Jinx

“I thought I had made myself clear earlier. Didn’t you hear me?” I slowly articulated, banging my fist on the locker next to me to emphasize my point. Our gazes met violently. I was angry as hell. He was amused.

“I heard you say you were not to whore yourself to, I quote, an arrogant promiscuous scum.”

So? I think it was rather clear. Crystal clear. Like in I-can’t-make-myself-understood-any-clearer clear. I raised my arms above my head in a raged impulse. Crap! He was stupid or what? I bit my lower lip, trying to repress the urge of simply make a run for the exit without looking back, like a coward fly who just met the cat. It should be common knowledge that cats eat flies. I don’t know why… Must be tasty.

I glanced at the door, then back at him, then back at the door… Staying in the room with a man that had made his intents of attacking me so bluntly apparent or running away in my boxer all the way back to my apartment, hoping that the cops would already be all comfy in the warmth of their bed at this late hour. Don’t want to be arrested for exhibitionism. Thank you very much.

Now that I think about it, I’d like better to be hit by a truck than to stay any longer here. No, I’d like better to be hit by a truck, then a bus, then another truck than to remain in the same room as this sly bastard. He must have read my thoughts because right when I was taking my impulse, bending my knees on the floor, ready to break into a run, he nonchalantly side-stepped, freeing the access to my locker but viciously cutting my escape route right under my feet. He was now fully facing me, standing straight between me and the now unattainable exit.

I growled lowly and tried to stomp my way trough the thin passage between his body and the lockers, choosing to crash into the metal doors instead of brushing against his warm muscles. Yeah! Two steps closer to my aim. He blocked me after that, swiftly placing his arm in front of my face, the palm of his hand caressing almost lovingly my locker’s door. Ain’t he a bitch? I remained there frozen on the spot, totally stunned, blinking at his arm as if I could make it disappear.

“Let me pass!” I howled, taking a hold I wanted painful of his elbow and forearm, digging my nails into the soft fabric of his expensive jacket, must be silk I think, tearing the cuff in an angry scratch.

There, take that! Your so elegantly tailored suit is worth trash now. His arm was still not moving, damn! Not even an inch! He didn’t seem the slightest disturbed with my trashing out, carefully eying me as I was squirming with all my might to pull his fucking arm out of my way. Damn he was annoying!

“Shit! You’re neither deaf nor a retard! You heard me! So what the hell is your problem dude? You think it’s funny to make fun of me? Is chasing after my ass so entertaining for you wealthy fucks? Don’t you have anything else to do? Play golf? Buy another sports car? Drink some Chardonnay? Huh? Don’t take me for a fool! Yeah, I’m poor but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna let you have your way with me. Never! Is it so hard to believe that I rejected you? Cause that’s it, dickhead! I’m sorry to let you know but there’re some things that even money can’t bring you. I’m fucking not for sale!” I snapped at him, huffing and puffing.

I felt my turmoil rise to a rarely reached degree of ire with the harsh flow of my words. It was becoming hard to breathe and a vague of dizziness made me stumble on my feet. I didn’t have enough sleep last night and the emotional pressure added to my relentless week was bitterly weighing heavier as the minutes flew by. Rapidly regaining my composure, I steadied myself and looked at him fiercely. Was that concern I saw in his eyes? Nah… I must have imagined it.

My pride was like totally forgotten in a far far corner of my heart, utterly ashamed by finding me powerless in front of such an arrogant prick. This was definitely not a usual feeling to me, and I wasn’t glad to discover it. However, the situation was quite unusual as well. Hell, do you know anyone else who was made to remain in a locker room, almost completely naked, by a crazy sex maniac? I don’t. Hum, the thing is, if you were one day in that kind of crappy predicament, I really doubt that you would brag about it. I absolutely won’t. That is, if I can get the hell out of here sometimes - make it soon - I will keep it untold the longest time I can. Time to show him my true colours.

“Remove. Your. Arm.” I ordered quietly. “Now!”

As he still didn’t twitch, I surprised him by throwing a punch at his ribs and shoving him away with all my strength. Not even a second after, he backhanded me hard on the face and I landed in a locker, the cold metal biting down on the naked flesh of my back. Tomorrow, I would be badly bruised for sure. Blood was flowing from my nose and my cut lip, slowly dripping on my shirt I’d dropped on the grey tiled floor at my feet, and my cheek was already beginning to swell. God, why did he have to hit me so hard?

I shook my head to regain my spirits, wiping my face with my hand, letting a red line spread across my chin. I spit some mixed blood saliva on the floor, because if I was to swallow now, the coppery taste would definitely make me throw up the content of my stomach on him. Now that I think about it, the idea is not so bad. Anyway, the obvious conclusion of our painful seizing up is that he’s assuredly too strong for me to win the fight in my current state. Right now, the smartest move is to get away from here as fast as I can. I averted my eyes from him to lock them with my goal: the room’s door. I turned on my heels and made a run for it. Stupid me! I just broke the number one rule in fights: never turn your back to your enemy.

