Fight Men Not Love

Chapter Seven

I managed to escape Avel's side and went to get dressed. I slipped on the dress and took the cheque as well.

I heard someone come into the changing room, through the back door. I turned to see Randy, peering outside. When he turned to me, his eyes softened.

"Sorry," he said. "I thought I'd find you here," he walked over, after locking the door. He looked around at the room.

"I'm the only one here," I told him softly. He nodded. He went to the sink and opened all the taps, to drown our voices. Once he was done, he walked over to where I was.

"This Friday, evening, we're leaving," he tells me quietly, despite the water being noisy.

"Really?" I was elated by the news. "How are we leaving though?" I frowned at him. It won't be that easy.

Randy hesitated, swallowing hard. He placed his hand on my arm gently. "Do you trust me?" He inquired.

"Of course, I trust you, Randy." I said without a doubt. He nodded, happy with my response.

"There's a man I contacted. He's going to help us escape this place. We can trust him, okay? He's a good guy," he tells me.

I bit my lip, contemplating whether to trust this man or not. I have to put my life in another man, again. I was sceptical about that.

"If you trust him, then I trust your judgement," I told Randy quietly. He smiled, nodding.

"You can trust him, Evelyn. I promise, he's one of the good ones," he tells me. "I know him personally. His name is Dominic Sullivan and he has a daughter, about 4 years. He agreed to help us,"

The more I learnt about this man, the more I felt at ease with this. I nodded to Randy.

"I trust you," I said quietly.

He pulled me into a hug and I relaxed into his arms. "We're going to be okay," he told me quietly, resting his chin on top of my head. "I'm going to get you out of here and you'll be okay," I nodded against his chest, tears trickling down my face. I was too happy and emotional.

Randy pulled back to look down at me, frowning at my tears. I smiled, my eyes darting between his. "We're going to be okay," I said softly. He nodded, smiling at me. He wiped the tears from my eyes.

"I need you to try and get your things from Avel's place. Everything that's important, bring it to me. It'll be easier that way," he tells me. "Try not to be suspicious about it,"

"I think I can do that," I nodded.

"Good," he said. I've never felt so giddy. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

"I'm so happy," I said giggling quietly. "This feels like a dream," he smiled at me, tightening his arms around me. "I was thinking that maybe we could go to Brazil or something. I think I might have a family there. I just need to find them. Or we could go anywhere you like. It doesn't matter,"

Randy let out a small smile. He pulled me to rest my head on his chest. "We can go anywhere you like, Evelyn," he said softly. "Anywhere," I detected a little hesitation in his voice. I'd assumed he wasn't fully sure about the situation at hand. Or maybe it was the nerves kicking in.

I was too happy that we were finally getting out of this hellhole.

●

Throughout the week, I was on edge and super nervous. Avel was constantly in my case. It was as if he knew I'd be leaving him. I tolerated more of his nonsense, knowing I won't be dealing with it anytime in the near future.

I've been performing every night. Usually, I'd do 2 or 3 performances per week. Avel felt the need to give me extra work because we needed the extra money.

I managed to get my things from his place. I'd told him it was just my clothes that I'd need for when I'm at the club and the i***t believed me.

Darnel came over to pester me again. He'd tried to convince me to let him buy a car or a house for me. Having realized how Avel was treating me, he wanted to get me away, offering protection.

Who was going to protect me from him and his brother?

It was my final dance tonight and as usual, the club was packed. I summoned Phoenix for the last time today. I decided that I'd keep Phoenix. She gave me strength when I needed it. I still need her.

I'd forget what the world was like. Avel was always on my side, watching my every move, hence I never got the chance to live.

Fuck, I forgot how to live without him. He'd consumed my every move.

I looked around the club, panting softly as I fought the urge to bolt out this place already. I spotted Randy talking to one of the man in suits. He had sandy hair and I couldn't see his face clearly. I saw him nod and got up quietly. Another man sat next to him stood as well, following the man.

Randy met my eyes and nodded. He was Dominic. Reality settled in. I'm leaving. I got down when Avel motioned for me. I walked over to him, eyeing the man standing next to him.

