Page 54 of All Your Bloody Lies

“Shit. Syd,this...” I start, and when I glance at her, she’s smiling as though she’s proud of herself. “This is so perfect!” I could kiss her, but I won’t. I need to leave so I can buy a gold dress. Tonight, I’m a Freedom Flyer, which means I’m available for anything and everything. It attracts the most attention, exactly what I need from the Mortars Syndicate.

What a Gods damn dream.

The Golden Macro Nightclub sits on the edge of the City of Sidence, just before the residential neighborhood begins. It caters to the upper class, so I unfortunately had to splurge on the dress I bought for this occasion. Looks like it’ll be ramen and eggs for the next couple of days until I get paid again, but it’s slutty and beautiful, so it’s worth it. It’ll absolutely get me the attention I need.

The dress is a luxurious gold that sparkles in the soft light of the nightclub. The slit comes up on both sides, well past my hips, exposing that I’m confident enough not to be wearing panties. The front drapes, and my breasts are easily visible from the sides. It hooks up around my neck, and the back has a diamond-studded strip that keeps it from flying about. The back drapes right down to the dimples just above my ass.

I’ve got my hair pulled into a tight ponytail with some loose strands framing my face. I went with minimal makeup, because truthfully I don’t need it. Just some mascara to lift my lashes and a little blush because I’m pale as a ghost.

Lastly, I’m wearing some gold jewelry I swiped off the counter on my way out of the store where I bought my dress. It consisted of earrings, which I pierced right before walking into this club, and a few rings.

I’m not surprised at the attention I immediately draw when I step across the red carpet into the main space of the club. There’s a dance floor, but it’s small, because those who come here only come for one thing: connections.

The couches that surround the dance floor are filled, and while nearly every set of eyes turns to look at me, I need to play this right. I need the right attention.

Instead of approaching anyone, I walk toward one of the dozen bars that have numerous patrons at them. I don’t shy away from a busy one, and when I come upon it, the men part to allow me in. The bartender shouts that she’ll be right with me, and I offer a gentle smile.

“Holy Vayl above.” A man squeezes in beside me. One whiff of his scent and I know he wasn’t worth my time. He smells of oil and grease, which means he was here under false pretenses. A fraud, just like myself. “Please tell me you’re single. I will pray to whatever Gods I need to, to make you mine.”

I turn and offer him a warm smile, “I’m wearing gold, aren’t I?” I ask with a flirty tone, “But I’m actually looking for someone. Unfortunately that isn’t you, my sweet.” I run my fingers down his arm and lean in to place a kiss on his cheek.

I’ve found being kind to men is typically the best way. Straight up denying him may cause a scene, and that is the last thing I need.

“Come find me if whomever it is you’re looking for is stupid and doesn’t show.” He gives my rear a smack, and I count to three, before turning back to the bartender who is now standing in front of me. My black heel taps against the pole that lines the bottom of the bar I’m leaning over, rolling my eyes back to the bartender.

“Pig,” she scoffs at the man before turning to me, “what can I get you, beautiful?”

I offer the blonde a smile. “As long as they have money and the right friends, they can touch as they please. A gin and tonic, lovely.”

She seems pleased with the comment and gives me a wink before scuttling off to make my drink. I truly enjoy all alcohol and don’t mind getting drunk to blur my problems away.

Though truthfully, these days, I’d take a certain bite to give me the same effect. Those little orgasmic feelings that come along with the slush of my brain, and the way it physically grips me into a state of comfort. It’s just like a drug.

The clink of the glass onto the bar top pulls me from daydreaming about Kairhyse biting me while destroying my cunt. “No charge for the ladies.” I'm pleased with that. I’d only thought it was the entry fee, but Beyond, I’ll take it.

“Thanks.” I raise the glass to her before taking a sip. The sting hits my tongue and like pop-rocks, it tingles straight down my throat.

“You look lovely tonight,” a silvery voice reaches my ear, and I shoot my gaze straight into the slanted blue eyes of a man that probably could bring the world down with just the smile he has plastered across his face. His sharp jawline is relaxed, and the silver earrings in his ears gleam in the dancing lights around the club.

I return his smile, “Thank you, you look quite nice yourself.” Suppose that is probably an insult to someone that looks as good as he does, but it’s the best I’ve got. He smells odd, and I’m doing my best not to grimace. It’s not bad per say, it’s just not something that I’ve ever smelled before. Maybe he’s a poorly managed man behind the façade of a devastating face.

“You flatter me,” there’s no condemnation in his tone, and he doesn’t seem offended, which surprises me. He just keeps that same smile on his face that pulls out the curved dimples in his cheeks.

He leans onto his elbow, and uses his other hand to brush through his long white hair. “My name is Alaric, can I be blessed to know yours?”

Ew, a gentleman.

“Stephanie.” I place my hand into his, but I don’t let it linger long enough for him to place a kiss. Which I do see him edging to do. “I’m actually looking for someone, but I hope you have a good night Alaric.”

A throaty hum comes from him as he stands from the bar, “Lucky them.”

I’m again, not short by any means, but I do have to tilt my head back to keep our eyes locked. He is compact in size, but I can see the muscles in his shoulders due to his tight button up shirt.

“Enjoy your evening then,Stephanie.” I don’t like the way he says my name. There was an underlying hint of distrust in it.

He moves toward me, and instinctively I lean back. My ass presses against the barstool, stopping me from taking a step away. “See you soon.” His scent is familiar, but I can’t place it. At this proximity, for me not to be able to distinguish it, is weird.

Possibly myrrh, with hints of vanilla, but I can’t be certain.

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