A surprised yelp escaped my throat when he suddenly grabbed my wrist, turned me over, slamming my head into a locker door in the process, and twisted my arm painfully behind my back. I put reflexively my free hand on the metal, trying to push away but he immediately took a hold of it in his bigger and more powerful one, smashing it back violently above my head. I resumed my struggling to break loose shouting an endless “lemmegolemmegolemmegolemmego.” In vain.

He literally crushed me with his body, effectively trapping my throbbing twisted arm between us. I could feel his chest heave with each intake of air. I was out of breath. He wasn’t even panting. Life is unfair. I went limp in his arms, trying to relax as much as I could, that is, not much, and closed my eyes still hoping it was all a nightmare I will laugh at as soon as I woke up. But I didn’t wake up. It was not a nightmare. And I didn’t laugh. I waited for him to do something, say something, anything to pierce the tense silence, for what seemed an eternity but must not have lasted more than a few minutes.

“Are you calm now?” He whispered in my ear, making me shiver.

Calm? Hell no, I wasn’t calm considering the loud beating of my heart threatening to break through my chest. But I nodded nevertheless.

“Will you listen?”

Do I have a choice? Another nod rewarded by a chuckle. My vocal cords were kind of frozen at the moment. Not that my brain was in a better state to actually let me hope to say something that made sense. So I remained silent.

“You’re one lucky cheeky brat. There aren’t many people in this world I allow to get over with hitting me. Be grateful.”

Yeah, right, I’m soooo grateful! Did you hear the hidden threat? I did. I greeted my teeth and frowned. How many owners of fancy restaurants do you know who are able to beat the crap out of a bad guy, so to say, me, without even crumpling their custom-made suit? None. Yeah, me too. Damn! They’re all way too sophisticated to actually have muscles. Then fighting? Humph! They leave it to lower-class people. Hey, they won’t risk ruining their manicure! They usually avoid commoners like the plague. They can hardly bear to breathe the same air as us. Definitely, there was more with this guy than meet the eyes. Believe me, I’m definitely not a weakling and never in my life have I received such a whacking. My guts were screaming danger. And my twisted arm too. Ouch.

“You’ve got some balls, I’ll give you that. I’ve never seen anyone daring to make a scene in this kind of place and insult a man worth billions in such a shameless way. I enjoyed you little tantrum to no end. But, as adorable as you are when you’re angry, I suggest you to temper a bit your fire. You don’t want to piss off the wrong persons, do you?” No, I don’t.

I’ve never seen someone switching so rapidly between praising and lecture mode. Okay dude. If that’s the matter, give me a slap on the hand so we can all get over it. And I can go to sleep. Damn, I’m so tired. I yawned but I didn’t have a free hand to cover my mouth. Say goodbye to good manners!

“I’m not really in the mood to be lectured by a MOFO. So don’t bother because I don’t care. Will you release me now? I’d love to spend the night in your company but I have other business to attend.” Say my bed, waiting for me to crawl in his warm embrace.

The lockers reverberated his sinister laugh throughout the room, sending a shudder along my spine.

“You don’t seem to realise the situation you’re in, do you? Such big words! I can make a better use of your pretty mouth, you know.”

Aw. I don’t like the direction our talk is heading in. I groaned in response.

“What are you? Senile? Can’t you understand a sentence of more than three words? I’m. Fucking. Not. Going. To. Sell. My. Body.”

If you can’t tell, I’m fucking pissed. He leaned over me, pushing me further on the locker’s door, forcing me to twist my neck in a rather painful angle. All I could see now was the exit’s door dancing in front of my eyes, snickering at my helplessness. He nibbled at my ear, teasing me with his teeth then shifted a bit to attack the sensitive skin of my neck. A burning wet tongue traced the path of my jugular, licking rhythmically with the pulse of my heartbeat. God that was hot! I think I’m a little aroused. Noooo! I can’t be excited! I’m still just dressed in my boxer who only let a little to the imagination. Stop it, stupid dick!

“The point is, I’m not going to pay.” Whaaat? It was getting better and better. “I want you. And I always get what I want.” He purred in a husky voice making me shiver in anticipation. “You will be my lover.” Huh? I gave him a furious look.

“No.” I replied stubbornly.

“I was not asking. From now on, you belong to me, whether you like it or not.” He stated, firmly pressing his body against mine to mark his words.

“Did you hit your head? Or are you high? I’m not a fucking dog!” I bit back trying to stand my ground.

A buzz interrupted our happy chitchat. His phone. God had listened to my silent prayers for once. He released my hand to rummage in his pocket and I immediately began to struggle.

“Calm down.” He ordered but the forearm that rested none too gently on my neck was bizarrely more convincing. He turned off his phone.

“Evans.” He barked.

