Chapter 1
Oasis was a nightclub hidden down a shady looking graffiti tagged alley lit by the soft glow of neon lights. In the asymmetrical niches of the narrow street people mingled, some smoked, and others were entangled in passionate embraces. Lani gripped tighter on her best friend's hand, the anxiety of being in an unknown place made her feel uneasy.
"You trust me, don't you?" Stacy asked, Lani's discomfort like an anchor dragging against the seafloor. She slowed her confident strides to a halt as they approached a dark decent of stairs.
"Yeah Stace, I trust you." She took a steading breath, "I'm okay, let's go. I want to see this place you can't shut up about." Lani smiled and lead the way down the dark steps. Ahead, a line of people had already gathered by the brightly lit entryway of the nightclub. Beautiful men and women in scant clothing shuffled slowly into the source of the muffled thumping music. The space abuzz with the hum of light conversation and excitement. Lani admired the painted mural on the building's faΓ§ade of a dessert landscape decorated with palms and tall obelisks that seemed to shrink the doorframe, making the people feel small.
"No line for us, follow me." Stacy snickered quietly and walked like royalty with her chin held high and chest out. Lani followed behind, feigning the same confidence with her best imitation. A tall bouncer stopped them at the red velvet rope, his muscles bulging in a tight black T-shirt.
"Hold on a sec, not so fast you two. Are you a member?" He looked at the two women expectantly, scrutinizing.
"Yes, I am. Here you go." Stacy replied and Lani saw his lips spread into a wicked smile as she pulled her VIP lanyard from between her breasts and flashed it towards the man to read. The bouncer licked his lips,
"I'll need to see some ID for your plus one." His gaze drifting over Lani, who pulled forth the document from her small clutch. He looked it over quickly and continued, "Everything appears to be in order, come on through ladies." He said more professionally as he unclipped the rope and gestured for them to enter.
The air within was clouded with a combination of hookah smoke, perfume, and sweat. Pulsing music vibrated through the space like a frantic heartbeat that reverberated through their chests. The warm glow of neon and graffiti welcomed them to venture deeper as Stacy led them directly to the bar, brushing past swaths of people moving from the dancefloor to plush seating areas and tables. The bar top was made of cool white stone and behind it an array of expensive looking spirits and cocktail garnishes that could cater to any taste.
"Good evening and welcome to Oasis." Said the freckled redhead behind the bar cleaning up from the last round of drinks.
"Hi, can we set up a tab? Cute top by the way" Stacy responded, bringing a smile to the bartenders' face. The top shimmered and became sheer with the slightest movement, showing off her floral tattoo sleeves and fit body.
"Thanks so much! Card and ID's please, I'd be happy to get that started for you." Stacy overtly admired the woman.
"Great! I fully authorize my friend here to order drinks and cut me off later." Stacy laughed and Lani smiled shyly before she handed over her ID. She stepped away to the POS for a moment then returned to ask,
"What can I get you started with tonight?" Stacy leaned against the bar top to be heard over the music that had increased in intensity; her breast almost spilling out of the top of her dress.
"Tequila Sunrise, it's busy tonight, so make it a double please."
"I'll have a Painkiller, thanks." Lani added, her senses already overstimulated. She felt awkward and out of place as her friend casually flirted.
"Take a seat, I'll have your drinks right out." The bartender hurried off, as more people approached and would need to be served next. The two women sat on the tall stools and took the moment to catch up.
"I'm so glad you decided to join me tonight, I've really missed you these past few months." Stacy grabbed Lani's hand, trying to comfort her friend and give her something to ground herself to.
"Yeah, sorry. I had that huge project at work and they pushed the deadline up on us. It was hell in the art department for a while." Lani felt a pang of guilt from the lack of free time and let out a long sigh.
"Was it that bitch Karen again?" Stacy questioned with a noticeable bite in her voice.
"Eh, I mean I don't know for sure. She can be malicious like that and I wouldn't put it past her to do it for the power trip. Whatever reason, I'm just glad it's finally over and I don't have to think about it anymore."
"You're right, we should be loosening up and having a good time." She scanned the large room full of people scattered about in small groups. Stacy's eyes lingered on the glistening muscles of a man grinding with a curvaceous woman on the main dancefloor, his fingers sinking into her bare hips as they danced together. They watched until the bartender returned with their drinks and set them down on napkin squares in front of them.
"Let me know if you need anything else ladies." She said before darting away to skillfully mix drinks together for other patrons. They sat at the bar and chatted; Lani sipped her drink while Stacy guzzled hers down. They were both feeling a nice buzz when Stacy got up.
"Come on, dance with me." She begged and began pulling Lani out of her seat. Lani was reluctant at first but yielded to the experience, trying to embrace the chaotic energy of the club that Stacy seemed to thrive on.
The song that thrummed through the surround speakers was slowly building with layers of sounds. Stacy danced close to Lani, her hands caressing her friend with carnal eroticism. Lani closed her eyes as she felt Stacy's hands travel along the silken dress that accentuated her curves. Her touch starved body reacting instantly to the delicate hands that squeezed her hips and slid up to her chest and neck. Stacy's hot breath tickled her ear with praise,
"You are such a good slut, I love it!" Stacy paused to suck on her earlobe and Lani moaned, the sound drowned out by the music. "A few guys are watching us right now and enjoying the show. Take your pick, I feel like sharing tonight." Lani shuddered at the offer and opened her eyes to scan the room.
It didn't take long for her to see the athletic streetwear-clad hunk with dark eyes and slicked-back black hair paying them more attention than the others. He had been a magnet on the dancefloor and was surrounded by a few gorgeous women, all vying for his attention. His metallic accessories glittered in the party lights as he danced with confident strides and competed with Stacy as they both caressed their respective dance partners sensually.