“Hi, you’ve reached Davina Faire… Please leave your name and number after the tone…”

“Well, fuck it!” Stephen cursed out loud as he hung up and chucked his phone in the laundry basket.

His fiancé, Phoebe, stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a white bathrobe and regarded him with a cross expression. “What the hell is wrong this time?” She sounded annoyed.

“I’ve been trying to reach Davina since yesterday,” he explained. “She’s not picking up and I’m beginning to worry.”

Phoebe rolled her eyes and sighed. “She’s a big girl. She can take care of herself.”

“She’s my best friend. I know she’s hurt and upset at me, but I can’t just let her walk out of my life.”

“Will you listen to yourself?” Phoebe scoffed. “I swear it’s as if you’re in love with her, not me!”

Stephen frowned and stood up from the bed. “Don’t start, please. I got down on one knee and proposed to you, not her.”

“Yeah, well maybe you’re having second thoughts, huh?”

“I didn’t think you were that insecure in my love for you.”

“I am not insecure!” She scowled at him. “Put yourself in my shoes for once. How would you feel if my best friend was a guy and we had a romantic history?”

Stephen stayed silent.

“Exactly!” Phoebe exclaimed in frustration before she marched back into the bathroom.

“Aw, come on, baby…”

She slammed the door in his face and locked it. Stephen exhaled his frustration and leaned his weight back against the door.

How the fuck did I ever get myself in this mess? He wondered.

He and Phoebe had been dating for a couple years and he truly loved her. There was no denying that he had a turbulent romantic past with Davina, but the reason why he had broken up with her all those years ago was because he felt she was too good for him. He had been battling too many demons then. The last thing he wanted was to drag Davina to Hell with him. He suspected that she was pushing him away now because he was getting married to Phoebe. As much as it hurt Stephen to think of living his life without Davina in it, he had to understand that she was hurting and needed space. Unfortunately, it was a lot harder than he had anticipated.

~oOo~ 
D A V I N A 
I woke up feeling different this morning. I couldn’t figure out what had changed exactly, but I just felt… like I wasn’t myself. My reflection in the mirror proved otherwise. I still looked like the old me: long, dark disheveled hair, grey eyes, olive skin that was barren of any tattoos and piercings—except for my ears; I never took out the diamond studs Stephen had given me. We had been best friends since ninth grade, and this summer he was getting hitched. I should have been happy for him—and I was, except it hurt to let go of someone I was still in love with.

Davina…

I froze. A cool draft blew the blinds in my bathroom. I stood completely still and waited for that hushed whisper to echo in my ears, but nothing came. The blinds kept tapping against the window, so I close it and returned to the mirror.

Who am I? I said to myself as I traced the delicate shape of my face. Stephen used to tell me that I had the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen; they were alabaster grey. Phoebe’s eyes were a dark forest green. She was what most men would call a “hot blonde” with big tits.

Blackness and silence… 
A live podcast was playing on my iPod as I stepped back into my bedroom. Everything I listened to lately was melancholic and dark… I guess because I was in a dark place.

When I checked my cellphone, I noticed that I had several missed calls from Stephen. I could have called him back, but I didn’t want to. I was supposed to go up to his parent’s lake house this weekend, but it was still difficult to be around him ever since I found out about the engagement. I felt like I had lost my best friend, even though he had promised that he wasn’t going anywhere. I suppose I was the one who was running away now.

As I sat at my desk, I switched on my laptop and avoided opening my manuscript that was saved in a word document. I would have to tackle my writing at a later time. When I opened my email account, my heart began to race. I had received an email from Crimson Diamond Hiring Staff. They had accepted my online application that I had sent last week, and wanted me to visit the club that night for a face to face interview. Of course my mother had no idea that I was seeking a part time job as a stripper—but money was tight and I had to pay for my university expenses somehow. My father had bailed when I was young, and my mother had never remarried. If I wanted to get ahead in life, I had to make some sacrifices along the way. Even though I had promised myself that I would never take my clothes off for money, I had lost all my faith in love and relationships… I just didn’t care about anyone’s opinion of me anymore. I had to look out for numero uno.

While my friends were making minimum wage working at fast food joints and busing tables, I wanted to make big time money and pay off my tuition as fast as possible. Working as a part-time stripper seemed like a great opportunity; not one that I would live to regret. I had made sure to do my research beforehand, and the Crimson Diamond gentleman’s club ranked first place as New York City’s finest stripper joint. I was guaranteed to make lots of money and I wouldn’t have to sleep around to do it. I wasn’t going to tell a soul, of course. The last thing I needed was my family and friends judging me. This would be my secret; my burden to carry.

