After leaving Giselle and a sleeping Eloise, Alice left for Luna's place. She drove her bike through the crowded streets in front of clubs and bars to the alley right behind.
Luna's place was a bar, club, and brothel all in one. Luna was the owner of this place. It was the nightly hub of the rich, as the brothel was the hidden advantage, not known to the public. The private rooms of their clubs were where the rich broke deals with each other. It was too expensive for the general public because the one secret of this place was that it offered live donors to Vampires.
Alice walked in with her hoodie up, hiding her face as she searched for Luna. Finally, she found Luna sitting idly in the back office. Alice knocked on the door and entered without permission.
Luna was a middle-aged businesswoman. She worked as a model in her youth, but now her skin was all wrinkled, her hair had turned grey, and the stress from her past job was starting to catch up with her health. Still, Luna was an old beauty. Her smile was a sight for sore eyes.
"Alice, back after a long time. Have a drink with me. Faydor is busy for now. But I will add you to the next in the queue." Luna said, beaming at Alice's presence.
"I will have a Tequila," Alice said as she took the seat in front of Luna.
Luna called and placed their orders of Tequila and Scotch. "Still such an old taste, Luna. Haven't changed even in a long time," Alice spoke teasingly as she fiddled with the paperweight on Luna's table.
"Says those who haven't moved on from Tequila for a long time," Luna played along. Alice smiled, "Good point."
They both finished their drinks as Luna rattled on about the stress this job gave her. The supply chains that weren't supplying alcohol on time. Alice listened to all her worries as she suggested sustainable options.
Soon after, Luna got a call informing her that Faydor was free. Alice sauntered to Faydor's room. She walked inside without knocking and left the door open behind her. Alice sat at the only table available in the room.
A man walked inside almost right after her. He was tall, muscular, with brown, curly hair and dusky eyes. His facial features were sharp but dull due to his line of work.
"So, busy offering blood or your services, Faydor?" Alice asked.
"Well, services," he laughed when Alice scrunched her nose. "I hope you are going to take a shower, then," Alice stated, narrowing her eyes. But that did not affect Faydor, who was lying on his bed. "Let a man bask in this glory," Faydor said jokingly.
"And what kind of glory is it, where you have to sell yourself against your will?" Alice said, sympathy passed behind her eyes, which she hid fast.
"Aye, this time wasn't forced, though. He was hot, honestly. I think every muscle of his body was showing." Faydor swooned at the memory as he sat up on his elbows, looking at Alice.
"Faydor, I am in no mood to kid with you. I told you I can get you out of here and pay your debt. Luna doesn't earn a lot, even if this place earns her a huge amount. She has to pay her employees, pay for booze, and rent for this place. She can't let you go without paying the debt because they will kill you if you don't pay. I am giving you a chance, but you won't take it. This debt isn't even yours. It was your father's debt, who is dead now." Alice pointed out.
Faydor sat up on his bed. "Look, Alice, I know you can pay for it. But I can't take your money. I haven't been to school, so this is all the job I have. And I will manage. There's neither a guarantee that they will leave me once you pay nor that I will find a job. They will do a background check, and they won't want a prostitute. And you know I can't tell them that I am a blood donor. Luna has been good to me, but I can't be a free loader, so.....," He trailed off.
Seeing that she can't make him agree with him. "As you say," Alice agreed with him.
"Fine, enough of small talk, I will go and take a shower," Faydor said as he stood up and strolled to his bathroom.