The Power of Salvation

by Passarelli, Caterina

  “Do you plan to shop your resume around to any other hospitals after you graduate?”

  I sit my cup down in its saucer and realize I haven’t thought about it. I have been so focused on proving myself at St. Francis and getting a job there that I haven’t thought about if they say no.

  “Well now I feel like an idiot. I haven’t thought about it.”

  Luke reaches across the table to take my hand into his—a public display of affection that just weeks ago I would have punched him in the face for trying.

  “You’re not an idiot. You are one of the smartest people I know,” Luke says with such confidence that if he weren’t talking about me I’d believe him. “You don’t have to, but I think you are valuable and you’ll want to see what other hospitals would be willing to offer you. You don’t know how much you’re worth until ask around.”

  “I’m glad my boyfriend is so smart,” I say while giving his hand a little squeeze. And to break up our adorable love fest, Chelsea is back at our table with our meals.

  “Luke, is there anything I should do to prepare for Monday?” she asks a little too eagerly. And did she unbutton one of the buttons on her blouse? I feel like she didn’t have that much cleavage when she brought over our coffees. This girl is definitely trying to threaten me and I don’t like it one bit.

  “Your first day will be pretty easy—get to know the staff and my schedule. You’ll mainly be working with my assistant, Callie, most days.”

  Her face falls and I snicker on the inside.

  “I’m sure I can find a way to be a big help to you too! Just wait, you’ll see I can prove myself,” she says before hurrying over to another customer who is waving his hand at her.

  I raise my eyebrows up at Luke and laugh but don’t say another word about the subject. The intern to the assistant—this changes how I feel. We eat our delicious meals in peace. Chelsea tries to linger a little too long at our table while dropping off our check, but Luke stands up and excuses us.

  “See you Monday!” she shouts as we walk to the door to leave. Eager—I’ll give her that because I see myself in her. However, I know we have very different motives for why we work hard. And for that I can’t say that I admire her eagerness.

  Chapter twenty-two

  A few days have passed without any hiccups in our relationship. Things are also going smoothly at the emergency room. Well, as smooth as broken bones, allergic reactions, amputations, and whatever else people get themselves into can be.

  After a fairly easy shift, I notice a text message from Luke waiting for me—

  Party tonight. Wear a hot dress—the one waiting at your doorstep. Pick you up at 9.

  What’s this about? Party? A hot dress waiting at my house?

  This doesn’t sound like the kind of dates I go on, but I’m excited for the thrill of the unknown. It’s also the thrill of having someone else plan it for me. I hurry my ass home because I need to catch some sleep before tonight’s party.

  Sleeping is the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me. But waking up, that’s a bitch. I hate every minute of rolling over to shut off the alarm clock screaming at me from my phone. I flip it over seeing that it’s 7 p.m. I guess it’s time to get out of this bed and ready for the mysterious party Luke is taking me to.

  I wonder what kind of party it is. Probably something for rich people … I can expect fancy, stuffy, and boring.

  Grabbing the big purple box waiting in the hallway, I drop it on my bed and lift the lid. I didn’t even have the energy to open it earlier. My tiredness hit me like a ton of bricks the minute I stepped outside the hospital. But now that I’m well rested, I’m eager to bust this baby open.

  Underneath the red tissue paper I find a surprise. We definitely can’t be going to a fancy rich people party … unless he wants me to stand out from the crowd? I pull out a tight, short black leather dress. Also waiting for me in the box: a sexy pair of silver studded Christian Louboutin stilettos. It’s like I’ve died and gone to fashion heaven. If Serena were home, she’d lose her mind right now.

  But I don’t have time to sit around and drool. It’s time to get ready!

  Shower.

  Shave.

  Pluck.

  Smoky eye.

  Blowout.

  And just in time because the doorbell is ringing. I slip on the shoes and carefully trot my way to the front door. These bad boys are tall! Let’s hope I don’t break my neck tonight—I really don’t want to go to the hospital. With just a twisted ankle, they’d probably ask me to help out if I was in the building.

