chapter nine

indie

Heavenly Bodies - Arakani

I step off the stage, passing Lux's whip off to one of the cirkies for her to take over.

My performance was flawless, as expected, and I felt every second of it just as I had hoped. The rush of power as men and women knelt before me, begging to be hurt, humiliated, and degraded—it was intoxicating. Each crack of the whip, each command that left my lips, lit a fire inside me.

I loved every fucking moment. The thrill of control is still coursing through my veins, but when Johnny and I locked eyes through the crowd, something else stirred deep within me. Something darker and far more dangerous.

It's a different kind of thrill that has me aching for more.

My throat feels dry and scratchy from the heat and the constant yelling. I need a drink, something cold to douse the fire that's building inside me. The fire only grew in those brief seconds of holding Johnny's stare. Just the thought of him—of what I witnessed him do earlier—sends a pulse of heat straight between my thighs.

Fuck. I need Lux.

But first, I need something to wet my throat.

I make my way to the bar, weaving through the crowd of cirkies and customers. They're all lost in their own worlds—lips locked, bodies tangled, and hands everywhere. The atmosphere reeks of lust, sweat, and blood. It's thick and oppressive but barely registers because my mind is elsewhere.

At the bar, Dario, one of the cirkies, is leaning over the counter, pouring drinks for a group of customers. His attention shifts to me the moment I step up.

"What can I get you, Indie?" he asks, flashing a grin.

"Something cold and strong," I rasp, leaning on the bar, my eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of Lux or Johnny.

Dario doesn't hesitate, grabbing a bottle and pouring me a drink. I don't even bother asking what it is—I trust him and I'm desperate. My body feels too hot, my skin too tight. I'm parched, but that's not all. That gnawing, burning need is clawing its way back up and I need something cool to douse it down.

He slides the glass over to me, and without thinking twice I remove my mask and toss it back in one gulp. The liquid is cold, crisp, and it burns slightly as it slides down my throat, but it does the job. I slam the glass down on the bar, and wipe my mouth, ready to get back to searching for Lux.

But as I turn to leave, I catch a glimpse of Johnny out of the corner of my eye. His painted face tight, his eyes locked on Dario behind me. There's something dark, and dangerous flashing across his expression, that has my pulse quickening.

"What?" I ask, turning back to the bar as the faintest hint of unease creeps its way into my chest.

Johnny's already moving, shoving his way through the crowd of people toward me. His movements are so sharp and deliberate that he reaches me in seconds, grabbing my wrist firmly. His fingers dig into my skin just hard enough to get my attention.

"You drank it?" he asks, his voice low, almost a growl.

"Yeah," I say, confused. "Why?"

His eyes shift to Dario, and suddenly, I understand. Dario looks panicked, frozen like a deer in headlights, and that's when it hits me.

The fucker spiked my goddamn drink.

"Shit…" I mutter, the reality sinking in. "What the hell did you put in it?"

Dario stammers, stepping back with his palms raised, but it's too late. I can already feel it. A warmth spreads through me, starting in my chest and flowing outwards. My head feels lighter, and the big top—suddenly everything is so much sharper, the colors more vivid, the sounds louder. My skin feels electric. Like every brush of air or every touch is heightened to the point of almost painful awareness.

And then there's the heat still building in my core—the arousal that was already simmering—flares to life, nearly bringing me to my knees with how intense it is.

Fuck.

Johnny's hand tightens on my wrist, pulling me closer toward him, and I can feel the warmth of his body radiating against mine. His breath is hot against my ear, and even though I know this is the drugs coursing through my system, I can't help the way my body responds.

"You okay?" Johnny says, his voice steady, but there's a darkness in his tone that tells me he's more pissed off than he's letting on.

But I don't care about Dario right now. All I can think about is how every inch of me is thrumming with desire, how Johnny's grip on my wrist is the only thing keeping me grounded.

"I'm fine," I breathe, though I'm not sure if that's true. The room is spinning, my legs are weak, but it's not from fear or even the drugs—it's from the need coursing through me.

Johnny's gaze narrows, his eyes darting over my face, as if assessing whether I'm actually okay or not. But before he can say anything else, I tug my wrist free, taking a shaky step back. My heart is pounding, my breath coming in shallow gasps, and all I can think about is Lux. I need him—now more than ever.

"I need to find Lux," I mutter, the ground tilting beneath me as I turn to walk away from the bar.

Before I can take another step, Johnny's there, catching me before I fall. His arms lock around me, pulling me flush against his chest, and the contact sends a ripple of tingles through me. I bite back a moan that I barely manage to suppress.

"You sure?" His voice is sharp, his grip firm, but there's something protective in his tone. "You don't look so good."

