Dance of Affliction (GxG)

Business and Longing

»»-------¤-------«« Mallory's Pov »»-------¤-------««

The next day, i awoke feeling as if a storm had blown through my life. I felt hollowed out and dizzy with fatigue; an emotional tornado of feelings swirled around inside my head. As the morning light crept in through the un-curtained windows, pieces of emotion slowly began to settle in their place. This was not what i wanted but it was where i unfortunately found myself now. I slowly and wearily rose to my feet, my limbs heavy and sluggish. Putting on my clothes felt like a monumental task as I forced myself to keep my drooping eyelids open.

For the longest time it felt like my gaze was pulled downwards to the earth's core. I got to the kitchen and got my perfect breakfast as i do everyday. Whiskey.

I slam myself onto the couch in a fit of frustration, my glass nearly spilling as I take a huge gulp. Today is just going to be one giant mess, and I have no doubt that it wouldn't end well. With a heavy sigh, I braced myself for the overwhelming stress that laid ahead of me. I manage to get myself up and slowly get to the elevator to the underground parking lot of the estate. 

Getting into my car I slide the key into the ignition and with a gentle turn, the engine roared to life. I sat in my car and observed its movements as it vibrated beneath me. When i arrived at the building where the meeting was gonna hold place, i let out a big sigh.

"Let's get this over with."

My thoughts lingered on her words, how weak she was as I played with the silver rings I wore. She was foolish to think that affection and 'love' were important, causing a scoff of amusement to escape my lips.

"Wouldn't it be nice to have someone to come home to?"

"Mallory?"

I'd lost myself in my own thoughts, her face as its driving force. The sight of her burgundy hair, swishing seductively with each movement of her head, captivated me utterly. I hated it. I couldn't think straight.

Not that i was ever close to anything straight, but you get the point.

"Mallory!"

As my thoughts began to drift towards her, I felt my eyes widen in a sudden realization of my situation. Looking around the long meeting table, crowded with influential business associates and patrons of various enterprises that I was involved in.

"What?" I replied trying my best to remain unphased.

"Could we manage to get the armory shipments by next week?" One of the associates spoke. His words were typical of the corporate-types who filled the room-suits hiding their moral corruption while striving for an outward image of professionalism. They all looked and acted alike, a startling reminder that appearances can be deceiving. With an exhale of exasperation, I took out my pack of cigarettes and lit one, allowing the pungent smell to drift in the air as my eyes lifted back up.

"Mhm." Is all i muttered.

The business was shady and untrustworthy, the air thick with lies. Papers strewn across desks betrayed secrets and illicit activities that had been well hidden from outsiders. The black market bustled with frenetic life. An array of goods, contraband and stolen property were always on display - a veritable symphony of colors and shapes that attracted the curious like moths to a flame. That's what my world looked like. Corruption, lies, betrayal, anything to keep my seat at the top of the city.

Control.

I turned my attention to one of the other patrons and blow out a cloud of smoke of my cigarette.

"Did you get me more intel about that problem at the harbor?"

The man turned to me and sighed. "No, not really. It almost seems like those criminals are experts in staying hidden, like they are burrowing underground into different hiding spots each time."

I let out an amused scoff. "Even moles have to come up for air eventually when you force them out of their burrowed tunnels. So why don't you do the fucking same and get those fuckers out of their hiding hole?" I sneered in annoyance as my eyes nearly shot daggers at him, clearly making him uncomfortable. It amused me.

After a few hours of torture and boredom, I finally returned home to my penthouse. As the elevator doors shut closed behind me, I kicked off my shoes and slid out of my coat. My watch and car keys were discarded on the table.

I settled into my couch, its soft cushions wrapping around me. I leaned back and let my head rest against the back edge, gazing up at the ceiling as if nothing else mattered in that moment. Taking in all of its details.

And there she was again. Her face haunting my mind. I knew that if i wanted, I could make her mine in an instant. The question was...should I? I shook my head and blinked a few times, trying to clear the foggy thoughts from my mind. No matter how hard I tried though, Her image seemed to be everywhere. She had this strange influence on me.

"Affection...Ha." I laughed condescendingly as i shook my head. "There is no room for that in my world."

After sitting in silence i couldn't believe what i was about to do. But i disliked the silence, for the first time. I picked up my phone and dialed Bethany's number.

"Yes boss!" she picked up ever so cheerful it made me want to hurl. disgusting.

"Bethany, i need you to find something for me."

"What is it?"

"I need you to find a certain phone number for me."

After I placed the call, I stayed seated on the couch for another hour, my eyes focused on the flickering TV screen in front of me. Suddenly, a notification popped up on my phone and brought an amused smirk to my face.

With my phone still in hand, my eyes returned to the TV screen. The silence seemed to be mocking me, making me feel increasingly agitated and annoyed. What was I even thinking? Why did I miss her presence so much? Fuck, even if we argued and fought constantly, for some strange reason it made me come alive in a way nothing else could. I dialed the number Bethany discovered for me, my heart racing as I heard the phone ring repeatedly. Finally, the call was answered with a beep and I awaited a response.

"Hello?" A silky voice sounds from the other end, causing a smug smirk to form on my lips.

"Well, hello Sparky."

Author's note:

Thank you for reading this chapter of "Dance of Affliction" babes! <3

I was a little delayed due to having to work on my Masters Project of my University. But i'm back and productive as ever! -u-)b

What do you think Mallory will say to Estelle during the call?

Mallory when Estelle mentions Affection jsjfsfjksfjk: