15.1 Downtown

After failing to conceive of any plausible way to access the hospital unsupervised you somewhat reluctantly chose the alternate option. Exhaling shakily, you make your way back to your bedroom where you begin looking for a different outfit. After searching for some time you end up going with a simple, black, well-fitting dress. You try to do something with your hair before ultimately giving up and throwing it into a ponytail. Shaking your head impatiently, you quickly go to gather your bag and keys. Before leaving you quickly don a light jacket and pair of shades. Being in the middle of summer means the sun is just beginning to set late into the evening. You suppose there's no particular rush getting to the city, other than the insatiable gnawing in the pit of your stomach.

Your impatience drives your foot on the pedal as you speed down the highway. The typical hour and half drive is made in just forty minutes, timing your arrival with the end of dusk. After finding parking in the downtown area you suddenly realize you have no idea where to head. The images you had of effortlessly pulling a stranger into a dark alley seem silly now as you see the city's active night life just beginning. Frowning, you hesitantly leave the garage and begin following the general flow of the crowd. Most of the places you pass, stores, restaurants, and the like, all seem ill-fitted and too observed for your needs. You find yourself wandering through the city for another hour or two, lost in thought and hunger. Just as you’re beginning to lose hope and consider abandoning your plan, you see a small group of people break off from the main street and begin heading towards a less populated area. Curious, you decide there's no harm in seeing where they're headed.

Taking care to keep your distance, you casually trail the individuals, listening as they talk and laugh with each other. As you continue to observe them, you notice their dress is far more gaudy than the majority of the people you've seen so far. Your curiosity is peaked when you see them reach another group of people standing in line on the sidewalk, all waiting to enter a dark building. You quickly realize this must be some off the beat club given the muffled sounds of music and set of large men standing by the entrance. While this option doesn't seem entirely ideal either, you suppose it's better than nothing. Worst case scenario you can at least get a drink before heading home. Joining the back of the line, you breathe in the intoxicating scents that seem to waft off every person you pass, each individual having their own unique aroma. While some are more pleasant than others, you're hungry enough to take any person.

However, you begrudgingly heed the doctor's words and remain patient. Sighing anxiously, you step forward as more of the crowd moves up. To your surprise it seems not all are granted admission, the majority in fact being turned away. Frowning, you quickly take a moment to adjust your appearance. A quick application of lipstick and the removal of your jacket and ponytail are all you can manage before it's your turn before the large bouncers.

"Name?" One of the men inquires, not even bothering to look at you as he flips through the pages on his clipboard.

"I'm not on the list." You admit, still trying to think of a convincing way to gain entrance.

"Sorry, invite only tonight." The man states brusquely as his companion moves to assist the people behind you. "Step aside-"

"Wait." You quickly interject, placing a delicate hand on the clipboard and lowering it slightly. "My friends are inside, they're under the Henderson party, they told me to stop by."

The man finally looks down at you, appearing ready to call you bluff though you had been certain he didn't see you skim the list. To your surprise, he falters when his eyes land on your face. Straightening up slightly, he offers you a somewhat flirtatious smile.

"Henderson party you say?" His tone has also become far more pleasant.

"Right." You try offering him a smile which only seems to encourage his suddenly helpful nature.

"Right this way, hun." He throws you a wink before gesturing to the now open door.

Breathlessly, you quickly enter the dim establishment before whatever charm you suddenly possess wears off. The music has grown louder as you make your way down the poorly lit hallway and towards the main area. Despite their exclusivity, the place is relatively packed. Making your way through the crowd, you try to avoid wandering hands and dancing bodies as you head to the bar. Exhaling sharply, you find it increasingly hard to breathe in the humid air that's circulating the congested area. Before you've even had a chance to try catching their attention, in an instant the bartender is standing before you.

"What can I get you?" The relatively handsome man inquires, ignoring the annoyed group who arrived at the bar before you.

"Oh, umm..." You blink in surprise, not used to being treated so attentively before. "A beer is fine."

The man flashes you a smile before grabbing a bottle and popping it open. When you go to reach for your bag he quickly shakes his head.

"First one's on the house."

"Thanks." You give him a somewhat confused smile before taking your drink and returning to the crowd.

