CHAPTER 2: First Night Out

I sensed my heart pounding while Maya silently shut the door behind us and secured the lock. "Nobody will get in and promise me you’ll be good " she murmured, smiling.

I gave a nod even though my stomach twisted with anxiety. Everything felt unfamiliar… so risky.

Maya didn’t hesitate. She took the dress out of her bag and held it beside me. My eyes grew wide. The material was smooth, silky. Hugged my curves as if tailored just for me. The hem ended at my thighs, it was very short. The back was fully exposed, showing off my bare skin.

“You will appear… stunning " Maya remarked, her tone filled with praise. She assisted me with the dress fastening the zipper gently.

Afterwards, she applied makeup that enhanced my features without appearing heavy. A delicate sparkle on my eyelids, a shine on my lips just enough to accentuate me. She then gave me a pair of heels. Styled my hair into gentle waves.

At last, she pulled a hoodie over me. "We need to hide this sexiness till we’re outside," she said, drawing the hood down over my head. I looked absurd but also… excited.

We moved downstairs. Maya tapped on the door. Mrs. Marian came out, her hair tied up in a bun arms folded.

“Auntie, pls can Zara come over to my place this evening, I want her to teach me something," Maya said cheerfully. "Pleaseee.”

Mrs. Marian glanced at me. "Hmph. Alright. She should be back before 9pm. Don't let her misfortune rub off on you" she replied dismissively. Lila was sitting on the stairs behind her, her eyes squinting in suspicion.

As soon as we stepped outside, Maya swiftly took out her phone and requested an Uber. During the drive, my heart kept racing.

“What happens if I get caught, Maya? I’m really scared. I shouldn’t have shown up " I whispered, looking around anxiously.

She nodded her head decisively. "Zara, do you really want to spend your life confined to that gloomy house? You're twenty-two, you should experience more of life.”

Then flashing a smile she changed the subject. "Besides… you could encounter your prince charming this evening. Someone who will rescue you from your adoptive mother and sister.”

I chuckled the pressure easing a bit. "Well… that wouldn’t be too terrible. I prefer them tall around 6’3, quite good-looking.”

At last, we arrived at Crimson Lounge. I was nearly speechless. Elegant vehicles were parked along the entrance their engines humming like beasts. The valet donned suits and the glass doors shone beneath gentle golden lighting. It was clearly a spot that radiated affluence and influence.

Maya took off the hoodie. "Are you ready?" she inquired, her eyes gleaming.

I gave a nod. Stepped outside. The chilly night breeze caused my skin to tingle with goosebumps. We entered the building side by side.

The club was stunning. Soft vibrant lights reflected off mirrored surfaces, smoke floating gently over the throng. The music throbbed inside my chest a bass that synced my heartbeat with the rhythm. Pairs moved intimately, glasses gleamed in hand, and laughter blended with the aroma of liquor. I had never witnessed anything like this before.

Maya took my hand leading me through the throng, to the bar. We wove through dancers and uneasy men. The bartender gave a glance but promptly served us.

“Two Sexes on a Beach and one Spicy Margarita" Maya said with a smile.

I mimicked her gesture clutching the spicy drink in my palms. The beverage tingled with a burn as I took a sip, both warm and fiery. A sensation of heat coursed through me easing some of the stiffness that had gripped me throughout the day.

That’s when he caught my attention. A man, with coarse cigarette-browned fingers and a subtle smell of leather strolled over to us. His gaze fixed on me. I was still.

“Hi I’m Mark " he stated, tone soft and steady. "What’s your name, beautiful?”

Before I had a chance to respond Maya inserted herself between us folding her arms. "Step back man " she said sternly. Then she took hold of my hand pulling me toward the middle of the dance floor.

“Go ahead Zara. Just watch me " she murmured.

I attempted, allowing my body to follow the rhythm. My waist shifted, hips rotating. The tempo of the song led my motions. We twerked, twirled, and chuckled while the strippers and dancers nearby stopped, a few crowding to observe. The men's gazes were fixed on us and the excitement of being noticed made my stomach flutter.

Nevertheless, I couldn't get rid of the sensation caused by those grey eyes. Someone was observing me. Each time our eyes met my chest grew tight. I attempted to dismiss it convincing myself it was insignificant.

The beverages were consumed rapidly and suddenly the room began to whirl. I attempted to drink yet the Spicy Margaritas left me feeling dizzy.

“I need… to use the restroom " I murmured, swaying a bit. Maya nodded in acknowledgment. Watched over me as I proceeded.

Within the bathroom, Mark showed up more casually resting against the wall. His gaze was sharp almost hunting. "You’re by yourself beautiful…" he whispered, stepping nearer.

I recoiled, my senses blurred. He attempted to kiss me and fear flooded in. Before anything unfolded, someone seized my arm.

“Maya!" I mumbled. My sight grew fuzzy. All I noticed were those grey eyes recognizable shielding.

Before I realized it, I found myself in the parking lot resting against Maya. Her expression was one of anger with concern clearly visible, on her face.

“Zara! I was really concerned about you. I searched over. Come on, it’s already past midnight!”

I gave a nod allowing her to lead me to the Uber. The urban lights streaked by my heartbeat still quickened.

Upon arriving home I quietly crept to my room, the heels against my chest. A wave of relief washed over me as I had succeeded. Yet the moment I entered…

The light flicked on.