spellbound (18+)

Thirteenth Partner

Adrik sat back in his chair, dissatisfaction clear on his face.

Fernando was chatting with Michelle who was happy to laugh and flirt along.

Her tip jar was full, as she tended to her three patrons.

"Princess," Adrik said finally, "Isn't it about time you head on home?"

She shook her head, but Adrik's lips lifted dangerously, looking at her from under her lashes.

"Good night, Michelle."

• • •

Michelle bent down, seeing a black kitten peak out of the bushes of an unoccupied house.

"Heh. Aren't you a cutie," she smiled, picking him up. "I'll keep you."

She entered the house, letting the cat down.

She kicked off her heels with a sigh.

"Damn cat," Adrik cursed from another room. "Hey," he shouted. "Who said you could bring stray animals in here."

She stood, unbuttoning her already loose shirt. "Adrik..."

He raised his brow. "Fucking..." he sighed, sitting down.

"Hey," he whispered, patting his knee. She sat down on his lap, she sighed, looking up at him.

"We should have sex," she whispered. "We should have sex right now," her fingers caressed the buttons of his shirt.

"Ah, why? What are you trying to accomplish?"

She smirked. "I'm on my period. I wanna fuck you. Create a soul tie, so you'll pay for me for the rest of your life,"

He frowned, before laughing from deep in his chest. "You say the weirdest shit."

She shrugged. "Will you though?"

"Fuck you or pay for you for the rest of your life," he asked.

Michelle sighed. For a moment, she wondered whether what she was doing was worth it.

"You know something though," he said suddenly. "I respect it. I respect you. You do what have to do. We all do."

He smirked. "It's an admirable hustle."

He cupped her face gently, caressing her cheek with the back of hand.

"But I'm a very savvy business man," he added.

Michelle looked at him blankly.

"You like Fernando don't you?" He started, rubbing her back, almost softly.

Michelle said nothing. His tone was even, but it was obvious he wasn't very pleased.

"He's rich. Not your daddy rich. Not me rich. But rich enough. Do you want to meet him again?" His hands went to her hair.

Michelle smiled. "You would do that? For me?"

He smirked. "Oh yeah. Now he might sell you into sexual slavery, but there's no problem with that right?" He grinned, his grip on her hair tightening.

"I mean...I'm sure he'll pay you. 100 grand. Rest of your life. How's that sound?"

Michelle met his eyes.

He chuckled. "Good? You'll even get a free trip around the world. You won't remember it, cocktail of drugs but, you'll be there. Sorta."

He smiled, picking up his phone. "So? Yes or no, Princess?"

Michelle shifted. "If he's a sex trafficker, what are you?"

Adrik raised his brow. "What am I? I'll tell what I am. In this town...no one is what they seem. What I am, is your best shot. I respect your hustle, Princess. Just don't hustle yourself out of being alive yeah?"

Her lips lifted into a small smile, making him look at them. Those lips.

He exhaled. Why did he tell her that anyway? Now she had more questions.

"You must really want to own me...to spill your secret like that."

Adrik shrugged. "Wasn't my secret. Wasn't much a secret at all."

He cupped her face, pulling her into a soft kiss, gentle, almost kind.

"It's a dangerous world, Michelle. I'm sure you know that. This is a dangerous town. Stick to what you know. Stick to me."

He kissed her head, letting his head fall to her neck. He inhaled deeply. She smelled intoxicating.

"You must want something?" He murmured. "What is it?"

She sighed. "I could really use...some drugs."

He frowned. "Oh?"

She chuckled. "Don't look at me like that Adrik." She said softly. "A girl has her secrets. I need...methamphetamine. 50 grams."

He smirked. "Right. Just over the legal limit of 49 grams for it to be considered trafficking. For a fed, you suck."

She chuckled. "Hey, hey, you first experience on my sucking. And an easy win is something you should always take."

He chuckled. "Princess, that was too noticeable."

"Was I obvious?"