After reading the message, Boma froze in shock, unable to believe her eyes. She stared at the note for a few more seconds before finally collecting herself.
For the first time, she keenly observed her surroundings. No one seemed to be paying her any particular attention.
She then closely examined the VIP section, separated by an elegant partition made of sturdy sticks intricately assembled to form a fence-like structure.
Attempting to gain a clear view of the area proved challenging as the partition stood about five feet high. Struggling to catch a glimpse, she hesitated to rise to her feet, aware that doing so would draw unwanted attention.
Quickly folding the note, she stashed it in her jeans pocket, her heart pounding.
Ignoring the warnings against venturing here, she had succumbed to foolish pride. Now, with reality hitting hard, she contemplated a timely departure.
Anxiously wary of being observed, she dialed her friend's number, hoping for a swift answer. Thankfully, her friend picked up promptly.
"Hilda," she said urgently, not waiting for Hilda to speak.
"What? Is everything alright?"
"Don't come to Dazzle Bar. I'm already on my way out. I'm sorry I came here."
"It's okay. I'm almost there already. You sound breathless. Are you okay?"
"Yes," Boma answered, rising to her feet.
Pretending the bar's music was interfering with the call, she carefully grabbed her bag and walked away from the table, heading towards the exit.
"I'll meet you outside the bar. I'm already walking out."
"Great. Okay. I'll meet you there."
Boma tried not to move furtively as she headed outside. Once on the terrace, she walked forward, avoiding the people trying to get into the bar and a couple of guys in rough dark jackets who were lingering outside. As she attempted to pass them, they subtly moved, trapping her between them.
Her heart thundered as both casually placed a hand on her shoulders, causing her to pause. She looked up at them, fear evident in her eyes.
The taller of the two, Phillip, possessed a rugged appearance that suited his age, which was around the same as Donovan's. His features were angular and slightly weathered, giving him a rough charm. Though there was an air of danger about him, it was tempered by a certain youthful attractiveness. Beside him stood Standfast, a bit shorter but no less imposing, with a sneer playing on his lips.
Standfast, around nineteen, had a more rugged demeanor compared to Phillip. His face, while not conventionally handsome, bore the marks of someone who had seen their fair share of trouble. He had a solid build, indicating a readiness for action rather than words. His eyes held a steely intensity, hinting at a volatile temperament kept in check only by Phillip's presence.
As Boma looked up at them, fear gripped her heart. She could feel the tension radiating from the two young men, and it sent a shiver down her spine. Unsure of what to do next, she searched for an escape route, her mind racing with thoughts of how she had landed herself in this predicament.
Seeing there was no way of escape, she decided to feign courage, raising her chin despite her fear.
"Let me go," she demanded, managing to meet their gazes.
"Our Point One wants to see you," Phillip calmly informed her.
The title Point One sent a chill down her spine, threatening to shake her facade of courage. Hilda had warned her that it was the title for fraternity leaders. As if realizing the depth of the danger she was in for the first time, she encouraged herself to remain steadfast.
"I don't want to see anyone. I am not interested," she said dismissively, hoping that her disinterest and confrontational attitude would drive them away. It was a slim hope, but she had to try.
"You can't leave without seeing him," Standfast informed her with the same calm tone, his gaze cold. "If you want to enjoy peace on this campus, you better come with us now. He doesn't like to be kept waiting."
Intimidated by his threat, she lost her bravado.
"What do you want from me?" she whined, hearing the shakiness of her voice, knowing her vulnerability was now exposed.
"That's none of our concern," Phillip replied matter-of-factly.
"I will scream," Boma threatened, but immediately felt something cold and steely pressing firmly against her waist.
Looking down, she saw that it was a gun that Standfast was holding to her skin.
She froze, the hairs on her skin rising.
"Cooperate and you won't be hurt," Standfast informed her.
She nodded, left with no choice as she allowed them to lead her back into the bar. Once inside, they led her to the VIP section.
***
Seated in his designated spot, Donovan cast a glance at Rose, the confident and alluring girl beside him. With her tousled hair and subtle makeup, she exuded a casual charm that hinted at a carefree attitude towards life and relationships. Her stylish yet provocative attire underscored this, reflecting her willingness to embrace fleeting connections. Despite their casual fling, there was an undeniable attraction to Donovan that kept her coming back for more.
The VIP section remained solely occupied by him and his companions, a privilege he had secured through payment. For the night, it belonged to them alone. This arrangement suited him perfectly, offering the comfort and seclusion he preferred.
"You're done for the evening," he informed Rose.
"But the night just started," she protested.
"I don't care. Leave. Inform your Point One that we had a good time."
Sometimes, if he had issues with her Point One, she appeased Donovan with a girl, and most times Rose was sent. She seemed to relish the assignment, and Donovan didn't mind. She was hot and available. Somehow, he was beginning to find her frequent company better than having random girls.