"I said I'm fine Johnny," I mumble, trying to pull away, but my legs won't cooperate. My body feels like it's floating, every sensation magnified, and deep down, I know something's off. "What the hell was in that drink?"

Johnny scoffs, his grip tightening as he shoots a deadly glare toward the bar. "MDMA. Apparently this piece of shit thought it would be funny to drug the bosses girl." His voice is a low growl, and when I follow his gaze, I see the bartender ducking out of sight, like he knows his time left on this earth is limited.

He'll wish he was dead once Lux finds out what he's done.

"MDMA… Oh, okay. Yeah, I'll be fine then, right?" I blink, trying to clear my head, but the heat inside me overwhelms me. I'm hyper-aware of Johnny's hands on my waist, of how close his body is to mine. Fuck, my skin is on fire.

Johnny's jaw clenches, his eyes flashing with fury. "Yeah. You'll be fine, I'll make sure of it. As for this mother fucker," his tone darkens, his fists curling at his sides. "As much as I want to punch a hole in his face with my cock, I'll let Lux handle him."

The rage in his voice makes my head swim, but it's not fear that has my heart racing. It's the anger I can feel radiating off of him. The protectiveness. I can't stop thinking about how Johnny's arms feel around me, how the heat from his body seeps into mine, intensifying the fire that's already burning inside me.

I am so fucked.

"I don't…" I trail off, trying to explain the feeling coursing through me, but the words won't come. The truth is, I don't even care about the fact that this idiot thought he could drug me. Or that Lux will most definitely kill him for it. All I can think about is how Johnny's holding me and how his hand presses against the small of my back like he's afraid to let go.

It's all so goddamn overwhelming—the need, the heat, and the raw desire that is fucking vibrating through me.

I can't even tell if it's just the drugs at this point or if I'm just one of those horny sluts now that just needs dick all the time.

I stumble away from the bar, feeling the world tilt slightly beneath my feet again. Johnny is there before I can even process what's happening, his strong arms pulling me upright before I lose my balance and land on my face.

Is this normal? Does MDMA always start working so fast?

Johnny raises an eyebrow, watching me with amusement. "You're looking a little flushed," he says, his voice a low murmur. "I gotta admit though, you're real cute, all doped up and clumsy. But we gotta get you to Lux before you do something stupid." He chuckles, but there's a serious glint in his eyes. He knows what's at stake and he doesn't want to be responsible for anything that'll piss Lux off.

I get it. Even I know when it comes to me Lux has no limit on the cruelty he will inflict. Anyone who even thinks of touching what belongs to him will most definitely be met with death.

And not a pretty one.

"How many times do I need to tell you I'm fucking fine," I mutter, but as the words spill from my lips, even I don't believe them. My body feels light, and tingly, like every nerve is alive and buzzing. The drugs are amplifying everything—my need, my frustration, the way Johnny's hands feel against my skin.

Lux. I need Lux. Now.

Johnny tilts his head, eyes narrowing as he watches me try to pull myself together. "Sure you are, sweetheart." He smirks, shaking his head. "Let's get you to Lux before you get me or some other poor piece of shit killed."

Before I can respond, Johnny grabs me and throws me over his shoulder like it's nothing, his hand gripping my thigh as he pushes through the crowd. The movement jostles me, knocking my mask to the floor. I can't help the way my body reacts. The heat coils in my stomach and every little bump against his shoulder sends a shockwave of pleasure through me.

"Johnny, put me down!" I snap, half-laughing, half-annoyed, though deep down, I'm too far gone to care. If anything him carrying me is doing me a favor, though I'll never admit it.

"Not a fucking chance," he replies, swatting my thigh playfully as he moves through the sea of bodies. "You'll thank me later. Besides, Lux won't want you wandering around like this. Not with all these twisted fucks roaming around." His tone is light, but I can hear the edge of protectiveness. He's making sure nothing happens to me.

The crowd parts as Johnny's large frame strides through, the chaos of the tent swirling around us—music, laughter, moans. Normally, I'd feel a rush of power seeing the debauchery, but right now, all I can focus on is the need building inside me.

Fuck, when did I turn into such a slut?

When we finally reach Lux, he's standing near his throne, overseeing the crowds around the main part of the big top. Johnny sets me down in front of him, his grip still firm on my arm as he steadies me.

"Lux," Johnny says, his voice serious now. "She got drugged at the bar. I saw Dario slip something into her drink, but she tossed it back before I could get to her."

"Fuck," Lux snaps, his tone doing little to hide his fury. "Do you know how much he dosed her with?"

"Nah," Johnny shakes his head. "But by how fast it hit her, and how fucked up she is, I'd say at least two or three hits."

