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CHAPTER FIVE

CHANEL

T he next day, I had a plan. I was going to get to my apartment before Morgan met me there. I left work an hour early so I could clean my apartment. Everybody didn’t have the same interpretation of clean. Zand told me it was clean. Did that really mean clean, clean? Or just surface clean?

I didn’t want to spook Morgan by cleaning while she was there. She knew I had already kept a tidy place. I had to go see my apartment firsthand. As expected, Josh came with me. He drove me to the apartment complex and parked the truck in the lot.

I was triggered when I glanced over at the dumpster. As I entered the building, I glanced down at the flowerpot and was comforted by the thoughts of the love notes that used to be stored under the planter.

I had soreness on the inside of my thigh where Zand had his way with my blood. I thought he left his mark on purpose. He wanted me to remember him. He was right. I would never forget it. He knew how to take our lovemaking to brand new heights.

Two Advil helped ease the discomfort. I couldn’t complain. At least I wasn’t weak or walking funny. Now and then, I would get a tingle in my lower abdomen, reminding me of our night of pleasure.

“Did you want me to come up with you, Miss Chanel?”

“Yes, just for a minute.”

Josh sprinted in front of me. He took being my bodyguard slash chauffeur very seriously. Maybe Zand paid him well. Was he afraid of Zand? There were so many things I didn’t know about this new domain.

When we hiked the stairs to the second floor everything was quiet. I put my key in the lock and opened the door wide. Josh stepped in front of me and entered through the door first.

He moved through all the rooms so fast I was still standing idle at the door.

“There’s no one here.” He stated.

I didn’t think anyone was, but it was still nice for someone else to check it out first.

“Thanks for taking a look.”

“It’s no problem. You’re safe. Nothing is going to happen to you. Zand protects his people.”

His people. What did that even mean? It implied Zand was their leader in some way.

Josh sensed I needed privacy.

“Miss Chanel, I’ll go wait in the car. Call me if you need anything.”

“Okay, thanks. I will.”

I stood there and waited for Josh to leave. I closed and locked the door behind him. Sucking in a deep breath, I took my time going into my bedroom. That was the room where all the violence took place. When I peeked in, the closet was open, so I knew no one was hiding in it.

Zand was right. The place was spotless. It was just as if nothing criminal ever occurred. I sat down on the edge of the bed and looked around the room. How was I going to tell Morgan the truth? I had so many truths. I knew the one about the vampires was going to have to stay with me, but I didn’t want to keep everything from her.

I made some coffee and hoped the creamer was still good. It wasn’t. I remembered I had some powdered creamer in the cabinet. My nerves were getting better the more time I spent in the apartment, and the hot coffee seemed to help soothe all my doubts.

Morgan texted me when she was in the parking lot of my complex. I texted her back to come on up. I couldn’t wait to see her. I had Zand but nothing could beat being in the company of your best friend, the one person on earth that knew you better than anybody.

I opened the door and stood and waited for my bestie. Morgan was dressed head-to-toe in her favorite color, black. She looked like one of them. She looked like a vampire. If she were one of them, she would fit right in with her dark outfit. I laughed inside and she could handle anything.

“Hey girl.” Morgan greeted me with an infectious smile. “I’m still in mourning and my favorite color is black, so get ready to see me in black for a few more months.” She added.

“Okay girl.” I giggled. “Get your butt in here!”

Morgan rolled her luggage halfway inside the apartment and removed her Fendi sunglasses even though there was no sun.

She opened her arms, and I welcomed her with a hug. “Coco, you look so stressed. What’s wrong with ya?”

“Nothing, just come all the way in so I can close the door. You are letting all my heat out.”

I helped Morgan by grabbing her tall, rolling suitcase. “Did you bring wine?” I asked.

“Now you know good and well, it’s right in the bag.” She removed the black duffle bag that the connected to the suitcase handle and handed it over to me.

I noticed her hair was a few shades lighter, but still curly. “You dyed your hair blonde.”

“Yeah, they say them hoes have more fun. So, I’m all about that life.”

“It’s cute.”

“Thank you. I see you getting your inches back. Don’t cut it again.” She warned.

