Nikolai Volkov

First chat

inside of the dark club, the music is deafening and there’s too many people. it’s my first night out in months, since I’ve been married and since I had the baby, but I can’t enjoy myself. It’s been a long week and I’d rather be somewhere quiet than in here. I tell my best friend I’ll be right back, I maneuver through the crowd to the bar to get myself a drink. At first, I don’t notice him, but he notices me. My silver dress contrasts beautifully against my brown skin and a slit up my thigh is dangerously high. His eyes lock on to me like a predator to prey. I am walking past the ropes, closing off his section when I see him. The flashing lights of the club highlight a scar on his cheek and the diamonds in his chain. I avert my gaze and continue to make my way through the club eventually finding my friend. She’s already drunk and presses a shot to my lips urging me to drink. The liquor burns my throat and settles warm in me. I look over my shoulder and he’s still looking at me. Tracking my movements, like a predator hunting prey. His stare sends a chill down my spine. Hours later I’m drunk and ready to leave. I help my friend into the cab and start to slide in the seat when suddenly a large hand at my shoulder stops me in place. Nikolai, gesters a finger at the man and at me. The man orders the driver away closing the door on my friend who is too drunk to notice. The man pulls me to Nikolai and he takes my hand leading me back inside the club.

“ You didn’t look like you were enjoying yourself kiska. Tell me is it the company you keep terrible or is it this place?”