Her Volkovs #Book 1 novel Chapter 4

Belle's POV

I'm wearing a black strapless dress perfectly fitting my body and of course the requisite black pumps and a glittery black clutch for my phone and money.

I took the cab going to Blaze. I have been texting Lily that I was on my way but she is not responding so I decided to go ahead inside, perhaps they are already there.

A huge man wearing all black is guarding the door. There is a long line on the right side of the club. I'm quite surprised that I am able to go in easily. I just smiled at the muscle man and he unhooked the red thingy separating the waiting line and him just like that. It was so cool and weird at the same time.

The club was already crowded when I arrived but I was able to squeeze my way towards the bar. And then, I received a text from Lily that they are canceling because something came up. How convenient.

Since I'm already here, I might as well enjoy the night. I don't want this outfit to go to waste.

I ordered iced tea since I have very low alcohol tolerance. A few percent in my system and I'm already intoxicated. Thank God Amy was there during our graduation party. She saved me the first time I passed out. Now that she's not here, there is no way I'm getting drunk.

"Hi, can I have iced tea please?"

"Iced tea? Are you sure? How about some tequila? First shot's in the house." Said the bartender.

"I'm sure. I'm still waiting for some friends, I don't want to get hammered early you know." I lied.

"Okay, as you wish."

"Thank you."

Geez, why do I have a weird feeling that someone is looking at me? I instantly shake off the crazy thought and just enjoyed the music and my iced tea.

While I'm enjoying the music, a guy wearing a suit and glasses approached me in the bar. He is sporting a thin beard and he looks pretty decent.

"Hi." He said with a smile on his face.

"Hello." I replied.

"I'm jrrwdd"

"What?" I didn't hear what he said so he leaned closer to my ear.

"I'm Jared."

"Oh, hi Jared. I'm Belle."

"Belle, nice name. Like the princess."

"I'm surprised that you know Belle."

"Hahaha! I have a sister and she loves Beauty and the Beast. In fact, that's what I bought her for her birthday, a Belle doll."

"Aww that's sweet."

"What are you having?"

"Iced tea." I pointed at my glass.

"But why?" He had a questioning look.

"But why not?" I retorted.

"Haha! Okay. Belle."

"Queen." I said.

"What?"

"Belle is actually not a princess. She's a queen. She married technically the king that makes her a queen."

"Good to know." He replied. We both laughed at our silly conversation. "One more drink? Perhaps with alcohol." He added.

"Uhm okay but just one glass."

"Okay promise. What would you like?"

"Surprise me."

While Jared was calling the bartender, the weird feeling was still there. I looked around and noticed that the club has an upper floor with lounges and several private corners perhaps for the VIP.

"Here you go. For the Queen."

"Thank you, Jared."

"Cheers."

Wow, this drink is actually good.

"You like it?" Said Jared while leaning close to me.

"Yes very much."

"So who are you with tonight?"

"Oh, supposedly some people from work but they bailed the last minute. So here I am, talking to some stranger."

"Ouch. That hurts."

"Haha!"

"Care to dance with a stranger?"

"Dance? I thought you'd never ask."

"Haha. Well, let's go."

We walked into the crowd. Jared is holding my hand as we make our way closer to the middle. His eyes are glued to me and down at my body and back to my eyes. He now has a very unsettling look on his face.

Slowly, I felt like I'm seeing double and strikes of bright lights are blinding me. I can feel Jared's arms wrap around my waist all too tightly. He grabbed me closer to him not allowing me to move. I tried with all my strength to pull away from him but I can't seem to find my ground. I felt trapped and helpless. The smell of smoke and alcohol became too distinct. I feel like I'm suffocating. What is happening to me?

Suddenly, I felt someone grab me from the back and held me around my waist.

"Take him out." Said the one who grabbed me. He has this very familiar accent, I thought I have heard before.