Post-Mortem Melodies

Gods and Monsters by Lana del Rey Part One

It was a rowdy night at The blackcat. So busy that Killmonger had sent Jolie off to sit at the stages with a few racks and an order to behave herself. She wanted to stay in VIP with him. She wanted to sit in his lap while he did his business. Mostly because she was feeling clingy and affectionate after pre-gaming at the apartment. But she loved the way people acted when she was around Killmonger.

Jolie wasn't stupid. She understood that her position in Killmonger's life was rare and more than likely temporary. There had been others before her and there would likely be others after her. With this in mind, Jolie had no problem exploiting what little power she had to force her way to the best spot in front of the stages. No one dared touch her, all of them aware of what a crazy motherfucker Killmonger was.

The Dj noted her presence and began playing her favorite songs. A dancer named Temptress took the stage with a sexy, confident strut. When she saw Jolie at the head of the stage, Temptress dipped low in front of her.

"King Jolie tonight?" Temptress flipped her hair up, and her head and torso followed. With another smooth swivel of her hips, Temptress brought herself down to the floor. Slowly grinding and writhing on the stage, Temptress managed to be completely engrossed in her performance and her conversation with Jolie.

Jolie slipped three handfuls of hundred-dollar bills between the bejeweled strap on her bikini bottoms.

"I was told to behave myself." Jolie rolled her eyes.

The entire club about Jolie's leash. Sometimes Killmonger was generous and allowed her free rein. Mostly because it amused him and because he knew Jolie could go insane if her leash became too tight. It was he who helped her slip the short leash her parents had held her under for most of her life.

Temptress accepted Jolie's answer and danced to another end of the stage. There was no arguing an order from the big boss, their real boss. Jolie may have power, but Killmonger was all powerful. No one would go against his word, not even her father.

"We agreed I had until the end of the year,"

"Nah nigga. I said the end of the year to pay up. As in, you better have my money before the year ends-"

"I don't have it. The congregation is living on retirement and SSI. They can't give more than they already have!"

"That's not my problem. You asked me for the 200,000 and I gave it to you. Now I want my money, and you're going to give it to me. 'Else I'm gonna have to take payment another way."

"You'd threaten a man of God?"

"When that nigga owes me money? Pshh of course. Fuck you mean? If you was really a man of god, you'd get on your knees and start praying."

"Excuse me?"

"Nah, you heard me. Get on your knees,"

It was hours later and Killmonger still hadn't finished whatever he was working on. He'd visited her at the stage once, to give her more money and let her know they'd be leaving at closing. That was not what he'd promised her when they went out tonight. Jolie knew better than to be pissed, and she knew better than to let her annoyance show, but she still pouted.

Pouting was something that had been beaten out of her young. Obey thy parents was a favorite commandment of Sister Givens. Killmonger, for a reason Jolie had never examined, liked it when she pouted. When he was in the mood for it, he indulged her, let her have her way. What did it matter to bend here and there for others when you knew you had complete control of the situation?

Jolie didn't try pouting because Killmonger looked too distracted to notice it, anyway. He promised her a quick appearance so he could handle business. Instead, she'd be stuck here all night. And he expected her to sit and wait for him for who knows how long!