She removed her coat and placed it on the barstool chair. She followed me into the kitchen. I grabbed the wineglasses from the cabinet and the corkscrew from the drawer.

“Is it okay if we do the red?” I asked.

“You want a headache? You never pick red.” She was speaking facts. That was true, but Zand drank red.

There was always red wine in his club, in his apartment. And even in his loft. He needed red to camouflage all the bottles of blood he drank. I wondered how long bottled blood lasted. Did they add something to it to preserve it? Where the hell did it come from? Was there a company that manufactured and distributed it locally or internationally? That was one of many questions I had to add to my lists of inquiries.

“I took an Advil earlier. I will be good with the red. This bottle looks a little fancy. Is this expensive?” I asked as I observed the pretty shape of the bottle.

“It costs more than that ghetto corner store wine you buy.”

“There is some good wine out there for $4.99 a bottle.” I explained.

“Child, this is why you need me in your life.” I struggled with the corkscrew but was finally able to open the bottle. I poured Morgan a full glass and did the same for me.

“Coco, you know, if we got Black girl wasted now, we got to have food delivered. We can’t be out here drinking and driving.”

“I will order something for us if we decide to stay here.” I slid the full wineglass across the kitchen island over to Morgan.

“Where were we trying to go in the cold?” She asked.

“I didn’t tell you this, but I was sort of staying over at Zand’s.”

“In the basement of this apartment building?” Morgan’s face distorted. She was appalled with her boujee ass. There would have to be a zombie apocalypse before she would live underground.

“No, he has another place, a loft downtown.”

“A condo?”

“No, it’s like an old building that used to be like a warehouse or factory. He fixed it up.”

“You’re trying to tell me he owns this apartment building, that nightclub near here and a whole other place, downtown Chicago, where I’m sure it’s expensive to live? What else does he have?”

I shrugged before I took another sip of my wine. “I don’t know.”

“Why didn’t you ask him?”

“I’m not going to ask that man about his properties.”

“Why not? That’s your man and y’all Facebook official.”

“It’s called Meta now.” I corrected and rolled my eyes. “Zand does not have any social media. So, we’re only real-life official.”

“Yeah, and you don’t think that’s weird? Hold up. Hold up. Why did you tell me to come here if you don’t even live here anymore?” Morgan pursed her lips.

“Because you are my best friend, and I wanted to see you.”

“Oh. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” My voice squeaked.

“You’re not fine.” She inspected me with her gray eyes. “Did Zand do something to you?”

“No, Zand is great. He told me to invite you over to his place downtown.”

“Ah, I came here to hang out with you, not him.”

“His place is enormous. You will still be with me. He works at the club on weekends, so he’s not going to be around much.”

“Why didn’t you tell me all this before I drove my ass up here?”

“I told you I wanted to see you. I’m in Chicago all by myself. I only know Zand and his friends. I missed you too, damn girl.”

“Okay, I’m here. Are you sure you’re okay? Have you heard from Lonzo?”

I didn’t know how to answer her question. “I know he’s out.”

“Yeah, we all know they let him out of jail. Have you heard from that asshole?” Morgan glared at me. “What? Coco. What’s up?”

“No. He’s probably long gone.” I didn’t want to give anything away. Right now, wasn’t the right time.

“Wait. What? Long gone, where?”

“I don’t know. Either he’s somewhere in Minnesota, laying low, or maybe Mexico.”

Morgan was quiet for what seemed like forever. “I hope he’s gone forever. I had some suspicion that he had something to do with Craig’s death. I just didn’t want to say anything to you about it. I know that sounds all conspiracy theory, but all of it was so sudden. Craig is not road raging anybody.”

“It was sudden.” I tried to say it convincingly, but I was sure she wasn’t convinced.

“You must know something about his whereabouts. Did anyone reach out to you?”

“Not yet. I just know Lonzo did some bad things to a lot of people.”

“If he’s gone from the face of this earth, that would be good news.” She added.

“He’s probably gone.”

“I think you know something. You don’t have to tell me the details. I’m just glad you’re safe.”

“Do you want to stay here or go back to Zand’s loft apartment? I have a room ready for you. It’s close to lake Michigan and you can see the entire Chicago skyline from the roof.”

“Fine, whatever. You convinced me. I will go back to your man’s other place with you.”

