Page 32 of Who's Saving You
“Do I need to bring someone here?”
I look him in the eye, and for a moment, everything blurs: the secrets, the lies, the two-sided mask I wear, and the woman who might know too much already, or might be in bigger danger than she realizes.
Because Noelle being here means the game’s already changed.
12
Noelle
All I wanted was a quiet night out with my sister, Olivia, and my best friend, Sloane. I wanted to get dressed up, have some drinks, and eat some appetizers. I wanted to forget about the two guys who cornered me, the picture sent to my email, and talk a whole load of shit about the asshole NFL player everyone thinks is a saint.
Newsflash, he’s not.
Club Trick is the place to be if you're looking to spot celebrities. Sloane was right. It’s a ridiculously expensive club, but with the best drinks and best DJ around. My newspaper badge doesn’t count, and it would probably get me banned from a place like this, so for tonight, we’re just three single girls.
But I was right about the men here. Since we’ve been here, we can’t shake the annoying assholes groping,circling, and talking to us like we’re some sort of bimbo squad. The last three guys really got annoying, and the front-runner just wouldn’t take no for an answer. He only seemed more turned on when I got in his face and threatened to pummel him with my Louboutin heel.
Still, my sister and my bestie pull me to the dancefloor and try to make me forget about the last two weeks.
“I don't want to dance, I want you to commiserate with me!” I yell over the music, hoping they can hear me.
“We’ll get to that, just dance it off for now!”
The music shifts to an early 2000s flow, and we dance to a DMX and Limp Bizkit remix, which is surprisingly good. We’re having a great time until two security guards approach us on the dancefloor.
“You’re needed in the VIP room.”
I rear back, with my hand up. “I’m good, thanks.”
He shakes his head. “It’s not a request.”
“I don’t know you, and I’m not going anywhere without them.” I stand my ground, even though I’m certainly on edge right now. I have no idea what this is about.
The security guy leans in close and says, “A saint called for you.”
I freeze. He’s here? My eyes scan the place, and Olivia grabs my hand. “What's going on?”
I shake my head. “Nothing.” I squeeze her hand. “Work stuff. I’ll just be a minute. Dance here or go back to the booth. I’ll meet you there when I'm done.”
“Noelle, I don't like it.”
“It’s fine, don’t worry.”
I leave Olivia and Sloane on the dancefloor and follow the bouncer up the back stairs and into a room. Those two guys from the alley flash through my mind, but I push itaway. The picture that was sent to me the other night flashes through my mind, but I ignore that, too. It’s funny how far someone will go for a story, but when you’re in it, you’re not thinking of the danger. Plus, security said Nik is here.
Or maybe Nik’s in on it.
I quickly share my location with my sister and Sloane.If this goes south, at least they’ll know where to find my body.
I walk through the door, and the music is cut off to a dull thud with a simple click. I look around at the quiet glass-walled room overlooking the club. It’s got a small bar, two stools, and there’s a couch and end tables. I scan the setting, seeing the dancefloor below me, and when I look right, I see Nik standing with a guy in a suit. Another glance past them, and I see a man sitting on the couch. Behind him? Two huge security guards. The guy on the sofa looks like he doesn’t belong; he’s definitely not dressed the same as them.
“What are you doing here, Moreno?” Nik asks, his voice low and even.
I cross my arms. This is the first time I’ve seen him since he dropped me back at the restaurant. I won’t remind him how I saw him waiting around the corner to make sure I got in that Uber. And with only one word answers through text message, I could give two shits about his questions right now. “Good to see you, too.”
“I’m serious.”
“Serious about what, exactly? Besides your lack of communication?”
