68

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6 Months Later

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"Aren't they the cutest?!" Caroline flipped the camera to face her again. She cut her hair to her shoulders last week, at least that's what she told me. She held her phone in her hands. "I can't believe they're almost two."

Lizzie and Amelia have been growing so fast, but Caroline's kept me updated pretty frequently. "Yeah, I know! You say that every time you call."

"Yeah, every time I call." She glared at me.

I glanced over at my roommates, who were waiting by the door. I looked at the screen again. "You know I love you, Caroline, but I've been super busy lately. Law firms are no joke. Speaking of, I gotta go." I stood up. Before she could say another word, I ended the facetime and put my phone in my pocket.

I looked over at Isaac and Oliver. I noted their impatient stances and attitudes.

"Law firms," Issac questioned.

I looked at the red-headed, freckled, muscular man as I walked toward them. "If I told her I'm not using my degree and I'm working at a strip club, she'll find me and kick my ass."

Oliver tossed me the keys as he opened the door. I barely caught them. He smirked. "So why not just move again?"

I tilted my head, "You would love that, wouldn't you?"

I followed Issac out of the two story house. I moved here to Washington after going through fifteen states and not finding one I like. I wasn't sure whether to get an apartment or a hotel, so I went to a bar to settle my troubles. The bar ended up being a strip club. Isaac was working as a bartender, and Oliver was working as a guard of one of the girls and mentioned they needed a roommate.

We ended up in a long conversation about how everyone thought they were gay and married, which I thought too based on their dynamic. They are definitely not gay, though. Oliver, I can confirm personally, thanks to a late New Year's Eve and three bottles of tequila. It was hard to forget, and I still haven't forgotten it. Things have only just started to settle down, though.

I hopped in the driver seat, and Oliver got in the passenger seat. Isaac slid into the backseat and leaned forward between the seats, making himself a wall. I started driving.

"I still don't understand why you left. It seems like a nice town from my extensive research, and I know you have a lot of people there, including your sister. Which, I'm still waiting to hear if"

"She's married!"

"So, that's never stopped me," Oliver chimed.

I rolled my eyes, "It's because you're a dick."

"No, it's because I like to show people what they're missing out on."

"Not much," I mumbled. I could feel him glaring at me.

"Why'd you leave, Evelyn," Isaac persisted with the conversation. "You had a picture-perfect life, and you gave it up for Seattle, Washington. I can't think of a single person on planet Earth who would do that."

"Me."

He groaned. "Maybe they forced you out." He sat back.

I could feel Oliver's eyes on me. I glanced at him, and his stare pierce my mind, sending chills down my spine. I looked at the road again, "What?"

"It was a guy."

I adjusted my hands on the wheel. "No."

"Oh my God, it is!" Isaac leaned forward again, "What was his name?"

"Irritation, I'm sure you know him well."

He laughed dryly. "I laughed, now spill."

I parked the car and shut off the engine. "We're going to be late." I got out and started walking.

Isaac walked up beside me, splaying a hand across my shoulders and pulling me against his body as we started walking. "Tell me or I'll tell your sister about your real life."

I grabbed his hand and pushed my thumb into his palm. "I will break every single bone in your body 53 times if you don't shut up."

He whined as he jerked his hand away. I moved away from his hold as I continued walking to the entrance. One of the guys guarding the door let me in. Oliver walked behind me when Isaac walked off to the bar.

Oliver became my guard after his last girl quit. She got tired of the harassment. I've become accustomed to it. I pushed the door open and walked into my room. I left the door open for Oliver to walk in. I pulled off my jacket and threw it on the couch. I looked in the mirror to see him standing in the doorway.

I turned to look at him, "In or out?"

He sighed as he stepped inside. He shut the door and turned to face me. After a few seconds, he walked over and sat on the couch. His arm rested on the side, and his other was across the back of the couch. My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out of my pocket.

Care:

Call me ASAP.

I turned my phone off and sat it on the vanity.

"Boy troubles?"

I glared at him, "It's my sister." I opened the closet.

"Is she really that bothersome?"

"No." I pulled my shirt over my head. "It was her and her husband's idea to send me away, so I'm just frustrated with her trying to bring me back and keep me attached to that stupid town."

