9 Heaven in Hell

Ring. Ring. Ring.

My phone rang as I strolled the city, trying to calm myself.

"What the hell was I thinking? Do I like him? No fucking way! Allondrah, you have to focus! He is an enemy, not a friend, especially not a lover!" I ranted. I stared at my phone, considering whether to answer or not. After taking a deep breath, I pressed the answer button.

"Where are you?" he asked.

"None of your business!" I yelled to mask my embarrassment.

"Allondrah, please!" he insisted. "Do you have time tonight?"

"Maybe."

"Good. Can we meet then? I want to spend more time with you," he asked.

"Oh... and should we ask permission from your wife as well?" I replied without masking my sarcasm. He sighed. But, didn't speak for a moment so I ended the call. I stood on the sidewalk and looked at the sky; grey cottony clouds began to sprawl, blocking the sun into obscurity. Any time soon, heavy rainfall would fall.

"You are a lot like me," I whispered to the sky, "Nature seems to enjoy toying with us and we couldn't do anything but wait for it to happen and let it pass." I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with acrid air. Then I let out a harsh sigh. That afternoon, I decided to go back to a place that constantly reminded me of my futile existence.

A three- hour drive brought me to a jagged foot of a towering mountain. Due to the prolonged rainy season, the rocks were covered in algae, making the path almost impassable. I managed to traverse the slippery terrain after an arduous half an hour.

"So good to be back!" I told myself as I gazed at the derelict cottage on the verge of a cliff. Overlooking the shallow river, almost turquoise due to the sediments carried by the strong current, memories flooded my mind.

The cottage's floor creaked in every step I made and from the deepest part of my memories, that fateful day of my escape hovered like a deadly virus, consuming and overpowering.

Like a complete lunatic, I laid down a rickety bed, the very bed I used when Marriane and Thomas rescued me. Accompanied by an operatic song that served as my lullaby, I fell into the chasm of darkness as I closed my eyes.

It's already pitch dark when I was awoken by the cold wind. My clothes were drenched in rainwater, dripping from the dilapidated roof, but it was all worth it. My focus was back and my inner demon was out once more, ready to devour our enemies.

"Hi, Allondrah! Where are you? Are you ready?" Andrei's voice was angling for a positive reply. I smirked before I answered.

"Yeah! Where should I meet you?" I asked casually.

"How about I go to your place?"

"No. Let's meet outside."

"Okay. Meet me at Whiskeys. I am on my way there now."

"I don't know the~,"

"I'll send you the address."

After receiving the address, I put on my makeup and slipped under a long black dress. It was simple, yet stunning and I loved the details on it such as the laced long sleeves, the sequins, resembling a scaly snake, and the jersey waistline.

"Good evening, ma'am! Welcome to Whiskeys," a well- dressed woman greeted with a practiced ready smile. I nodded.

"Do you have any reservations, ma'am?"

"Nope, but I am with Mr. Andrei Martin."

"Give me a sec, please."

I looked around the place. It was cozy. It didn't look like a bar, but more of a cozy lounge, where people come and relax.

"Andrei has a nice taste," I thought.

"Ma'am, Mr. Martin is in our VIP room. Please follow me," she said then led me to a large room, walking past an arched tunnel. This room was different.

Noticing my fascination, the woman smiled. "Can you believe this building was built in the medieval era? When the previous owner bought this place, it was on its brink of collapse. So he spent his fortune to restore and transform this building into the best bar and hotel in town. Too bad, he lost all his money and never recovered," she explained as we approached one of the three doors. She knocked three times. Then, Andrei opened it.

"Enjoy your time," she said as I entered the room. Without a warning, he pulled me in his arms and hugged me tightly.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"I've missed you so much. What did you do to me?" he replied. His hands slithering down my butt and squeezed it. I giggled.

"Can't wait, huh? The night is young, Andrei. We'll get there," I said as I began to feel his arousal.

"Okay. Sorry... please sit down," he said. He held my hand and asked me to sit beside him. I obliged.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked after drinking two beers. He turned to me and looked me in the eyes.

"Because I can't stop myself," he whispered.

"Do you... do you like me?" I asked nervously. He was quiet for a moment then cupped my face and kissed me. At first, it was gentle and sweet. Then, it deepened, wanting and more passionate. I closed my eyes to savor the sweetness of his lips.

After that steamy kiss, I straddled him, much to his delight. With this position, my dress rolled up, exposing my tattooed legs and thighs that fueled his desire.

"I wonder where this dragon goes," he whispered. The heat from his breath tickled my senses.

"Only one way to find out," I whispered back as I nibbled his ear. He cursed under his breath.

"I want you now, Allondrah!"

"So, all you wanted is my body?" I smirked. His lips found its way down my neck and shoulders, while his hands caressed my breasts.

"No, I want you, all of you. You are driving me crazy, Allondrah. You cast a spell on me. Look at what you've done. My blood rushes every time I see you, even just thinking of you. You're like a drug, intoxicating and clouding my sanity," Andrei said as he laid me down on the couch.

"Not like this," I moaned. "Why don't we play a little game?"