Chapter 31: 31
I took the glass Tommy handed me and downed its contents, feeling the heat slide down my throat, it ignited a fiery courage within me.
"Carmela, that’s alcohol," his voice reached me, and I met his gaze, nodding. "I know. I need something to boost my courage... How does this party work?" My eyes scanned the guests, but they remained fixed on Mr. Dean.
"The person who selects your painting seeks you out and asks about the piece. You explain the meaning behind your work to them, your inspiration or what ever just give them an answer to what ever they ask.." Tommy explained.
"Just that?" I interrupted, catching him nod his head. "A lot happens at these parties. Make sure you find yourself a partner before it reaches its peak," he face met with a mischievous grin.
"Things like?" I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"You know, those things that happen behind closed doors," he hinted, winking. "I can’t wait to see who our next lecturer and student couple will be. There’s an inner party at the underground pool. Id advice you go there with a partner to avoid casualties like getting drugged or just stay out of that area would have love to be your plus one but you know I already have plans" he placed a soft peck on my cheek before walking away, leaving me wondering if I should even be here? But that question came last as I was here, and there was no turning back.
"Damian," I called, returning to his side with a coy smile. "I hope you don’t mind me being less formal?" I inquired, and he nodded in response.
"Were you able to find what you came for?" I asked, taking his hand in mine, feeling the tension behind between us
"Hmm..actually, no," he sighed, and I nodded, understanding.
Looking around, Mr. Dean was nowhere to be found, leaving me curious about his disappearance.
"Do you have a partner?" Damian suddenly asked, raising my eyebrow at his implication. "There’s another party, exclusive to VIP members. I need a partner to attend... Well, I wouldn’t have gone, but I have to meet someone," he explained.
"Okay, I’ll be your partner," I responded still maintaining my smile, though I could see his hesitation.
"Carmela, this isn’t your average party... only VIP members are allowed. We’ll have to change our outfits, and..." he trailed off.
"It’s okay, I understand. Lead the way," I tugged at him, smiling, though I immediately regretted agreeing when I saw the outfit I was supposed to change into.
"Are you okay?" Damian asked from behind as I studied my reflection.
The skirt, knitted from black cotton wool, barely covered anything, leaving my legs and thong on full display. The crop top matched, exposing my midriff and barely containing my breasts.
"Are you sure you’re comfortable? These were the most decent outfits I could find, considering it’s a pool party and everyone is practically naked," he said, concern lacing his voice as he narrowed his eyes at the people outside
"Can I borrow that jacket?" I pointed towards the almost transparent coat laid out on the bed, and he helped me slip it on. The fabric did little to conceal the provocative outfit beneath, but it provided a sense of cover, however illusory.
As we headed towards the exclusive inner party, the thrill of the unknown mingled with the heat of the alcohol, creating an intoxicating blend of excitement and anticipation. Who knew what desires would be unveiled behind those closed doors, where only the daring and privileged were allowed.
With the pulsating beat of the music throbbing through the air, the party seemed to pulse with a life of its own. "I’ll get you a drink, wait for me here," Damien’s voice was a velvet caress against my ear as he helped me settle into the plush seat. His departure left me alone, surrounded by a sea of bodies that glistened in the dim, sultry light.
Eyes roaming the room, I couldn’t help but notice the decadence that unfolded before me. Bodies, partially naked, moved in sinuous rhythms, casting shadows that danced along the walls. Was this really a school event as it was referred to or something darker? Like an underworld meeting?
If I didn’t have my contact lens on then I doubt I would have been able to see a thing given the dim lighting in the room
"Oh my goodness," I gasped placing my hand over my mouth, turning to find Tommy, shirtless and utterly captivating,a glass resting lazily in one of his hand and a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I thought you hated such parties," he teased, drawing closer and taking a seat beside me.
"I had a change of heart, and I’m here with someone," I replied, feeling a thrill of excitement at the boldness of my own words. Tommy grinned, a devilish smirk that sent shivers down my spine as he’s eyes scanned my outfit. "I’m finally rubbing off on you... Either way, I’m off to enjoy myself. It’s seldom we have time to mingle with the high class," he quipped before disappearing into the throng.
