, and as much as I would love to know you more, you need to step away from the door."

"Where is he ?" I wanted to meet my so-called kidnapper so that I could ask why I was here.

"He went out to handle some things. I suggest you go back to your room. I won't want you to face the wrath of Sin," he said, as various emotions flashed through his face. I don't know if it was fear, worry, or pity, but the fact that he was scared of this Sin guy makes me wonder how terrifying he was.

I moved away from the door, climbing the stairs back to my room with Luca behind me.

"I will bring something for you to eat," he said as I stepped into the room.

Luca came back with a tray filled with a plate of bread and scrambled eggs, along with a glass of orange juice, which I ate and drank with no struggle. I needed the energy to escape later. After I was done eating, he took the tray, but the sound of a click caught my attention. I stood up from the bed and went to the door, trying to get it open, but it was locked.

Great! I'm trapped inside the room.

There goes my plan to escape, but I wasn't planning on giving up now. My mind drifted off to Steph. She must really be worried out of her mind now. What if I don't succeed in escaping? What would become of me? I paced around the room for a long time, crying in fear and anger, before my eyes turned heavy and my body felt tired as I fell into a dreamless sleep.

I was awoken due to the cold tingling sensation on my face. I kept my eyes closed, trying to wash away the feeling, but it only intensified. I opened my eyes only to let out a shriek.

A shiver runs down my spine when I look into his black orb. I recognised him quickly as the same man I saw a month ago at the club. His face was just an inch away from mine, and when I tried to move, his hands held my side, making it impossible. He was smiling in a dark and evil way, making me very uncomfortable.

Was this the kind of smile he gave his victims before he slaughtered them?

A few seconds passed before he finally sat up, giving me a little bit of space. I was too scared to move. His huge form was so intimidating that it made it hard for me to look into his eyes. But he had no problem staring at me as his eyes roamed over my body, watching my every move.

"Normani Parker, hm. Normani, Mani, Ani," he chanted with amusement laced in his voice. I was surprised he knew my name but said nothing as he looked at the wall behind him.

"Do you know why you're here, Mani?" he asked, his voice calm but dangerous.

"No, just let me go," I said in a soft yet hopeful voice.

"You were so fucking sexy that night; did you know that?" He said roughly, and I felt the colour drain from my face.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, his eyes were dilated. I immediately moved back till my head hit the bed board, and he moved with me.

His face came close to my right ear, and I tried not to tremble, but it was hard. His warm breath fanned my skin.

"What...what do you want from me? Why did you kidnap me?" I whispered, shakenly, trying to hold back a sob.

"Because I want you, little temptress," he replied casually, as if he were talking about the weather.

"Why me? You can have anybody you want. "Just let me go," I begged.

"I don't want anyone else. You are mine," he said calmly but coldly.

I shut my eyes, and my body started shaking uncontrollably. One strong arm held my waist, drawing me closer to him, and his other hand rested beside my head on the bed board, making my eyes snap open. I tried wiggling to get out of his strong hold. His face dipped into my neck region without any warning.

His cologne hit my nostrils as his nose started brushing against my skin. I placed my hand on his chest, which made him stiffen and tighten his hold on my waist. I felt his abs flexing, his skin hot under my hand as I pushed him with all my strength, trying to create space between us, but he didn't budge.

He started drawing patterns with his nose on my bare skin, which sent tingling down my body, and I felt mad at myself for feeling such excitement.

I was saved by the sound of a phone ringing, and I am grateful to whoever called him inwardly.

"Che cosa!" he barked, angry at the person on the other side of the phone.

"Sto arrivando, non puoi nemmeno fare niente di giusto, idiota." He ended the call. "I have to go now, little temptress, but I will be back." He placed a kiss on my cheek and stood up to walk out of the room. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding as uncontrollable tears fell down my eyes.

++*+*

Translations

Che cosa (what)

Sto arrivando, non puoi nemmeno fare niente di giusto, idiota-- (I'm coming, you can't even do anything right, idiot.)