Episode 9

Kaya Chinasider

Both Lesly and I were awake all night, despite the fact that the beds in this house are far more comfortable than the warehouse. It's impossible to ignore our anxiety about tonight, as Venom demands both Lesly and I work at the dance. Rising from my bed, I head towards the bathroom, take a quick shower, and attend to my personal hygiene. Lesly does the same. After our showers, we prepare breakfast, a simple yet delicious meal of some bread and fruit, Gutem has certainly been very kind to bring these things for us. Once we finish tidying up the kitchen, we decide to straighten up the house; I won't lie, it's not easy. Lesly and I were raised in luxury; never in my life have I had to make my own bed, wash my clothes, or prepare my own food. When we finish taking care of everything, it's nearly night. I am distractedly preparing dinner when Gutem enters.

"Hey, princesses."

His cheeky smile is his signature. He's holding two black bags, one for me and another for Lesly.

"What's this?"

She asks, and he steps closer.

"It's the attire you'll be wearing for tonight's dance."

"I already have a dress."

I raise the bag and he looks at me seriously.

"Seriously, blonde, I'm only giving you a heads-up because I thought you were cool, you know? Don't provoke Venom; he isn't the patient type and doesn't take things lightly, understand? If you piss him off, you won't like what he does."

"I'm not afraid of that Neanderthal."

I mutter under my breath, and he laughs.

"He's cool, just not very sociable, a loner who's never learned to get along with people."

I sigh heavily, taking the bag and peering inside before glaring at him again.

"No way."

He laughs.

"You're not going to wear this."

"The girls dress like this for the dance."

"It should be a crime, an affront to fashion."

He roars with laughter.

"You're such princesses, aren't you? Totally model material."

"Lesly is a model."

I assert, and he grins.

"There you go, I already know what I'm asking Santa for this year."

He jokes and she looks away, visibly flustered.

"I'm out. I'll be back to get you two at 9:00 PM. Be ready; Venom hates tardiness."

He leaves us alone.

"We're going to look hot."

Lesly smiles at the clothes, clearly without a single good sense. We get ready and head to the gate. It's cold, and the scant clothing barely covering our bodies isn't helping.

Kaya's Outfit

Lesly's Outfit

Awaiting GB, a black car parks, and he walks toward us, dressed sharply in a white polo shirt and Nike shoes.

"Damn."

He exclaims, running a hand through his hair while staring unabashedly.

"You look too fine, brunette."

Lesly gives a shy smile.

"You look fierce too. You'll be the talk of the dance."

He offers his arm gentlemanly. We get into the car and are driven to a large gathering of people. The music blares so loud I can hardly hear my thoughts.

"Let's go up. We're staying in the VIP area."

GB shouts over the noise, holding Lesly's hand firmly while she clutches mine. Three armed men stand at the foot of what appears to be an impromptu stage.

"Hey GB."

One of them greets, parting the way, his gaze on me unsettling.

"Why is everyone staring at us?"

"They've never seen you before."

Gutenberg jests. As we enter the VIP area, I spot a group of men seated on a plush sofa, dimly lit with women drinking and dancing around them.

"Are they the new girls?"

A curly-haired girl approaches. Among those present, she's the only one dressed formally, in jeans and a black t-shirt with "Dona Jacinta's bar" emblazoned on it.

"Why are you here?"

Gutem inquires with a grim expression.

"Bernardo broke his foot, didn't come to work. I had to help mom; the buffet is served."

"Stay away from the bosses, you know those guys are crazy, they respect no one and I'm not looking to get into trouble today."

She nods in agreement.

"Pleasure, I'm Bruna, but everyone calls me Bruninha. I'm Gutemberg's sister."

Bruninha, 18 years old

Lesly and I introduce ourselves, and she kindly smiles back.

"Basically, you will help serve. I've asked Gutem and Xavier to let the girls working for the bar to wear uniforms, but they always say the girls are there to entertain, not just serve."

She evidently sees my discomfort as I continually pull the micro-dress down.

"Serve the drinks, the appetizers, and speak as little as possible. Avoid the men in red and black shirts – that's Tato and Dan. They are trouble."

She points out two extremely muscular men laughing loudly with a drink in hand.

"Xavier has arrived."

She smiles, looking toward the entrance. Lesly and I do the same. It’s impossible to miss Xavier's grandeur; he looks striking in a black shirt and cap, the glare from the massive gold chain around his neck almost blinding in the light. The music practically stops when he steps into the VIP area. Venom walks up to the seated men, a young dark-haired woman perching on his lap like ivy around his neck.

"That's Mel, snack time for the hill owners. If she gives you two any trouble, call me, and I'll rip her hair out."

She smiles, handing us a tray of drinks and appetizers.

"Serve their table, collect the empty cups, then come back here."

We comply but are met with stares as we approach.

"Yo, Venom."

The man in the red shirt claps his hands.

"Finally, a fish worth the catch."

He pulls me closer, Venom gives no response, simply taking a sip of his drink as he watches.

"Get me a beer, cutie."

He grabs a can from the tray, my pride lodged in my throat while he clings to my arm.

"Put this here."

He takes the tray from me, placing it on the table.

"Those blue eyes, let me see them up close."

He yanks me down onto the sofa, holding my face in his hands.

"What a darling face."

"I'd like some whiskey."

Venom calls out sharply, and as Lesly starts to move, he gestures for her to stop.

"Not you."

He snaps his fingers.

"Kaya, fetch it."

Everyone at the table watches.

"Venom, why can't you ask someone else?"

"Do I speak in riddles?"

I stand, making my shaky way to the drinks table. Bruinya looks at me with a mix of concern and sympathy. Returning to the sofa with Venom's beverage, I suddenly feel myself grabbed from behind.

"Come on, blonde, let's get cozy."

His tongue traces my neck as he grips me tighter, and I feel a gun on his hip which I snatch, aiming it squarely at his forehead.

"Don't touch me, you filth."

"Whoa, easy there, blonde."

He raises his hands in surrender.

"Venom!"

The man calls out, and I can't help but look his way. In that moment, he watches me with a cool, calculating gaze.

"Shoot."

He commands, sipping from his glass.

"Come on, Venom!"

He pleads, hands trembling.

"Seriously, blonde, my bad."

The man in the black shirt begs. I disengage the safety, cock the gun, and he drops to his knees.

"Don't do this."

"I told you to shoot."

Venom stands up, and I'm paralyzed, unable to even flinch. He approaches, ignoring the man at our feet. He takes the gun from my grasp, looking deep into my eyes.

"I saw your readiness, blonde, but what you lack is nerve. Learn this—if you draw a weapon on someone, fire it. Fire, because whoever's in your sights wouldn't show you the same courtesy."

He shoots the kneeling man until the chamber is empty. Shouts and chaos ensue. He touches my face, then clenches it firmly.

"You ruined my damn dance. How are you going to make it up to me now?"

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