"Little love, go get dressed and meet me in my office," he told me.

"Yes Master," I said quietly, eyeing the man. For once, I noticed his eyes weren't looking at my body. He was stuck looking at my face. I cleared my throat, feeling warmth spread across my cheek.

What the hell?

I hurried to the changing room. I put on the navy dress that hug my figure perfectly. I put on the creamy coat I had with me. It was a little chilly outside today.

I hurried back to the office to see both the men I saw earlier, talking to Avel. They both turned to look at me. I went to sit in my spot quietly, waiting for whatever was to come.

"That's going to cost you, I hope you're aware," Avel said to the men. There was silence and I saw the man with sandy hair reaching into his pocket and took out what I assumed was a cheque. He threw it at Avel. I almost laughed at the obvious disrespect, whilst the shorter man snickered under his breath.

I almost watched as Avel's eyes widened, looking at the cheque. He looked up at the man.

"Mr Sullivan, you're willing to give this much for one night?" Avel inquired, shocked.

"No," the man, Mr Sullivan, said. Avel frowned. "She's coming with me," the man said.

"For good," the short man added.

I watch Avel's face change. There was uncertainty in his eyes. He was conflicted between taking me or the money. I hope the money was enough to toss me out.

Then he laughed, folding the pieces of paper. "The sweetest deal I've ever gotten. How could I refuse?" I almost sighed out loud, relieved.

"That's a wise decision, right there," the short man said, standing up. He walked over to me and held out his hand. I eyed it, unsure what to do. I wasn't informed about this man. "Come on, we're leaving," he lets me know quietly.

That was enough to get me up. I gripped his hand and stood up. He walked with me out, leaving Mr Sullivan behind. He walked us to the lounge area. He sat down and pulled me down with him.

"I'm Killian, by the way," he tells me, eyeing me.

"Phoenix," I murmured softly.

"Is that your real name or...?" He asked. I looked down, biting my lip gently. I didn't know whether to tell him my real identity. The man did just save me from the monster. "Okay, we're not talking," he acknowledged. I hoped I didn't make him angry.

The other man came over to us then, sitting down next to me. I was sandwiched between the two men. "Okay, we're clear. The fucker is blinded by the money. Where's Randall?" He said.

"The bar," Killian answered. "How much did you give him, Nick?" He eyed the man.

"It doesn't matter," he mumbled, looking at me.

"Of course it does," Killian pressed. There was silence and it was clear Mr Sullivan wasn't willing to talk. "Tell me i***t,"

"R100," was all he said.

"R100K?" Killian asked.

"No," I gulped, realizing how much this man lost in order to save me.

"Million?!" I flinched at the harsh tone. "What the f**k man? Are you out of your goddamn mind?"

"It's just money," Dominic mumbled, looking down at his phone.

"Of course, it's just money. You literally just signed away Inez's inheritance, you i***t. For someone you don't even know," he said. I bit my lip, looking down.

"Can you shut the f**k up? I didn't give away your money, right? Then stop worrying about s**t that doesn't concern you," Dominic said angrily. "You're scaring her,"

"Man, f**k this s**t," I flinched away when he stood up. He left without another word.

Now they're fighting because of me. Where even is Randy? I didn't want to cause trouble for anyone.

"I'm sorry," I apologized quietly.

"No, don't apologize. Killian is just an i***t. You did nothing wrong, okay?" I nodded quietly, not knowing what else to say. "I'll get you out of here, okay?" He said softly. For some reason, his voice was soothing. It calmed me instantly.

"Thank you," I said genuinely.

"Are you ready to go?" Randy came over to us. He sat on the table, eyeing me. He grabbed my hands, a smile on his face. "I told you this would work out. You're finally free," he said. The joy in his voice brought tears to my eyes. I nodded, smiling at him.

"I'll meet you guys in the car," Dominic said softly, giving us privacy. I watched him leave before turning to Randy.

"He seems okay," I said quietly.

"He is. You'll be safe with him," he nodded.

"His friend doesn't seem to like me though," I pouted, thinking back to the last conversation.

