Blake followed Rose, not a single clue where they were headed. But something about the way Rose held his hand was...odd?
'Her skin, just like the other day is very cold, even her complexion. Could she be sick?' he thought.
The thought of Rose going through something as a devastating ailment that caused her skin to feel so cold and look so pale crippled his guts.
As much as he didn't want to admit it, he enjoyed her company. She was starting to grow on him.
Some would argue that getting attached that quickly to his boss was a terrible idea.
Now while that was completely correct, who could blame him? He was constantly in the presence of a walking goddess who had lots of money to top it all off.
Not to mention, Rose embodied the true nature of a yandere, already, she passed all test with rainbows!
However, the person he was hoping wasn't sick in anyway turned out to reveal a whole different world to him.
They got to a door and were checked by yet another pair of bouncers.
The same process at the first entrance repeated itself, but this time, Blake could hear something from behind the door. Something was coming from the background, sending vibrations through his feet.
The door opened, revealing a pulsating party scene. Everyone here had masks.
As they entered, the bouncers handed them their own masks. It was an oni mask. Blake got a black mask while Rose got a red mask.
Rose still holding tightly to Blake's hand walked through the crowd of people, her destination, the VIP area located above the dance floor for the regulars.
As expected, a woman of her status wouldn't mingle with regular people. Blake waddling behind Rose like a duckling was all for it.
VIP, here they come!
The atmosphere was charged with party energy, masked individuals dancing and mingling, creating a mysterious ambiance.
The oni masks added an air of intrigue to the party. Rose seemed in her element, gracefully navigating through the crowd.
Blake felt a mix of excitement and confusion, observing the eclectic partygoers. The masks concealed identities, making everyone seem like enigmatic figures lost in the rhythm of the music.
"What is this place?" Blake shouted over the music to Rose.
"Welcome to the Masked Haven, where secrets are kept and desires, well, you'll see," Rose replied, her voice barely audible above the beats.
They ascended to the VIP area, a secluded space overlooking the dance floor. The view was mesmerizing, masks moving in harmony with the music, creating a surreal spectacle.
Rose finally let go of Blake's hand as they reached the VIP section. She looked at him, her red oni mask enhancing the mystery in her eyes.
"Enjoy yourself, Blake. Wouldn't kill to try," Rose said, disappearing into the crowd.
Blake stood there, adorned with a black oni mask, feeling a sense of both liberation and uncertainty in the Masked Haven.
"Wait, where did she go? I don't know anyone here" Blake looked around seeing that Rose was now completely out of sight.
After what felt like thirty minutes in the VIP area, Blake observed the diverse crowd – men surrounded by women, women surrounded by men, and even strippers engaging with the guests.
He had been to clubs in his university days but this one had a different feel about it. The energy wasn't as crazy as the ones organized by students back in his time at school but he liked it in a way.
Everyone was having fun, just in a more subdued manner.
The strippers were high class too, at least they felt that way when they swept by him, brushing their hands over him.
'Dang, if I didn't come with her, I know what I'd be doing tonight,' Blake thought mischievously as he watched women tag along with men and leave the party.
Finally, he felt a tap on his shoulders. He turned to see Rose.
"Where did you go? Been looking everywhere for you," Blake asked, his words cutting through the music and chatter.
"I went to grab a drink, here," Rose replied, handing Blake a glass of red wine while holding a glass in her other hand.
They stood by a railing, watching the dance below. Rose seemed uninterested in the revelry, her gaze fixed on the casino area where various games were being played, from roulettes to blackjacks and so many others Blake didn't know even existed.
"You want to play?" Blake asked, pointing towards the Blackjack area.
"No, but you should," Rose suggested.
"Gambling is not really my thing," Blake tried to back out.
Rose grabbed his hand, pulling him closer. She turned him around, her facing the VIP area and Blake facing the blackjack table.
"Look at all those rich, filthy men. Fake bastards at day, worse at night. But one thing they do that I find no fault in is their thirst for power and money," Rose began, holding Blake close to her body.
If you asked Blake the first words she said, he probably didn't remember anymore.
"Money being the first thing on these men's mind and they don't care how they get it. Earlier I saw you looking for ways to make extra cash. Seems to me like you are the type who never settles. Fine by me then!" Rose let her hand slide down Blake's back, anyone watching would think to themself that the two picked a weird place to get things on.
"You want to be rich, think like these men. The world isn't how you see it, Blake; you have to take risks and slash throats if that's what it takes," Rose said to Blake.
During her speech, she kept Blake in a tight embrace, her breast pressed against his chest. Her words were like whispers yet they sent chills down Blake's spine.
The entire all he could think of was happy thoughts.
'Pay attention to what she's saying, Blake' He chanted in his mind repeatedly to keep his thoughts from straying otherwise. Rose'/ hair smelled so good he wondered what she used for her hair.
Rose took Blake's hand again and led him downstairs to the vibrant casino area. As they approached the blackjack table, Rose's confident aura seemed to command the attention of everyone present.
The ongoing game paused momentarily as players turned their heads to witness her entrance.
"We'd like to play," Rose declared, her gaze piercing through each man around the table even through her mask. Her eyes held an intensity that dared anyone to challenge her request. The casino's ambient noise seemed to hush as her words hung in the air.
The men, momentarily stunned by her presence, exchanged glances before reluctantly making space for Rose and Blake. As they joined the table, a few of the bolder men couldn't resist whispering among themselves. Their comments, though meant to be discreet, hinted at their intentions and desires regarding the captivating woman in red mask.
Rose, unfazed by the murmurs, maintained her unwavering demeanor. The men, now playing in the presence of someone who seemed beyond the ordinary, couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation.
The blackjack table buzzed with anticipation as Rose and Blake took their seats. The dealer shuffled the cards, and Rose's gaze remained fixed on the deck. Without blinking, she was a portrait of focused determination.
As the game started, Rose guided Blake subtly, picking the right moves, and effortlessly turning the odds in their favor. It was an unexpected turn-on for the men at the table, witnessing a woman who not only belonged but excelled in a game they often considered their domain.
The initial admiration, however, soon transformed into annoyance. With each round, the men found themselves losing consistently to the strange duo.
Rose, stoic and unyielding, never once revealed a smile or blinked as the cards fell in their favor.
As the dealer shuffled the cards, Rose's eyes never strayed from the deck. With a slight nod, she signaled to Blake when to hit, stand, or double down.
It was a silent strategy that unfolded between them. Rose was the puppeteer, orchestrating each move with precision.
Despite her unassuming exterior, Rose's control over the game was evident. She commanded attention without overt gestures, keeping the men on edge. Her stoic expressions spoke volumes, conveying an air of confidence that left the other players questioning their own strategies.
'What can't she do really?' Blake thought as the game went on.