You're quite certain something must be going on as now that you take note of those around you there's a considerable amount of eyes on you. Blushing, you quickly slink away to one of the back walls. This plan is seeming less and less ideal as you go on. You had expected to blend into the crowd, not somehow stand out. Sighing again, you take a long drink from the bottle as you decide to leave once you're finished with it. Some movement in your peripherals catches your attention and you quickly turn to see a young man move to stand beside you.

"Nice choice." He smiles, gesturing to your drink. "Most women just want some fruity cocktail or something."

Your brow knits in a mix of skepticism and annoyance as you take in the intruder. He's around your age, with a crop of blond hair, and an arrogant look in his blue eyes. From his apparel you take him to be some business yuppie who came here directly after a late night at the office. Internally rolling your eyes, you're just about to tell him off when a sudden thought occurs. You'd much rather take advantage of someone less desirable than worry about hurting someone more innocent. You can tell by the man's already wandering eye that he's one of those types of people. Used to getting their way and never grateful enough for what they have. While he's certainly no serial killer or truly vile person deserving ****, he's likely your best option tonight.

"Ugh, I hate those types of women." You scoff slyly, leaning towards the man as you speak. "They act as if a few extra calories will kill them."

"Right." He laughs obnoxiously, picking up on your body language and following suit.

You try not to cringe visibly when he boldly slips an arm around your waist, pulling you closer to him. Regardless of his less than desirable personality, you cannot help noting he smells absolutely intoxicating. You can see a relatively fresh shave wound on his neck and lean up towards it. The man stiffens in surprise when he feels the tip of your nose brush across his jugular.

"Oh, umm..." He stammers almost nervously, likely not expecting his 'charm' to have worked so quickly. "I don't suppose you want to get out of here..."

"You read my mind." You purr into his ear, your fingers now playing with the collar of his shirt.

Quickly straightening up, the man tightens his grip around your waist as he begins steering you to the exit. Trying to remain calm, you swiftly down the rest of your drink before disposing of the bottle on an empty table. Seeming unconfident in his ability to keep your attention, the man walks with a quick pace, eager to get you to his car. In any other circumstance you'd be completely opposed to accepting a ride to an unknown location by a complete stranger. However, you can only trust that the growing hunger inside will provide you with enough strength to proceed. As you predicted the man brings you over to one of the flashier sports cars. He's at least gentleman enough to open the door and help you inside.

"So, um... What's your name?" He asks as he pulls out of the parking lot.

"It's Lillian." You answer, trying to sound interested, though you hardly care about getting to know the man.

"Oh, I'm Chris." He continues trying to make conversation as he speeds towards his destination. "I work at one of the law firms in town."

"You're a lawyer?" You begrudgingly humor him while trying to keep track of the direction you're heading.

"Criminal defense to be specific." He prattles on, the arrogant tone returning to his voice as he continues to brag. "I was going to go into business law, but this pays way better."

"Nice." You mumble, at least relieved to know you right regarding your suspicions about his personality.

Thankfully, before the conversation can continue, he pulls into the adjoined parking garage of a large apartment building. You begin feeling slightly nervous again as you follow him down the hallway towards his unit. He leads you to a door and fumbles with his keys for a moment. Once inside, he flips a switch on and gestures for you to follow him to the kitchen.

"Want a drink?" He offers as he opens one of the cabinet doors.

You nod in affirmation as you take a look around the expensive apartment. It's apparent where the majority of the man's income is spent. The latest and most modern appliances and furnishings decorate the large area. Setting your bag and jacket down, you make your way to the living room area and gingerly take a seat on the stunningly white sofa. A moment later, you hear the man approach and take the glass of whiskey he offers you.

"I figured you'd be okay with that." He smirks before taking a drink from his own glass.

"Of course." You smile wryly then down the contents in one swig.

The man gives you a surprised but slightly impressed look before gulping down the rest of his whiskey. Deciding there's no point in beating around the bush, you set the glass down and rise to your feet. The man swallows you dryly as you approach him and take a seat on his lap.

"You're really not like any of the other women I've met." He mumbles as his eyes quickly rake over your body.

"You have no idea." You can't help admitting as you slide your arms around his shoulders.