30 - Matric Dance P2

SOLEIL

I head back in the direction of the hall meeting Mark halfway. He looks worried and it makes me feel kinda guilty. If he'd taken a minute longer I would've been caught in a liplock. The tension was thick and I think Brice was about to kiss me. Lord knows I would have let him. He had me weak in the knees and I was holding on for dear life.

Girl you were swooning like a silly character, my snarky subconscious mocks me.

I shake the embarrassing thought away.

I'm going to have to explain myself. Mark and his parents were gracious enough not to pry too much when they asked after my parents back at Gogo's house.

Aunt Michelle told them they were victims of gun violence when our loft got broken into and robbed. That however doesn't excuse why I was in the arms of another guy.

Mark has got to have the worst timing because he keeps catching me in comprising positions with Brice. I shake off the embarrassment that resurges at the memory us making out on his bed at the Halloween party and take a deep breath.

"I'm sorry I ran out like that. I just needed to be alone for a minute," I say once I'm standing in front of him.

He takes a beat to regard me and then asks, "Is this about your parents?"

I nod.

"Can we not talk about this right now?"

He takes a hold of my hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze.

"Do you want to chill out here for a bit or are you ready to go back in?"

"We can go back," I answer leading the way.

Just when I think I've dodged an unnecessary bullet, he asks, "And what did he want?

I guess he shall not be named for more reasons than I care to count.

I shrug my shoulders and nonchalantly say, "He also knows." Not wanting to make a big deal out of this.

"Why would you tell him but not me?" Mark asks looking hurt.

I didn't exactly tell him. He invaded my mind and found out.

An unpleasant shiver runs through me when I think back on the force Brice exerted over me that night and how I felt out of it for a while thereafter.

He's not just the resident badboy, he's dangerous with more power than most can comprehend. Even I sometimes don't want to dwell too much on who or rather what he is.

"He kinda forced it out of me," I utter in exasperation.

"Figures," Mark comments with a derisive snort.

Thankfully, the topic is dropped once we re-enter the hall as the principal announces the Prefects Dance that will open the floor for the rest of the matrics.

Mark takes the lead and we stand in position ready for the music to begin our Waltz. Everything is going smoothly until I feel my eyes drawn in a particular direction.

I catch Brice staring at me. He gives me a quick wink and I step on Mark's feet.

"Shit, I'm sorry," I apologise.

"Don't worry, just focus on me."

And I do until the music comes to an end and we say goodnight to our respective families. I have every intention of staying away from him for rest of the night, for the sake of my date and dignity.

I don't like being stuck between the two but it seems like fate has a sick sense of humour because that's exactly where I find myself seated when we enter the dining hall and take our places at the various tables. To my left is Brice and on my right is Mark .

I never bothered myself with the seating arrangements because my best friend, Charlondra, couldn't be bothered to attend let alone at the last minute. She's currently on Safari with her parents at the Nairobi National Park in Kenya.

I'm excited to head to the States in a couple of weeks for Comic Con and to visit my family. I don't think I've ever looked forward to the holidays as much as I look forward to this one. If I can just get through tonight-

"What's on your mind?" Brice asks, pulling me out of my musings.

"Nothing much, just family and the holidays."

He doesn't say anything. Just looks at me for a second too long before placing his large hand on my lap and giving me a squeeze. Of course this manages to catch Hailey's attention and she sends another glare my way.

I look over to my right and try tune into Mark and Tsepho's conversation. They're talking about the local soccer. I promptly tune out of the PSL chats.

Palesa is conversing with Jessica Howes who's seated next to Brandon her date. He's talking to Hidde who's seated next to Jessica Andrews, his date, who's gossiping with Hailey based on the hushed tones of their voices as they look across the table one over.

I poke at the shrimp and push around the peas on my plate. It's not bad. Actually, the seafood is fresh and well seasoned. It's just that Brice's hand seems to have set off the butterflies in my tummy making the food hard to stomach.

I attempt to move his hand only for him to end up lacing our fingers together. His grip is like a vice. I catch the amused smile at the corner of his lips before he forks in another mouthful.

He cannot be serious right now. He looks awkward eating with just his left hand but he keeps going as if nothing is amiss while I give him the side eye.

"So Brice, what are your plans for the holidays?" I ask, breaking the tension that's been buillding from the moment we sat down.