"But we didn't," she argued, igniting his impatience.
"Tell her whatever you wish. Just get out before I lose my temper."
Rose swiftly got up from her seat as Boma and his associates entered the section.
Boma's breath caught in her throat as she observed the Point One, who occupied the grandest-looking chair in the VIP section. It was obvious who he was, based on his commanding position and presence.
She had anticipated encountering a figure resembling a stereotypical tough guy—rough, scarred, clad in baggy clothes, perhaps with a backward-worn baseball cap.
However, what she saw defied her expectations. Before her sat a tall, drop-dead gorgeous individual with mesmerizing light green eyes. His features were striking, boasting a firm chin, broad shoulders, and toned abs. Clad in dark fitted jeans and an equally dark short-sleeve shirt that revealed a tattoo of a butterfly, he exuded an aura of attractiveness that was undeniable.
Boma couldn't help but notice the dark slip-ons adorning his feet, each aspect of his attire contributing to an overall impression of darkness. His expression was daunting, living up to the reputation of a handsome devil, and now she found herself in his lair.
It was a shame that she admired his attractiveness even as her heart thundered with fear. Despite his handsome features, he was terrifying.
Donovan's eyes rested on the scared girl's face as her eyes managed to meet his for a few seconds before falling to the floor, then floating back up and resting on his chest.
The girl he had dismissed, Rose, eyed Boma from head to toe with disdain.
"Are you sending me away because of this girl?" she asked, pointing at Boma.
Donovan moved like a bolt of lightning, grabbing Rose's arm roughly, and making her wince.
"Get out," he ordered darkly, his cultured and rich voice low but unmistakable. "Do not make me hurt you, Rose. Understand?"
Boma lifted her gaze and watched the altercation, her heart pounding with fright.
Rose nodded, and Donovan released her roughly. She gave Boma one last derisive look before strutting out of the section.
Donovan took his seat again, and Boma, in her fear of him, carefully avoided his gaze.
"Please, I want to go home," Boma said, addressing Donovan without meeting his eyes. "I don't want any trouble."
Donovan gestured for his guys to step aside, and they did, leaving her alone with him. Feeling even more exposed, she hugged herself nervously.
"Please, I want to go home."
"Look at me," he said quietly, giving her a few seconds to gather courage and meet his gaze.
"You're in year one, right?"
"Yes," she confirmed.
"What's your name?"
"Esther," she replied automatically. "Esther Titus."
"Hmm. What faculty are you in?"
"Science."
"What department?"
"Geology."
"So you're a Geology student?"
"Yes."
He stared at her for a while, his gaze piercing. Her heart pounded in her chest.
"Are you a good girl?"
Taken aback by the question, she hesitated, dumbfounded.
"I asked you a question."
"I don't understand what..."
"Yes or no?"
"I like to think that I am a good..."
"Yes or no?"
"Yes."
"So why are you lying to me?"
She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She had lied about the answers she gave him, ensuring that if he intended to cause her trouble, he wouldn't be able to find her.How could he know she was lying? Perhaps her fear was too visible, giving her away. To remedy the situation, she summoned her courage and let her hands drop to her sides, attempting to assume a more confident pose."I'm not lying," she said, her voice slightly more confident."Sit down," he said abruptly, startling her."I said, sit down," he repeated forcefully.Tentatively, she took the seat before him and folded her hands on the table. Just then, her phone started to ring.She immediately reached into her bag, sure it was Hilda even without checking."I didn't say you could answer," he told her, his eyes narrowing. Her panic rose."It's my friend. I'm supposed to meet her outside.""You'll talk to her after we're finished.""Please, she might be worried," Boma implored him.His eyes scrutinized her for
Boma sat across from Hilda as they had lunch in the cafeteria the next day.As Hilda ate, Boma picked at her food. Occasionally, she would stare at the ring on her finger. It reminded her of Donovan. She didn't like it. But she was scared of removing it, because of his warning."Try and stop worrying," Hilda advised. "Eat your food.""I just can't.""I warned you not to go there. Now you've ended up getting noticed by a fraternity guy. And the worst of it is that you got a point one? Do you know how serious this is?""Would you stop giving me the 'I told you so' lecture? If you want me to apologize a thousand times, I would.""Look, I'm sorry. I just want you to be fine.""Scolding me and telling me not to worry at the same time, without offering a solution is not so good for me.""I'm not talking this way because there is no solution."Boma's eyes lighted up with hope at her friend's words."Do you have a solution?""Relax. As a year two student, I know some things. My course mate is