I’m glad I’m not the one at the other hand of the line. Wait! I’m the one who should be pitied. I’m in a way much worse position. He listened to whatever his interlocutor had to say to him for a while then answered.

“I’ll be there in ten minutes to deal with the problem. Make sure everything is ready.” He hung up.

No bye? I’m disappointed. Thought he was at least well-mannered. Guess I was wrong. Wait! Did he just say he will be there in ten minutes? There, as in not here? Luck is on my side today.

“I have to go.” He informed me. I’m not deaf you know?

“What a pity!” I exclaimed, thinking just the contrary.

He nibbled on my neck a few seconds then bit down, sucking hard the tender flesh between his lips. What the hell now? He was giving me a hickey! I never had a hickey. I don’t want my first one to be his. Fuck! Too late.

“That’ll help you remember that you’re mine. Don’t forget it. I’ll discuss with you what this statement entails on our next encounter.”

With these words he stepped back and finally freed my arm. I turned over to face him, clenching my fists until my knuckles blanched.

“I’m not yours, you fucking perv’!” I growled. I must confess he’s the most impressive man I’ve ever met. Almost made me tremble with fear. As if!

“You are now, Ayden. I suggest you have that stubborn attitude of yours fixed for the next time. I look forward to seeing you again.” Yeah, yeah, can’t wait to see you either.

Shit, did he call me Ayden? Oh crap! He thinks I’m Ayden. If shame doesn’t kill me, Ayden will surely do it when he’ll discover in how much trouble I put him.

As if nothing had happened, Evans walked elegantly out of the room, taking his sweet time. When the door closed behind him, I pounced on my clothes, slipped into my jeans, almost falling flat on my face when my leg failed to find its way in the rough fabric. Never in my life did I get dressed so fast.

Had I not been in such a hurry to get the hell out of here, I would have heard Evans bark orders at his underlings.

“Find everything you can about Ayden Phields. Check his background. I want to know everything: where he lives, what he does for a living, and even how he likes is coffee. Report in an hour.”

Scary. That was what I would have thought, had I been listening.



When I was all set, I quickly headed towards the door, slowly opened it so I could take a peek in the corridor, checking around with anxious eyes if a bouncer was waiting for me in the shadow to throw me out. You can tell me that, in the end, the result would have been the same. That is me, out of this dreaded place. But if that could happen on my own free will for once, that would be great. God loves me today. No bouncer. Not even an angry manager to make sure I leave the grounds.

I stepped outside without looking back, enthusiastically filling my lungs with the cold air of early summer nights, feeling a spread of relief relax my body. That didn’t last long as a pang of guilt sank in my heart, making my eyes narrowed and my mind darkened. Shit! I screwed up! Again. My thoughts were dangerously turning in circles in my head, bringing to the surface contradictory and painfully strong feelings, tightening my throat. My heart was beating furiously in my ears in a fearful racket and my eyes were burning like crazy as I refused them the relief of letting tears roll down my cheeks.

I don’t know how I went back home after that, but last thing I know, I was in front of my apartment, the key trembling between my feverish fingers, fighting with the keyhole to unlock the damned door. It closed behind me silently and I crawled into my bed, laid on the not so comfortable mattress, not even taking the time to undress, curling my hurt body into a protective ball under my blanket, failing to break the cold surrounding my limbs. However, I fell asleep almost immediately, letting the mental and physical exhaustion of the day taking me in a restless slumber.

I don’t know how many hours I actually managed to sleep, but a loud bang on my door woke me up suddenly, and I tensed in my bed, silently cursing the unwanted disturbance of my peace in my still dizzy state. I groaned and hid my head under my soft pillow, praying for whoever who was at the door to disappear into a hole and never come back. My sleepy mind took some time to register the sound of the key unlocking my door. Ayden.

I slowly opened my eyes to realize that my room was still plunged in pitch-black. I checked my alarm clock. It was fucking five! What the hell is Ayden doing at my door at fucking five in the morning? My mind chose the moment he switched the light on to replay the last night’s events in accelerated motion. My eyes widened in fear. Oh my God! Ayden! It’s Ayden! How can I face him after what I had done? Wait! It’s still early! Maybe he doesn’t know yet about my outrageous blunder. I still pushed my head protectively further under my pillow as I felt my bed shift under his weight. A gentle hand set on my shoulder shaking me slightly.

“Hey sleeping beauty! Seems you attracted a lot of attention last night.”

Oh my God! He knows. I’m dead.


“My boss called me around one. He told me he had a nice chat with the Florentine’s owner about how entertaining I supposedly was last night. Care to explain that?” Ayden inquired and I knew by his tone that I had no choice than to answer.

Damn it! I can’t believe it! Can’t that fucker forget about me already? God, I hate him so much!

“Sorry about that, Ayden.” I grumbled from under my pillow.

“Stop hiding already and answer me!” He exclaimed, grabbing my pillow and throwing it through the room in exasperation.

It landed on my shelf, making it dangerously quiver.