  Pulling the door open, I need to catch my breath. Luke looks drop dead sexy. He stands in front of me in black dress pants and a black dress shirt. To match my shoes, he wears a silver studded belt. I want to claw off his clothes and lick every inch of his body.

  What the hell has gotten into me?

  I don’t think any man has ever gotten a reaction like this out of me. No, I know no one ever has.

  “That dress looks spectacular on you,” Luke says, pulling me in for a kiss.

  “Thank you for getting it for me,” I say, doing a little twirl to show off the outfit. I laugh at my ridiculousness and catch Luke smiling at me, which makes me blush a little.

  “Let’s go,” I say, grabbing his arm and heading towards the elevator. I’m eager to see where we are going.

  Ryan stands at the curb waiting for us. Inside the car, Luke wraps his arm around my body. I’m cuddled into his side and I feel safe. And I love it. I put my hand on his thigh, which feels rock hard.

  The ride is taking a little longer than our normal drives in the city. Peeking out the window I notice we’re heading out of the downtown area. I get more comfortable in my seat, deciding I’m going to try something new for me.

  Fun in a car.

  I’m quickly interrupted by Luke’s phone going off. He looks at the screen and then makes an annoyed face. “I’m sorry, I have to take this real quick for business.”

  I don’t mind his phone call, but I don’t want my fun idea to go to waste.

  Let’s see how focused this CEO can be.

  I trail my fingertips up and down his thigh, getting closer and closer to what I feel straining against his dress pants.

  Luke grabs my wrist while muttering into his phone something about spreadsheets and the Food and Drug Administration. He locks eyes with me as if to warn me to knock it off. With his hazel eyes still on me, I take my time teasing him by licking my lips and slowly biting my lower one.

  He lets go of my hand and shakes his head as if he’s amused by all of this.

  Instead of light strokes on his thigh, I increase the pressure while leaning in to kiss up and down his neck. I moan into the ear free of the phone and then suck on his earlobe. His breathing grows heavier as he answers whatever he’s being asked.

  Reaching towards his studded belt, I undo it and then bring down his zipper. Slipping my hand inside his boxers briefs, I feel his erect manhood. Rubbing my thumb back and forth over his tip, I watch his cock drip his liquid.

  This will get his attention—taking my finger I bring it to my lips before sucking on it. Moaning, I arch my head back, turned on knowing he’s turned on.

  “This call is over,” Luke says and clicks the ‘end call’ button. “Ariana, I don’t know if this is a game you want to be playing.”

  “Is that some kind of threat?” I ask, seeing the need in his eyes. I know he wants to play whatever game he thinks this is. And so do I. I growl into his neck before I bite down. I hear him hiss. “I know you want this too,” I say.

  “I want anything you want to give.”

  “Well then I have a present for you,” I say with a wink before leaning over his manhood and taking him deep into my mouth.

  “Oh fuck,” Luke hisses as he fists his hand through my hair.

  Bobbing my head up and down, I deep throat him. When I think he’s about to hit his breaking point, I change up my technique. Holding his shaft in my ha
nd, I slip the tip of his cock in and out of my mouth while sucking on it. His grip on my hair tightens just a little and I know he’s enjoying my present.

  “Ariana, if you don’t stop I’m going to come.”

  Why would I stop? That’s exactly what I want him to do.

  Cupping one of his balls with my hand, I take his length deep into my mouth and let my tongue go wild. Luke pulls my long brown hair as he explodes into my mouth. When he’s finished, I swallow and return to my rightful seat as I wink at him.

  “You think that’s it?” Luke asks, turning to face me as he pats his lap. “We aren’t finished darling. I want to return the gift.”

  I laugh! There’s no way he could be ready for round two. And it’s as if he could read my mind and takes the challenge.

  Luke reaches up my black dress to slip off my panties before pulling me into his lap. Straddling him, I rub my clit up and down against his wet cock. Feeling him between my thighs pressing against my pussy, I can’t help but want to surrender myself to him. I position my pussy over his cock and slowly sink down on top of him. We both let out moans.