She attended classes the following day and could barely concentrate.The thought of meeting Donovan again was paramount in her mind.At some point during one of her lectures, she heard laughter and snapped out of her lost mind.Then she realized that the lecturer was staring at her. She had asked her a question and because she was in a blank state, her colleagues began to laugh at her situation."Where is your mind?" The woman asked."Sorry, Ma'am. I was just...""Daydreaming? Get out of my class. I don't encourage laxity.""Ma'am-" she began imploringly."I said leave."She gathered her books, threw them in her bag, and walked out to more giggles that ended after the lecturer asked who would be the next to leave.After leaving the class she stood outside the window and took notes.That was the way at Wilberforce Island University. It was like a jungle. Only the strong survived. You don't just go home because you were sent out of the class. You hang around and hope for mercy. If you'r
Boma remained silent, thinking she would rather be anywhere than there.His free finger reached for her cheek, softly caressing it. She resisted the urge to flinch or reject his touch."Do you understand me?"She nodded. "Yes."He studied her face for a few seconds. She maintained eye contact for those few seconds. At that moment she was lost in the beauty of his eyes. Then she reminded herself that his beauty was just a perfect cover he was blessed with to hide his badass side."Tell me something. I mean, tell me the truth, how many boyfriends have you had?"His question was direct but still plunged her into an ocean of confusion.As he continued to wait expectantly for her response, she had to answer."Many." She forced a smile. It had been a joke. She didn't even know why she was responding that way. An inner voice told her it was a lame attempt at putting in some confidence. She agreed with the inner voice.A frown furrowed his brow."What's that supposed to mean?""I cannot coun
Boma's eyes lingered on the last line of the rule she had just read - My girl must be at least, above average.It increased her anxiety. She managed to control herself as her eyes traveled down to continue reading.3.No unnecessary closeness with any guy. No flirting either.No clubbing or partying without my knowledge or permission.If you're traveling for the weekend to be with your family, I must be aware.Don't even think of bagging an extra year in school. That means you can't fail an exam. Consider a C score, a fail. I will go through your test and examination results.She slowly lifted her gaze and stole a glance at him. He was relaxed on the chair and engaged with his phone.Unexpectedly, he lifted his eyes and met hers. She returned hers to the rules and continued reading.All-night reading at the theater is highly prohibited. Do your reading at the library or in your room.Wear your ring at all times, especially around campus. That is one error you want to pray that you ne
The kiss went on for a few more seconds. Boma didn't know how long she could keep still under his arousing onslaught. She could barely move, anyway. He had her immobile.Donovan had no intentions of letting her go until he got what he wanted. A small moan of surrender escaped her lips and when he heard it, he released her with satisfaction. That was what he had been waiting for.She looked at him with dazed eyes again, her breathing fast from being thoroughly kissed.She set her eyes on his chest, her face colored with embarrassment."Are you a virgin?" He asked, wanting verbal confirmation.She started to nod, decided against it, and stayed silent."I asked you a question."Her eyes remained on his chest."Do not make me repeat myself."She snapped out of her silence and nodded."I want words.""Yes.""Hmm. Even though I suspected correctly, it's still a bit surprising in this era. Nonetheless, I like it."She didn't say anything. She pressed her lips together, wishing she was anywhe
As he caressed her hand, she held her breath. She could feel her hands trembling in his."I've told you to relax," he said, his eyes fixed on the road."I am relaxed," she replied."You're not. I can feel your hand shaking. Relax. I won't hurt you. Never without reason."He squeezed her hand gently in his palm. It felt warm and pleasing. It helped her let go of some jitters."That's it. Relax." He encouraged. Then he raised her hand to his lips and kissed it before releasing her.She immediately covered it with her right hand again."Is there something on your mind that you will like to share?""No.""Is there something you need to tell me?""No.""Okay. Perhaps, it's something you need to confess?"She have him a furtive glance, wondering if he already knew and was just acting like he didn't. She didn't believe he knew. With his temper, he wouldn't be sounding this cool if that was the case."Nothing." She said."Hmm. Okay."She held onto her stand. It would be bad to draw attention
After a few seconds of silence, her fear prompted her to voice her immediate concern."Please- D, please where are we going?""You'll return to your hostel in the morning. Don't worry. Tomorrow is a lecture-free day, so congratulations on picking the right time to test me.""I didn't mean to lie." Her words came out in a rush due to her heightened state of anxiety."Oh, now she admits the truth." He said mindlessly. "How honorable. I'm impressed.""I won't do it again." She fervently promised."Yeah. After I'm done with you." He declared.Her mouth began working a mile a minute to explain herself."Please, I'm sorry. I forgot the ring on my bed. I was going to wear it before getting out but I was running late and forgot it in my haste. It wasn't intentional.""A point one's girl must always wear her ring. You need that driven into you.""No. Please, it won't happen again." She pleaded. "I promise it won't." God, she was so scared."You're right, it won't. " His tone was uncompromising