“I promise. It’s all good girl. Zand is going to go into work tonight so we can just hang out.”

“Fine. We can stop off at the store and get some more wine. You better not be taking me to a dump in the hood. I don’t know the good neighborhoods from the bad ones, and you don’t either.”

“Morgan, you saw the nightclub that he owns and that’s not a dump.”

“True. That club looks expensive. Is he leasing? Or does he own it?”

“He owns it, I think.”

“Does Zand have any brothers?”

“No.” He has one Black son, but I couldn’t tell her that. “Drink up so we can take your bags down to the car.”

“What’s the damn rush?”

“I just want you to see the place. It is so nice, and I know you’ll love it.”

I wasn’t afraid to be in this apartment anymore. I had just made myself at home at the loft. Morgan didn’t know Lonzo had assaulted me only a few feet away. I just wanted to get out of here. It didn’t take long for Morgan to grab her things.

I made sure I locked up. We took the elevator down to the first-floor parking lot.

“Hey where’s your car?”

“It’s not here. I left it at Zand’s place. I got a ride.” I looked around the parking lot and noticed Josh sitting in the car alone. As soon as I sat comfortably in her vehicle, I sent Josh a text message stating we were headed back to the loft.

As soon as we pulled out of the parking lot, Josh pulled out behind us. I hoped Morgan wouldn’t realize we were being followed. I didn’t tell him to keep his distance, but I also didn’t want to scare Morgan.

When we arrived at Zand’s place, we parked in the underground garage and took the elevator up. Josh didn’t pull into the garage behind us. He knew to give us some space.

Just as I suspected. Morgan was wowed by the three-story red brick building with large windows and an opulent view of downtown Chicago. The place was decorated beautifully. Morgan could roam around freely without figuring out Zand was a vampire.

Zand had a special place for his blood stash. He rarely drank blood in front of me. But at this point, I wouldn’t mind either way. I knew full well he needed to survive.

After hours of drinking and catching up, Morgan wanted to go out and party. I suggested The Castle. It was the only place I knew about. She was all for it. I thought about calling Zand and then decided to pop up on him. I needed to make sure he was being good.

We had been drinking like fish. So, I made sure Josh drove us to The Castle. Morgan was too lit to question why I had a driver. Maybe Josh would tell Zand we were coming, but I didn’t bother to ask him.

Morgan was dressed in an all black cat suit with sheer cutouts on the legs and stomach. I was wearing something a little more modest, a long green dress with a plunging neckline. My hair was wavy, and I felt sexy as memories of Zand biting my inner thighs flooded my mind. Maybe I will let him bite me tonight if we get to see each other privately. I didn’t feel woozy after he took my blood yesterday. Then again, I should probably wait a few days before I gave him more of my crimson delights.

Josh dropped us off at the front door. We were ushered to the front of the line as soon as Layla saw us. It seemed the Charlize Theron look-alike was always there. She took my hand and guided me right over to the bar. This time, I knew the bartender’s name. I also knew he was a vampire. Times had really changed in such a short period of time.

“Hey Chanel.” I believed all the vampires knew me by name.

“Hi Marco.” His purple mohawk was now a brighter shade of purple.

“What are you ladies drinking tonight?”

“Two glasses of red wine.”

“Coming right up.” He said as he winked at Morgan.

She gave him a coy smile. Which meant practically nothing because she was a huge flirt and used to getting a lot of attention from men.

“Coco, quick question.”

“What’s up?”

“Do you think it’s too early for me to date?”

“Date?”

“Yes, date a man. Go on a date.” She reiterated.

This was an odd question. I didn’t have an answer. I don’t know how long Craig had been gone and buried. With my own problems, I didn’t keep up with the date he died.

“I don’t know. That’s up to you. Do you feel like you’re ready to go on dates?”

“I don’t think I am. But I think I need a distraction. I need something new, someone in my face, someone else to think about.”

“I understand.” I did. Too much time alone made it hard to come out of despair. Going back to business was a way we both coped.

“I don’t know. Like maybe even a one-night stand, or something like that. I don’t know what I need. Maybe I need a new place, or a new city, a new something, I don’t know.”