Lux's sharp gaze flickers between me and Johnny, taking in the situation, as a smirk slowly spreads across his lips. There's a dark gleam in his eyes as he steps closer to me, his hand cupping my cheek as he leans in. His breath hot against my ear. "How you feeling, baby?" His voice is a low, seductive rumble that sends a shiver down my spine.

"I-I need you, Lux," I whisper, my voice laced with desperation. The drugs have stripped away any pretense, any control. I don't care who's watching. I just need him—now.

Lux's eyes darken with amusement and desire as he steps back. Sliding off his trainer jacket, he drapes it over the back of the throne before taking a seat. His muscular arms hang over the sides as he watches me with that dangerous fucking smirk. "Then come. Use me, Indie. Let your demons free to play with mine."

The room stills as he speaks, the attention of the crowd drawn to us just by his commanding tone—my heart pounds in my chest, a mixture of arousal and anticipation coursing through me. Slowly, I sit down on Lux's lap, with my back pressed firmly against his toned chest as his hands grip my hips.

Johnny stands nearby, keeping the perimeter with his gaze locked on me. There's a hunger in his eyes, but he stays where he is, making sure no one gets too close. He's forced to watch, just like everyone else, and I know he hates it as much as he enjoys it.

Lux's voice cuts through the haze clouding my mind. "Show me how much you need me, Indie."

My body moves on instinct, driven by a hunger that's burning under my skin. His hands slide between my thighs, his fingers popping open the buttons of my bodysuit with practiced ease. The cool air of the room hits my glistening core, as it's exposed to the crowd gathered around us. Their hungry eyes fixate on every move. I gasp at the sudden deja-vu feeling of vulnerability, as my body thrums excitedly.

Fuck, I need this.

Lux doesn't waste time, pulling his cock out as his gaze roams over my flushed skin with darkened eyes. He positions me just right, lining his cocks tip up with my pussy and swirling it around in slow circular motions. I feel the hard length of him pressing against me, and without hesitation, I sink down onto him. The sensation is overwhelming as he fills me completely, stretching me to accommodate his size. The slow drag of him entering me sending a shiver up my spine.

My eyes find their way toward Johnny, standing at the edge of the gathering, his eyes locked on mine. The heat between us is undeniable, even as Lux thrusts inside me. I bite my lip, torn between them, feeling the raw desire in Johnny's gaze sear into me from across the room.

Lux notices my distraction and lets out a dark, knowing chuckle. His smirk grows darker as his voice rolls through the air. "Johnny," he calls out, his tone low, authoritative. "It seems our Dark Queen has a specific craving tonight. Get on your knees and show her how much you appreciate her."

Johnny's eyes widen slightly, surprise flickering in their depths, but there's no hesitation. His desire for me is stronger than his pride, and he steps forward, his boots heavy on the ground as he closes the distance. He drops to his knees before me. His hands running up my thighs. Johnny's touch both reverent and possessive. I feel his breath on my skin, and my body reacts, arching into it as Lux continues to move inside me with slow, deliberate thrusts.

"Watch him, Indie. Watch him bow down before you," Lux whispers with heated breath against the shell of my ear. "Before his Dark Queen."

My breath hitches as Johnny's mouth brushes against the inside of my thigh, his lips teasing but demanding. He kisses his way up slowly as his tongue darts out to taste the sweat and arousal coating my skin. My pulse quickens, the dual sensation of Lux's steady rhythm inside me and Johnny's mouth against my flesh driving me closer to the edge. It's enough to drive me crazy.

Lux's grip tightens on my hips, his fingers digging into my skin with bruising force. His voice is a growl in my ear, rough and possessive. "Let him please you, Indie, and enjoy it, because this is the only time I'll ever fucking allow anyone but me to touch you."

Fuck.

I moan in response, my body trembling as Johnny's tongue finally reaches where I need him most. He traces the slick line where Lux and I are joined sending a jolt of pleasure through me. Lux growls and slows his pace, giving Johnny more room to work. I can feel every teasing flick of his venomous fucking tongue, every lap and swirl, as he devours me like his last fucking meal.

Johnny is a goddamn lunatic, but fuck can he eat.

My hands fist in Johnny's greasy hair, pulling him closer. He groans against me, his mouth working me faster now. His tongue flicks over my swollen clit, sending sparks of pleasure shooting through my body, while Lux continues his slow, unrelenting rhythm beneath me. Every thrust is deep and hard, grounding me in the heat of the moment, despite the audience surrounding us.

The crowd watches in stunned silence, their breaths held as if they're afraid any sound might break the spell of what's happening before them. I can feel their eyes on me, the weight of their stares heavy, burning into my exposed skin. Some gaze with envy, others with arousal, but all of them watch, mesmerized by this raw display of power and submission.

