The Romanoffs

I unlocked the door to my small crappy apartment. I can hear my neighbors next door going at it again, the stray cat roaming the halls and the little noisy judgmental old hag across from us.

"Another late night I see."

"Oh shut it, Ethel. Shouldn't you be rubbing bengay on your joints instead of watching me come home from a fresh fuck!" I hiss at her while I dig in my purse for my keys.

"You young lady should learn some manners! Maybe then you wouldn't open your legs to every man that breathes!" She waves her finger at me through her cracked door

"Yeah, Ethel well if you would've learned to do something more with that mouth then nag your husband wouldn't have left you for his secretary" I stare at her before I slam my apartment door shut.

Home Sweet Home.

Aka my tiny two-bedroom apartment, more like closet bedrooms that fit just a bed and nightstand, on the 5th floor of a walk-up I share with my best friend Ariana. Who is currently blasting music while she dances around the kitchen in her underwear and tank top.

I throw my heels and purse on the couch and drag my ass to the kitchen for some water to wash down this tequila stench.

"So I'm guessing the date went well?" Ariana says as I slam the fridge closed. I roll my eyes at her statement.

"Went well? Please, worse date yet" she turns her head with a confused look, starring at my tossed heels and half-zipped dress. I know she's wondering why I came home so late.

"Ok let's start. The beginning was great, such a gentleman. Took me to a nice restaurant, opened my car door, took my chair out the whole shebang" I hop onto the counter and drown my dry throat with the cold water. "So you know we head back to his place. We start going at it on the couch, now I'm about a half bottle of tequila in so you know....I'm fucked up"

"Then right as my dress slips off...HIS WIFE comes home" I throw my bottle in the trash

"Oh, shit.....he was married?"

"MARRIED!?!? Bitch his wife and three kids came running in saying they missed daddy and my bare ass is bent over the couch ready to be spanked"

Ariana busts out laughing. She's laughing so hard she can't fucking breathe, this is my life. A fucking shit show.

"Shut up. I'm done with these stupid dating apps and bars. Maybe I'll just be a hoe for the rest of my life"

"Well why don't you try that new dating service" Ariana clicks away at her phone

"Da fuck you talking about? Apps, services it's all the same."

"Yeah but this one is great" she tosses me her phone "you get matched with rich older men or women. They take you to fancy parties, dance and shit"

I click away and find some decent looking men, no grandpa looking ones. Mostly lonely men in their 40s, wearing expensive suits and Rolexes.

"Imagine getting paid to date? It's the greatest fucking thing. I've been on a couple already it's how I paid to rent this month" she chuckles

"Alright let's set me up a profile"

"YES BITCH PAY MY BILLS HOE" she jumps up and down before snatching the phone away to sign me up.

•••••••

Two weeks later

I've been on the sugar baby app for two weeks now. I went on a few dates, but nothing substantial. Mostly lonely men, some married, looking for a pretty young thing to show off and choke them behind doors.

That's not me.

Sorry sweetie, but nonetheless I enjoy the free meals and endless attention I get. I'm currently on my third date with Derrick R. Johnson the Third!

He never lets me forget.

"How are you enjoying your meal gorgeous?" the silver fox sitting across me says as he tries to caress my leg with his greedy hands.

"It's nice...Derrick. I'm not a fan of French food, however," I say trying to avoid his touch and swirl my spoon around some meal I can't pronounce nor afford.

"Oh no. It's not to your liking? I can always have them make you something else" he starts snapping to the waiter.

"No please I'm fine" I calmly say.

I know it's a nice gesture but I hate putting people out. I also hate men who seem so desperate for my approval and affection. I like to be controlled, I'm what one might call a sub. Derricks leans over and gently kisses my cheek.

"Whatever makes you happy my lady." He whispers.

Barf

"Excuse me I need to freshen up in the powder room" I quickly fix my skirt and make my way to the back. Its time to plan my escape, I enter the ladies room and desperately look for a way out of this boring mess.

"Fuck no windows." I peek outside and notice there's also no back exit only the front door. I roll my eyes and lock the bathroom door again, I let out a huff before I hear a bing on my phone.

"Another match?" I open the sugar baby app to the profile of a stunning silver fox, "Nadei Romanoff?" the name flicks off my tongue and something about this man seemed.....intriguing. He's about 15 years older than me, wearing a dark tailored suit, expensive Cartier sunglasses, with a devilish smirk.

"Ah hell why not!" I click match and slide the phone back into my clutch before walking to the sink and freshening myself up.

It's not long before I hear another bing, a message from Nadei already. Boy he doesn't waste any time, does he?

"Hello babygirl, I hope I am not too forward by messaging you so quickly? I'm new to this 'dating app' thing but I came across your profile and I find you stunning. Perhaps we can meet for a late nightcap? I would love to know more about you"

"Babygirl" I whisper to myself. My fucking weakness I swear. Play it cool Nicky, simply except the proposal gets some drinks with a hottie and who knows!?! Maybe a nice bang?

I prep myself in the mirror.

"Hello sir, I luckily have some free time right now. Do you have a bar in mind?" I quickly message back.

"I'm so glad you responded so quickly. I'll send you the address, how about the next hour?"

"I can do that. There's not much traffic."

"Good girl. I'll be waiting for you, don't be late"

'Good girl?' Fuck me.

I throw my phone in my clutch, dry my hands and head out ready to give Derrick the best performance of my life. I slowly walk out and stubble slightly when he sees me. He already has a concerned look on his face, perfect.

"I'm so sorry Derrick. I seem to be feeling ill" I whisper with my hand placed across my stomach

"Oh dear, should I speak with the chef! Perhaps some seltzer would help?"

Seriously dude!?!?

"No, no I rather just head home if that's ok"

"Of course lets go"

"No!" I demand. "Please, I rather just take a cab and be alone. I wouldn't want to get you sick"

He approaches me before placing a sweet kiss on my forehead and caressing my cheek. "Of course sweetheart I'll call you tomorrow"

"Yeah sure" I grab my jacket and hustle out to the street. Little does Derrick know I had a Uber waiting for me outside, I hop in and we speed off. To the Upper East Side, Of course, he must be old money to be living on Madison Avenue right off Central Park.

We pull up to a quiet lounge-type bar and the door swings open. It's not my Uber driver but another well dress man closer to my age. He has on a fitted black suit with no tie and his buttons open exposing his chest. His detailed tattoos across his chest they must cover him entirely. His light brown curly hair with one strand hanging over his forehead, ice blue eyes, and rugged 5 o'clock shadow.

Hell is he up for grabs too? because I'm ready to hop on him.

He holds his hand out for me to step out.

"Hello Nicole, I'm Aleksander. Please follow me" he says in a low husky voice.

I take his hand as he leads me into the lounge. Two men in black clothing and shades are posted at the door. I take a quick look and I almost swear they're carrying weapons.

Who the fuck did I just agree to meet? I squeeze Aleksander's hand and he gives me a friendly grin.

I take a deep breath as we enter the lounge.