“Oh man! You look like shit! What the hell happened to your face?” Ayden’s eyes went wide with concern.

I guess the bastard avoided this part of the story. I softly brushed against my cheek and found it badly swollen. Guess I must look like a hamster which ate too much peanuts right now. I groaned when I realised how stiff my arm and back were. My head was spinning and the growing headache which was wrapping my head in a disturbing daze forced me to snap my eyes shut as the dim light blinded me. When it became bearable, I blinked a few times, trying to focus on Ayden’s anxious face.

“Well, you see…” I didn’t even have the time to finish my sentence when he pounced on me, tilting my head to have a better look at my neck. He eyed me dubiously while tracing with the tip of his finger the painful bruise proudly standing out in a darker shade on my tanned skin. I slapped his hand away angrily because I really didn’t need him to remind me of this disgraceful part of the evening.

“Is that a hickey?” Ayden questioned in disbelief.

“No, it’s not!” I cried out immediately.

Shit! I replied too quickly! It’ll seem suspicious, as if I’m actually trying to hide something. Let’s say, a hickey for example. Well, I’m helpless here. Can you tell me how the hell I am to convince my best friend who knows me better than I do that the mark on my neck which has the same location, shape and colour as a love bite, isn’t actually what it appears to be? I’m such an idiot! I should have bet on a badass excuse instead, like I hurt myself by bumping on a locker’s door while fighting to take off my shirt. It would have worked better. Hum. Doubtful. Very doubtful. Okay, I deserve my place in the top-ten of the worst liars alive. At least, I tried!

Ayden sent me a knowing look that forced me to confess the shameful truth.

“Ok, you win! It’s exactly what it seems to be.” I eventually admitted in a pitifully weak whisper.

“Who the hell gave you a hickey?” He raised his eyebrows in blatant surprise. “Don’t tell me you hit on a loaded chick?”

“Whaaat? No! No way, man!” I shook vehemently my head in denial.
“It’s all that fucking pig’s fault!” I shouted infuriated.

Ayden stared at me cautiously as if I had hit my head harder than he first thought. Hey, I’m not a nutcase! That jerk really did look like a pig! Even for a pig, he was ugly. I truly apologise to all the pigs feeling insulted by this comparison.

“Uh, Marcus, do you realise that what you just said doesn’t make any sense?” Ayden remarked bluntly.

God, he can be so dense sometimes!

“It was not really a pig, Ayden. Just an ugly fat man.” I specified staring intensely at him.

“Oh. I see. I’m relieved. I thought for a minute that you had lost it.” He scratched his head to put up a front and laughed his embarrassment away.

Okay, I may be slightly out of it, but I’m certainly not that insane that I imagine talking to pigs at an uptight party. I narrowed my eyes at him and he averted his gaze in response. I slowly licked my lips in a nervous gesture and cleared my throat as I started to explain last night’s events.

“Well, about yesterday… What can I say? Hum, it was okay till around eleven thirty.”

As you smartly noticed, I’m not ready to sweeten the pill just yet. Let’s insist a bit on my good points to soften the fall. Maybe, it’ll go unnoticed. Or not.

“What do you mean by till around eleven thirty? What happened next?” He asked me, uneasily putting a blond lock behind his ear.

I blurted out at full speed: “Uh… After that, the pig-man groped my ass and he demanded for how much I would sell myself. So, I threw my tray at his face and kinda insulted him in front of the whole crowd.”

“What!” Ayden yelled and I winced at the volume of his voice.

If I had some doubts before, I’m sure all my neighbours are fully awake by now. Great! That will make them like me even more of course.

“It’s a joke, right? You must be kidding me!” He howled, this time a tad lower to my neighbour’s sleepy happiness, grabbing the collar of my shirt to pull me in a sitting position.

He examined my face meticulously, still hoping to find a clue that indeed I was tricking him. I was not. I none too gently slapped his hand away and glared back at him.

“Jesus, Ayden! I warned you! One of these fucking assholes couldn’t keep his fucking hands to himself! What was I to do, uh? Tell me! Did I have to smile at him, gratefully accept his so generous offer and spread my legs? Cause that’s what he wanted me to do! I even tried to ignore him! I tried to stay calm and tactfully reject him but he didn’t get it at all and kept harassing me! I didn’t even think about it. My body reacted on its own…” I gasped to fill my lungs as I was out of breath. My whole body was trembling in anger and my eyes were burning with tears. Ayden patted my shoulder and sighed heavily.

“Guess that couldn’t be avoided.” He acknowledged, taking slowly a cigarette out from his packet. He smoke in silence for a few minutes then nodded, suddenly grinning. “I must still admit he has great tastes. You definitely have one hell of a nice ass.” He snickered as I blushed. Yeah, to my own predicament, I can’t help feeling modest when it comes to my body.

If there’s one thing absolutely lovable about Ayden, it must be the fact that he can’t stay angry with me for more than five minutes a go. Others don’t have this chance. Spoiled me!