One woman gasps from the front, her hand flying to cover her mouth, eyes wide in shock. A man next to her leans in, whispering something in her ear, his gaze never leaving the way my body arches, trembling with every roll of Lux's hips. The sound of his murmurs is muffled by the pulse of the DJs music in the background, but I catch fleeting glimpses of their faces—lustful, fascinated, completely absorbed in what they're witnessing.

But it's Johnny's gaze that holds me the most. His dark eyes look up at me, burning with a hunger that matches my own as his entire focus fixates on me. He's ravenous, his mouth hot and demanding as he tastes me, his need palpable. I can feel him losing control as much as I am. He watches as I start to come undone, my body trembling and quaking under their combined touch.

Lux's scarred hand moves to my throat, squeezing just enough to make my breath hitch as he leans in close to my ear. "Do you feel them watching, Indie?" His voice is low, rough with lust. "They're all desperate to be you right now. To have what you have. They fucking envy you. The Dark Queen of Cirque Du Desir."

I moan, the sound swallowed by the growing heat inside me. My head falls back on Lux's shoulder as I lock eyes with him. My chest heaves with every breath as the pressure builds and I teeter on the edge of release.

Johnny pulls back slightly, his lips brushing against my inner thigh. "She's close, Lux," he murmurs, as his hand slides into his jeans, freeing his hardened cock. I watch as he slowly starts to pump himself, mimicking the Lux's thrusts into me. His voice is dark and rough. "I can feel her shaking."

Lux lets out a low chuckle, his thrusts growing slower, more controlled. "Of course she is," he replies as his fingers tighten around my throat just a bit more. "With that much MDMA in her veins, she can't help it. She can't handle the pleasure the two of us inflict on her, not for long anyway."

Fuck he's right. I can't handle it. I need to come. I need to feel the rush of pleasure coursing through me.

"Please…" The word slips out before I can stop it, my voice trembling. "I need to?—"

Lux's grip on my throat loosens slightly, his lips grazing the shell of my ear as he growls softly. "Not yet, Indie. You don't come until I fucking say so."

My breath hitches, frustration and desire warring inside me. Johnny's mouth returns to my core, his tongue flicking over me with renewed intensity as the heat coils tighter and tighter in my belly.

"Let her go, Lux," Johnny murmurs between strokes of his tongue. His voice is a mix of arrogance and mischief. "She's going to fucking explode at any second."

Lux smirks, his hips slamming up into me in a sudden, punishing rhythm. "She can wait," he says, his tone dripping with control. "She's stronger than you think, Johnny, and she won't fucking come until I tell her to."

But I can't wait. Every nerve in my body is on fire, straining against the release Lux is holding just out of reach. My hands tighten in Johnny's hair, pulling on his roots as my body writhers between them. "Lux, please?—"

Finally, he relents. "Now, Indie," he growls, his eyes dark with satisfaction. "Come for us. Let Johnny taste how sweet your juices really are."

Oh my fucking god.

The permission shatters the last of my control, and I scream, my release crashing over me in violent waves. My body convulses, every muscle tensing as I come hard, trembling and gasping for breath. Lux groans beneath me, his grip on my hips bruising as he spills inside me, thrusting deep one last time.

Johnny pulls back. Stroking his cock with vigorous force. His eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he watches us come undone. "Good girl," he says softly, licking his lips. "You take our king's cock so fucking well," he groans. I watch, fixated on the sight of him fucking himself in front of me.

With a loud groan, he finishes himself, his release spilling across my core where Lux is still buried inside me in a hot, sticky mess. He smirks, reaching up to smear it around, mixing it with my arousal and Lux's. His fingers glide over my sensitive skin in a way that's both filthy and intimate.

I'm breathless, my body trembling from the intensity of it all, the rawness of the moment. Lux holds me close, his touch gentle now, soothing as he strokes my back, calming the trembling in my limbs.

Lux chuckles darkly, his breath ragged but filled with pride. "Do you feel better? Did we satisfy your needs?"

I'm barely able to think, the aftershocks of pleasure still rippling through me. Johnny stands, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, that cocky smirk never leaving his face.

He tucks his cock back into his pants. "Always a pleasure, my queen," Johnny says, winking at me, his voice dripping with playful arrogance. His gaze flicks to Lux, an unspoken bond of power and understanding passing between them.

Lux smiles, satisfied, pulling me closer. "You enjoyed that, didn't you?" he whispers in my ear, his tone a mix of affection and dominance.

I nod, unable to find the words.

"Good, because it won't happen again. You're mine, Indie, only fucking mine."

And I know he means it. Sure, tonight Lux allowed me to experience something new, and intense. But it will never happen again, and honestly, I'm okay with that.

Lux is mine and I his, but this night, the moment the three of us shared, will forever be unforgettable.