I didn’t have Double D’s or any kind of plastic surgery, but apparently I looked attractive enough to make the cut. When I had applied online, they had asked for five photos: one head-shot, and several body shots from all angles: front, back, and sides. I had attached some professional photos of me in a black bikini and heels. One of my best friends had photographed me a month prior because she wanted to expand her portfolio. I got to keep the extra copies on a USB for free. I had fun doing the shoot because I had got my hair and makeup done and felt like a supermodel. Nothing was airbrushed or Photo-shopped in my pictures, but I would have been content with some bigger boobs and a bigger ass. Mom always told me that I should be grateful to God for blessing me with beauty… But it was hard to believe that sometimes. Every young woman and girl can be their own worst critic at times.

As I signed out of my email, my phone rang again. Stephen was calling. I felt an uncomfortable pull in my chest as I ignored the call. I just needed some space. Didn’t he understand that? Clearly not.

“Davina!” Mom called out. “Breakfast is ready!”

I finished getting dressed and headed downstairs to scarf down some homemade pancakes before I’d mentally prepare for tonight’s excursion.

♱ ♱ ♱ 
“What news do you bring, Michael?” said the Legion commander, Archangel Gabriel.

“Lucifer has found the girl.”

“You’re certain?”

“Our efforts to protect her have failed, Commander. We have a traitor among us.”

“We are fighting a holy war. There are bound to be deserters along the way,” Gabriel sighed as he walked across the Great White Hall of the Lord’s Throne Room. His long white wings dragged across the marble floor behind him; a glorious, divine being he was; flawless in his physical form and essence.

“Have you spoken to Him?” asked Michael.

“I have. Our benevolent Father has decided that it is best you intervene and protect the girl. If Lucifer succeeds… there will be Armageddon.”

Archangel Michael bowed on one knee before Gabriel and said, “I pledge my eternal allegiance to the Divine Order, the will of our God who is most merciful and pure, and to you, my gracious Commander.”

“I know, my trusted friend. Many have betrayed our Lord Creator, but you have proved your devout loyalty time and time again. That is why He has entrusted you with this mission. His unwavering faith in us is the reason why we must carry out His will; we are indebted to Him forever. Humanity is in desperate need of our help, and we have promised to protect the children of God.”

“Please disclose the details of my mission,” said Michael, rising to his feet. “I wish to leave at once so that I may ease your burdens.”

Gabriel stood in front of his Legion corporal and pressed his fingers to Michael’s temples. Shimmering white light began to radiate from his hands as the archangel was given the ability to see great visions in his mind. Gabriel used his power of telepathy to communicate.

Gallant warrior of light and love, you will fall from the Heavens and be reborn as Nephilim: a hybrid human with angelic powers. Although it has always been forbidden to us to mate with humans, this is the only way for you to enter the living dimension of mortals; to be cast down to a lower rank than what you truly are. You are to assume the identity of a university professor, so that you may be Davina Faire’s mentor and protector. The Lord Almighty forbids any relationship of a sexual or romantic nature. If you transgress and defy His orders, there will be consequences. Be warned. If you fail to obey such commands, the punishment is the cost of your wings. You will be stripped of your divine title, cast out from the Legion of Light and forsaken by our Father. Go now, Michael… Godspeed.

~♆~ 
Crimson Diamond’s gentleman’s club was packed that Friday night, as exotic dancers slid down brass poles on a T shaped stage. Many men in expensive suits were sitting around the stage with cigars in hand, blowing out hoops of smoke in the air. Seductive music blasted from the ceiling speakers, which only added to the dark and sexual atmosphere. A few waitresses dressed in tight short dresses walked by and served the customers some drinks while the women on the stage dominated the spotlight.

A hot redhead and long haired brunette slowly spun around their poles in six inch heels before they met in the middle, kissed each other on the mouth, and switched places. Their bodies were thin and flexible. The redhead had on a green green-string, and the brunette was wearing red pasties on her nipples. As she teasingly removed them, the men began to hoot and holler, waving wads of cash in the air. She lifted herself up on the pole and wrapped her toned thighs around it before she shifted herself upside and spread her legs in an open V. The foxy brunette slowly slid herself down and did the splits when her curvy bottom hit the floor of the stage. The men went wild with excitement as they showered her in Benjamins.

There was an abundance of cash to be collected that night, and all the dancers were enthusiastically performing to meet their own personal quotas. The Crimson Diamond gentleman’s club was like no other stripper joint; only the highest paying clientele visited this establishment because the most beautiful women of all ethnicities were hired.