“Did you apologize at least?” He asked and blew distractively a puff of smoke in the chill air. I shrugged my shoulders in annoyance.

“He’s the one who should have. He looked down at me first!” I pouted. Ayden rolled his eyes as if I was a lost cause.

“Real mature, Marcus! We’re not in grade school anymore, you know.” He laughed softly. “So, is this the work of his gorillas?” He inquired, waving a finger in the direction of my swollen cheek.

“Not exactly.” I replied vaguely.

“Anyway, I’m more interested in the hickey’s part.” He smirked, his malicious eyes suddenly stirring up to life. “I’m curious to know who you let so obviously mark your neck! Come on! Tell me!”

“No!” I groaned with indignation.

Remember when I told you I would keep the locker’s room’s events untold the longest time I can? Guess I will be forced to confess sooner than expected.

“Tell big brother about the one who gave you a hickey.” Ayden cheerfully purred, teasingly insisting on the last damned word.

“Drop it, would you?” I argued, crossing fiercely my arms on my chest. I’m fucking pissed!

As I remained stubbornly silent, pressing my lips together in a thin line, Ayden leaned towards me with a predator’s look on his face and began to tickle my ribs to admittance. Everybody has an Achilles’ heel. Guess what? A low resistance to tickles is mine. Not very manly, I know.

“I didn’t let him! He did it on his own!” I yelled to make him stop.

He froze on the spot, his hands awkwardly suspended in the air. Oh my God. What did I just say? Marcus O’Neil, you’re such an idiot!

“You mean that… it’s a guy who put that thing on you?” I nodded. “So sweeeet!”

That idiot burst into laughter, slamming his hands on his thighs as if it was the most diverting thing he had ever heard about. Damn it! It. Is. Not. Funny! I knew I should have shut up my big mouth! I glared at Ayden and smacked him on the back of his head.

“Ouch! That hurts you know!” Sure. That’s what it’s supposed to do. “So who was it?”

“The owner.” I hushed-up.

“Huh?” Ayden raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“Julian Evans. The Florentine’s owner.” I repeated, this time a bit louder.

“Wow!” He whistled, totally dumbfounded. “I can’t believe such a man wooed you!” Yeah, me neither. “However, you should be careful, Marcus. He’s not one to mess with. He’s got money and a great influence in town. I don’t really know why, but even my boss got nervous around him.” He warned me seriously.

“Jeez! Don’t mind it too much! He’s just an arrogant ass. I bet making fun of me was his way to pay me back for the commotion I caused.”

Here goes my pride! But it was indeed pretty efficient. I won't approach him within at least a distance of a few thousands feet from now on. I learnt my lesson very well, thank you!

“You see, he had all the ladies over him last night. They were lining up to get a piece of him. He could have had any of them drooling happily at his foot without even a snap of his fingers.” I continued with the same neutral tone.

Okay, I admit it. I don’t really know that because I didn’t pay any attention at anybody from the wealthy clique yesterday. But, I’m pretty positive it’s true. I mean, he’s rich. And handsome. And charming. Did I already mention that he’s rich? Which kind of girl wouldn’t like to be seen by his side, holding his arm? Unlike me, they’re probably dumb or blind enough not to realize that he’s a complete jerk.

“He’s certainly not the sugar-daddy type. So what business would such a man have with an average Joe like me? Nothing! Plus, there’s absolutely no chance we’ll meet ever again. We don’t frequent the same circles for sure.” I affirmed firmly. The future will take delight in showing me how wrong I was at this instant.

“I wish you’re right, Marcus. ‘Cause if he’s serious about you, nothing will be able to help you get your ass out of this mess.” Ayden proclaimed, crushing his butt in the ashtray.

“Well, I hope for you that I’m right… because Evans sort of thinks I’m you.” I revealed, running lazily my fingers through my hair.

“Great! Do you have anything else to confess, or it would be all? Because if you have, I think now is the right moment. I’m in a pretty generous mood.” Ayden desperately fisted his dyed hair and took a deep breath to calm down.

I shook my head in response, to his relief.

“So, what’s your guideline in case your admirer hunts me down, boytoy?” He demanded sternly, pensively smoothing invisible crumples on his jeans with the back of his hand.

“Don’t call me that!” I flinched and stood up, trying to find something to do to keep my hands busy as guilt was building up in my heart.

Coffee sounded good. I fought against the nausea threatening to overwhelm me because of the painful pounding of my head, increasing with each step I wobbled towards the kitchen. Today would be awesome for sure! Welcome back sarcastic self! The world can start turning again.

“Well, you can always pretend you don’t know me.” I replied absently because right now making coffee with shaky hands was requiring my full concentration. “Not that I think you’ll need to make up anything, he can’t be that persistent!” I added, hoping that it would end up convincing him.

“I’m serious here, Marcus! You know I don’t need extra attention in my line of work, especially at the moment.” Ayden snapped at me.