He sets his fork down and turns to face me.

"Going on vac in Plett and you?"

"Visiting family overseas."

"Interesting. Where overseas?"

"The States."

"Which State?"

"Why Plett and not La Lucia?" I ask in turn trying to steer him away from his interrogation of my life.

"When were you going to tell me you're leaving the country?" he continues, his grip becoming impossibly tighter.

"I wasn't," I grit out trying to retrieve my hand that's currently going numb. "Let go, you're hurting me," I mutter under my breathe.

Thankfully, he does and goes back to his meal.

I don't know how he's able to ignore his date but I can't stand the heat of her gaze when I feel her watching us. I haven't spoken to Hailey since she called me a bitch on Halloween. Damn, this is awkward. I guess I'd be mad too only to remember they're somehow now siblings. I tuck that piece of information away to explore another day and play nice.

"You look lovely, Hailey. Your dress is really beautiful." I take a moment to admire the silk, deep red material that compliments her pale skin and matches her lipstick perfectly. "And of course you're beautiful too," I add.

"Thanks, I guess." Brice sets his cutlery down and finally pays attention to his date. They stare at each other for a moment before she turns back to me. "You look... nice."

The smile she levels me with looks forced. I stretch my lips trying to be genuine but I have a feeling it mimics hers.

"Who designed your dress?" I ask.

"The House of Dior. Yours?"

"Gugu Gombela"

"Who?"

"She's an up and coming designer set to debut her collection at Fashion Week," I brag proudly.

"Paris or Milan?"

"SA Fashion Week."

"Oh." Hailey rolls her eyes dismissively effectively ending the conversation.

I hear her minion Jessica giggle at who knows what. They're quite the snobs. I don't think we'll ever be friends but is it too much to ask for us to be cordial?

I turn to my right and rest my hand on Mark's shoulder to get his attention.

"Do you want to dance?" I ask, needing a break from the hostility.

"Sure," he says, tossing his napkin on the empty plate in front of him.

I follow suit and we join a few other couples already on the dance floor. The melody is slow and we settle into a nice sway.

The rest of the night is uneventful and I unexpectedly become the social butterfly I never imagined myself to be. What I can I say? Desperate times call for desperate measures and I'm determined to keep my distance.

We end up leaving the school grounds around 11 PM. Mark's driver drops us off at the hotel we'll be staying in for the night so that we can change into more comfortable clothing for the after party.

I clip my hair back and touch up my make-up wiping off the red lip to replace it with a pink gloss. I  slip on a sparkly, black, long-sleeved dress that falls mid-thigh. I exchange my silver YSL's for my comfortable, black, Aldo pumps.

I check myself out in the mirror. I wasn't wearing a bra underneath my MD dress and feel comfortable enough without it. However, the material of this one is somewhat see-though on top even though the bottom half is double layered.

I strike a pose and snap a pic to see how I look.

Hair done, nails done, everything did! I sing Drake's Fancy in my head.

I'm feeling myself.

I think I look cute and post it for the gram.

Not even a minute later, I get a notification of a message.

It's Brice.

Put on a bra.

I was going to. But now that he's giving me orders, I plan to do the complete opposite.

Mark walks out of the bathroom and whistles.

He's dressed in a white, summer short-sleeved shirt with the top buttons undone exposing a silver cross necklace that matches his Rolex. The black jeans and white sneakers give it a casual feel. Because we're always in uniform, I never pegged Mark to be a stylish gent but he is.

"What do you think?"

I turn in a quick spin to get his opinion.

"You look hot. The top is risqué but what do I know," he holds up his hands in surrender.

"You think I should change?" I ask, starting to feel a little self conscious.

"If you were my sister, I'd say yes but since you're my date.... if you're comfortable then rock it. It's mainly going to be the matrics of Milton and Saints at Club Con."

I take a minute to mull over what he's said but get stuck on the name.

"Club Con? What does that even stand for? Convicts?"

Mark laughs. "Not quite. More like con-man. Not many people know that the con stands for confidence. That's why people get scammed. They believe in the dream that's being sold."

Huh, isn't that something.

I walk over to him and snap a picture of us together. I post it with the tags #miltonmd #bestdate #bestdressed #wizkids.

I grab my bag and toss my phone in. I'm going to rock this fit with confidence and have a great night.