“Well, you don’t have to figure it out tonight and you definitely don’t have to figure it out while you’re drinking.”

“Two glasses of red for you ladies.”

“Thanks Marco.” I smiled and turned away from the bar to look over at the dance floor. I swear some people could not dance. But it was entertaining the watch.

“So, you don’t have to pay for drinks anymore?”

“My man owns the club, you know that.”

“I know, girl. It must be nice.” She joked.

It was more than nice. I felt safe and taken care of. Taking a sip of wine, I scanned the room for a glimpse of my vampire. I didn’t see Zand anywhere and the crowd of partygoers. I didn’t see him in the VIP section.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see Natasha standing firm and right behind me. She was in a candy apple red skintight vinyl jumpsuit. “Chanel, what are you doing here?” Her accent was so heavy it took me a few seconds to decipher her entire sentence.

“I came with my friend Morgan.”

“My boss doesn’t know that you’re here.” She seemed surprised in her neutral way.

“Okay.”

“If you want to see him, he’s in a meeting.”

Why was she breaking her neck to tell me this? “I didn’t say I wanted to see him. But who is he in a meeting with?”

“I don’t know if I should tell you.” Her accent was heavier than Heavy D & the Boyz.

Well, why did she bring it up? “Is it a woman?”

“No, it is not a woman.”

She was pissing me off being so vague. I couldn’t show my anger with her because she was a vampire and she could rip my head off, but I wanted to cuss her ass out. I was standing here by the bar with my best friend, minding my business, when she came over, bothering me for no reason.

I didn’t come here to catch Zand cheating on me. But she was acting like he was in some top-secret meeting.

I had a little guts. “So, if it’s not a woman at this nighttime meeting, take me to see him.” I ordered.

“Are you sure?”

Bitch! Don’t play with me.

“Damn lady! She sure. Take her to see her man already.” Morgan was irritated and spoke up for me.

“Zand is in a meeting with one of us.” She whispered, for my ears only.

The way she said it. I knew exactly who she was talking about, a vampire.

“Well, he wouldn’t mind because he’s already told me who you are.”

“I like you better now that you know. Follow me.” She declared with a sly smirk.

When Natasha walked through the crowd, I followed at her heels. Morgan was right behind me. She grabbed my shoulders and pushed her face to my ear.

“Girl, who are they?” She said. She heard the exchange with me and Natasha and she wanted answers.

I whipped my head around. “I will tell you later.”

Morgan was watching Natasha like she was ready to peel her wig cap back if she looked at me sideways. If Natasha was setting me up to see Zand with another woman, I was going to be devastated. I had never been anything to her but Zand’s girlfriend. I didn’t know if she like me or just tolerated me.

Natasha guided us past a tall security guard. I didn’t know his name, but I knew he was a vampire. The guard was standing in a dimly lit hallway. I looked back at Morgan, and she was having the same reaction I had when I first traveled this path.

We reached to the end of the hall where the private elevator was. Natasha typed a code into the elevator keypad. The elevator doors quietly parted. I wanted that code. I didn’t have a good reason to have it, but I wanted it.

We stepped into the elevator behind Natasha, and I glared at her while she glared at Morgan. Natasha didn’t have any manners when it came to staring someone down to the ground. No manners at all. We rode the elevator in silence, which was fine with me.

When we got to the right floor, I didn’t even know what floor we were on. We stepped out of the elevator into the blood red hallway. The red painted walls were the source of what I thought was real blood when I first saw them. Zand told me he painted them himself with Behr paint in the color Fire Cracker.

The journey down the hall to his office seemed long. I took a deep breath when we reached the closed door of his office. I could handle whoever was on the other side of that door. I was so happy Morgan was with me. If I had to drag a bitch by her throat, Morgan was going to pull a plug out her wig cap. That was only if this ho-bag was human. If not human, I was going to get my ass beat yet again, this time by a vampire.

Natasha knocked twice.

“Come in.” I heard Zand’s heavy voice from an intercom, but I didn’t know where the speaker was located. I looked up and there was a video surveillance camera pointed directly down at us. These were all things I hadn’t noticed before now. Maybe the alcohol was making me super sensitive to my surroundings.

This place had topnotch security. Did they really need it with a club full of vampires?