Thread: Monster [ Burke x Arianna  ]

The music from the disco below faded into the background upon entering the room at the top of the narrow staircase, and Lexi lingered by the doorway, casually sipping her scotch whiskey while her eyes adjusted to the dimness, a cloud of cheap perfume mixed with booze billowing all around. Circular leather booths with black granite tables lined the walls, one housed a man surrounded by several tawdry prostitutes, some obviously well used, and close to the end of their exclusive membership in the glamorous side of the business...though it was a stretch to call this place glamorous by Lexis definition of the word. He must be their pimp she surmised, and judging by how he snapped his cellphone shut, an irritated one. An aura of perverse authority hovered around him, the kind that only comes from terrorizing and exploiting weaker souls, and a disgusted breath escaped her lips as her eyes continued to scan the room. The next booth held a curious mix of gangsters, for surely, thats who they had to be, and her interest piqued considerably. Nothing else explained why an otherwise clean cut, wealthy man would sit next to two thugs, one definitely low class and covered in tattoos, conversing as though they were his partners. Figuring they represented her best bet for information, Lexi casually walked in their direction, trying to look like she belonged, but became frustrated it was impossible to hear their conversation. Now standing beside an unoccupied booth across from the trio, she froze when the tattooed man stepped back, but he didnt notice her, he was eyeing another targetthe two intimidating bouncers blocking entrance to the next room. Lexis eyes followed Mr. Tattoo and she inched slowly along the length of the cold granite tabletop, instinctively sensing the room he headed towards, was the one she needed access to. Straining to hear the heated exchange between bouncer and thug, when the bouncer spoke louder, something about his voice made the hairs on the back of her neck rise, though she couldnt say why. However, when the exchange turned sour and tattooed mans feet left the ground, a bad sense of foreboding swept over Lexi it just seemed wrong somehow. Giving herself a mental slap for overreacting, her eyes snapped to the tattooed man when he said, Theres been another one and then Another one, like tonight, and a thrilling rush of adrenaline set her pulse racing. Elated, her well-honed instincts told her it was no mere coincidence, confirming, at least in her mind, that she had indeed stumbled upon the link to the suburban murder. Desperate to get into the other room, she saw the prostitutes rise. Sensing her opportunity, she moved to fall in step behind them, intending to follow straight into the inner sanctum. While the women shuffled forward, she saw the Pimps eyes drift around the room and the moment they settled on Lexi with curious indignation, she quickly looked away, hoping he didnt notice her, but it was too late. He sauntered over stopping mere inches away, smiling with what probably would pass for charm were it not for the chilling, predatory glint in his eyes. Mmm...mmm...look at you girl. What is such a fine piece of high class ass doin here? He grinned, leering as he moved to her side and put his arm around her shoulders, firmly leading her away from the others. Lexi visibly cringed and ducked down to extricate herself from his possessive embrace. Just checking out the VIP room, Mr? She asked meekly, her eyes searching his, even though she knew he wouldnt tell her a damn thing. The explosive anger that followed however, took her completely by surprise. A strong hand shot out to grab the back of Lexis head painfully, and she gasped as he pulled her to face him. I guess you aint too smart are you Bitch. Now, who the fuck are you? He shouted viciously. Pimp Lucious never forgets a ho who sucked his dick, so I know you aint never had that pleasure, but we can fix that right now. His face was so close now and she felt his hot, alcohol-laden breath on her face and neck, prompting her to jerk forward. Trying in vain to free herself from his forceful grip, the icy chill of panic washed over Lexi and she frantically searched for a way to escape. Then, her gaze locked with a tall, bleached blonde dressed in red hot pants and a black tube top, one of the women whod been seated with her aggressor moments ago, and an instantaneous, silent exchange took place between the two. Though the blondes appearance held certain harshness and her posture was somewhat defeated, probably a consequence of being victimized for far too long, there was also intelligence and compassion