SHEEP HEADING FOR SLAUGHTER.

Whispers of “wow” and “they look good together” filled the place as Sonya and Mr. Regnald majestically walked down to a table at the other side of the restaurant.

With Sonya wearing a red mini satin dress with black heels to go with her luscious black hair that reflected the restaurant’s lights, Mr. Regnald was in a navy blue shirt tucked into black pants and was also without a tie today. Both looked like they had stepped out of a Vogue magazine cover.

Dave reached out and held my arm.

“Are you okay?” he looked at me with worried green eyes.

“Yeah, I’m good,” I swallowed.

We were sitting at the last table located at the rear end of the restaurant, so it was hard for anyone at the door to see us unless they were purposely searching for someone. I watched them make their way to a table a couple had just vacated. He held out the chair for her like some sort of gentleman, and she smiled back at him as she settled down.

My heart, that had been heavy since Friday, suddenly became heavier. Well, since my appetite had flown out the window since they walked in, I think it’s better to leave this place before I do something unthinkable.

“I think we’re done here,” I said to Dave, who nodded in approval.

“Yeah, head out while I go settle the bill,” he said as he made his way to the counter.

I looked at them once more. The crazy jerk was on his phone while Sonya was obviously trying to start up a conversation.

Why is he ignoring her when he was the one who brought her out in the first place?

I stood up, my fists tightly clenched, obviously fuming with anger as I stomped my way out of the restaurant. They would be too busy to notice me anyway.

I drew in a good batch of fresh air as soon as I got outside, trying to calm my raging heart.

I just saw my girl, the girl I love, on a date with another man and did nothing about it. It’s something no man on earth would be able to stomach, yet I… I just walked away.

“I’m such a fuckin’ coward,” I cursed at myself for being such a pussy.

Dave came out of the restaurant and hurried towards me.

“That’s him, right? He looks younger than I expected,” he said with excitement in his eyes.

I looked at him with despise.

“Bro, just give up.” He patted my right shoulder.

“There’s no hope for you,” he added flatly.

Dave can be such a jerk at times. I’m painfully aware of that, but why add salt to my existing wounds?

I hissed at him and smacked his hand off my shoulder.

We started walking our way back when Dave suddenly stopped to hail a taxi. I had almost forgotten that he isn’t going back to the dorm.

“I think you should tell Travis about this,” he said with a serious face.

It’s not like I planned on hiding it from him. I will tell him later, it’s just… everything is happening so fast I barely have time to think, and you know how he is. He makes a big deal out of nothing,” I explained.

He nodded, then turned to get into the taxi.

“Okay. Just be careful, man. See you,” he said. Then the taxi drove off. As I watched the taxi drive off, I felt awfully alone.

I looked at the time on my wrist. They should be done by now.

I brought out the business card and my phone, then dialed the number on the card.

It rang a bit, then came his rich and low baritone voice.

“Hello, pretty boy. I was expecting your call, y’know.”

What the hell? How did he know I was going to call?

“Where are you?” I retorted.

“Guess?”

“Cut the crap and just spill it.” This man is making me snap in ways I’ve never done before; it was like exploring a new side of me.

“Why, wanna come see me?” he probed. Is he having fun toying with me?

“Quit it, you motherfucker. Does this sound like a joke to you?” I gritted my teeth as I spoke, trying to suppress my anger.

“Hmm? Relax, cutie. I just want to know if you’re considering my offer.”

“Do I have a choice?” I muttered.

“You do. Anyways, I’m glad you chose this option. I’ll text you the address. Make sure you look pretty for me, okay?”

“Fuck off.” I hung up.

Fuck. Fuck him in hell. I wish he would eat shit and die.

My phone beeped and I saw the message.

“MACLUXE. Room 608.”

“Huh!” I scoffed.

I adjusted my jacket, drew in a fresh batch of deep breath, and looked up to hail a taxi.

“Macluxe,” I said to the taxi man as he nodded.

I hopped into the back seat before I changed my mind.

There’s no going back now. I have to risk it.

After a good thirty minutes of driving, the taxi arrived at the front of the magnificent hotel. I felt much better after the silent drive; I never knew I needed that. I paid the man his fare and turned to face the building.

Macluxe. Even though it was in my city, I’ve never been close to it in my whole life, not to speak of entering. The hefty guards at the entrance were enough to tell you that not ordinary people enter this place. I walked to the door, then one of the muscled men in a black suit and sunglasses stretched out his hand, blocking my path.

“I’m here to see Mr. Regnald,” I said as I raised my face to seem less intimidated. As he was about to speak, another guard whispered something to him.

“What’s your name?”

“Percy. Percy Claude,” I answered.

“You may go through, sir.” He bowed slightly.

His tone had suddenly changed from an intimidating one to the kind a business would use on a customer.

I nodded, then went through the door. The whole place felt so out of this world as I lacked words to describe it since I had seen nothing close to it before. Who exactly is this man? And how much more powerful is he?

The place was so beautiful that I stood for about five minutes admiring it. I had to remind myself that I wasn’t here for sightseeing; I should get on to the business that brought me here first.

I walked up to the prettiest receptionist I have ever seen.

She greeted me with a smile, then asked for my name and who I was here to see, which I told her. She nodded, then dialed the telephone she had on her counter and spoke for some seconds. It was quicker than I thought. She handed me a key card and said,

“Room 608, 19th floor. Use the second elevator by your right.”

I nodded in response, collected it, and headed for the elevator.

After a few minutes I was out of the elevator. The floor had only one room, so I had no problem finding the right door.

I knew I was stepping into the lion’s den as a sheep led to the slaughter, but I had made up my mind. I would not chicken out.

I placed the key card for recognition, then it beeped.

I walked through the door, heading for my own demise.