"What happened to make you hate it so much?"

I scoffed, "What didn't happen?" I turned to face him. "Let's just say my developmental years weren't very developmental in the way I wanted it to be."

His phone started going off. He took the call, and I turned back to my closet. I took the rest of my clothes off, then pulled on my outfit. It was basically a more revealing bikini. It was a silver glittery set that would catch the attention of anyone once lights were on me. I pulled on my silk black robe and then grabbed my heels. I walked over to Oliver and dropped the heels on his lap.

He looked up at me. He ended the call and sat his phone aside. "Really?"

I tilted my head, "Yes."

A coy smile played on his lips as he picked up the six inch heels. He leaned forward and grabbed my leg, lifting it. He laced the strings up my leg and then looked up at me as he tied it. His eyes were locked on mine, making me feel things I didn't want to. He carefully replaced my right leg with my left. He did the same with the other. His eyes lingered around my stomach before sliding up to my eyes.

He placed his hand flat against my leg, holding it gently. I could feel his hand inching higher. I grabbed his hand, pulling it off my leg. "No touching the dancers."

A low growl rumbled from his throat as he sat back, pulling his hand from mine. My foot remained between his legs. His eyes traveled down my body, focusing on my chest. "If you weren't so bitchy about me messing up your look, I would've fucked you to tears already." His eyes found mine again.

I placed my foot on the ground again. "You sound like my ex."

"Yeah, well, he's an ex for a reason."

I tilted my head as I took a step back, "You don't have a chance with me, Ollie."

"New year's, Evelyn."

"Yeah, you had one chance to impress me, and I'm still waiting for the night of my life I was promised."

He laughed wryly as he pushed himself off the couch. "You think you're funny."

I smiled, "Hilarious, actually."

He shook his head, "Let's go before you end up on your knees."

My smile widened. I turned away from him, walking to the door. We walked side by side toward the dancer entrance to the stage.

...

After shutting the door, I started toward the closet. Oliver decided to sit outside and talk to the manager while I got dressed. I tossed my money onto the dresser. I could feel the glitter all over me. It usually takes three or four showers to completely wash away. I untied the knot holding my robe together.

I heard the door open. "I thought you were waiting outside." I turned to see... not Oliver.

"Great show, I never knew you had so much potential."

Damon's words shot straight to my gut. "What are you doing here?"

"I should ask you the same question," he stated angrily.

I tilted my head. "I'm working! And you're not supposed to be back here!"

He took a step closer. "Does your sister know you're dancing on a pole every night?"

"No, and she's not going to find out. If you tell her, I-"

"Save it, Evelyn, she'll figure it out when you show up covered in glitter with ones stuck to your body."

"What are you doing here Damon?"

He pulled an envelope out of his back pocket. "I couldn't find your address so I had Kai do a locator spell. He wants to talk to you by the way."

I took the envelope from him. "Did you bring him here?!"

"He drove, Evelyn!"

I was in shock. I never thought this would happen this way. I looked down at the envelope. An invite to his wedding. I looked at him.

"You went to Harvard, Evelyn. What are you doing here?"

"Exploring my options." I tossed the card onto the vanity. "It shouldn't matter to you, though."

"This is a dangerous place for you. What if someone grabs.... What happens when you lash out and end up murdering someone?"

"I have Oliver."

He furrowed his brows. "Oliver?"

I sighed as I grabbed my phone off the vanity. I pulled up a picture of Oliver, Isaac, and me. I showed it to him. "Isaac is the ginger, Oliver is the brooding one."

"He doesn't look very brooding with you."

I turned my phone off and sat it back down. "He has his moments." I looked at Damon again. "They both work here. Oliver is my bodyguard. I also live with them. So it's not like I'm going to end up dead or on national news."

He sighed. "That's not the point, Evelyn!"

I tilted my head, "Why are you so upset about a choice I'm making about my life that has nothing to do with you?! If you're worried about me wasting my potential or getting hurt, don't be. I can handle myself, I'm a grown up now!"

"Then act like it, Evelyn!"

"You're the one arguing with me about this! I haven't done anything to hurt you or anyone else!"

"Then why did you lie to everyone?!"

"Because I knew you would react like this!"

