"How is that accomplished?" I marveled at Amy's graceful stride in stilettos, though I'm familiar with heels, elegance like hers eluded me. Certainly not as effortlessly as my mischievous best friend.
"Don't be silly. I practically came out of the womb in heels," she turned to me, a smirk playing on her lips. I sighed in response, adjusting my short dress which was sending a chill up my legs, a stark reminder of its length. My meticulous grooming left my freshly shaven legs with goosebumps.
"You look amazing, turning heads tonight," Amy complimented, scanning me up and down. She had emphasized the need to let loose, though I won't be participating in casual hookups, disappointing her.
Tonight was about self-indulgence and forgetting the world's worries. Squeezing past the bouncer, I caught his gaze on my legs and stashed my ID back into my clutch.
"I'll grab the drinks; could you find us a table?" I asked Amy as we surveyed the upscale club with its seductive lighting and enveloping smoke, bodies swaying on the main floor.
"Sure thing, see that table on the left," she replied, heading off in that direction. I observed the VIP sections, likely hosting some celebrities. Stepping toward the bar, I slipped between two important-looking men, my attention on the bartender, Gabrielle, who effortlessly juggled drink orders.
Raising my hand to catch her attention, I spoke up, "Excuse me!" Gabrielle acknowledged me with a nod, her hands a blur mixing drinks. The man to my right interjected, "So, what brings you here?"
I rolled my eyes and retorted, "Not interested."
Gabrielle soon handed over the drinks, and I hurried away, leaving a generous tip for her. I felt the weight of the men's gazes, growing uncomfortable with their assumptions.
Safely distanced, I released a breath and sighed in relief. Amy was waiting at the VIP table, having secured our spot with her charm. The club exuded an exclusive aura, VIPs scattered around. I remained wary of the imposing men in a corner.
"Thanks, I really needed this," I told Amy, embracing the carefree atmosphere. We sipped our drinks and chatted about various topics. When the drinks were finished, Amy headed to the bathroom while I sought more drinks. Suddenly alone, I noticed the bathroom sign, but my friend had vanished into the crowd.
"Dammit, Amy," I muttered, elbowing through the crowd. In the bathroom hallway, a sight stopped me in my tracks – Leo was pummeling a man mercilessly. My heart raced, and as I turned to leave, his eyes locked onto mine, freezing me in place.
"You son of a bitch!" My scream pierced the air, catching his attention. Panic surged as I realized who I had just confronted. I tried to turn and flee, but before I could move, his grip held me in place.
"Shit!" He looked between me and the door, a mix of anger and surprise in his eyes. My mind raced, realizing I had intruded into a dangerous situation. "Let go!" I fought against his unyielding grip, my heart pounding.
"We need to talk," he declared, his grip unrelenting. I struggled, but he held me firmly, his gaze scorching. "Release me!" I seethed, shaking with fear and frustration.
His fiery gaze roamed my body, leaving a trail of heat. Finally, his eyes met mine, and he spoke ominously, "You and I are going to have a conversation."
"No, you need to let me go," I managed to say, my voice trembling as I battled anxiety. He reached for his pocket, and I flinched, thinking the worst.
"Leo, come here now. It's an emergency," he spoke into his phone, the relief washing over me as I realized it wasn't a weapon. I turned back to him, our eyes locking.
"Don't make any rash decisions," he warned, and I stood frozen, his words and presence overwhelming me. Gathering my courage, I inquired, "What do you want from me?"
He smirked, his grip tightening as he pushed me against him, my palms pressed against his solid chest. "Well, love, that depends," he began, pulling me closer, " Are you going to be a good girl for me and listen to what I'm saying, or are you going to be bad?"