Midnight Toxicity

34.

I spotted Colton in Terry's Speakeasy, but I spent over an hour with Glen and Emily, drinking and dancing as if I were any other clubgoer that evening. At first, I was in a funky mood, being in the presence of Glen, but after a shot of vodka and the tiniest nacho plate I'd ever been served, my nerves unfurled a little.

Colton sat with two men in the VIP booth, engrossed in conversation. His beady eyes would dip on those with blonde hair when they peered out at the crowd. I did not press forward like other girls; they were eager for carnal attention from anyone, but I was just there for just one.

Colton was not classically handsome, but he dressed well and had money to spare, as evidenced by the champagne service they received. Money will get you most anything in old towns. The people need it, and the rich know it. The club itself was not anything special. I could see why he preferred this one to others in Huntsville, though. The place was roomy, bouncers were scarce, and they overserved.

I kept an eye on the girls they interacted with, later trailing them into the bathroom. It was smarter to infiltrate from the sidelines. To approach their friends and earn their confidence. I was a girls' girl when it counted, and tonight it came in handy. We laughed and bonded over drinks called Naked and Famous. I bought the liquor but managed to dump a couple without their knowledge.

Within the next hour, I had the girls Daisy and Kimmy eating out of the palm of my hand, pulling me forward when Colton and his swarmy pals called for them. They were dressed like me, showing off their curves and cleavage. It had taken me two hours to finally stand in the presence of Colton, and the entire time Glen nursed a whiskey and Emily danced with herself. She was so into her own performance that she rejected anyone who offered to join in. The girl could move, but it also drew unwanted interest.

Ian said my eyes were blackhole-ish, but when I stared into Colton's, they sent a shiver down my spine. There was no life in those inky depths. Whatever he had seen and done in his lifetime had erased his humanity. Or if any lingered, there was only a sliver remaining, and only the purest heart alive could spark the rest to life.

"And who are you, baby?" Colton's smooth inflection made his eyes less creepy. "Want to sit with me a minute?"

"Yes, thank you," I politely answered, sitting on the far right of the circular booth. "I'm Nora."

The other girls sat at the end, snuggling up to their dates. I had found out Kimmy's boyfriend was meeting Colton before they went somewhere else, and Daisy just met the random guy she now kissed on the mouth. I did not wish them luck with the bad dudes they chose to mess around with, suggesting instead they get tested afterward.

"Such a common name for an extraordinary beauty," Colton murmured, eying me critically. "Are you alone?"

I shrugged, turning my body so the camera faced him. "With a friend and her date. She's nice, but the only person I've met."

He cocked his head. "What do you mean?"

"I just moved here," I shyly revealed, ducking my head with a grimace. "The more I say, the more I'll sound pathetic."

He chuckled, only it sounded flat. "I doubt that. Even after you spill your tragic tale, I'll still think you are the most beautiful woman here."

I laughed, noticing how his dark hair was trimmed to fit behind his ears, taking the focus from his hook nose. The picture we were given did not do him justice. He was put together, even if a little sleazy in his all-black attire and gold jewelry.

"My mother recently died," I swallowed, darting my eyes to the others listening around the table. "With the small inheritance she left, I decided to move. Start over."

"What about your family?" He pressed, as I knew he would. He only took girls with no ties to anyone.

"We aren't close. Haven't seen them in years. Even after Mom died, they still ignored me." I scoffed. "Anyway, two weeks here, and I've found a clean apartment and steady job. Things are good!"

He nodded, leaning in until our knees touched. "You have a charming outlook. And an even prettier smile."

"Damn, he's cheesier than the nachos you are always making." Chace spat in my ear. "Perfect delivery, Charlize. He's hooked."

"Is your friend going to be disappointed that you are with me?" He asked, scooting closer until his liquored breath hit my senses. "Do you have any idea how stunning you look? I bet she'll be glad to have her boyfriend all to herself after sharing his attention with you."

"Are you done?" I laughed, unable to keep my true personality from shining through. "You don't have to lay it on so thick. I'm just a regular girl. But I thank you for the compliments. You are sweet."

Real interest shone in his eyes as he sat back, picking up his drink. "I've been called many things, but never sweet. After meeting you, I'm sure I was just misunderstood."

"Not likely. I can't believe he gets laid this way." Chase grumped, surprising me with his jealousy.

"That's funny. What is your name? I have been talking about myself and forgot to ask." I ignored Chace's running commentary, although I was thinking the same thing.

"Colt," he cleared his throat, glancing at his friends, who looked ready to leave. "Would you like to go to a party? It is in the country, so I do not know what time we'll return to the city."

It was a trap because he had no intention of taking me anywhere but his home. His buddies might be going out, but we would somehow get lost, or he would need something from his house, and I would most likely end up strangled in the backseat or knifed in the neck!

"Tell him you have to speak to Emily first," Chace suggested, breaking up my pessimistic predictions. "Meet him outside."

I stood, giving Colton room to do the same. "I don't know. Who will be there?"

There was not much of a height difference between us, but since I wore flats, he had several inches on me. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, leading me to the edge of the platform where the stairs met the dance floor. His touch felt invasive, forcing me to smile and bat my eyelashes at him.

"I will take care of you, lovely girl," he whispered in my ear. "You need to make more friends in this wonderful city. I will give you a reason to not move again."

"I should tell my girlfriend I'm leaving." I pointed in a random direction. "Can I meet you in ten minutes?"

He released me with a tight smile. "Of course. I can't wait to know you better. I will pay your bill on the way out."

"No need." I ran a finger down the front of his silk shirt. "I'm as sober as a nun, but I think maybe I'll drink you down later."

He chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Aren't you a mystery? I like where your mind is set. Alright, I'll see you outside."

I wasted no time and headed to Glen and Emily at another table. They nodded at me and left without a word. Interesting. I had expected them to sabotage my first job for Golding out of spite or arrogance, but they let me handle my business and move on.

"They did great," I muttered into the microphone, walking down a hallway towards the rear entrance. I intended to circle the building to see what Colton and his friends were up to. "And I don't need your opinion on what I should or should not say."

There was no reply from my partner. This next part was slightly terrifying. What sort of games was Colton going to put me through? I felt strong, clear-minded, and confident.

Then my optimistic thoughts shattered when a man came out of nowhere, pushing me into a storage room. I opened my mouth to warn Chace, but a large hand clapped over my mouth, silencing any chance I had at obtaining help.