  Luke cups my ass as I bounce up and down while I devour his mouth with my own. Pumping my hips, going faster and faster, I know I’m on the brink of coming. Both of us are shaking as he emits a low growl and I wrap my hands around his neck.

  “Fuck,” I hiss out in absolute pleasure. Collapsing into his chest, still straddling his cock, I let out a slow breath. Fun in a car is really fun.

  I hear a ding before Ryan’s voice fills the backseat of the car. There must be some kind of intercom back here. “We’re here, Mr. Vulcano.”

  “Mr. Vulcano,” I whisper into his ear, “I don’t know where we are, but the ride was sure worth it.”

  The girl at the desk checking the partygoers in hands us both a pair of red headphones. This place is so out of character for both Luke and I—I shoot him a ‘what the hell?’ look as we stand in a group of people huddled together waiting to get into another room.

  Luke quietly says to me, “This is a club that wants to stock our liquor. I wasn’t sure because this is a pretty rare concept. Normally we go for high-end, but I think this might be something special. We are here to check out the atmosphere.”

  “What is this place?”

  And before he can answer, a tall, lean looking man in a tight black T-shirt steps up on a platform with a microphone and yells, “Welcome to What A Night Pop-Up Party, bitches! Get ready to rave out with your cock out.”

  Is this guy serious? I laugh out of confusion when Luke takes my hand in his and squeezes.

  “Alright bitches, get those headphones ready! We’re opening the doors in 3 … 2 … 1.”

  And that’s when the crowd goes crazy! Everyone rushes to put headphones on. Luke and I send each other curious glances, but we join the group putting the giant headphones on and plugging them into our phones like directed. The doors open to a giant dark room with neon strobe lights. Then with the app the club had us download, techno music starts streaming through my headphones.

  Just like that the entire club dances like there’s no tomorrow. Bodies grinding together, hands in the air, sweat flying, smiles all around, drinks flowing—this place is hot.

  I lift my headphones off my ear and I’m startled by how quiet it is in the building. All the noise is happening inside our own heads. What a crazy experience. I look at Luke as he’s eyeing the bar and realize I’m going to do yet another thing I’m not used to. I grab his arm and pull us out in the middle of the dance floor. And yet again, Luke surprises me—this guy can move!

  We must be out on the dance floor for at least an hour with the music pumping through our ears, immersing ourselves in the crowd of ravers also having a great time.

  “Let’s get some water,” I mouth to Luke. He leads us towards the bar. While waiting for my water and Luke’s drink, I spot a man walking up to us. He is not wearing headphones and when Luke spots him, he takes his off. I follow suit. If Luke can hear, I can too.

  “Mr. Vulcano, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Andy,” he says extending his hand for a shake. Andy sticks out from the rest of the super young looking staff as the only middle-aged person in the room. I assume he must be the man in charge. And by the way he’s falling all over Luke, I think my assumption is correct.

  Luke puts his hand on my lower back and says, “Andy, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Ariana.”

  It’s one word. A simple word. But it brings me absolute happiness.

  Ladies and gentlemen, he said I’m his girlfriend.

  “It’s nice to meet you. You are quite the beauty,” Andy says with a warm smile lighting up his brown eyes. “Can you hang out a minute while I go talk business with your boyfriend? I promise I won’t steal him for long,” Andy asks. Luke looks at me with an expression of reassurance, and I tell them to have fun.

  With the men in Andy’s office, I’m left to people watch at yet another bar; I don’t mind at all. My eyes scan the room and then they stop on a set of familiar ones looking back at me.

  “Ariana!” Drake screams from across the room with his headphones on. It sounds even louder to me as I have yet to put my headphones back on. I laugh at how loud he sounds as he approaches me with some of the frat guys and a few girls I don’t recognize.

  Drake takes off his headphones. “You’re the last person I thought I’d see here. How’d you find out about this place?”

  “I’m going to pretend you didn’t just call me a loser,” I say, laughing and punching him in the bicep.

  Trey stops a shot girl and passes drinks off her tray to all of us. Tonight has been an awesome night—from the beautiful outfit, to this cool club, to Luke introducing me to someone as his girlfriend. That deserves a toast!

