AVA
I sighed, staring at my reflection in the floor-length mirror. My best friend, Betty, had picked out the black dress, and I had to admit, I looked hot. The tight-fitting fabric hugged my curves, and the high boots made me feel confident. Minimal makeup and my silky shoulder-length hair down completed the look. I was ready to take on the night, or so I thought.
Betty had practically forced me to agree to tonight's club outing, organized by our coworkers. "You need to move on," she said, referring to my recent heartbreak. I hadn't been out since Max, my ex, broke my heart by planning his wedding with another woman behind my back. I'd found out because I was the event planner his supposed bride chose.The pain still lingered, the pain of loving someone who didn't love you back but I was determined to put it behind me.
As we arrived at the club, I felt a mix of anxiety and excitement. The music was loud, and the crowd was lively. After exchanging pleasantries with my coworkers present, I excused myself to get a drink, noticing the illicit stares from men around.
As I stumbled into the bar, the bartender greeted me with a knowing smile. "What can I get you, miss?" he asked, his eyes hinting at my obvious intention to drown my sorrows.
"Something strong," I replied, my voice firm despite the wobble in my legs.
He nodded and expertly mixed a drink, handing it to me with a sympathetic glance. I downed it in one gulp, feeling the liquor burn its way down my throat. Glass after glass followed, each one numbing my senses a little more.
Before I knew it, I was staggering onto the dance floor, my eyes scanning the crowd with a reckless abandon and started moving in sync with the beat, swaying my hips from side to side. Hand's flying carelessly in the air, I took it all in. The drink in my hand, the loud music, the feel of bumping into each other on the dance floor. That's when I saw him - a blonde-haired man with a scar on his cheek, his eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity.
"Little bee," he slurred, his breath reeking of alcohol and something else I couldn't quite place. "My boss wants a word with you."
I followed his gaze to the VIP section, where a man with a menacing smirk watched us, his cigarette dangling from his lips. My instincts screamed warning, but I stood my ground, trying to appear braver than I felt. Inside I was a quivering mess.
"I'm not interested," I said, my voice steady despite the fear creeping up my spine.
The man behind me grunted, as he gripped my arm tightly. "The boss doesn't like to be kept waiting. Come with me, or there will be consequences."
Panic set in as he dragged me across the dance floor, nobody seeming to notice or care. But I refused to go quietly. With a surge of adrenaline, I broke free and kicked him in the groin, sending him crumpling to the ground.
I took off towards the exit, my heels pounding the floor, but two other men chased after me. Just as I thought all was lost, I collided with a stranger, his strong arms catching me before I hit the ground.
Our gazes met, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through me. His blue eyes sparkled with amusement, and I felt a flutter in my chest.
"Come with me," he said, his voice low and urgent, as he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the exit.
We burst out into the night air, as he guided me towards a waiting car. As we sped away, I laughed with relief, the alcohol's effects wearing off.
"That was crazy," I said, still breathless, as I met his gaze. And suddenly we both burst out laughing. After what seemed like eternity, our laughter subsided.
He chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Seemed like you needed help back there."
"Yeah, I did. Thanks". I replied, stifling my laughter.
We introduced ourselves - "I'm Ava ''. I Said.
" Liam". He replied.
I thanked him again for his timely intervention. As we drove, I realized I'd left my friend Betty behind, but Liam assured me he'd arranged for her safe passage home.
The night was still young, and Liam asked if I wanted to go somewhere fun. Despite the danger and uncertainty, I agreed, feeling a spark of adventure ignite within me.
....
LIAM.
As I stepped into the club with Chris, I was looking to unwind after a long day of work and to avoid Mia's constant engagement talk. That's when I spotted her - a captivating woman with a troubled expression, downing glass after glass of alcohol. I was drawn to her like a magnet, sensing a deep sadness beneath her brave facade. I couldn't help but stare, and before I knew it, I was dismissing the flock of women around me, a first for me.
When she disappeared, I searched for her, finding her on the dancefloor, I took my time to watch her swaying her hips seductively in tune with the music. Suddenly I saw her fleeing from Mason's men. I knew the dirty businessman's tactics, so I intervened, helping her escape. Now, we were headed to my favorite spot, a secluded overlook with a breathtaking view of the city.
As we arrived, she asked, "Where's this place?" I smiled, knowing she'd love it. "You'll see, sweetheart. You'll see." We got out of the car, and I led her to the grassy spot, where a meteor shower lit up the night sky. Her eyes widened in wonder, and she gasped, "A meteor shower? I love it!"
We sat down, and I couldn't help but notice her beauty, even in the dim light. Her eyes shone brightly, blending with the night sky. She teased, "You don't strike me as someone who'd come here...you look wealthy and important; And we both know the rich folks don't do time-wasting stuff".
I chuckled, "Oh, this isn't time-wasting. I'm with a beautiful, half-drunk woman, under the moonlight, watching the stars. It's a dream come true."
She blushed, and I loved it. We shared a moment of silence.
"My dad used to bring me here when I was a kid. It was our thing." I explained.
"Wow. Your Dad is so cool." She said, smiling.
"Yeah. He was".
Silence prevailed for a few moments.
"I'm so sorry". She apologized.
"Don't be. Today is his death anniversary. I was going to come here after probably getting drunk at the club— so here we are".
I didn't know why I brought her with me, but now I am glad I did.
"You know, I was also at the club to get drunk too." She said, The sad expression I had seen at the club returned to her face. "Douche bag boyfriend over here!" She finished chuckling sadly. A lone tear rolled down her cheek, and I leaned in, wiping it away with my thumb, my thumb stayed on her face as I felt her soft velvety skin under my hand.
"It's his loss". I said and she laughed. Our gazes locked in a charged moment. She leaned in, brushing her lips against mine, and I felt a spark.
We deepened the kiss, our desire palpable, but she broke away, her eyes still burning with lust. I offered to drop her off, but she whispered, "Take me with you." I knew I should resist, but I couldn't deny the connection we shared. I took her hand, leading her to my car. I'd dismissed my driver for the night so we were alone. We drove off into the night, the city lights blurring as we sped towards my hotel.
As we entered my room, the tension was electric. We kissed passionately, our bodies entwined, frantically throwing off our clothes, and I knew I wanted her more than anything. I knew she was meant for me. Her body fitted perfectly into mine like she was made for me. But I also knew I had to be careful - I wasn't ready to let my guard down yet. Little did I know, this night would change everything. For me. For Us.