Chapter 6: Remembering

Clarissa's P.O.V.

The girls sitting with Brantley looked wide-eyed at Alyssa and me before narrowing their brows. "Get lost sluts before I rip your throat out," Alyssa said through gritted teeth and a pretty smile.

It did not take a moment for the girls to get the message and quickly remove themselves from the booth. I found myself in complete shock. Turning to Alyssa, she smiled, shrugging her shoulders. I knew Alyssa could be aggressive, but this was entirely out of character when it came to the woman I knew.

Brantley looked towards me and smiled. "So, Toni… I see you brought over new friends. Alyssa... Clarissa. It's so nice to see you again, Clarissa." The twinkling glint in his eyes sent shivers down my spine as I cast my gaze away.

A low rumble drew my attention to Toni, who was staring dangerously at Brantley. The man was utterly oblivious to the daggers being thrown at him. Alyssa slid into the spot next to Brantley, which left the empty spot next to Toni for me. A bottle of Jameson in the middle of the table was plenty of an invitation for Alyssa, as she helped herself to Brantley's glass and a drink.

"Hey… that's my glass." He said, narrowing his eyes.

"Okay… and?" She replied, looking at him as if he thought she cared. Shrugging his shoulders, he seemed to squirm uncomfortably, sitting next to her. I did not understand why, though.

She was such a nice person and so much fun to be around. It was weird seeing someone act like this towards her, but she did not seem to care or be phased by it.

Alyssa seemed to feel my awkwardness, yet she smiled at me with her devilish grin. "Brantley, let's dance." She suddenly spat out before turning her gaze to him. He seemed in utter shock over the idea.

"I don't ask twice." She smiled at him sliding out of the booth, her body moving to the beat as she slowly made her way to the dance floor, turning and gesturing for him to follow. Brantley took a moment before reluctantly agreeing to her offer.

I could not believe it. She had left me at the table with this man, and I was utterly nervous by the way he kept looking at me. I felt Antonio slide closer to me, his fingers brushing gently across my bare shoulder, moving my hair to the side.

Antonio's touch against my skin sent desire to my core. I had never felt like this before. Even with the men I had dated in the past, none of them ever made me feel this way.

"You seem like you have a lot to tell." He whispered, and I could tell he was practically on top of me. I did not know what to say or how to react. I sat there quietly, weighing out my options and thinking of what he would do next.

When I felt the brush of his lips against my bare shoulder, my body instantly shuddered, and I moved slightly out of his touch. I did not think I could contain myself, and my eyes turned to face him.

"What are you doing?" I replied through shaky breaths.

He grinned at me and let his fingers run down my arm. "You are beautiful. I want to know more about you."

I did not know where to start. I felt his arm gently wrap around my waist as he pulled me closer to him so that his lips could find my neck. Closing my eyes, my lips parted softly as I enjoyed the feeling of his lips against my skin. My thighs pressing together tightly as I tried hard to contain my excitement.

"How about a drink?" I replied quickly, my heart beating erratically against my chest. He let out a soft laugh before nodding.

"I know you desire me." He said confidently as his hand grasped my jaw, turning me to face him.

Swallowing, I looked at him just as his lips gently crashed down upon mine. His kiss alone made me melt, and a rush of conflicting feelings ran through me. No way in hell was I going to be this kind of girl, though. I didn't do one-night stands. I didn't act this way.

No matter how amazing this felt, I had to stop it.

Antonio pulled away with a smile rising from the booth. "I will go get you a drink. Anything in particular you desire?" His words left questions in my head. How about yes... I desire you. I thought to myself.

"Anything is fine." I just needed a moment away from this strange man and the emotions he was stirring inside me. As I watched him walk into the darkened club, he turned back towards me and smiled. It was in that instant that I realized where I knew him from.

He was the man I had seen in the alleyway. The same man from the platform. The one with blood smeared on his clothing. "Oh my god," I whispered to myself, my hand coming to my lips as I was sure the shock was written all over my face.

When he turned his back to me at the bar, I took that as my exit window. I did not bother to look for Alyssa. She seemed to know them both, and that made me question things as it was. Shaking my head, the look of distress and confusion across my face, I took off walking towards the exit.

I had to get out of there.

The cold Chicago evening met me like an old friend as I leaned against the brick building, gasping for air. "What the fuck…" I mumbled, trying to gather what the hell had just happened.

Was my mind playing tricks on me? He did not seem like he was a cold-blooded killer. Then again, do murders ever actually look like murderers?

One thing was for sure: the way he touched me made my soul cry out for more. I wanted to know him, but I was terrified of who he might really be.

'What happened?!' a text message exclaimed as I checked my phone.

'Nothing, I'm fine. I am heading back to my house. I'm not feeling well. You stay and enjoy yourself. Love you lots. Xoxo' I replied to her message quickly.

Walking towards an Uber driver waiting for his next fare. I heard the club doors open and looked over my shoulder just in time to see Antonio exiting. His eyes quickly found mine, and my heart raced again as I entered the Uber and slammed the door. "Drive. Now."

The Uber driver did not hesitate as he pulled away from the curb, quickly heading into the night. This was the second time I had escaped this man. I was not sure if there would be a third.

However, at that moment, as I looked back at him. I was sure he realized I knew by the angry look on his face.