Me or Vallea

It was the same energy, exactly how Isadora pictured it. The night club dubbed bar had flashing colorful lights, the smell of sweat formed under expensive perfumes, the strong energy of people who had only come here to forget about a thing or two and the seemingly endless supply of liquor as all too familiar it took control to not shudder in irritation. In all, Vallea's excitement was something she couldn't relate to. What was so special about being in a place just like any other bar but more overpriced with a let more pretentious crowd?

It was Vallea's birthday, going with this for her sake should be simple enough. 

Isadora plastered on her most practiced smile, a move not even Vallea could see through, gushing over her surroundings, "Happy Birthday Vallea!"

With her arms stretched out, she handed over a small branded paper bag to which her dear friend dug into immediately.

"Oh my gosh. You didn't have to, this is exactly what I wanted! How did you know?" Vallea smiled, impatiently opening a white box, her eyes glued to the custom diamond watch she had gotten from the bag.

"I always know what you like." Isadora hummed. With the amount of times Vallea looked at her belongings with greed and not so subtle passive aggressive comments on the stuff Nicholas gifts her, it would be unusual if she didn't know Vallea coveted expensive things, specially the ones Nicholas provided.

In fact this time Vallea was too invested in the watch; she hadn't looked up to her dear friend in an unhealthy amount of minutes. These things were burdens, if Nicholas wasn't going to be upset Isadora would have sold or passed some of it to her. God knows she needs the money.

For a split second Vallea forgot about the bling and questioned, "Where is Nicholas anyway? I can't wait to see what he gets me." She said rather impatiently.

"He's got stuff going on and said to meet him here." Isadora checked her watch, "He might run a few minutes late…"

"What the f*ck are you wearing?" Nicholas asked, suddenly appearing behind Vallea, wearing a deep frown.

Isadora assumed a panicked look. Was he mad? Angering Nicholas was never a good thing. 

"Y-you don't like it?" She stuttered recoiling into her seat.

Handpicked by Vallea, Isadora was clad in a tight dark purple mini dress, beautifully patterned with sequins on the highlights. Although quite small, it had done justice in covering up her assets and her flawless light-bronze skin tone. In all it was an average night out dress on the skimpier side.

"You bitch, asking if I like it? You are dressed like a slut. Who are you hoping to seduce, you little c*nt. If I knew these were your plans I wouldn't have let you come here!" He growled in anger and held Isadora tightly on the wrist, roughly turning her figure away from the dancing crowd.

"I'm sorry… I didn't…ugh!" She tried to explain but Nicholas' rough handling got the better of her.

"Shut the f*ck up and stay still." He commanded, placing her at the furthest, most invisible part of the bar.

Vallea followed, concerned for Isadora, in a bid to fulfill all righteousness."Calm down Nicholas, don't cause a scene. It's just a dress…" 

"Stay out of this!" Nicholas barked at her, irritated.

Scared, Vallea made a quick retreat and said nothing else. However the subtle smile under her facade of concern didn't escape Isadora's observation.

Vallea paced around, seemingly disturbed by Nicholas's attitude against Isadora. Her thoughts were much more different.

Just as planned she knew a control freak like Nicholas would be upset if Isadora shed even the tiniest bit of skin. Handpicking and insisting on this dress was a great idea and the dumbass bought it. Though if she knew the tacky dress it would look so good on Isadora she would never let her wear it.

She nibbled hard on her lips.

The stares Isadora had gotten since they arrived at the bar was sickening. How dare a bitch like her steal all of the attention on her day?! In all she pretends to be oblivious of the interest she appeared in many men. Really pretentious.

However,the goal has been met. The effort was worth it. Tonight is going to be great!

"Nicholas… stop it…." Isadora protested as quietly as she could.

Nicholas shot her an icy stare, one that screamed one thing. Possession.

"Be good and be quiet. I am getting you home to change you from this trash..." His eyes surveyed her body hungrily, but the thought that she could attract men just like how lust filled he felt now made him angrier.

"Then we can discuss your punishment." He dragged her along.

"You are hurting me Nicholas!" Isadora half screamed through gritted teeth, not caring much about her surroundings now.

Like clockwork, Nicholas temporarily regained level headedness. He met her eyes and then his hand met her body, grinding into her arm and let go immediately. A visible red dent had already formed. It looked painful.

A look to tenderness occupied his expression, a sharp contrast to the past. 

And like many times before, he caressed the affected area as gently as ever, "Mi dispiace così tanto mia principessa I lost control again. Does it hurt? Let me call you up on first aid.”

Her fists tightened out of sight simultaneously and her expression lit into a sunny smile, "There is no need to apologize Nicholas, I'm in the wrong for dressing in a way that would upset you."

That's right… for now nothing he does is wrong. The darkness in her eyes intensified.

She reached higher and lightly pecked his cheeks, "I'd never do that intentionally, it was…."

Her eyes traveled to Vallea who still looked visibly concerned, "... a mistake. I only have eyes for you, trust me. Let's not ruin this happy day."

"Promise?" Nicholas said looking very reluctant to have her dressed like this. He couldn't care less if this was a happy day or not.

"Promise." Isadora replied without batting an eyelid 

"Alright. One hour." He threw his jacket over her shoulders and gave her some space as they walked back to the bar.