A broad-shouldered bouncer stood at the entrance of the club and opened its doors to allow the new guests inside. A tall man with short black hair emerged. He was dressed in a tailored Italian suit and had a beautiful woman on each arm: a short haired Australian model, and a black African beauty from Ethiopia.

“We have the VIP section reserved for you tonight, Mr. Helstrom,” said the bouncer as he raised his Zippo and lit his boss’s cigar.

“Excellent, Frank. Lead the way.”

“I can’t believe you own this place!” said the African model as they sat on a long white lounge sofa.

“What does a gal like me have to do to marry a billionaire like you?”

The wealthy club owner chuckled and puffed out a ring of smoke in the air. His blue eyes glimmered with mischief and mystery. Women never seemed to be able to keep their hands off of him. He had the power of persuasion and sinful seduction.

“Seriously, Lucifer…” The Aussie woman giggled. “If you put a ring on my finger, I promise I will…” she leaned into his ear and whispered something too scandalous to be said out loud.

His handsome lips curved up into a wicked smile. The other woman started rubbing his thigh before she reached for the snake that was coming to life in his pants.

“I’m going to pull out your cock, right here, right now,” Blondie teased. “And when I’m done stroking that big monster, I’m going to—”

“Suck it hard!” Her friend cut in, laughing up a storm.

He seemed amused by the thought and ordered them some expensive bottle service as they continued to touch and caress him shamelessly. He was used to this kind of attention. Every day there was a new woman in his bed, and usually, it was more than one. Lucifer Helstrom was the wealthiest man in the world. As a smart and savvy business man, a vast amount of his wealth was procured through the shadow market of the industry; a market that most investors had to be initiated into through a secret society known as The Light Seekers.

The sassy Aussie lowered herself between Lucifer’s legs and unfastened his belt. His ginormous length had tented his trousers and she giggled with excitement when she managed to free “the monster.”

“Mmmm… you have such a beautiful cock.” She licked the swollen head and swirled her tongue around until he finally gave her that drizzle of pre-cum she’d been desperate to taste.

The nympho model sucked his entire length until his throbbing shaft was coated with her saliva. “… Such a delicious, juicy cock…” She bobbed her head up and down while she hungrily suctioned his hard and pulsing manhood.

Lucifer groaned in pleasure as stretched his arm back along the edge of the sofa and watched the dancers slide up and down the poles. His Australian model was all too eager to show off her oral skills and gave him an expert round of fellatio, to which he enjoyed to the fullest degree.

I own you, Lucifer thought, darkly. Every single one of you. All your souls belong to me. He gulped back his drink and kissed the chocolate skinned supermodel who sat next to him while the other woman proceeded to pleasure him. She was determined to make him melt in her mouth.

~oOo~ 
D A V I N A 
I was so nervous that I feared I would puke before I would even get inside the gentleman’s club. I was standing right across Crimson Diamond, and I felt incredibly uncomfortable in my own skin. Tight clothing and short dresses was just not my style, but I had to make an exception for this night. I had worn my hair down straight and was dressed in a tight black cocktail dress that showed ample cleavage. After watching several makeup tutorials on YouTube, I had managed to perfect my nighttime makeup look, but I still felt as if I was wearing too much.

I wasn’t sure if anyone heard me when I knocked on the entrance door; the building seemed to vibrate from all that loud music that was playing inside. But in a matter of seconds, a small window slid open and a pair of dark beady eyes glared at me.

“Yeah?” He said in a raspy tone.

“Um, I’m here to see Lida… she told me to—”

“Password.”

“Sorry?”

“Password!” The man coughed twice.

Shit, I forgot to memorize the code they had given me in the email. I began to panic, but then said, “Wait, I have it! Please give me a second…” I pulled out my phone and quickly accessed my email with quivering fingers.

“I don’t have all day, lady!” said the grumpy bouncer.

“Portae infernorum!” I said out loud, not realizing at first that the words were in Latin. Though, I wasn’t sure what they meant.

I heard a loud clank of a deadbolt as the heavy door screeched open. The man checked me up and down as if I were a delicious rack of ribs that he wanted to devour.

“Follow me,” he said.

I clutched my handbag and nervously followed the intimidating man down a narrow corridor that had red ceiling lights above me. My heart was pounding and I was having second thoughts about going through with this.

Davina enters the Devil’s den, I thought.