There was a knock on my door. I huffed out a breath of air and looked at the door. It opened and Oliver stepped in, keeping his hand on the doorknob. He looked from Damon to me, "What's going on?"

I looked at Damon. "Go home."

"Gladly." He stepped back before storming out of the room.

My face felt hot. My breath started speeding up. I breathed out slowly, then tried to breathe in but it got caught in my throat.

Oliver shut my door. He walked closer to me, keeping a few feet between us. "Was that the guy?"

I shook my head, moving my hand to my stomach as I tried to slow my breathing. "That's... no. He's just an idiot who brought the guy."

He clicked his tongue. "Do you want some space?"

I closed my eyes and nodded. A few seconds later, the door opened and closed. I sat down at the vanity, trying to stop my head from spinning, but my thoughts were still getting away from me. I stared in the mirror. I looked like a different version of myself.

My hair was just past my shoulders. The makeup I was wearing was kind of heavy and coated in glitter. There was glitter in my hair, reminding me of the party before I left.

I took a few deep breaths and collected myself. Damon cannot tear down the life I've built here. I don't need his or anyone else's approval.

I got up from the seat. I started to turn to the closet when my door opened again. I need to start locking the door.

I felt like I couldn't move seeing Kai. He pushed the door shut behind him, but his eyes were locked on me. He seemed surprised.

"Hey," his eyes were nowhere near meeting mine.

"Hey," I responded. I held my hands together behind my back.

He snapped out of his trance and looked into my eyes. A cocky grin slowly formed on his lips. He took a slow step forward, sliding his hands in his front pockets.

I tilted my head. "You know this is objectifying, right?"

"I'm admiring."

I nodded, "Right, because that's way less creepy and perverted."

He nodded, "Exactly. You understand."

I couldn't contain the smile that overtook my lips. "What do you want?"

He laughed to himself. "I can't touch the dancers, so I can't have it."

I rolled my eyes as I turned toward the closet. "Why are you here?"

"I wanted to see you."

"Well, you've seen me, so..."

"Almost all of you."

I turned around and stared at him, "Get to the point, Malachai." I stepped closer, the sound of my shoes echoing through the room.

He sat on the couch, the same way Oliver did earlier. He tilted his head. "I could have you fired for hostile behavior to your customer."

"Customer," I queried as I kept walking toward him slowly.

"Yes, Evelyn. Your customer."

The sound of it sparked my interest. I started walking toward him. "Do you want a lap dance or something?"

He smiled, "Or something."

I rolled my eyes as I turned away from him, "I was kidding."

"There's always some truth to humor, baby."

I stopped walking and turned to look at him again. "What do you want from me, Kai? And don't say anything sexual, because you're never getting past first base with me ever again."

"So, I have a chance to weasel my way back in." He stood up and took a few steps closer.

I scoffed, "You're so full of yourself."

"You could be full of me too, if that's-"

"No!" My phone vibrated on the vanity. I walked over and picked it up. I opened the message from Oliver.

Oliver:

Todd wants to see you.

"Who's Oliver?" His voice skated across my skin, making my breathing stutter. I could feel him standing dangerously close to me, the heat of his body rushing into me. I pressed the power button and put my phone back down.

I turned to face him, only to realize there were less than five inches of space between us. The feeling of him being so close made heat flood my entire body. "Go home, Kai."

His intense gaze kept me frozen in place. "Not until I know you're safe here."

It took an immense amount of restraint not to yell at him in response. "I can handle myself, which I'm sure you know by now."

"Mhm." I felt his hands pull my robe closed, then grab the strings. "I'm just making sure you're not fucking up the chance I gave you for a normal life." He pulled the strings tight and I gasped softly as I stumbled into him. My hands instinctively pressed against his body to keep myself from falling.

"You can take your good graces and go to hell." I pushed away from him, walking out of the room. I made my way to the manager's office. I ignored Isaac's cheerful greetings and continued past the bar. I walked in the open door.

Todd was reading over paperwork on the desk in front of him. He glanced up at me. The smile widened on his face. "Hello, Evelyn." He gestured to the seat across from him on the other side of his desk.

I walked over and took a seat. "Hey."

He pushed the file closed. "Can I get you a drink?"

I shook my head, "I'm fine, thank you."