Vallea quickly threw herself by Isadora's side at the given opportunity.

She caught Isadora's hands in hers, her voice piqued with worry, "Are you okay, I never knew he would get mad if you wore …"

"I'm fine, Vallea, it's settled now." She quickly disengaged from the hold, "Let's just enjoy our time here and forget about it."

Isadora stepped past Vallea and dutifully sat next to Nicholas. Vallea was taken aback, embarrassed by Isadora's attitude

This bitch! She cursed within.

▢▢▢

30 Minutes Later

"Alright... I'm joining the dance floor! Join me when you are done mooching off the bar!" Vallea screamed, clearly drunk from frustration.

Nicholas's and Isadora's misunderstanding hadn't gone as she had planned, there is no way today would go as she wanted. This day is ruined.

"Have fun!" Isadora yelled after her knowing too well she couldn't follow. Nicholas was watching her like a hawk.

The brooding air around him was enough to repel any man who thought of approaching her. She wasn't even able to talk to the bartender and order her own drinks. He did so for her.

"You shouldn't hang out with that daughter of Eve anymore, she isn't good for you." Nicholas said as soon as Vallea left, "I only tolerate her for your sake. I'm afraid I can't do that anymore."

Isadora's gaze remained fixed at the point at which Vallea became consumed by the dancing crowd. Her eyes were cold but at the same time nonchalant.

If only it were that easy to get rid of her.

She turned swiftly to Nicholas, "I know but she is the only one I have besides you. It wouldn't be too good to cut her off on short notice..."

"Enough of the bullshit Isadora, I've had enough of her influence on you. One of us has to go and it's definitely not me." Nicholas cut her off rudely. It was foolish to argue with him.

He knew Isadora could never leave him, never. Not while he is still alive.

Isadora spoke nothing of it again. Only giving a small submissive nod, one that pleased Nicholas greatly.

Nicholas' phone buzzed and churned but he ignored it.

Isadora smiled under her breath. "The new business deal your dad has?"

"Yeah. It's nothing you should bother yourself with." Nicholas quickly brushed it off.

Pity. He was still as tightlipped as ever.

A small deflated sigh escaped Isadora's lips.

Nicholas was quick to notice her change of mood. "Speak if there is something that bothers you. Don't hide things from me Dora." He huffed.

Isadora sloped her back smoothly, leaning into Nicholas's chest, her boobs pressed against his body. She looked up into his eyes and felt his breath waver a bit upon contact.

Her red tinted lips formed a seductive smile.

"You've been on too many trips these recent months," She whispered, pressing even harder, her hand resting at the top of his crotch, "I'm afraid I'm getting a little jealous."

"What's more…" Her hand slid up and down with the smallest movements, a small bulge had formed,"I don't even know the nature of your job, how can my mind be at rest if you aren't honest with me."

She withdrew immediately with an innocent pout and sipped her drink.

It took Nicholas a second or two to snap out of his self induced trance, his lust had doubled over the past ten seconds.

"Did you dress like this to make me jealous because you are angry?" He questioned which Isadora didn't answer.

"It's just work you don't need to be…"

"How am I sure it isn't some bitch trying to get it with you. Even I get jealous, Nicholas… being so secretive doesn't help at all." She spat, refusing to back down.

Nicholas reached in to hold her, but she reflexively moved away from reach. His hands formed a tight fist hitting the counter force.

"My affairs are too dangerous for you to know about principessa. The Americans are just too…" Nicholas almost mouthed off in a rant of frustration.

The Americans? Isadora raised an eyebrow.

"No matter how many women buzz around, there can only be one queen, stop getting worked up about it. My word is enough for you, do not bring this up again." He commanded stroking her hair.

"I've really missed you Nick." Isadora purred, automatically spawning a smile on Nicholas's lips.

He loved his women like this. Submissive and quiet.

Nicholas massaged his neck, speaking, "It's odd that I woke up so late today. I got behind schedule on a lot of things."

For a moment, real panic flashed in Isadora's eyes, but it had been quickly covered with a smile, "After being away for a while your body must have relaxed much more being around me." She spoke sultry.

Nicholas was silent for a second, as if contemplating her words, "Yeah…. that must be it."

Isadora felt all the hair on her body suddenly rise upright, her skin became filled with goosebumps and she felt forced to lower her breath. She could feel someone's eyes on her…. piercing and full of malicious intent. For the first time in years, her heart thumped irrationally and she felt something very much alienated from her in many years…. fear… raw, ugly fear.

With a sharp turn she surveyed her surroundings desperate to find the trigger of this sore compounding feeling but it had disappeared just as suddenly as it came. She knew there was danger.

"N-nick could you go get Vallea now? I want to leave this place. It really isn't my scene." Isadora requested casually. It took a lot not to stammer as the feeling of impending doom became heavier and heavier.

What the hell is going on!

"It's about time! If she proves stubborn I'd abandon her. Stay put and speak to no one." Nicholas couldn't be any happier he could finally get Isadora out of this godforsaken place.

He left without giving her a chance to reply. 

Isadora sat tight on the bar stool as her finger tapped the counter anxiously. Seconds later just like she feared, two men approached her.

With a hand placed on her shoulder, the taller one spoke, "How about you come play with us, pretty lady."