We stood in front of The Velvet Room club. Dimitri held my hand tight next to me. I could feel his trepidation, probably more for my sakes than his. Kyle disappeared behind the heavy black doors.

Dimitri turned to me. "You're sure you want to do this? There's still time to back out?"

I shook my head. "No, I'm okay. As long as we're together."

Dimitri clenched his jaw and gave a nod.

We entered through the doors, but Dimitri abruptly bumped shoulders with someone who had walked rapidly out of the club.

"Sorry." Dimitri said.

I looked at the man, and to both our surprises, it was none other than Arthur, who he had bumped into. Time stopped for a split second. Arthur gave an icy glare at Dimitri and looked at me just as bitterly, and he continued to walk on.

"Arthur? What are you doing here?" I said to him. But he didn't turn around, just kept on moving forward.

I turned to Dimitri, who looked just as baffled, but more concerned. "Let's go inside and get this over and done with." he said in an even tone.

"Why do you think Arthur was here? It doesn't make sense." I asked Dimitri.

"Who knows?" Dimitri sighed. "The guy looks like he's got it out for me."

I breathed out anxiously. But I couldn't let Arthur's presence hinder me from what I wanted to achieve today with Big Ben. I prayed for more nerve.

We entered inside the semi-dark club. No windows were present, and a few lights illuminated the place, giving it an ominous glow.

Kyle called us from upstairs. I remembered the VIP section from the last time I came here with him and Sassi. The club was sweltering and in full swing back then. Today it was empty and cold.

Dimitri walked up the steel staircase first, holding my hand firm behind him. My heart started to beat louder with every step, knowing I was about to face the man that hindered me and Dimitri's relationship, causing us heartbreak and pain. But Dimitri being close to me and my hand in his was comforting enough, and amazingly calmed me down.

Once on top of the floor, past the VIP section. We walked to the oak doors that were half-way opened. There were hushed talks behind them as we approached. Dimitri walked in first, and then I entered after him.

I glanced around the large office. Black leather couches were placed on both sides. A large lion's head was mounted up on the wall and a huge mahogany desk was in front, accompanied by a leather chair that seated a very large man with a shiny bald head.

Smoke circled above him as he smoked his cigar, that hung loosely in his mouth. He grinned at Dimitri and then his piercing cold eyes landed on me, standing behind him.

"Dimitri, my boy. Glad you could make it on such short notice." Big Ben gleamed.

"It's not like I had a choice." Dimitri murmured.

He scanned the two men on the left that was seated comfortably on the couch, one reading a magazine and the other watching the conversation. Kyle stood at Big Ben's desk on the right.

I inched closer to Dimitri, my face close to his shoulder. He purposely stood in front of me, shielding me from Big Ben. I inhaled his musky scent that gave me safety.

"You have a fight coming up in three days. Get ready and make sure you win." Big Ben said, his face turned to a serious mood. He looked behind Dimitri, shielding me from his sight. And he gave a sly smile.

"Why hide your little beauty Dimitri, show her off." he cackled.

Dimitri's body stiffened, but I crept out behind him slowly, till I was in full view next to him. Dimitri dropped his eyes to mine, then looked back at Big Ben with a narrowed glare.

Dimitri spoke before I did. "Why do you feel the need for Lillie to be here?" he said calmly.

Big Ben grinned. "I wanna see the gal that knocks you off your feet... literally." He chuckled darkly.

Kyle called Dimitri to the side by a small conference table to discuss details of his upcoming fight. Dimitri didn't want to leave me.

"Come-come Dimitri, I won't bite her." Big Ben said, his fake smile creeping me out.

I took Dimitri's clammed up hand and whispered to him. "Don't worry, I'll be okay."

He looked at me, tight-lipped. He nodded softly. "I'll be right over there if you need me." He replied. And gave one sharp glance to Big Ben and walked away to the side.

My gaze returned to the large man. He studied me, approaching slowly, moving around the table, like a lion stalking his prey. It made me feel uneasy as I fiddled with the hem of my vest, trying to distract my growing nerves.

I gulped.

