chapter 1

Derek Stygian’s stripper's club was bathed in a deep red light. The kind that makes everything look darker than it really was. Shadows moved along the walls as slow music played through hidden speakers, the bass low and steady like a heartbeat.

The air felt hot with sin, heavy with smokes of their cigarettes, filled with sweat of the male strippers and the tables were filled with expensive alcohol.

Not everyone in the city was allowed into Stygian's secret cult. Only those who are ready to sell their soul for discretion are allowed in.

At the center of the room, a man with perfect muscles and fat ass moved around the pole with smooth control. His almost naked body spun around the pole as he blended with the slow music.

Stygian himself watched the guy as he moved with slow and practiced confidence. Sitting carelessly on the velvet sofa, nothing concerned him with the dude between his legs, sucking his cock. His focus was on the stage because that was where all the pleasure came from.

Some of his acquaintances sat on other sofas, close enough to see the stage but far enough to distance themselves from Derek Stygian’s sin, as they usually call it.

Every night, different men were brought into the club. According to him, no one was forced in but when it was time to leave, it was impossible. Some came to dance, some came to party, some came to get high, while some came to please Stygian.

When it comes to pleasing Derek Stygian, it is impossible. Why? Because he was never impressed. No matter how to swallow, lick, suck or fuck him, nothing could move his heart. Aside that, he never fucked a man twice.

As his right hand man would say, “If he ever glances at you twice, consider yourself privileged.”

“Boss,” Paulo, his right hand man, interrupted his view.

Slowly, Derek moved his gaze to Paulo. “What?”

“The dealer just called. He said he can't make it tonight,” Paulo explained as he turned the screen of his phone to Derek's face.

If there are people Derek hates aside from his parents, it's dishonest people. He believes dishonesty is devious and should be dealt with seriously.

He dropped the cigarette on the ashtray. Then tap the guy's head to stop sucking him.

“At this point, you will suck me dry,” he told the guy as he zipped his pants.

“It will be my pleasure,” the guy replied, licking the dripping fluid on his lips.

“Get the fuck out!” Derek commanded and the guy left immediately.

He turned to Paulo, “settle him. I don't want to see him here again.”

“Settled,” Paulo said.

“As you were saying, what happened to the dealer?” Derek asked.

“He said his mother is ill,” Paulo answered.

Derek poured himself a drink.“You know what else I hate aside from sob stories?” He asked, rhetorically.

Paulo didn't respond. Instead, he stood straight, watching Derek as he sip his drink. After slurping his drink, Derek continued.

“I hate when mothers are ill.”

“I haven't confirmed if his mother is ill as he claimed,” Paulo interjected.

He knew what Derek could do if the mother was really ill. Derek could help the dealer by ending his mother's life so he could focus on business. That's how ruthless Derek was.

“Are you saying he lied?” Derek asked.

Paulo knew what Derek was trying to do. If the dealer had lied, it would be hell for him. So whichever answer Paulo gives, the dealer’s punishment is inevitable.

But Paulo wasn't a novice when it came to Derek's tricks. He has been working for Derek for over twenty years now. He knows how to manoeuvre Derek's emotions.

So Paulo said, “When I confirm, I'll let you know.”

“Why should I wait for you to confirm?” Derek spat. “Do you think I haven't noticed your recent tricks?”

“What are you talking about?” Paulo asked, adjusting the collar of his shirt.

Derek rose from the sofa, adjusted his suit before taking a step towards Paulo.

“I haven't punished anyone in a while now. You think I haven't noticed that those rats keep escaping my wrath.”

Paulo lifted his chin so he could stand squarely with Derek. With Derek, showing weakness is a sign of guilt. If he was guiltless, he had to remain courageous, even in the face of Derek's wrath.

“Maybe those rats are doing the right thing now,” Paulo said, confidently.

“What about the one that came by last night? I told you I didn't want to see him again but he was here, trying to get into my pants, again.”

“You don't have to worry about small rats like him,” Paulo said, calmly. “I'm here to settle those kinds of issues so you can focus on the real deal.”

Derek laughed. The humourless kind of laugh. He took a step back, giving Paulo enough space to breathe.

“What about this one?” Derek asked, pointing at Paulo's phone. “Will you take care of it too?’

“If it doesn't require your attention, I'll handle it quietly,” Paulo replied.

“I'm starting to think you are my boss, Paul,” Derek said, tapping his shoulder lightly.

“I’ll keep doing my job as your personal assistant.”

“Then get me another dealer tonight. I can't leave my guests unentertained,” Derek said, pointing at the people around him.

“What if we manage the things we have on ground until we find another dealer?” Paulo suggested.

“What if you fucking do what I asked you to do and fucking keep your opinion to yourself?” Derek spat.

“Understood, boss,” Paulo said, apologetically.

“And bring me a good guy. The other one was bathing my dick with his saliva,” Derek said before turning away.

Derek walked through the club, the music became a background noise as his presence filled the place. Some of the guys trembled, not out of fear. They trembled because they know whenever Derek takes a stroll in the club, he is looking for prey for the night.

Whoever he picks would be fortunate because he gets to spend time with the devil himself. But at the same time, it would be unfortunate because that might be his last night in the club.

Once Derek is done with you, the club is done with you.

“You!” Derek pointed at a guy in the corner.

At first, nobody moved. But when he flashed them his deadly glare, a bald guy with full muscles came to him.

“What is your job here?” Derek asked.

“One of the strippers,” the guy answered.

“Interesting,” Derek nodded. “Now, get your things and follow me.”

That was it. Once you hear that command, you know what comes next. The bald guy understood and immediately, he went back to get his things.

Derek didn't wait for him. Instead he continued his leisure walk. Tonight, he had another plan. He didn't need one man, he needed two or three for his wild desires.