Never The End

Part 2

The potent stench of weed and smoke fill the air as I lean against the cold bricks of the alleyway. Neon lights create harsh shadows along the ground, blinking rhythmically.

I want this to be over with. We've been here for a few minutes waiting for a client to greet us.

My hand drifts to my eye. The bruise that once sat there is now gone. A raindrop lands on my hand, causing me to look up to the starless night sky.

The aches in my muscles are less noticeable than before, but still linger from my most recent outing. Luckily it doesn't hurt to take in a breath anymore.
          
"How long is this gonna take?" I question Nicholas, who stands a few feet away from me. He stands straight, his hands loosely placed in his dark coat pockets. His inky hair is styled professionally. It begins to rain lightly.
          
"Why, you got somewhere better to be?" He asks, a smirk creeping onto his face. I roll my eyes, before folding my arms across my chest in annoyance.
          
"No, it just looks like your boyfriend is standing us up." I state, leaning my head back against the wet bricks. My dark hair becomes damp. I let the rain fall on my face as I close my eyes. The feeling is somewhat calming.
           
"You think you can say whatever you like?" Nick glares at me from across the short alley, his dark steely blue eyes are brightened by the neon lights on the street. Although I can tell by the tone of his voice that he isn't angry "You should know this boyfriend of mine is a high paying customer."
           
"Mmhmm " I open one eye, tilting my head down to look at Nick. "Right." Before more can be added to the conversation, the back door to the building in the alley opens, revealing a tall muscular man. His cold eyes drift between the both of us.
           
"Come in." The man orders. Stepping to the side he allows us to pass. Bright lights shine from behind him, masking his face in harsh shadows.
           
As we enter the building we cross through a back hallway before entering into a larger room. The dimly lit room is contrasted by a handful of bright flashing led lights, the blinding colors are enough to give me a migraine. The deafening music that rumbles in my chest solidifies my thoughts as a dull ache begins to set just behind my left eye. A light haze sweeps the room as we pass through a crowd of bustling people.
           
The sickening smell of alcohol clouds my senses as we make our way to the VIP section. Nick leads the way as I trail behind him. Approaching a wall of stringed beads, I extend my arm brushing the bright colored beads out of my path.

My eyes narrow as we approach a man sitting on a plush couch, the room is decorated extravagantly. A chandelier hangs above us, lighting the room in a dim gold glow. Intircate details cover every bit of furniture in the room, elevating the overall aesthetic.
           
The man sitting across the room has his arm wrapped around the shoulder of a young woman. Her skimpy clothing leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Red hair flows down her shoulders with gold rings carefully braided into select strands on her head. This place makes me nauseous.
           
I ignore my ever growing headache as Nick greets the man, a smile spreads across his face. The thought of smiling in a place like this baffles me. The man stands up shaking Nick's hand. Gold bracelets and rings adorn his hand.
           
The dark beard on his face is well kept, and the clothes he wears are pristine. He makes Nick look like a low life, and I'm not sure what that makes me. I stand behind Nick as he shakes the man's hand. An inky black tattoo wraps itself around the man's arm.

The image portrays a snake wrapped in roses, its thorns piercing the snake's flesh, its mouth is open, as if it's crying out in pain. My eyes follow the man's arm as he lowers it to his side. The art is disturbing to say the least.

"Samual, it's a pleasure meeting with you." Nick says. I pry my eyes away from the grotesque image to look at Nick while he speaks.

"Likewise, gentlemen." Samuel's eyes drift over, meeting my own. I force the urge to glare out of my mind. He reaches his hand out to me before shaking mine as well. "Please sit."

I observe as Nick takes a seat across from Sam. Leaning back in his seat, Samual extends both his arms comfortably across the top of the couch. He tilts his head back, relaxing.