I left my coffeemaker doing its own business and turned over to face a frowning Ayden. Maybe I should tell him that he will get wrinkles on his handsome forehead if he continues making that kind of face. Forget it! He was really tense and the unusual coldness of his tone tended to let me think that there was more than the fuss I made to get his panties in a bunch like that. Was he in trouble?

“Sorry I screwed up. Don’t worry about that, okay? If, by any chance, Evans comes after you, just tell him the truth and I’ll bear the consequences.” I sighed and sent him the best puppy look I can. Have you ever seen a puppy with a blue-black bruise on the cheek and a cut on the lip? Maybe a gothic would find it adorable. That was not Ayden’s case. He rolled his eyes and lit another cigarette.

“So what’s getting you all fired up? It can’t be that you’re actually afraid to meet Evans! Although, your good looks will definitely please him to no end! Maybe he’ll choose you over me. You’d make a better eye-candy than me, you know?” I joked and winked mischievously at him.

He smiled for good measure but his heart was surely not at it. His eyes clouded, showing traces of a deeper sorrow.

“Seriously Ayden! What’s up? Did you get into a fight with Jenny yesterday?” I asked not very tactfully.

Ouch. I guess I hit the spot. He pressed his fists on his forehead, elbows on his knees, his cigarette burning between his crisped fingers.

“Kind of.” He said, wrinkling his nose. He blew a puff of smoke then continued. “The club was terrific. We drank a few cocktails and had a lot of fun dancing. It was just too perfect to be true. I confessed to Jen…”

“Wow, that’s so great Ayden! I’m so happy for you!” I chirped cheerfully, pouring some coffee into two horribly decorated mugs.

I handed one to him. Aw! My little finger is telling me that something went horribly wrong after that. Or maybe it was the slight shivering of his fingers. Or the desperate look on his face as he stared at me to find some comfort.

“Yeah, it should have been great.” He whispered hoarsely. He took a sip of burning coffee and winced at the bitter taste. “She said she was sorry but spending her life with a mafia scum was not what she had dreamed of for her future. She added that she wouldn’t be able to respond to my feelings until I quit. And, she concluded that if I didn’t make the right choice soon, she would take the best decision for her that is breaking up with me…” His voice died with the last few words and I could almost feel his heart breaking as he revived the scene.

Ayden threw his half-burned cigarette in the ashtray and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. He kept his fingers pressed on his eyelids, trying to prevent other tears to find their way out. His lips were trembling, obvious sign of his interior tumult. I was taken aback as it was absolutely not the kind of response expected after a love confession. Jenny had just put Ayden’s back up against the wall but I couldn’t really blame her for wanting to keep him safe.

Indeed, the business he was involved in was like a ticking bomb for the small fries like him who were easily replaceable. Was he aware of this reality? Maybe he needed someone to confront him and make him open up his eyes to see that he was willingly running to his own death, working hard efficiently completing all kinds of shady assignments, in the futile hope that his boss would acknowledge him one day as a valuable asset. Hell, from what I had seen, his boss wouldn’t even lift a finger to help him was he to agonize at his feet. The underworld’s games were not child’s play and once you were consumed by their fire like Ayden was, it was easier to delude yourself to have the strength to survive.

“I can’t!” He cried out and I flinched as he sounded as hurt as a wounded animal turning round in circles into a set trap.

He was quietly sobbing, rocking his body back and forth on my bed. I sat beside him and rubbed his back and shoulders in a way I hoped comforting. I didn’t know what to say to lessen his grief so I just opted for listening as he needed to let it all out to feel better.

“I can’t quit like that! I don’t have anything valuable enough I can use as leverage in counterpart of my freedom! But I know she’s right. She deserves better than the kind of lousy lifestyle I can offer her. I’m so lost, Marcus! I’m not ready to lose her just yet.”

I hugged him from behind and let his head lean on my chest.

“It will be okay, Ayden. Give it some time and you’ll find a way out of that crappy job of yours. Just be ready to seize any opportunity that turns up. Talk to Jenny. Explain clearly the dead-end situation you’re in at the moment. Tell her you’ll try your best to make it up to her when you’ll be back on your feet and I’m sure she’ll understand. She’s a great girl and she really loves you. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have bothered asking you to keep to the straight and narrow.” I told him sincerely, feeling him relax in my arms as my words were gaining him over by the truth they carried.

“You mean what you said?” He asked shyly.

“Of course I do. I wouldn’t lie to you, Ayden, never!” I stated “Come on, stop looking so down!” I cheered him up while massaging his shoulder with the palm of my hand. “There, take a sip of this awful coffee of mine. It’ll give you a worthy reason to cry.” I remarked while forcing him to swallow some of the dubious black liquid.

He scowled with distaste and pushed his mug away putting it down on the floor. Eck! The flavour was even worst than before, if that can be, now that the drinks were all mild. Note to myself: forget making coffee when you just received a beating. Apparently, Ayden shared my opinion because he pointed an accusing finger at me.