He pulled his glasses off his face and sat them on the desk. "How has your time at the Red Races been so far?"

I offered a tight lipped smile, "Terrific. I couldn't ask for a better environment."

He smiled again, "That's great, doll." He clasped his hands together on the desk and scooted closer. "You're an excellent worker and you've got a great attitude. I'm glad to hear you enjoy this place so much, but I have to ask if you'd be interested in something bigger than this?"

I furrowed my brows. "Bigger?"

"Precisely. It's more... underground and exclusive, and the pay is phenomenal."

I shook my head, "I'm not sure I'm following, sir."

He glanced over at the ceiling in the corner, then back at me. "I would like to promote you to our more hands-on business extension. Have you heard of the Red Racer's Room?"

The memory struck me. Oliver and Isaac both warned me about the brothel this place also has. It's extremely hard to get access too. Oliver warned me that if I ever get invited, I have to run or move. Saying yes is like getting trafficked into sex crimes. "I have no interest in it, sir. I appreciate the offer, but it's more than I signed up for."

His entire demeanor shifted. "Oh." He sat back, resting his arms on the chair and pressing his hands against his stomach. "I understand." His tone was rather aggressive.

We were caught in a standoff of which one of us would give in to the other. For the first time since I left Mystic Falls, I felt a sense of dread wash over me. "I'm going to leave. I've been here longer than I usually stay." I put my hands on the arms of the chair.

"Thank you for your time."

"No problem." I rushed out as calmly as possible, pulling the door shut. I turned to start walking, startled by Oliver standing two feet from me. I took a step back, exhaling the breath that was stuck in my throat. "What?"

He glanced at the door, "What was that about?" He looked at me again.

I wasn't sure how to answer. I started walking. "Red Racer's Room," I said quietly.

He stayed close by my side. "What?"

I didn't speak until we were shut and locked in my dressing room. There are no cameras or microphones in the rooms for privacy. I turned to face him. "He offered me a promotion to be a prostitute."

He looked disturbed and angry. "Did you say yes?"

I crossed my arms. "Hell no. The last thing I need is to be put in a place like that."

There was a moment between us. We both started to realize what had to happen. "I'll come with you."

I furrowed my brows as I tilted my head, "No. You have a life here. I'm fine being alone, especially if I need to get away from this. Bringing you with me is dangerous."

If I wasn't mistaken, there was a hint of desperation in his eyes. "Are you sure about this?"

I nodded slowly, "Positive." Leaving feels like the right choice. Especially since Kai and Damon both know my life here now and I've officially got a target on my head from this place.

His stare moved from me to the floor. "I'll wait outside." He looked at my face again. "While you get dressed."

Part of me wanted to tell him to stay, but I pushed that far enough down inside me that I didn't even have to acknowledge it anymore.

He turned and walked out of my room.

...

I placed the last bag in my trunk, then I closed it. I walked back into the house as quietly as possible to grab my jacket and my phone. I was startled when I heard footsteps down the hallway. I turned to see Oliver. He stopped at the edge of the foyer, staring at me.

He crossed his arms, lifting his shirt up just slightly as he did so. His defined v-line stole my attention for a moment then transferred to the outline of his dick in his sweatpants. I moved my eyes back up to his.

He glanced at the jacket in my hands. He walked over and took it from me. "Let me walk you out."

He and I walked side by side to my car. I stopped at the driver seat and turned to face him. "Sorry for not waiting. I don't really like saying goodbye."

He nodded, "I get it."

I was struggling to think of what to say that wouldn't make this a goodbye. "Oliver..."

He stepped closer, "Don't say anything."

I drew a breath in through my mouth as I tried to form words, but before I could say anything, his lips were on mine, kissing me slowly. I breathed into the kiss, moaning as I did so. I put my hands against his neck, leaning into him. He leaned me back against the car, keeping a firm grip on my waist as he did.

After almost suffocating, we pulled away from one another. The mixture of hot breaths between us scatter chills across my body. I slid my hands to his face as I looked into his eyes.

"I'll see you later, Ev."

He pulled back and put the jacket in my hands. He walked away. I stood there for a minute, shocked at what I could've spent the last two months doing. For a moment, I forgot why I was leaving. Once I remembered, I wasted no time driving away.