Morgan was the life of the party. The ecstasy in her system made her feel like she was flying. She was loose, wild, and the free feeling she had chased most of her life was finally hers. She appreciated it, even if it was only temporary. Her hurt feelings were replaced with confidence and a sensuality that she had never felt before. Why trip over the interest of one man when she had the eyes of many? As Morgan danced offbeat, she felt him watching. She wanted him to see how many men wanted her... how she could have her pick of them. How dare he bring someone else to my party and act like I’m invisible… like I’m a kid? I’m a grown woman and he won’t notice it until someone else has me, she thought. A sheer sheen of sweat covered her body, causing the thin fabric of her short dress to cling to her. Her taut nipples were visible through the dress. She was on fire and she liked it. From the feeling of the guy behind her, she could tell he did too; and from the look on Messiah’s face, she had accomplished her mission.

“Damn, you just out here fucking shit up, huh?” Nish yelled over the loud music. The song ended, and Nish handed Morgan another drink. “Last call.”

Morgan took the glass and tossed the shot back, frowning, as she felt the shot of liquor burn her throat all the way down.

“You and your homegirl want to grab food afterward?” The guy hugged her from behind, whispering the words into the crevice of her neck, not knowing that Morgan couldn’t hear him. She eased out of his grip to walk away, but he pulled her back. She turned to see his lips. “You leaving with me?” he asked.

He wanted the trophy. She could see it in his eyes. He wanted to be the one to take Benjamin Atkins’ daughter home. She knew what that felt like…to want to win the prize. She had competed for her father’s affection when her sister, Raven, was alive. When she was little, she competed for affection with Ethic because, biologically, she wasn’t his and he couldn’t possibly love her as much as he did his own children - no matter how much he assured her otherwise. Right? Tonight, she competed against every other woman in the club that wanted the upcoming king of the city…Messiah. She competed for him and, still, he acted as though she didn’t exist. She glanced in Messiah’s direction, noticing that he was headed for the door with a girl flanking, stumbling, not too far behind. Her envy made her agree. He was leaving with someone, so she would too. She was the master at tit for tat. She nodded, as the guy grabbed her hand and led her out the club.