“If you want to poison me, Marcus, try it at least with something drinkable. Promise me you won’t ever again get near your coffeepot.” He required, giving me a falsely stern look.

My stomach joined Ayden in his prayers, making me understand with a fierce clenching of its muscles that it would be equally grateful if I decided to comply with his demand. Okay, okay, I got the message, you can stop now! I patted my poor belly to make it settle down.

“Who do you think I am? I would definitely put the poison in a beer. That’s the only way I’m sure you’ll drink it all! Next time, make sure your can hasn’t been opened yet when you take a sip!” I maliciously smirked at him and he rewarded me with a nod and an imperceptible smile.

I watched him furtively from the corner of my eyes for a few seconds. Diverting his attention to a safer topic, mission accomplished!

My alarm-clock went on disturbing our freshly restored peace with a strident ring. I groaned and jumped on my feet to turn it off. Crap! It was only six fifteen and I was already exhausted. It’s gonna be a long day. A very long day.

“Well, I don’t want to throw you out but I have to get ready for college. And it will take me a rather large amount of time and talent to weep my new acquired scum’s look from my face.” I said casually. Want to know what would be the result of the coupling between a hamster and a Smurf? Just take a look at my face.

“Alright princess! Thank you for everything. You’re a real bro to me, you know?” He told me, smacking my shoulder in a friendly way.

Ouch! I must introduce him the sooner I can to less painful shows of affection. I’m already hurt enough here!

“Try not to make too much golden boys fall for you today!” He laughed at me, a smirk rapidly spreading on his lips.

“Screw you, crybaby!” I retorted, picking up my pillow from the floor. I threw it at him, but Ayden was faster to get out, so it crashed harmlessly on the closed door.


I stripped from my sticky clothes and tossed them aside. Once in the bathroom, I took a long shower, letting the warm water relax my stiff muscles. So good! I grabbed my towel and quickly dried my sore body. I glanced at my reflection in the small mirror hanging on the wall. The swelling of my cheek had reduced a little, letting my face regain some of its human aspect.

I didn’t have any make-up to cover the dark blue bruise left on my skin as a cruel reminder of my sheepish defeat. Crap! Guess I’ll have to bear with the covered whispers and snickers of my classmates for today. I wonder what kind of rumours my fellow students will come up with and spread about me. Hum, could be interesting. Perhaps, I will be able to get some fun out of this in the end if I let their imagination running wild. Nevertheless, I carefully hid the hickey on my neck with a skin-coloured band-aid. No need to feed their already perverted enough thoughts!

I returned in my room and took out from under my bed the wooden basket containing my cleaned clothes folded in a neat pile. I grabbed a white tee-shirt with a sport’s logo, a black pair of pants that was hanging low on my hips and a kaki sweater, and got dressed. My stomach grumbled loudly and I noticed that I hadn’t eaten anything since yesterday at breakfast, if an apple could be counted as a meal. No wonder I’m hungry. I rummaged in my cupboard and found a tiny rest of chocolate cereals. That will do, not that I have another choice in fact.

As I was happily munching on my saving food, my cell phone went off. Fuck! Who the hell calls people at seven in the morning? I picked the phone up without checking the caller ID and was welcomed by a hysterical high-pitched voice.

“Marcus?” I gulped nervously.

Inspector Lou Rodriguez from the organized crime division. I immediately felt goosebumps scattering along my arms. Don’t be mistaken, I couldn’t care less of her current title. It’s the former plain officer Rodriguez who caught me stealing when I was sixteen that scares the hell out of me. The memory of that day had been engraved in my soul to the core. I swear this woman is a devil in a skirt. But why was she calling me now? I didn’t do anything wrong I knew about. Then it struck me. Yesterday’s pig must have put charges against me. Shit!

“Yep.” I cowardly answered. How was it that every time I was talking to her I felt like a little kid who’s gonna be severely scolded? Must be Oedipus complex.

“What you’re doing?” She inquired with an unusually nice tone.

The trembling of her voice sent shivers down my spine. Forget about the pig. It couldn’t have gotten to her this bad. Something was wrong. But I knew better than to ask directly because she was way too proud to show what she considered to be a weakness to anyone, even to the brat she kind of rose up. So I acted like my normal bastard self.

“Well, I’ve just finished molesting an old lady to rip her off her cane. Think I’m gonna use it to demolish one or two cars in the streets. Wanna come and give me a hand?” I casually replied. Honestly, what does she thinks I can be doing at fucking seven in the morning?

“Very funny Marcus!” A pause “You’re alone?” She hastily whispered as if she didn’t want anyone to be able to listen to us. Weird…

“Yeah. What’s going on?” I was beginning to have a bad feeling about all this.

“A member of my team was found dead this night around four.” Her voice broke down and she let out a sob. Crap! I ran my fingers in my hair and scratched my forehead, wondering what I was to answer to that dreadful news.