"Ready if you are," I call out heading for the door.

*

We walk into the club that is packed with moving bodies and is a few degrees higher in humidity than the outdoors. Mark takes my hand and leads me through the crowd towards the bar.

He waves a hundy to get the barman's attention and orders two shots of tequila. Mark hands him the note, tells him to keep the change and slides one of the tot glasses my way.

"To an epic night," he toasts.

"To an epic night," I echo tapping his glass with mine.

We throw the drinks back and I wince at the bitter taste. Mark takes my hand back in his and leads me to a set of stairs that's cordoned off with red rope. He flashes the bouncer his wrist band and we are allowed passage.

The top floor has a different vibe. It's cooler with less people, has its own bar and mellow music plays overhead through the speakers. I can still hear the bass from downstairs but it's as if the sound is defused up here.

"If you want to join the party, I believe that's downstairs. Up here we have a table if you want to chill, catch a break, maybe have a drink in peace," he says leading me down the aisle of seating booths.

"Gotcha! This is cool."

Even though he doesn't say it, I can tell this is the VIP section. We walk past a few tables with bottles set in ice. I recognise some people from our school. We move towards a rowdy group at the back. It looks like they're having their own party up here.

We stop at a table where Tsepho intercepts Mark. They exchange a few words and in that time I take a moment to look around. I see Hailey and both Jessica's chilling with champagne glasses in one hand and their phones in another. Hidde is chatting with  that French cutie who I saw at Maverick Manor - Didier. He's the only guy from Saints I recognise around here. They also held their MD tonight.

I wonder where Brice is. It looks like most of his friend group is at this table. When the redhead on his lap gets up and walks off my question is answered.

What. the. actual. fuck.

He must see the shock written on my face based on the smirk that graces his. He picks up the glass of dark liquid on the table, tosses it back and gets up. I watch him trail after her feeling some type of way when he doesn't say a word or give me a second glance.

My mood goes from 80 to 8 in 0.8 seconds.

What the hell is he doing and who the hell is she?

I don't get the time to asses what it is I'm feeling when Mark starts walking again drawing my attention to the group a few tables down making the most noise in VIP.

I'm reintroduced to his other posse when Zanele throws her arms around me and pulls me into a hug.

"Tumi, Markie's here with Sol! Pour them shots!" she shouts over me to her boyfriend.

I don't wait for a toast. I just toss the drink back wanting to wash down the bitter bile of jealousy clawing up my throat.

I don't feel any better. I may need a few more to turn this night around.

BRICE

I was in a bad mood until Celine showed up. Back at the MD, this was going down as one of the worst night's in my history and that's saying a lot. Hailey was nagging me while Soleil ignored me.

When she told me she was planning to go overseas, I had to fight my nature not to snatch her up and disappear with her. Thankfully, Hidde talked me off that ledge.

He could tell that I was slowly losing my patience. It wouldn't surprise me if he invited this siren. They're the only ones powerful enough to drive a man to distraction and that is exactly what I needed.

Celine pulls back from exploring my mouth and looks at me with those captivating green eyes that I'm sure have brought many men to their demise.

"Sortons d'ici, Brice. J'ai quelques nouvelles astuces à vous montrer," her lyrical voice whispers into my ear. It sends a shiver down my spine and signals my dick. Let's get out of here, Brice. I have a few new tricks to show you.

She gets off my lap in her tight white dress. Her blood red hair falls down her back in waves moving with a life of its own. I reach for my glass and notice Soleil looking at me as if I've grown a second head.

Oh how the tables have turned, I think in amusement.

Does she think I'm going to chase her forever, that I don't have better options? I get up and follow her leaving Hailey and co behind.

Sirens have the unique ability to attract men yet repel women. My dear sis has been quiet since Celine's arrival and for that reason alone, I keep her close.

I watch the young siren moving her body to the beat. The short dress hugs her like a second skin. It flirts dangerously with the curve of her ass but manages to never reveal a thing. She's caught the attention of every man who's dared to look her way but none are brave enough to approach her.

Even though she doesn't look a day over 18, Celine let it slip that she just turned 50 which is why she ventured a little further from the waters. She's testing her strength and allure an hour's drive away from the ocean.

"I see you've moved on to better things."

I turn to Jacques who takes a seat, uninvited, beside me at the. I hold my tongue

Oh what a thing she is, I want to say.

