“Bro, are you serious? I feel like a broken record telling you the same shit over and over,” Caiden ridiculed.
“What? I just called Viana to swing over for a bit last night, and she brought her friend with her. I didn’t plan for this, it just happened!” Vantz defensively half-whispered.
“And I suppose this vial of Mania isn’t yours, either?” Caiden asked.
“Now, that shit right there, no way in hell is that mine. I don’t do Mania unless there’s a VR machine present; don’t wanna lose my shit. Huh, no wonder Viana’s friend was extra touchy-feely last night. Dude, I wish you were here to see it! She was already half naked when she came over.”
“I know, I know, you took ‘em both down, right?” Caiden interrupted, laughing and shaking his head. Vantz offered a slick smile in return.
“So, how was your weekend?” Vantz asked.
Caiden paused before he answered, tempted to tell his friend about the truth. He opted for a simple, “Eh, the usual. Nothing special.”
“Is that so? You look pretty damn exhausted. Come on, you pick up some ladies? Go to some parties? Pop a couple pills, do some lines. Anything?” Vantz grilled him for answers.
“Nah, just a solo trip to take care of some things,” Caiden quietly replied.
“What a shame. Well, we’re gonna change that shit tonight, dude. Got a call from one of my buddies who co-manages Club Cosmica. Said he’s gonna get us VIP access tonight!” Caiden gave him a deadpan stare. “No, no, no! Don’t give me that look, man. When’s the last time you kicked it with me, huh? You’re not spending all damn night on CWR again like you did last time. Come out with us and relax! Live a little!” Vantz said with determination to show his friend a good time.
Caiden cupped his head in his hand and gave out a long begrudging sigh. “Alright. Fine. You win. You were gonna bother me until I said yes anyway. What time are we heading out?” he replied.
“Yes! That’s what I’m talkin’ about! Wasn’t so hard, was it? We’re gonna head there around midnight. That’s when things really pick up, and the women arrive in droves. Oh, and guess what else? We have a limo coming to pick us up! We’re goin’ in style, my good man!” Vantz proclaimed. Caiden put his hands up, ceding to Vantz’s incessant prodding. He smiled and headed toward his room.
“Oh hey! We were gonna head out right now and grab a bite to eat. Wanna come with?” Vantz asked.
“Nah, I’m good. But bring me back something, though,” Caiden said
“I’ll think about it.” Vantz said in jest. He walked off to get ready, tapping both the girls awake; they were completely disoriented. Vantz chuckled and made his way to the shower. Viana looked to her left, after rubbing her eyes and saw Caiden. She let out a tiny gasp, embarrassed at her disheveled appearance.
“Oh, hey Caide. How you been?” she managed to squeak through her raspy morning voice.
“I’m cool” he replied, trying to hold in his laughter.
“Oh! Uh, this is my friend, Penny,” she continued.
Penny was standing by the couch. She had velvety, smooth skin and a rosy, pale complexion with high cheek bones. Her hair was a dark chestnut brown, shoulder length and free flowing. Her torso was partially covered by a loose maroon tank top with one strap hanging off her shoulder near her upper arm. The tank top did little to hide her ample breasts. She had an amazing hourglass figure; she obviously took very good care of herself. She was a thirst trap for all men who laid eyes on her. She floated to Caiden, looking him up and down, stopping only a foot away from his face.
“Um, Penny? Earth to Penny?” Viana nervously asked. Penny’s smile was faint and predatory. She licked her lips hungrily.
“My name’s Penny. It’s very nice to meet you, Caide. Heard a lot about you,” Penny stated.
He gazed deep into her sizzling amber eyes. His golden eyes intrigued her. Like he was stripping her naked with his eyes, alone. He held out his hand, gesturing for a handshake.
“Nice to meet you Penny,” he said, maintaining a strange stoic expression on his face while keeping his distance from her. He gently released her hand and made his way toward his room.
“Penny! What the fuck was that?” Viana mouthed while giggling in disbelief. Penny seemed star stricken.
“I want him,” Penny said breathily. She instinctively stepped forward to follow him, when she felt a hand grab her wrist.
“Penny, contain yourself,” Viana said half laughing, half serious.
“If not now, then when?” Penny anxiously asked..
“We’re all going to Club Cosmica tonight, right? Talk to him then,” Viana suggested.
Viana could relate to Penny in some degree. But he intimidated her far more than aroused her. She could sense an underlying intensity so powerful, that it that sent a terrifying chill up her spine. It had the opposite effect on her friend. It didn’t frighten Penny in the least. It made her moist, and drove her mad with desire. She loved men like him. Viana understood the appeal all too well, but she was beginning to fall for Vantz.
“You should see him with his shirt off!” Viana stated, gesturing with her hands to indicate of his chiseled frame. Penny smiled dangerously and looked off in the direction where he walked.
Meanwhile, Caiden entered his room and closed the door behind him. He tossed his bag in a corner then flopped face first onto his bed. He turned over on his back and let out a long sigh as the muscles in his body loosened. He rolled onto the pillow, eyelids getting heavier. The shadows distorted and shifted.
He adjusted his head on the pillow for more comfort as he stared at the greyish-white ceiling of his room. He was intrigued by the bizarre interaction he had with Penny,