shining in her dark brown eyes. A glimmer of hope momentarily quelled the churning in Lexis stomach, and she fervently hoped she didnt mistake the look of pity and determination in the other womans face. It appeared Lexi read the signs correctly because the blonde stalked over and jokingly slapped her hand against Pimp Lucious arm, then clucked her tongue. Hey, hands off my baby sister. She teased, grinning playfully while winding around Lexi and slipping an arm protectively around her waist. Here I am doin you a favour, tryin to convince my lil sis to join the fun, and you go off scarin her away! She chastised her pimp with an impish twinkle in her eyes. Lexis heart pounded and her mind reeled, but she stomped down her fears and made every effort to play along, at a loss to understand what was going on and why this stranger decided to help her. Clinging to the other woman like a life preserver, the barely restrained violence radiating from Pimp Lucious scared Lexi to death, but she forced a timid smile and looked up at the taller woman in a way she prayed resembled sibling adoration. The angry pimp glared at the two women suspiciously, then, his eyes glittered as he calculated the potential profit Lexi would surely bring in, and his lips twisted into a vicious smirk. Sister is it Shauna? He said snidely. You been holdin out on Pimp Lucious and you just lucky that Im feelin generous today. Inclining his head towards the crowd of prostitutes waiting impatiently at the door behind them, he sneered. Now you go on...take your sister and hustle your luscious asses. With a malevolent stare and icy smile, he added. I expect at least double your usual take. He said it like a warning and Lexi felt the woman at her side shiver before acquiescing. Shauna glanced nervously at Lexi then nodded briskly. Of course, you know I always make good, she said soberly before steering Lexi towards the others. Lexis mouth opened to speak, but Shauna frowned and shook her head, whispering. No dontjust listen. I know who you are Lexi Stafford, and while I think youre fucking crazy for coming anywhere near this place, I will help you get past them, she gestured towards the two imposing guards, if you promise to help me retire . The emphasis on the last word left no doubt in Lexis mind what the woman expected, because she knew that the chances of breaking free from a man like Pimp Lucious and staying alive in the process were next to nil. Ergo, Shauna needed a new life, or more specifically, a new identity to get a safe ticket out of here. Lexi sighed, it wouldnt be easy, but the desperation and hope shining in Shaunas eyes, tugged at her heart, and she nodded. Whatever it took, shed do her best to help the woman start over, and then as an afterthought, she pulled out her wallet, handing over the five one hundred dollar bills she had intended to use as a bribe, but would now ensure Shauna had the proof of Lexis success tonight. The blonde woman's mouth dropped open and her eyes widened in astonishment. Thank you, I didn't know how I was gonna explain... Holding up her hands to silence her new friend, Lexi smiled softly. No thanks were necessary since just thinking about what her fate might have been had Shauna not intervened made her shudder she owed the woman big time. It also forced her to admit she had been in over her head with Pimp Lucious, and that didnt sit well at all . Her entire career had been built around rubbing elbows and clashing with unsavoury characters, but this was different. Shivering, she pushed those thoughts aside and took a steadying breath, calming slightly until she heard the ominous threat from the bouncer, and her panicked eyes flew to her new friend. Shauna grabbed Lexis hand and murmured. Dont worry, Ill handle it. After a small skirmish between pimp and whores over the unwelcome conditions, one by one the women shrugged and pulled out the money. All of them passed through in short order, until only she and Shauna remained, standing before the bouncer with the odd voice. Still fearful, Lexi refused to look at him, keeping her attention on the room in front instead, but it was impossible to see anything over the sea of boisterous prostitutes, all of whom were giddy with the prospect of pleasuring powerful men. Apparently, despite everything, the promise of prestige and a huge payoff proved too intoxicating to resist. Shauna held out three twenty dollar bills and Lexi held her breath, waiting, and still not daring to look the strange, terrifying man in the eye. There was something unusual about him, and it defied logic, an intangible malice that even her normally insatiable curiosity didnt want to investigate.