The club was a seething mass of bodies, neon lights flashing off the haze of smoke and spilled drinks. Rick cut through the crowd like he owned the place, joint hanging from his lips, leaving a thin trail of smoke in his wake. His gaze landed on Bones, the tattooed bouncer leaning by the entrance to the private rooms, looking bored until he saw Rick.
"Bones!" Rick slapped him on the shoulder. "Tell me you got some prime bitches in tonight. I ain't here to waste time."
Bones's smirk was slow and nasty, eyes glinting. "Oh, you'll like this one, Rick. Got ourselves a fresh face tonight, all attitude and curves," he said, jerking his head toward the private rooms. "She's hot, classy, and ain't for just anyone."
Rick grinned, leaning in. "Not for just anyone? Come on, who's got more style than me?"
Bones chuckled, looking Rick over. "Yeah, can't think of anyone who could handle her like you, man. But she's got a price—she don't take less than a grand. Think you're up for it?"
Rick barked a laugh. "A grand? Hell, I'd burn a stack just to spend a night with a bitch like that." He took a slow drag from his joint, his eyes scanning the crowd until he saw her—a tall, dark-haired woman in a sleek black dress, leaning against the bar with a wine glass in hand, eyes cold as ice.
Tara.
Rick's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Well, shit, she's a real piece, all right. Might just make her mine for the night." He nudged Bones, smirking. "If she's as good as she looks, maybe we'll make a little extra off her later, yeah?"
Bones snorted, nodding in approval. "Get it while you can."
Rick sauntered over to Tara, putting on his best swagger. He slid in next to her, close enough to smell the faint perfume she wore, but she barely spared him a glance, her face unreadable.
"Oh great," she drawled, looking him up and down with obvious disinterest. "Another fuckin' idiot thinks he's got the charm to get a discount."
Rick laughed, unfazed. "Discount? Babe, I'd drop a fortune to have a night with a woman like you." He leaned in, his voice low and confident. "Hell, I'd sell a damn mansion."
Tara's eyes flashed with amusement, and she gave him a slow, sultry smile. "You're really that desperate to pay?" she asked, arching a brow.
Rick didn't even hesitate. "Count on it. Price don't matter with a fine bitch like you."
Across the room, Owen stood nervously at the bar, watching Rick and Tara from a distance. He'd followed her here, and now his heart was pounding so hard it felt like everyone could hear it. He spotted one of the hostesses nearby and took a shaky breath, steeling himself.
Clearing his throat, he stepped up to her. "Uh… excuse me."
The hostess turned, sizing him up with a raised brow and a smirk. "Yeah? What's up, hun?"
Owen swallowed, his voice coming out barely above a whisper. "I… uh, I need a private room. But can I… get one close to… you know, the new girl?"
The hostess's smirk widened, and she crossed her arms, looking amused. "The new girl? You mean Tara?" She gave him a knowing look. "Look, hon, walls aren't see-through. You're not getting a free show."
Owen's face went bright red, and he stammered, "N-No! I mean, I get it. I just wanna… be close. That's all."
She chuckled, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Oh yeah? Close, huh?" She gave him a wink. "Well, you'll hear all the sounds, if that's what you're after. These walls ain't thick enough to block out what she's up to."
Owen fidgeted, looking away as he pulled out his wallet. "Just… can I pay already? I'm not here for questions."
The hostess rolled her eyes, shrugging. "Fine, fine. Don't let me stop you." She motioned for him to follow her to the back, the heels of her boots clicking sharply against the floor as Owen trailed behind, feeling the weight of every step.
When they reached the private rooms, she turned to him, smirking as she unlocked the door to his room. "There you go, hon. Room's all yours. Sounds'll come through, but don't get any ideas." She looked him over one last time, amused. "What's it to you, anyway?"
Owen shifted on his feet, clenching his fists. "Nothing. Just… leave me be."