Turn around! My conscience begged. But it was too late for that. The bouncer opened another door that took me to the main lounge. I was awestruck and slapped with the harsh reality of what I was about to do with my body and reputation, if I were to get hired. The strippers looked amazingly hot, to be honest. I had underestimated how difficult it would be to work a pole properly; I had zero experience. I knew I could dance, but pole dancing wasn’t just something you picked up in a day; it was an art; a skill that was not mastered by many.

How the heck did I even land this interview? I’ve never done this before! Maybe they offer training sessions? I had so many questions that I needed to ask Lida, the staffing manager.

“Right this way,” said the bouncer as he directed me into a quiet office.

The room was spacious and tidy, filled with the usual office furnishings.

“Have a seat, he’ll be right with you.”

“Excuse me?” I almost chocked on my words. “He?”

“Yeah. The boss.”

Oh my God…

“Sit tight. I’ll let him know you’re here.”

Oh God, Oh God, Oh God…what if he asks me to give him a lap dance or go completely nude? I am so unprepared! This was such a bad idea!

I paced around the office and tried to get a grip. The minutes kept passing and this man that I was supposed to meet had still not shown up. I wanted to haul my ass out of there, but as soon as I reached for the door knob, it opened… And I nearly bumped right into the most devastatingly handsome man I had ever laid eyes on.

Instinctively, I took a step back and almost tripped on my heels.

“Whoa!” He grabbed me just in time. “You okay?”

“I’m so sorry!” My face flushed in heat.

He seemed to be charmed by evident embarrassment. I could hardly hold his seductive gaze as I stared down at my hands. “I-I thought… I was supposed to meet with the m-manager, and I assumed th-that—”

“This is your first time doing an interview like this, isn’t it?” He chuckled.

“That obvious, huh?”

The handsome man laughed in a good natured way and reached out his hand. “My name is Lucifer Helstrom. I’m the owner of this midnight establishment.”

I was so mesmerized by his attractive allure that I nearly forgot to introduce myself as I shook his hand. “I’m—”

“Davina Faire.” He finished my sentence and flashed a dimpled smile that was to die for. “I know very well who you are.”

My temperature instantly spiked in his presence. There was something about him… He seemed so charismatic and mysterious. Power can be perceived through appearance. Power is attractive and persuasive to us. Maybe that’s why I found him so… desirable.

“Please, have a seat, Miss Faire.”

I seated myself across from his desk and fidgeted with my hands.

“I would like to begin this interview with the following question,” he began. “Your answer is extremely critical to the outcome of your future employment here.” He leaned back in his black leather chair and kept his eyes fixed on me.

I swallowed hard and waited.

“Why do you want to work here? And be honest. I have a talent for knowing when someone is lying to me.”

Okay, Davi. Don’t screw this up.

“I need the money because I’m in school and finances are tight at home. My mom’s a single mother, raising my three younger siblings alone. I need to make enough cash to pay my way through college and help my family.”

His icy blue eyes seemed to pierce right through me.

“That is God’s honest truth,” I added.

Mr. Helstrom snickered under his breath.

Did I say something wrong?

“God does not exist in these walls, Miss Faire.”

I guess he’s an atheist. Oops.

“Thank you for your honesty.” He paused as I hoped for the best. “While I do sympathize with your situation, I don’t think this job will be a good fit for you.”

“Please, Mr. Helstrom,” I desperately voiced. “I know I have absolutely no dance experience, but I was under the impression that I could at least be trained.”

“We train all our dancers, yes… But like I said, you are just not the right kind of candidate for this job.”

I felt so rejected and hurt for some reason; I guess it showed on my face as he frowned.

“Please don’t take it personally. It’s actually a compliment that I say you are not the proper person for this position.”

I didn’t want a compliment. I needed the money.

Don’t cry, don’t cry…

“I’m sorry for wasting your time,” I said, standing up. “I’ll let myself out. It was a pleasure to meet you.”

As I headed for the door, he called out to me and said, “Wait.”

I turned around and faced him. I could have sworn he was undressing me with his eyes.

“Miss Faire, I normally don’t make these kinds of propositions, but seeing as your circumstance is unique and… forgive my boldness—dire, I would like to personally aid your cause and save you from your financial dilemma.”

Mr. Helstrom pulled out a shiny black card from his pocket and handed it to me.

“That’s my personal cell number on there,” he said. “I would like to hire you as my personal assistant.”

“But I’ve never worked as a—”

“How are your organization skills?”

“Um… exceptional, but—”

“And can you manage phone calls and make appointments for me?”

“I guess?”