“I’m sorry, Lou. You’re okay? Is there anything I can do?” I sincerely offered. There was a long silence and I supposed Lou was trying to get a hold of herself.

“Yes. Actually, I need your help. But I can’t talk about it on the phone.” She explained more calmly.

Huh? My help? What for? Certainly not for baking a cake, or moving heavy furniture. No need for such a killing suspense aura around this kind of trivial matters.

“Why not on the phone?” I asked suspiciously.

“It concerns the current case I’m working on. It’s confidential. I can’t risk having unwanted ears listening to our conversation.” She blurted out to my complete astonishment.

Most of people would surely feel flattered and utterly excited to be given the chance to take part in an official investigation. Yeah, most of people. Not me. Working undercover as a secret agent was as far as possible from my dream job. Of course it seems thrilling in the movies, where skilled actors seduce beautiful babes, and cunningly manage to bring down the leader of some evil organisations after some exhilarating road chases. There’s always this breathtaking moment when the hero is caught off guard or betrayed and falls into the enemy’s hand. Right when you think that everything’s lost and that he will indeed be reduced to being starving piranhas’ food, starving piranhas with very pointy teeth shown in close-up, he’ll miraculously manage to get free by using his shrewd cufflinks that spread concentrated enough acid to even cut through steel rope but strangely doesn’t damage his skin. Unbelievable!

In the real world, there’re no gadgets that can save you. Once you’re caught, you’re dead. Not bitten and eaten by small sharp teeth. Too much trouble, too easily traceable and a tad too flashy. No, you’ll end up in a pool of your own blood, with a tiny hole between your eyes made by a not so fake bullet. Ask Lou’s colleague if you think I’m over-reacting! He could have told you, if he hadn’t been, well, lying on a table in a black bag at the morgue.

I sighed and let my body fall heavily on the bed. Lou was still on the phone, probably anxiously waiting for me to react and snap out of my stress induced silence. I shook my head and resolvedly blocked the painful memories living in the darker corner of my mind, threatening to overwhelm me. Damn it! I don’t want to be involved in anything that’s one way or another related to the organised crime. Anything but that. Yeah, having your parents shot by the mafia right in front of you can have this kind of unfortunate consequences on people. But how can I turn my back on Lou when she so obviously needs me, after all she had done for me? I guess an ungrateful brat is not what my parents wished me to become.

“I’d like to help you, Lou, really.” I whimpered, tugging nervously a few black locks behind my ear. “But I can’t promise you I will be able to meet your expectations…” I closed my eyes and breathed slowly to let my heart slow down to a more human pace.

“I understand. I know you have perfectly good reasons to reject my request and I respect them. But…” She hesitated a few seconds before adding the few words that made my own little world scatter to pieces. “The club you’re working at is closely connected. That’s why I turned to you. If I don’t soon make any progress in my investigation, the case will be closed and my man dead for nothing. I don’t ask you to accept immediately but, can’t you just hear me out before making up your mind? Please?” She begged me in a trembling mutter.

She sounded so fragile and, for the first time since I had known her, I realised that she was just a woman, who can be, like you and me, devastated by the loss of another being, precious to her heart.

I felt cornered, as I knew perfectly well that I wouldn’t be able to say no to whatever she wanted me to do, was I to meet her teary eyes face to face. The news that the Velvet Club was linked to some illegal schemes hurt me deeper than I thought. Couldn’t they leave this important part of my life untouched? No, they even have to fucking dirty my little piece of heaven with their business full of crap. I suddenly felt that well-known anger that had consumed me when I was a kid coming back again to the surface in full force. Anger directed to faceless and nameless shadows, anger that wouldn’t be satisfied, until… I could do something to make things change. Something that counted, like giving a hand to Lou. I slammed my fist on my poor mattress and gritted my teeth, slightly dazed by the strength of my own resolve.

“If you’re free for lunch, we can meet at the mall around one and find a quiet place to talk.” I suggested in a voice I hardly identified as my own.

“I’ll see you there. Thank you, Marcus.” She said with a sigh of relief before hanging up.

I stared a few minutes at the floor, running pensively my fingers through my hair as my old fart’s self was incessantly screaming meaningless warnings to keep me locked safe in the routine of my boring but pleasant life. I swept my eyes with the palm of my hands to clear my foggy mind and grabbed my backpack, coat and keys to head to college. I let my worries die as the door closed behind me, standing in the darkness of the corridor, unaware that the decision I just made would end up backfiring on me, leading me to be methodically ripped off of everything I treasured.

Had I been conscious of that, I would have listened to my old fart’s self who was apparently not so dummy, nastily told Lou to back off and sat peacefully on my bed, eating my tasteless chocolate cereals, enjoying for the rest of my days, without even knowing it, the satisfaction of a tediously ranked life. Except that we were not in a movie, and in real life, people sometimes make the wrong choice, the one that doesn’t lead to a happy ending.