shameless

4. trust me (⚠️)

Trigger Warning. Contains sensitive topics such as explicit content and profanity.

The golden light covered every surface of the bar, as suited men and dressed women inaudibly speak to one another.

Carter was sitting infront of the vanity, seeing his nervous self winning against him.

He was next after the interlude.

His hand swiped the sweat that formed upon his forehead and wiped it off of his suit.

Breathe in... Breathe out... His hands were cold. Trembling and sweaty. He felt the need to atleast get a peek off the setting.

Sophistication was all over the air. The guests exuded class and power he could only dream, complimenting the dim lighting, elegant decor, and the murmur of the crowd.

He was out of place. He was reminded that he did not belong in a place like this.

As the evening progressed, the interlude has already ended and he was at the stage.

Fortunately, he felt little to no eyes scrutinizing him as the crowd were still preoccupied with themselves.

He scanned the room to find Vincent but he couldn't find him. His absence made him anxious.

He internalized. He was doing it for the money. As long as he can perform well and fast, he can get out just as fast.

He started singing. The notes fell out of his chords smoothly. His voice entranced women and a certain man away from the public setting.

The audience responded warmly, their applause loud and enthusiastic. Carter's confidence grew with each song, the initial nerves giving way to exhilaration. Though he couldn't see Vincent, he felt the weight of his presence, a silent guardian watching over him.

After his set, Carter mingled with the audience, receiving compliments and praise. It was a heady experience, but he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. As he moved through the crowd, he caught glimpses of the private room upstairs, wondering what Vincent thought of his performance.

One of the lounge staff approached him, guiding him to a more secluded area where Vincent had requested to see him. Carter's heart pounded as he climbed the stairs, uncertainty gnawing at him.

Taking a deep breath, Carter stepped inside.

The room was dimly lit by a crystal chandelier that cast intricate patterns of light and shadow on the walls. A large, ornate desk dominated one corner, and leather armchairs were arranged around a low table, creating an intimate seating area.

Carter's eyes were immediately drawn to Vincent, who stood by the window, his back turned, gazing out at the city skyline.

"Sir?" Carter called out softly, feeling the weight of the room pressing down on him.

Vincent turned slowly, a small, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. His presence was commanding, and the air around him seemed to crackle with a barely contained intensity. He took a slow sip from his glass before responding.

"Carter, come in. Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to one of the armchairs.

Carter walked over and sat down, trying to steady his racing heart. He could feel Vincent's eyes on him, studying him with an intensity that made him feel both seen and exposed.

"Thank you for inviting me up here. I wasn't sure if you were going to be able to watch the performance." Carter said.

Vincent moved to the chair opposite Carter and sat down, his gaze unwavering.

"You were good tonight. Really, You did so well." Vincent said boldly, almost whispering as he failingly tried to hide his gaze towards Carter.

"Thanks, I really appreciate it," Carter replied, his voice sounding smaller than he intended. He shifted slightly in his seat, feeling the need to fill the silence. "The crowd was great. It was nice to see people enjoying the music."

Vincent leaned forward, his fingers steepled under his chin, his eyes glittering with a strange, almost predatory light. "They weren't just enjoying it, Carter. You captivated them. You captivated me."

Carter swallowed hard, feeling a mixture of pride and discomfort under Vincent's intense scrutiny. "I'm glad it went well. I've been looking for job opportunities like this for a long time."

Vincent's smile slightly widened, but his eyes remained cold and calculating. "Opportunities like this don't just come along by chance. Carter, you are standing on the precipice of something extraordinary."

Carter couldn't handle the compliments he was bombarded and blushed. Vincent noticed even with the moderately lit room.

There was a dangerous edge to Vincent's voice, a subtle warning that made Carter's skin prickle. He caught a faint whiff of alcohol on Vincent's breath, a hint that he was slightly inebriated.

"I just want to make sure I'm on the right path," Carter said cautiously, trying to gauge Vincent's reaction.

Carter felt uncomfortable with how Vincent was intensely staring. Even if his hair was covering his face, Vincent's eyes didn't move the slightest and the stature of how he sat in front of him exuded a demeanor that he felt needs caution.

"Trust me, Carter. I can help you have whatever you desire. But you need to trust me." Vincent's expression softened slightly, but the intensity never left his eyes.

Carter felt a chill run down his spine. There was something predatory in Vincent's demeanor, something that made him feel like prey.

"I appreciate your support, Vincent. Really, I do. I just want to take things one step at a time."

Vincent leaned back, his smile never wavering. "Of course. Of course."

Carter nodded, trying to mask his unease. "Thank you sir."

Vincent's eyes seemed to bore into him, and Carter felt as if he was being drawn into a web, each word and gesture tightening the threads around him. "Good," Vincent said softly. "I'm glad we understand each other."

As Carter stood to leave, Vincent remained seated, his gaze following him to the door. "Carter," he called out just as Carter reached for the handle.

Carter turned, his hand trembling slightly. "Yes?"

Vincent's smile was almost predatory. "Drop the honorifics, Carter. Call me Vincent."

Carter nodded, his throat dry. "I'll remember. Thank you."

"Good night, Carter." Vincent softly said, his voice a silky caress. He was silent enough to not be heard by Carter.

There was a faint flicker of something dark and hungry in his eyes, a hint of the lust that simmered beneath his controlled exterior.

As Carter left the room, the door closing with a soft click behind him, he couldn't shake the feeling of being ensnared in something far more dangerous than he had anticipated.

Vincent's words echoed in his mind, a reminder that he was never truly out of his sight. The promise of support and guidance now felt more like a velvet-covered trap, and Carter couldn't help but feel a growing sense of dread.

-

"Ahh shit." Vincent whispered, looking up at the room with a hand on his hand, supposedly massaging his temple.

"This boy. How can I resist?" Vincent whispered again. His eyes screamed dangerously. He looked down on his pants to see his arousal in physical form.

"I'm gonna have you someday." Vincent said. His eyebrows scrunched up and his breath was heavy. He couldn't stop thinking about him and how his lips moved as he talk.

His tent just couldn't be left untouched. He touched himself while looking at a picture of Carter singing. The tight suit didn't help keeping Carter off the lustful intentions.

"I swear to god, you'll be saying my name under this dick. Shit."