Hey everybody! Back with another chapter here. Thanks to everyone who's been reading these stories, rating and leaving comments. I really appreciate it, and it makes me feel good that people are enjoying what I'm writing. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Warning: this contains elements of non-consent/reluctance in some scenes.
***
"What do you mean 'I'm not affected? What in the hell are you talking about?"
"Wait, just wait, I can explain everything, this is just-
"A big misunderstanding? That doesn't begin to explain it, you better have a really good explanation for this."
Laila was still reeling from being groped by this complete stranger outside Club Strobe. She was experiencing so many different emotions that she didn't even realize how cold it had gotten since she'd been outside. The temperatures were continuing to drop and goosebumps were forming on her body. The man who groped her was standing in front of her, and had backed away, probably worried she would hit him with some kind of weapon.
"I promise I do, it's just-
"I mean what did you think was about to happen anyway?"
"I don't know I-
He suddenly stopped mid-sentence, grabbed her arm and pulled her close to him. His grip was noticeably stronger than before, and Laila struggled to pull away. He leaned in and whispered in her ear:
"Listen, if you act rash or tell any of the guards or anyone what's going on here, you'll regret it. Trust me, I have the ability to do it, and I won't hesitate if you don't heed my words carefully.
Laila shivered and more goosebumps formed up her arms, not from the cold air, but from the chilling, terrifying nature of his deep voice. She noticed that he had completely changed his entire disposition from just a second earlier, when he was stuttering and stammering through sentences.
"Hey, you two! Is everything alright over there?" One of the guards outside the club yelled out to them.
"Nope, everything is fine, guys! My friend and I were just having a conversation, just playing around." Laila said without hesitation as the man released his grip of her arm and they changed stances to appear playful and friendly.
"Sorry about that officers, we were just debating which club is the best in the city. But clearly, it's this one, and my friend here is right this time. I was wrong." The man added.
"Okay, no problem." The guards replied as they resumed their conversation and messed with their phones.
Thanks for the help guys
. That confirmed Laila's suspicions. This man may have been surprised at something in the beginning, but he was mainly acting that way in order to avoid being caught by the guards. He knew there was security nearby when he took action, and might have known it before coming to the club...
"That was good, now-
Just as the attacker was about to speak, a car alarm went off and blared loudly through the parking lot. Laila heard noises that sounded like glass breaking and loud thumping as well. Someone was trying to break into someone else's car! She also heard a cacophony of screams and yells coming from that area also. She turned for a second, startled by the noises and worried that another dangerous encounter may be happening. The guards rushed over to the car, where someone was attempting to stealing the car, and subdued the man after a difficult struggle.
When she turned around, her attacker was gone.
What the hell? Where did he go so fast?
Alarms went off in the club, signaling everyone to leave immediately. This protocol was only put in place as a result of the rumors about attacks and murders happening there. The ensuing chaos left Laila with one objective: find Jessie. She was supposed to meet her back at the bar, but now she would probably be rushing out just like everyone else. Her eyes scanned the sea of club goers, back and forth, looking for anything that resembled Jessie's wardrobe. Eventually, she found the shiny bedazzled silver dress and rushed over to her, pushing her way through a crowd of people to reach her.
"Jessie!" Laila said as she ran over and hugged her friend.
"Laila, what the hell is going on? Is everything okay?"
"I'm good, you're okay?"
"Good. Let's get out of here, it's getting wild. Plus, it's cold as hell."
"Agreed, let's go."
They walked over to their car, as people finally started to disperse and the crowd steadily thinned out, and drove back to Laila's apartment. Jessie had left some clothes there before they left just in case, and they both changed into comfortable clothes before discussing the outlandish night.
***
"All I'm saying is, I had a cute guy ready to spend some alone time with me later, then you go outside, and all of a sudden the club is shut down. Not just the club shut down, but also my chances of getting on some good dick. That shut down too."
"Aww, poor baby Jess. You want a consolation prize?"
"I'm serious, Laila! I told you not to stir up trouble, but you just couldn't help it apparently."