Innocence

Chapter 2

Walking in the pungent smell of sweat and sex instantly hit me. That's why I never go to these clubs.

Regardless I wasn't backing down now.

The blaring music in my ears.

The flashing lights.

The crowds and crowds of people grinding on each other.

I pushed through it all and made my way to the back towards the bar.

I sat down and tried not to outwardly grimace at the sticky counter.

"What can I get you gorgeous?"

I looked up and saw a man smiling at me from behind the bar counter. His presence immediately put me at ease.

I smiled back at him.

"Pick your poison."
His goofy smirk immediately made me laugh.

"As strong as you can get it."

"Ooh, rough day?" He grimaced and handed me a clear liquid.

"You could say that, yeah."
I said looking down at my glass swirling it around in the cup.

"Wanna talk about it?"

I laughed a bit "nope."
Then I shot back everything in the cup like it was a shot glass and pulled a grimace when I finished.

He poured me another glass, sent a pitying smile my way and went off to tend to other people at the bar.

I never did ask his name.
I made a mental note to remember to ask it later.

I was about to finish off my second glass when I noticed someone sat next to me.

Without even looking over I rolled my eyes. I really didn't want to deal with any guys tonight. Guys who hang out at bars are always so cocky and full of themselves.

"I never thought I'd see you in a place like this принцесса. I never did catch your name."
(Princess)

I set my glass down in shock and slowly turned towards my right to face the voice I recognized so strongly.

It's hard to forget the voice of the man who tried to kidnap you and talked about your life like it was useless.

Especially since it happened less then 24 hours ago.

"What is your name exactly?"

I took a deep breath and looked down at the bar counter.
"Davina."

"It suits you. I like it."

Not that I really cared if he approved of my name. I decided to at least pretend to be friendly.

"What's yours?"
I asked. Gaining confidence I lifted my head to face him.

He smiled at my question and despite my tense demeanor he continued the conversation even though he knew I didn't want to talk to him.

I shouldn't be surprised that he likes making people uncomfortable seeing as how he murdered multiple people.

"Tristan. Tristan Stone."

I nodded my head and turned back to facing the bar counter.

"I didn't tell anyone so you don't have to worry about that."

"Oh I'm not worried принцесса. You're a smart girl. You won't tell. I trust you."
(Princess)

I looked back at him in shock.

I just couldn't help it. I started laughing at him.
"You trust me? You barely know me."

"You're right. I don't trust you. That's why I have my men following you around and reporting anything suspicious back to me. And if you try to tell anyone, even that redheaded best friend of yours who's watching us from the door.."