I came here with a purpose, I constantly reminded myself, before my courage totally abandoned me. I drifted towards him. I could see him fully. He had a two-piece blue suit on, with a gold ring glinting on his left pinky, the lit up cigar between his thick fingers. He was a tall, large man, who looked more like a heavy weight body builder. His grin was menacing.

No wonder people feared him. He exuded danger, power, and greed.

I glanced at Dimitri, who turned his head around, looking from behind him. He watched as I approached Big Ben. I smiled at him reassuringly. I needed Dimitri to be distracted and was glad for it. He wouldn't approve of what I was about to propose to Big Ben.

Dimitri returned his attention half-heartedly to Kyle, discussing details.

My confidence returning, I spoke to Big Ben. "You wanted to see me. Here I am."

Big Ben grinned. "I needed to see for myself, what caught my boy's attention like that." He said, scanning me from my head to my pumps.

"What distracts him from doing what he needs to do?" he continued, his smile fading. "What wants him to quit on me?" his voice turned low and cold.

"To my knowledge, Dimitri owes you a debt in his contract?" I asked sternly and straight to the point, adamant to look at him dead in the eye.

He nodded.

"Not that you got anything to do with it." Big Ben snapped.

"I've got something to do with it. How much does he have to owe you?" I asked again.

Big Ben narrowed his eyes.

"I'm certain I can settle the rest of it, you see." I said nervously. "I have the money."

Big Ben grew impatient, and his colossal frame towered over me. He blew a cloud of smoke in my face that stung my nose, breathing it in.

"See here, my girl. I don't like you meddling with affairs that's got nothing to do with you -"

"I'm not your girl! Why don't you just let Dimitri go? He wants nothing to do with you!" I said, my voice rising.

Big Ben snarled. "You know nothing girl, that boy brings me a lot of money. I'm far from letting him go!"

I narrowed my eyes. "You can't keep him forever."

Big Ben grabbed my wrist in a firm, painful grip. And tugged me towards him. "You're more trouble than it's worth. For your sake, girl, you better leave him the hell alone, and let him do what he's meant to do and stay the fuck out of it, if you know what's good for you. I can't have you influencing him." He said in a low, dangerous tone that sounded more like a threat.

I shrunk back. Realizing that this man didn't plan on letting Dimitri go. He'll just make his life... our life hard.

I winced at the discomfort.

Dimitri's firm grip released Big Ben from my wrist. He moved me swiftly behind him, holding my aching wrist.

"What the fuck are you doing to her!?" Dimitri shouted, his right eye twitching.

Big Ben chuckled. "Oh, nothing, boy, just a good old chat. I think we cleared the air, hey girl?" he said, looking at me darkly.

I didn't answer. Big Ben turned around and walked back to his desk.

"Feisty, this one is Dimitri. She might cause you trouble." he chuckled. But I couldn't help but take it as a warning. "You have the information you need about the upcoming fight. Now get outta here!" Big Ben barked.

"Let's go." Dimitri tugged my hand and whirled around, dragging me behind him out of the office. The doors slammed behind us. And I didn't know if I accomplished what I wanted to achieve. I felt defeated. We walked out of the club. And Dimitri spun me around and grabbed me by the shoulders.

"What did he say to you? What did you say to him?" Dimitri asked, concerned. His stormy eyes searching mine.

I shook my head. "I wanted to help you out of this mess." I said hesitantly.

Dimitri frowned. "Help in what way, Lillie?"

I swallowed hard, not knowing how Dimitri would react. "Help to settle your debt. I have the money my dad left me, remember?"

Dimitri closed his eyes and blew a deep breath out. He ran his hand over his head. "Lillie, why did you do that? I told you not to get involved. This isn't your burden to take." Dimitri said angrily.

My eyes dropped to the floor as I lowered my head.

Maybe I shouldn't have done that, doubting myself.

I sighed and was on the edge of crying, feeling emotional about letting Dimitri down. Dimitri must have caught on because he lifted my chin up. My eyes landed on his and his eyes softened. He hugged me and kissed me on my forehead.

"I'm sorry for getting upset. I know you trying to help. Don't worry Lillie, we'll figure this out... together." He said tenderly.

"I know." I replied weakly. "But there's a problem. Big Ben doesn't want to let you go."