Damien returned in no time, handing me a glass of drink, his touch lingering on my skin like a promise. "Is he always hanging around you? If I may ask who is he?" Damien’s voice was low, intimate, as he settled beside me "He is like an elder brother," I replied with a coy smile, but beneath the surface, a storm of desire brewed.
As Damien’s hand brushed against my flushed cheek, I closed my eyes, reveling in the heat of the party, the intoxicating mix of alcohol and desire swirling around me. Yet, beneath the haze, a sense of unease prickled at my skin. Someone was watching, their gaze like a physical caress that sent shivers down my spine.
A figure caught my eye, familiar yet shrouded in the shadows. His left hand, adorned with intricate tattoos, held the delicate form of a woman, her presence an enigma in the dim light. "Why is he staring?" I wondered, feeling a dizzying rush of excitement and fear.
"How about I help you take off the coat?" Damien’s voice cut through the haze, his eyes dark and filled with desire.. which I had no plans fulfilling.
Feeling a surge of heat at his touch as the coat slipped from my shoulders, revealing the curve of my body beneath, I shifted a bit from him trying to create some space between us but it was of no use as anymore movement I would find my ass kissing the floor.
"I’ll be back with a glass of ice water, don’t go anywhere okay?" I looked up at him and his eyes held mine, I showed him a small smile before nodded and I watched him nod back for takiyhis leave. As he walked away, leaving me alone in the throes of the party, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched mixed with the surging heat that was crashing through my body as a result of the alcohol.
Standing, I made my way through the crowd, the pulsing beat of the music guiding my steps. Yet, as I sought the sanctuary of the restroom, I locked eyes with the mysterious figure once more. Recognition sparked between us, a flame of desire that threatened to consume us both.
"Nix," I gasped, the name a whisper on my lips as I took in the sight of him. His presence was like a magnetic pull, drawing me closer even as I fought against the tide of desire that threatened to overwhelm me.
"Put your coat back on and cover what’s mine," Nix’s voice was a low growl, his eyes blazing with possessive intensity. But I was no one’s to claim, no possession to be owned.
"Excuse me, do we know each other?" I retorted, defiance flashing in my eyes as I met his gaze head-on. His silence spoke volumes, a description of things unsaid, desires unspoken.
"I’m not a choice, Mr. Dean, neither am I your property to be obsessed over," I declared, my voice strong despite the tremors of desire that coursed through me. But Nix was a force of nature, a fire that threatened to consume everything in its path.
"I’d love to make it a big deal by showing everyone you’re mine, right here, right now," Nix’s words were a challenge, a dare that sent my pulse racing. But I was no wilting flower, no damsel that needed a knight in shining armor like him
"The lady behind you has been staring at us for a while now. What’s your relationship with her?" I countered, refusing to back down even as desire coiled hot and urgent in the pit of my stomach.
Silence hung between us, thick with unspoken desires and simmering tension. But before I could speak again, Nix closed the distance between us, his lips crashing against mine in a fierce, searing kiss.
I gasped against his lips, the taste of him like a drug as desire consumed us both. But even as my body melted against his, I knew I couldn’t surrender so easily.
"Thank you for reminding me this.." I murmured against his lips, my voice husky with desire I tried to suppress "I no longer wish to be your slave," I declared, my voice firm. "I’ll repay every cent my adoptive family owes you."
Nix tilted his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You sure?"
"Six months," I replied. "With interest. If I fail, I’d rather jump off a cliff than live as your property."
His laughter, deep and intoxicating, echoed around us. "No, beloved," he purred, his tone both dangerous and alluring. "I won’t let you die so easily." he tucked my hair behind my ear befor placing a final, searing kiss on my lips. He left me standing there, breathless and shaken as I tried to regain my composure
"I’ll give you till tomorrow,think about it and get back to me" he winked before disappearing into the swirling crowd, I was left alone with the echo of his presence, a promise of something dark and alluring on the horizon. The party around me was lively , but only I was pulsed in time as my mind was consumed with thoughts of Nix and the dangerous game we were about to play.