Black Tulip

Chapter 3

Laura's POV

Nothing less than stylish, luxurious, and posh can be anticipated from the city of art, fashion, design, and top brands.

"Black Dimond" is Milan in a tiny package.

When you walk through the door, you get the impression that you are Alice in Wonderland, having emerged from the rabbit hole.

Black velvet furniture, many bars, pristine, high-polished dance floors, and a variety of lights, including lasers, all justifies the club's moniker. The dominance of black, glossy, and red colours unleashes the wolf that lives within each human that enters the club.

"Wow, I like this place!"
Niki is more than thrilled. So, do I am.

Skipping the after-party was a wise decision. The after parties became parties for the "Oscar-winning actors" (no insult to the genuine ones) and ass kissers who are attempting to establish a perfect public image in order to gain fame and contract opportunities.

We are headed towards the main, central bar.  It's an ideal location for people who want to be noticed . Tonight we're going to steal the show.

The bar, like everything else in the club, is sleek, black and has silver edges with a countertop that is burning in fake flames. I must admit, it's extremely stunning.

We set up close to the bar, and Dona ordered a tray of vodka and Red Bull shots. She does not miss an opportunity to give Barman a flirtatious grin.

"Not bad for a starter," Niki says.

"Here we go, buddies! Cheers!" We drink in one go.

Dona, turns to face me. We didn't talk much on the way to Black Diamond, so I'm guessing she has some questions.

"Tell me about the invitation, Laura. Who saved our asses?"

I made a correct assumption. One million-dollar question!
I'd want to have an answer.

The tiny possibility of Dante being here is bugging me.

I take another shot of vodka while Dona's chocolate brown eyes remain fixed on me, patiently waiting for an answer.

"Not sure. It might be my brother's best friend."

Dante and I do not have a past. Actually, we split up before we really started anything. He chose my brother over me.

"What's changed?"

"Did he give you more details, like where he is going to be and when he will come?"she is seeking for more.

"No. I just have a capital D!"
"He will appear when he decides to be seen."

"Is he good-looking like your brothers?" Niki has joined our conversation, still eager to find a gey in my family. He likes to say that we have good genes.

"Sorry 'cause I am destroying your hopes, but better luck next time!" He shrugs his shoulders.

"No offence was taken! I'm only asking, Bella. The ocean is full of fish!"

He points to the dance floor, which is packed with sweaty bodies moving to the beats of the music.

"If Niki is not lucky, I stand a chance!"

I snorted. Of course, Dona leaves nothing to chance.

"You don't want to get involved with him!"
I am not sure if I said it as a piece of advice or because I don't want her near him.

Dona rolls her eyes.
"You're slacking off as a friend."
"The same preaching: no brothers, no cousins, and no friends!"
"I wasn't thinking of you as overprotective or a person who likes to exaggerate."
"I can care for myself, you know."

"Sure!"

Despite her protests, I am aware that she had an affair with Enzo. They are female and male versions of the same individual. I'm not surprised at all.

I'm looking around, more as a habit than an anticipation to see certain someone.

In front of us is a massive scene with an LED stage screen. 3D visual effects and holograms are interacting with the dancers in the movable, large red orchids.

Dona and Niki head for the dance floor. I stay at the bar for a few more drinks to calm my nerves. I need to loosen up before Dante arrives.

My attention travels up the side stairs to the upper floor, in particular the VIP area. Silver railings complement the VIP area brilliantly, creating a sense of mystery concealed beneath a black mist. I suppose that was the intention of the owner, when he built the place. From this point of view, all you can see are burning cigarets and siluetes. Not much is on display.

I drank one more shot of tequila before vanishing into the crowd. Alcohol took a toll on me. A new surge of energy is rushing through my veins. I submitted to a new sensation. I'm laughing uncontrollably, singing at the top of my lungs, and dancing till my heels burn. Describing in one word, this is freedom.

My bladder is full, I have to walk through a crowd to the restroom. I quickly did my business and checked my makeup, clothes, and hair to ensure that everything was still in place. On my walk back, I am unable to avoid hookups, seductive glances, whistling, and flirtatious words behind me. Nothing new to me.

I'm wondering, why the hell Dante isn't here yet.

He might be a many things, but he is not the type to ditch you.
Except for my case. I mock myself for my naivety.

"Did you like roses?"

A deep, masculine voice stopped me in my tracks. It must be a coincidence, or I'm reading too much into it.

I continue walking, suppressing my curiosity, until a hand grips my wrist. Even when intoxicated, I am prepared to use a sharp dagger; with a swift motion, the edge of dagger is on a stranger's nack.
I press harder, pushing him into the nearest wall.

"Do not touch me, sweetie! You might not get to say goodbye to the next day."
I smile cocky in his face.

To my astonishment, he did not flinch at all. I'm not sure what occurred; one moment I'm looking at his lazy smile, and the next I'm beneath him, a dagger pressed on my nack.

Tickling my earlobe with his hot breath, he whispers:
"Don't you think we should start with a proper introduction?" Hm?"

Well, it's definitely not what I was hoping for, but the night is still young.