"Who? Killian?" Randy asked me. I nodded. His face changed into a scowl. "I'm not surprised. He's an ass," he grumbled under his breath.

"What?" I watched Randy closely. He rolled his eyes and sighed.

"I may or may not have hooked up with him a while ago," he admitted quietly. My eyes widened at the news. "Don't. It was an idiotic move and I regret it,"

"You don't like him?" I frowned at that. He shook his head.

"Not anymore at least. Besides, he found someone else, the last time I checked," he mumbled. He sounds so sad. I gave his hand a squeeze. "Anyway, let me go get your stuff. You can go ahead and wait for me outside," he said.

I nodded and stood up. My heart was beating so hard, I could feel it in my ears. I was both excited and nervous about this.

This is it.

I spotted Dominic arguing with Killian outside and decided to give them space. I waited a little further from them, though I could still hear what they were talking about.

"You know what your f*****g problem is? You're f*****g too nice. That s**t is going to ruin you, Nick," I heard Killian said.

"That's my problem not yours. Now let this go before I punch you. Weren't you supposed to be with Jackson or something?" I heard Dominic say.

"Very funny, dickhead. You know Jackson and I broke things off," I smiled at the news. At least he's suffering somehow.

"That's what you get for being a manwhore," I heard Dominic chuckle at that. "If you had stayed with Randall, you wouldn't be heartbroken over Jackson,"

"Shut up, I don't need you to tell me how my love life is f****d up," Killian grumbled.

"Why did Jackson break things with you again?" Dominic taunted him.

"Shut up," Killian snapped.

"Oh poor you," Dominic said chuckling at his friend.

Randy came out then, carrying my bag. He eyed Dominic and Killian as he walked over to me. "Here, I have added some money for you, in case you need it," Randy said. I frowned.

"Wait what?" I frowned at him. His eyes couldn't meet mine as he furrowed his brows. "Randy, you're coming with me, right?" His mouth opened and closed, no words coming out. "Randall, please. Don't do this," I gripped the front of his shirt, tears trickling down my face.

"It's okay. I'll be okay, I promise," he said, cupping my face. His eyes glossed over.

"Y-you lied to me," I choked, shaking my head. "Randall, you p-promised,"

"I know, but you have to listen to me," he said, his voice breaking. "It'll be okay. Once everything is okay, I'll come and find you, okay? I'll find you,"

"How are you going to find me if you're dead?!" I shrieked, crying outloud. This can't be happening. "Randall, please. You have to come with me,"

"You'll be okay with Dominic. He'll keep you safe until I-"

"What about you? Randall, Avel's going to hurt you a-and then I'll be all alone a-and no no no," I cried as Randall pulled me in for a hug. He held me tightly as I cried.

"Nothing will happen to me. You have to trust me," he said softly, hugging me. "I'll be okay. When all this is over, I'll find you and we can go anywhere you like, okay?" I shook my head, crying.

Images of ruthless Avel flooding my mind. He'd killed more people than I can count, right in this club. Randall knew this as well and he's choosing to remain behind. What if he's next? I can't lose him.

Randall picked me up bridal style and walked to the car. The door clicked open behind me. Randall placed me in and I clutched his shirt.

"Phoenix, let me go," he said quietly. I held tighter as he pried my fingers off of him. "You have to let go,"

"You don't understand. You're not safe in there," I said shaking my head. "You have to come with me,"

"I'll be okay," he said crouching down. "You have to trust me, Phoenix," he was pleading with me but my brain couldn't accept that I have to leave without him. "Please believe me when I tell you I'll be fine. I've been here longer than you have. I'll be okay," he said. He gave my forehead a light kiss. "I'll see you soon, okay?"

Somehow, he managed to pry my fingers off of. He rushed to close the door, before I can scramble out. I rattled the doorhandle and the car was locked.

"Randall!!" I bashed the window, looking back to see his head hung low. He turned and walked in, not even glancing my way.

My heart plummeted to my stomach when the car started moving. This is it.

He's leaving me. Just like that.

●

UNEDITED