She's as dangerous as she is beautiful. I'm no ordinary man but she's manged to captivate me. I can only image how lesser men feel.

If I liked Jacques, I would warn him to stay away from her. I watch him lick his lips and his greedy gaze devours her body. I'm going to let his grimy ass get a taste. I don't even want to imagine the kinds of fantasies she's stirring within him. She'll likely teach him a learn he won't soon forget.

"Keep an eye on her for me, will you?" I say when I stand up to head back to my table and check on things.

I don't get a reply and I doubt the poor boy heard me.

I find Hidde and Didier leaning over the balcony overlooking the dance floor.

"Twiddle Dumb and Twiddle Dee," I tease getting in between their little bro-mance. "Who's bright idea was it to invite the siren?"

Hidde's thumb immediately sells out Didier on the right. "I must admit, I was curious to test out his theory though."

"And what theory is that?" I ask.

"A man in love cannot be tempted by a siren," says Didier.

"That's an old wives tale," I counter.

"Nope, he's right. We were all affected by her charm except Didier. He's in love," Hidde defends.

"Je te l'ai dit! Elle est pour moi mon frère. Want to see her photo, Brice?" he offers in excitement reaching for his phone. I told you! She's the one for me brother.

"No," I immediately shut him down.

The last thing I want to do is discuss their love lives. We're at the club for Fuck's sake.

"Other than gossiping as you look down on the plebs, what else do you have planned for the night?"

I'm in a good mood. The music has me buzzing and the alcohol relaxed. This is the perfect equilibrium. The trick is going to be maintaining it.

And for the record, a man whether in love or not, can still choose. I've watched celibate monks resist a siren," I add.

"Trying to find a nice girl for my boy," says Didier. "That Jessica date of his..." he blows a raspberry in the French way that signals he's not impressed. "Oo lala! En parlant de jolies filles, n'est-ce pas du Soleil?" Speaking of nice girls, is that not Soleil?

I follow his gaze and see her grinding on Mark, her back to his front. His hand on her waist trails up her sternum. The song changes to a beat with base. A girl I don't recognise takes a hold of Soleil's hand and drags her to a clearing on the dance floor.

They wine their hips to the beat and then drop down to the floor again and again. Soleil stands up and shakes her ass, her body melding with the other girl's in a display of raw sexuality. My 'nice girl' has turned into a bad bitch.

I don't mind the show, but I know better. I look around the dance floor and witness people getting more sensual and provocative. The longer that Celine is in here the wilder things are bound to get.

"You need to get the siren out of here," I tell Hidde.

"What now? Have you come to your senses?" Didier teases me with that signature grin plastered on his face.

I'm about to correct his assumptions but I lose my train of thought when I see Mark walk up to Soleil and pull her away from her friend. He presses his body into hers as they begin grinding on each other. This time they're facing one other. I'm simultaneously turned on and murderous, partly thanks to Celine and partly because of what  I'm seeing.

"She's charging the air with seduction. You're going to be witnessing a live orgy if she doesn't leave soon!" I yell at my cousin.

Hidde takes a look around and finally sees what I'm seeing.

"Shit!"

Finally, the two take me seriously and quickly leave off.

I try regain my composure as I straddle the strange between arousal and anger.

The curtain of Soleil's hair isn't enough to conceal the kiss they share. The metal railing of the balcony gives way and bends in my grip. I move with fury, making my way down to the first floor of the club with one thought on my mind: I'm going to kill Mark.

I shove past the bodies of grinding couples. A few hands grope me as I walk by. I may have snapped a wrist or two when I peeled them off. I'm not sure. In a red haze, I search for the man that's about to meet his maker.

When I spot them they are still locked in an embrace.

I grab his shoulder, turn him around and throw a fist to his face. The crack I hear isn't enough to quell my anger but the blood dripping from his nose is a good start. I'm about to get down on my knees and pummel him into the ground but Soleil beats me to it.

"Oh my god! What did you do?" I hear her ask me over the loud music.

Her eyes volley between me and him in panic.

I can't muster the strength to unlock my jaw and give her an answer. My teeth grind together painfully and I flex my fingers within the fists I hold at my sides.

The fact that she cares is pissing me off even more.

The blood roaring in my ears intensifies and breathing becomes more difficult as a crowd forms around us. The couple I saw standing with them earlier joins her to tend to Mark.

