Chapter 4 Pleasure and Power

CARTER'S POV

I strutted across the school compound, flanked by Caleb and Oliver. Our presence was loud, arrogant, and impossible to ignore.

Heads turned wherever we walked-not just because of our wealth, but the power we wielded among the students.

Despite being celebrated by most of the teachers as brilliant and charismatic, i lived a double life. Behind their backs, i was ruthless-tormenting those i deemed beneath me. The only teacher who saw through my charm was Mr. Dante.

"I think it's time to head back. We've got that party by 4 p.m., remember?" I said casually, flipping my car keys in the air.

"Yeah, true. It's already 2:30. Let's bounce so we don't show up late," Caleb added.

As we turned to head to the class to grab our belongings, Oliver muttered, "That little punk Eric got lucky we didn't catch him today."

"Relax," I said with a smirk. "I'm not letting that ruin my mood."

Caleb glanced sideways, guilt creeping into his tone. "Don't you think we've done enough? I mean... the way we beat up Ethan just for standing up for himself-it was messed up."

I turned to him, eyes cold. "You know, Caleb, maybe you should leave this crew. Go join the charity club with the other lowlifes."

Oliver rolled his eyes and hissed, clearly irritated. Caleb looked down, chewing on his bottom lip.

"I'm not leaving," Caleb muttered. "Just saying we shouldn't let these nobodies get in our heads."

"Oh really?" I scoffed. "Funny, because when it's time to have fun with them, you're the first to drop your pants."

"My bad," Caleb chuckled, clearly unbothered now. "But you know I live for a good f*ck."

Oliver laughed. "Hope you've still got energy to 'dig for gold' tonight."

"Man, I'm leaving that party with at least three boys. We're going full-throttle."

I remained silent, smirking as we exited through the school gates, heading to our luxury cars. We exchanged a quick handshake and disappeared.

---

Later That Evening

At home, i faced off with my mother.

"You're always out partying and stumbling home drunk in the middle of the night," Mrs. Benita Blackwell fumed . "I swear, Carter, I'm going to tell your father."

"Mom, it's not that serious. I'm just hanging out with friends."

"Oh, really? Hanging out? Do you think I'm that naïve?"

"Mom, please. My friends are already calling me. I gotta go."

"You are not going anywhere! If you step out that door, I'll call your father this minute!"

I grabbed my car key. "Bye, Mom. We'll talk later."

"I'm talking to you, Carter! You don't even respect me anymore. Go on, act grown-but I'll be waiting when you get back!" she screamed after me, chasing me toward the driveway. But i was already gone.

---

At the Club

Flashing lights, shirtless dancers, and pounding music filled the air.

The club was alive with energy and bodies. Tight briefs clung to male strippers as they moved sensually, surrounded by an excited crowd.

"Where are we sitting?" Oliver asked.

"There," I pointed to a corner booth. We slid in, scanning the room.

"I'll get the drinks," I said, making my way to the bar.

"Carter, my man! Long time," the bartender grinned.

"Hey, Davis. Just the usual-a bottle of whiskey."

As i was returning to my seat, a well-built brown-skinned dancer intercepted me.

"Hey, cutie, my name is Brown. I am available for the night" the dancer said, trailing a hand across my chest.

"How much?" I asked coolly.

"Fifty bucks."

I faked a grimace. "I don't have that."

"Thirty, just for you. I like my men chocolate," he whispered.

"Deal. Follow me."

I led him to the table.

"Guys, meet Brown," I said casually.

"Dude, you left for drinks and came back with a whole date," Caleb said, wide-eyed.

"Go get yours," I replied, smirking.

Moments later, both Caleb and Oliver returned, each with boys of their own. We drank, danced, and lost ourselves in a haze of pleasure.

---

Back Home – 9 p.m.

I tiptoed into the house, thinking my mother had gone to bed. I didn't expect the voice that sliced through the silence.

"Where the hell do you think you're going with this... whore?"

Brown gasped. "Excuse me?! I am not a whore!"

"Shut up, Brown," I said sharply. "That's my mom."

"My bad," Brown mumbled.

"Mom, we've had this conversation. I'm not a kid anymore. This is who I am-deal with it."

"I am your mother, Carter! Your father refuses to handle your nonsense, but I won't sit back and watch you destroy yourself! You keep bringing strange men home, flaunting it in my face. You want me to tell him you're gay?"

"Tell him whatever you want. This is me, and nothing you do will change that." I pull Brown with me toward my room.

My mom collapsed to the floor in tears, devastated. "Why, God? Why is my son like this?"

Inside the room, i was already entangled with Brown, oblivious-or perhaps indifferent-to the heartache just outside my door.

Moans filled the hallway, a cruel soundtrack to my mother's weeping.

The Next Morning

I managed to sneak out of the house early, avoiding another confrontation with my mother.

Brown trailed behind me quietly, fixing his hair as we stepped outside.

I dropped Brown off a few blocks from the club, handed him the agreed payment, and sped off toward school without a word.

At school, we reunited in our usual spot behind the gym building-a private area shielded from prying eyes and wandering ears.

With mischief in our eyes, we shared stories from the night before.

"Man, that guy was a pro," I began, lighting a cigarette and leaning back against the wall. "Brown knew exactly what he was doing."

"I trust you, my guy," Caleb grinned. "I know you didn't just lay there and let him take the crown."

"Hell nah," I smirked. "I matched his energy. The whole room was vibrating-pure magic, man."

Caleb laughed, then turned to Oliver. "What about you, bro? How did your night go?"

Oliver's expression changed, annoyed and slightly embarrassed. "Bro, I was exhausted. I passed out right after... but when I woke up this morning, that damn whore had already disappeared-with my wallet."

I and Caleb stared at him for a moment... then burst into uncontrollable laughter.

"You're lying!" I howled, clutching his side.

"No cap," Oliver groaned, rubbing his temples. "Took all the cash. Left my ID though-how generous."

Caleb wheezed, tears in his eyes. "You got played, bro!"

"That's what you get for picking your babe from the back of the club," I teased, still chuckling.

"Man, f*ck y'all," Oliver muttered, but even he couldn't stop the small grin creeping onto his face.

The three of us stood there, laughing and teasing like nothing in the world could touch us-just another reckless morning after a night of sin.