“Yes, or no, Miss Faire.”

“Yes, I’m perfectly capable.”

“Excellent.” He grinned. “You’re hired.”

“But, Mr. Helstrom, I—”

“Are you trying to convince me not to hire you?”

“… No.”

“Then be grateful that I am placing my faith in you, Miss Faire. You start on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. sharp. The address is located on the card. My receptionist will give you further details when you enter the building on Monday.”

Holy crap. This was all happening so fast. How did I go from hoping to get hired as a stripper to landing a job as a novice personal assistant to a man who was wealthy and sexy as hell!

“I… I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet. I might fire you on the spot depending on your performance.” He smirked.

I blushed like an idiot and wanted to hide my face. He was just GQ-model perfect.

“The Devil’s in the industry, my dear,” said Mr. Helstrom. “Be careful who you trust. One should always be vigilant. You’re drop dead gorgeous, but a beauty with brains belongs behind a desk, not a stripper pole.”

Drop dead gorgeous? Me? There was no way this man believed that was I stunning. I felt so average compared to the big-boobed vixens I had seen earlier on that stage. I was just a nerdy college girl trying to get by in this fucked up world.

“I appreciate the opportunity, Mr. Helstrom,” I finally said. “I won’t let you down.”

He opened the door for me as we cordially exchanged a polite farewell. The same bouncer that had been my guide, led me through the lounge to the entrance. But before he opened the big iron door, he reached into his pocket and handed me a tarot card. I recognized it at once: The Lovers were the sixth trump or Major Arcana card in a traditional deck.

“Mr. Helstrom told me to give this to you. If you should find your way back here again, just flash this card and I’ll let you in—no questions asked.”

I was speechless.

“Um, thank you.”

He followed me outside and signaled me a cab. Then he paid the cabby and told me that he was just following orders at Mr. Helstrom’s request. I insisted that I could pay my own fare, but he didn’t take no for an answer.

~oOo~ 
When I got home, I felt so drained: spiritually and physically, even though I hadn’t really exerted myself. The house was dark and I quietly tried to tiptoe up the stairs when I found my mother waiting for me at the top.

“Davina, it’s one in the morning. Where have you been?”

“Out,” I quietly answered, brushing past her.

She followed me into my bedroom and had her hands on her hips when I turned around.

“That wasn’t an answer,” she said. “Try again.”

“You know, Mom, just yesterday you were complaining about how I don’t get out enough and should go on dates instead of being glued to my laptop 24/7 in attempt to write a novel of a lifetime… And now you’re upset that I came home late because I was at a party, trying to socialize? I’m not a child.”

“I am not upset, Davina. I was just worried. You didn’t even send me a text to let me know that you are all right. You know why I get paranoid. Your uncle passed away in a car accident during his college years from a party he had attended one night.”

“Because he was driving drunk, Mother! I don’t even drink, or smoke, or do drugs! Cut me some slack, please.”

“Sweetheart, while you are living under my roof, there are some rules you need to respect. Asking you to just text that you are safe is not an unreasonable request.”

I hated how she’d guilt trip me whenever it was convenient for her. But at the end of the day, she was my mother and had sacrificed a lot for me. I didn’t want to argue, so I gave her a hug and apologized.

“I’m sorry I worried you, Mom. I promise I’ll text next time.”

She kissed my cheek and cupped my face. “You are my only daughter. I don’t want to lose you.”

“We all die someday.”

“Don’t be so morbid.” Mom grimaced. “Yes, death is inevitable. But you have a long way to go before you enter the pearly white gates of Heaven.”

Ha! Good one! If only you knew where I was tonight. You might revoke your statement.

She gave me a wistful smile and said goodnight before she left me alone in my room. There was no way I could have told her where I had actually ventured to. She would have been so disappointed in me and would have jumped to the outrageous conclusion that I was possessed. My mother was a devout Catholic woman, and even though I considered myself agnostic, I respected her beliefs and still went to church from time to time—for her sake.

After I undressed and brushed my teeth, I settled into bed and stared up at my ceiling. Tonight had felt like a dream; a beautiful, crazy, scary, and exciting dream. I couldn’t get Lucifer Helstrom out of my mind.

And so, Alice falls deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole.

That night I dreamed about the last chapter I had written in my story: I was standing out on a terrace, gazing out at the city at night, and a man with muscular arms was holding me from behind. He whispered something in my ear in Latin before I faced him and kissed his lips like a woman possessed.

Music in Chapter:

♫ tbyalx- Adored

♫ Teos- Disappear