Soleil's hands are soon covered in blood, his blood. I walk up to her and snatch her arm up, raising her to her feet.

"Let go of me," she tries to shake me off.

I won't.

"Don't touch him," I warn her. My nostrils flare as I breathe through the anger. "Touch him again and I'll kill him."

It's not a warning. It's a promise.

We stand there staring at each other.

I don't know what she sees in my eyes but the fight goes out of hers and she relents.  Her muscles under my grip relax. She's no longer fighting me.

I drag her away from the crowd and into the men's bathroom who's line is non existent compared to the women's. I let her go once we're inside.

"Wash your hands," I command, gesturing towards the sinks with my chin.

Soleil quietly complies.

Every now and then she looks up at me through the mirror. Once she's done, she rinses off and is about to dry her hands when I block her path. I take a hold of her wrists and raise her hands to my nose.

"Again."

"What?"

"Wash them again."

"But they're clean."

"I can still smell him."

She snatches her wrists out of my hold and goes back to sink taking a little longer this time around. She's about to walk over to the paper towels when I call her over stopping her short. She looks annoyed but doesn't protest. She walks over to me and lifts her hands up to me in offering.

Still not clean enough.

"Again."

"What is your problem?" she mutters, walking over to the sink and squirting on some more soap.

Her submission to me subdues my rage. The scent of his blood is now faint. I move closer to her, breathing her in. I can smell him on her clothes. I'm going to have to burn this dress.

"You're my problem," I tell her looking into her eyes through the mirror.

Guys come and go. Not many make use of the sinks. Filthy bastards.

While she's busy scrubbing her hands, I cup mine over her breasts. I can't believe he let her go out in public like this.

"I told you to wear a bra," I grit out, squeezing the mounds of soft flesh.

"You don't get to tell me anything. I have an idea; why don't you go wag your tongue down that redhead's throat and leave me the hell alone."

It strokes my ego to know that she's affected by the company I keep.

"Someone sounds jealous."

"Don't deflect. You're the one who's jealous. So jealous you beat up my date."

"MD is over. He's not your date."

"You're right," she says rinsing off her hands, walking out of my hold and past the towel dispenser. The door opens when someone walks in and she walks out. "We're now dating," she calls out before the door slams shut behind her

I don't even take the time to process what she just said because I know she's lying. I leave after her and find Soleil walking with a bit of a sway. The drinks have clearly gone to her head. I grab her hand and steer her towards a side exit.

"What do you want now, Brice?" she snaps, brushing the hair away from her face.

She teeters in her heels a bit before finding her balance and places her hands on her hips in an attempt to look serious.

"When did it start?" I ask, seeing how far she's willing to take this.

"When did what start?"

"Your 'relationship'." I air quote the annoying word for lack of a better term.

She folds her arms and shrugs, unable to look me in the eye.

"A few weeks ago."

She's a horrible liar.

"Does he know we've been sharing a bed for weeks?"

"Doesn't matter. Tonight I'll be in his."

She has the audacity to look me dead in the eye and smirk as she says it.

"Do you like playing games with me?"

I find myself pacing to ward off the growing  restlessness.

"I don't have time to play with you. I need to go check on my boyfriend."

"He's not your boyfriend!" I shout, my composure quickly slipping.

"Yes, he is. He's good to me, compliments me all the time, asked me out tonight and introduced me to his parents. That's sounds like a boyfriend."

"That sounds like a simp trying to get in your pants" I argue back.

"Well he doesn't have to try any more. He's getting in tonight."

I stop pacing.

"You're playing a dangerous game with me Soleil."

"And I don't even have to beg him. He'll fuck me willingly," she continues.

"Shut. up. Soleil."

"I'm gonna test my gag reflex on his BBC"

That's it.

I'm done.

I've had enough.

I pick her up and throw her over my shoulder. I'm gonna lock her up until she learns who I am and earns her freedom.

2023 / 10 / 06

WC 4509

Dedicating this part to MajenBeos02, KingCarter16 and nalu_lover89 for their consistent comments. If active reading was a person... 😂

But seriously thank you to every. single. body. that has taken their time to share your thoughts with me and the reader community at large in the comments section.

This couple tends to go off the rails and even I can't keep up with these two at times lol 😩

What do you think?