  I grab my shot and hold it in the air with the rest of the group. The boys start chanting some ridiculous fraternity chant and then we all toss back our shots. Some pretty blonde girl who looks like a real life Barbie approaches Drake, but he blows her off to turn to face me.

  “Ari,” Drake slurs into my ear as he drapes his arm around my shoulders, “I am so glad to see you here. I’ve missed you.”

  Holding up the weight of Drake, I realize just how drunk he is. Even at his worst, I don’t think I’ve seen him like this. I turn towards the bar with him glued to me as I ask for more waters. He’s going to regret this hangover in the morning. Of course, I’m the party mom making everyone hydrate.

  “You’re a good friend, you know that,” Drake slurs as he takes the water. Some enters his mouth, but most ends up on the floor or down the front of his dress shirt.

  And just as I’m about to turn to ask for some napkins … it happens.

  Drake plants a sloppy kiss on my lips. It happens so fast, I don’t even have the time to push him off me or knee him in the balls—both of which I would have contemplated. As fast as the kiss happened, Drake is being thrown off me.

  I can only spot a muscular back in a black dress shirt starting to pound into Drake’s face. But Drake regains some kind of strength, lurching in Luke’s direction. Luke stumbles but comes back strong and throws a right hook that connects with a loud pop on Drake’s jaw. Trey appears out of nowhere, jumping in-between the two guys, shouting for them to knock it the fuck off, but he has no luck.

  “Stop it! Stop it!” I scream, pushing myself closer. A mob of people have surrounded the two guys and I just can’t get close enough. I’m throwing elbows and trying to tunnel my way through, but they are so far out of reach.

  This needs to end. Someone is going to get seriously hurt.

  Just as I think that, I get a good look at them both on the ground pummeling into each other—both of them are covered in blood. And it looks like someone lost a tooth.

  It’s then the crowd parts like the Red Sea as I spot Andy strutting over calmly with two huge bouncers. The two big bald-headed man jump right into the action—they both grab a guy and pull them apart. They make it look like it’s no big
deal.

  “Are you okay?” Andy asks Luke as I rush up to them. When the fighting stops, people move back away from the drama. Luke doesn’t say a single word—his eyes locked on Drake look full of rage. Drake has the same dead stare back at him. They aren’t done. “Take them out. Make sure they get into separate cars safely,” Andy says to his bouncers.

  We are escorted out of the club. Ryan is standing outside by the town car when he sees us hurry out of the bar. He doesn’t say a word about our sudden urgency to get into the car—he jumps into action and drives us away from this insane experience.

  “I’m sorry about all of that,” I say, not really sure what else can be said about what just took place. My heart rate is still racing.

  “Your friend is a jackass. I don’t want you to see him anymore,” Luke growls. I take in a look at his face: he’s bleeding from his temple and his knuckles are all messed up, but other than that he looks okay. It definitely wasn’t his tooth that was knocked out. Poor Drake.

  “I agree that my friend was acting like a jackass tonight, but normally he isn’t like that,” I say. Drake is normally such a chill guy and nothing gets under his skin. He was clearly drunk; he didn’t know what he was doing. I could have handled myself in pushing him off me.

  “Are you defending him?” Luke’s hands clinch into fists resting on top of his thighs.

  “Well no, I mean, yes. I guess? What happened back there? You immediately reacted by throwing a punch. We could have talked it through.”

  It concerns me that Luke was quick to throw a punch. If it was a stranger all over me, then okay fine, hit him. But this was Drake, my friend. My drunken friend who normally treats me like a sister. He didn’t know what he was doing.

  Luke hasn’t said a word in response to me questioning his actions. Instead, he turns away from me to face the car’s divider in silence, looking deep in thought. He’s clearly not in the moment.

  “Did I say something wrong?” I ask, placing my hand on Luke’s bicep, giving it a reassuring squeeze. I don’t want to fight and I don’t want him to think I’m siding with Drake. I think they both acted stupidly. “I’m going to clean up your cuts when we get back to your place.”