V I R I D I T Y

Alexia:

I hate him.

I hate him with every fiber in my being.

I hate what he did to me- To us.

I hate that he broke my trust.

But most of all, I hate that I still love him.

You're probably wondering what the fuck I'm going on about, so I'm going to start from the beginning.

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Flashback:

April 18th, 2012.

"Lex. You're working VIP tonight." My manager, Julia told me, as I walked into the club that evening.

I groaned loudly. I absolutely hate working VIP. Men do not know how to keep their hands to themselves, especially when they're drunk. Also, they think just because they paid a little extra money, they're entitled to violate my personal space or touch me without my fucking permission. I'd rather work behind the bar. I felt safer there.

"But Jules, you know I hate working in VIP." I said.

"Yes hon, I know. But we're short-staffed tonight, so I need you out there, please? I'll make it worthwhile. I'll give you a week's paid vacation." She promised.

"Fine." I relented, heading in the back to place my bag in my locker.

I headed back to the front of the club, going behind the bar.

"Hey girl. You working back here with me tonight?" Jonathan, one of my best friends and one of the bartenders asked.

"Not tonight Jonny. I got stuck working in VIP." I pouted, and he patted my hand in sympathy.

"Hang in there, babe. I know you don't like working in VIP, but at least Maddox is working up there tonight." I perked up immediately, making him chuckle.

Maddox was my other friend. He was big, huge, and scary looking. Which is an advantage in being a bouncer.

But, he was a gentle giant and a little bit of a teddy bear. Unless you pissed him off, of course.

Then he was the scariest motherfucker on earth.

With him working tonight, I felt a little better about being in VIP, because I knew he would look out for me.

"Great! It's been a while since we've been on the same shift together." I said.

I checked my watch and sighed.

"I'll see you later. The place is starting to fill up. Movies after work though?" I asked hopefully.

"Yeah baby doll, I got you. Now go before the wicked bitch of the west comes back here." He said, referring to the owner's daughter, Nicki.

Nicki was your stereotypical blonde bimbo, who thought she ruled everyone and everything just because daddy is the owner of the club.

She didn't like me because I'm not the one to fuck with and I put her in her place every time she tries to start shit with me.

I remembered the first time I had done it, she had run to her father and complained, demanding that I be fired, while I just stood there and watched the both of them with my arms crossed.

"Was there a reason that you were rude to my daughter, Ms. Valentine?"

"Yes. I was trying to do my job, and she was obstructing me from doing so. When I told her politely that I needed to go do my job, she started to mouth off and throw her status around. I'm sorry, Mr. Stevens, but I don't allow anyone to disrespect me or treat me lower than them, no matter their status. So feel free to fire me if you want." I had stated calmly.

He seemed to measure me up for a moment, before nodding.

"I respect that, Ms. Valentine. You have a backbone. That's good. I apologize for my daughter's behavior. I tried to raise her right, but it seems that she's gotten her mother's worst qualities." Nicki's mouth dropped opened in shock.

It was no secret that Mr. Stevens held nothing but disdain for his ex wife, especially after she tried to take him for everything he had.

"Nicki. Apologize to Alexia, now." He glared at his daughter, and she sputtered.

"But daddy-"

"No buts. Don't forget that just because I agreed to let you stay here, doesn't mean that you run anything here, especially my employees. Now apologize."

Instead of apologizing, she let out a frustrated scream, storming past me, and bumping my shoulder roughly.

I was really fucking tempted to grab her back by the hair, and backhand her but I held onto my composure because I was still in front of her father, my boss.

That definitely would've been too far.

Ever since that day, she has made it a point to push my buttons, and I really don't want to go to jail for dragging a bitch.

I'm pulled out of my reminiscing when I heard her nasally ass voice coming closer in my direction, and I jetted.

"Talk later, Jonny." I called out as I walked away.

Let's get this horrible shift started.

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Two hours later:

I walked outside for my ten minute break, standing close to the entrance of the club with Maddox beside me.

I pulled a cigarette out of my pocket, taking my lighter and lighting it.

I took a slow drag, and Maddox watched me in disapproval.

"You know I hate to see you smoking." His deep voice rumbled and I rolled my eyes, slowly exhaling.

"Yes, I know Maddox, but I need it tonight. Especially after dealing with those pompous assholes in VIP." I took another pull, looking up at the dark starless night.