THE CREEP

IVY’S POV

The rumors about the Lush club were true.

Massive crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a dazzling glow over walls covered in dark velvet. Shifting neon lights pulsed to the heavy, bass-heavy music.

Upstairs, exclusive VIP balconies with sleek glass railings overlooked the main floor. It was there the city's billionaires lounged on plush leather couches, looking down at the rest of the crowd.

It was really a place reserved for only the city’s top one percent.

But none of the aesthetics surprised me as much as seeing Elena and Michael here together, hand in hand. In fact, right now, they were glued to each other on the dance floor.

“With you gone from the diner, we finally had a conversation,” Elena had shouted over the engine on our ride here while Michael was kissing her knuckles. “Turns out we have so much in common, especially our taste in movies! It just kicked off from there.”

I was genuinely happy for them because I wanted nothing more than for Elena to find love.

That was why I didn’t mind being all alone on this bar stool, sipping a glass of whiskey while watching them with a supportive smile.

Gradually, my thoughts drifted away from the happy couple and shifted toward my own messy life.

“Even if things didn’t work out with the man I thought was the love of my life, at least I landed a better job,” I consoled myself, taking a slow sip of the wine. “And the best part? I won’t have to leave the city like Helen wanted”.

A satisfied smile stretched across my lips. But it quickly vanished when an uncomfortable chill ran down my spine. Someone was staring at me.

I turned my head slightly and my instincts were proven right.

Sitting on a velvet couch just a few yards away was a lanky guy who practically screamed 'new money drug dealer.' His hair was slicked back with way too much grease, and his designer shirt was unbuttoned nearly to his navel, showing off a chest covered in poorly done tattoos.

The second our eyes locked, his lips curled into a slimy smile. He raised his beer bottle toward me in a mock toast. Then, his gaze traveled up and down my body in a way that made my stomach flip with pure disgust.

I drained the rest of my whiskey and in an attempt to escape his disgusting stare, I headed to the restroom. It was getting late anyway. I needed to pack the last of my things tonight so I could head to the Blackwood Estate as early as possible tomorrow morning for my first day.

Standing in front of the mirror, I took a deep breath and smoothed down my outfit. My makeup was still perfectly intact so I just adjusted my black bodycon mini dress which clung to my skin, boldly accentuating my curves and my cleavage.

Elena had insisted I wear it tonight to attract a one-night stand but now that it had actually attracted someone’s attention, I just felt completely repulsed.

I washed my hands, dried them quickly, and marched straight back out to the edge of the dance floor to tell them I was leaving.

“Elena!” I called out, tapping her shoulder.

She spun around, her cheeks flushed. “Oh girl! Are you having fun?”

“I’m actually going to take off,” I yelled over the music. “I have a big day tomorrow!”

“Oh, bummer!” Elena panted, still rolling her hips against Michael, whose hands were resting flat on her waist in pure bliss. “It was really nice seeing you today, though! Text me the second you get home. Love you!”

“Love you too! See you guys later!” I chuckled, shaking my head at how wildly in love they looked before I made my way toward the exit.

I had only taken a few steps past the club's main entrance when a figure stepped out from the shadows. My stomach dropped. It was the last person I wanted to see.

Leaning against the brick wall was the greasy-haired guy. His hands were shoved into his pockets, and his bloodshot eyes didn’t leave my cleavage.

I lowered my head, gripped the strap of my purse tightly, and tried to hurry past him. But the moment I drew close, he lunged a quick step forward, completely blocking my path.

“Whoa, hold on a second, beautiful,” he muttered.

The foul stench of stale beer and cheap cigarettes rolled off his breath, making me wince.

“Get out of my way,” I said, keeping my voice firm.

“Why are you in such a rush?” he chuckled, “I saw you looking at me in there. Don't play dumb. You clearly want me just as bad as I want you.”

“I wasn't looking at you,” I countered sharply. I tried to step to the left, but he moved swiftly with me, cutting off my exit. “Let me pass.”

“Come on, don’t be like that,” he scoffed.

I tried moving again but his fingers reached out and wrapped tightly around my bare arm. He squeezed hard, and a sharp sting of pain shot up my shoulder.

“Let go of me right now!” I hissed, jerking my arm back with all the strength I had. I managed to break his grip, but he didn't back down.

“Don't be a tease,” he chuckled, leaning in closer. “What do you say we get out of here? Let's go back to my place, and I can give you a piece of what you’re obviously begging for tonight.”

My stomach flipped with panic. We weren’t entirely alone on the sidewalk but everyone was strictly minding their own business. Even the bouncers weren’t looking our way.

Lush club, my foot!

“I said, back off,” I warned but the guy wasn’t listening.

Instead, he stepped even closer, trapping me between his body and the wall behind me. “Why are you playing hard to get, huh? I just want us to have a good time.”

“I’m not alone. I’m here with my boyfriend,” I lied, trying to keep my voice from trembling.