Chapter 4

Chapter 4

SHANELLE

We decided to dress elegantly to go to the super fancy club and celebrate Marc's birthday. While I was searching for something to wear, I heard Marc shout from his room.

"Shane, I found the perfect dress for you! Come see it."

Intrigued, I head to his room and find Marc smiling, holding a beautiful black dress.

"This is for you. It's lace and fits your curvy body perfectly. I'm sure you'll look amazing in it."

"Where did you get this?" I ask without looking, mesmerized by the dress's beauty.

"You just try it on and don’t ask, darling."

Gratefully, I do as he asks. I take the dress and put it on. Certainly, Marc was right. The dress elegantly accentuated my curves and made me feel confident and beautiful.

"Thank you, Marc. I really appreciate your help."

"You're welcome, Shane. You deserve it. Now let’s go out and celebrate my birthday the right way!"

With a smile on my face, we leave the apartment and head to Cold Night. When we arrive, we find a place filled with bright lights, vibrant music, and people dressed to the nines. I felt as if I was distancing myself from the awkward situation I had witnessed earlier in the apartment. Sara and Lucas were already there, each holding a drink, almost spilling them while hugging Marc for his birthday.

It felt good to be surrounded by good friends, yet I still felt alone. After today, I understood how lonely I was in my love life, and how all my previous relationships had failed, all because idiots only want one thing: sex! No, I don’t want that. I mean, yes, but what’s the freaking problem with wanting to arrive a virgin to marriage? Apparently, it's a damn problem. One that I would solve tonight. Yup, that’s what I would do. But it also couldn’t be with just any idiot—there I was, stuck in the same old pattern. This was going to be impossible...

"Happy birthday!" Sara shouts, pulling me out of my pathetic thoughts, as I raise my glass and toast to our friendship.

I lifted my glass and gently clinked it with hers, grateful to have Marc by my side.

"Thanks, Marc. Despite everything, I’m happy to celebrate this day with you," I tell him. "I love you!"—I have to shout over the music's volume as Marc hugs me.

"I love you too. Let’s all dance, bitches!" Marc yells, downing the last of his drink and placing the glass somewhat abruptly on the table. Shaking my head, I follow him to the dance floor, letting the music envelop me and enjoying my night. Because even though it’s Marc’s birthday, I felt that tonight was my night.

We danced all night, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. It was as if none of what had happened in the apartment had taken place. I allowed myself to get lost in the music and forget the day’s tensions for a moment.

As we were having fun on the dance floor, Marc pointed to the bar and said:

"Guys, we need more drinks. Who’s going to get them?"

We all looked at each other, but no one seemed very interested in leaving the dance floor. Until Lucas raised his hand, pointing his finger at me and exclaimed:

"Shane should go! It’s Shane’s turn to do it."

Laughing and without thinking twice, I moved my butt to the rhythm of the music as I navigated through the sea of swaying bodies. I felt the excitement of the night coursing through my veins as I waited for my turn to order the drinks.

Finally, the moment arrived, and I began to order the drinks for the four of us. Once I got the drinks, I tried to carry them back to our table, so focused on my task that I didn’t notice I bumped into someone nearby. My heart raced as I saw the drinks spill onto the floor and splash onto my clothes.

"Oh no, I’m so sorry, it was an accident!" I quickly apologized, looking up to find none other than the man from this afternoon at the mall.

Our eyes met, and I was stunned by his incredible appearance. Dressed in a sleek black suit, his blue eyes were framed by thick black lashes that accentuated his intense gaze. His jet-black hair was neatly combed to the side.

He looks at me, ignoring the mess on my clothes and the floor. My heart pounds as I struggle to find the right words to apologize again.

The corners of his mouth lift slightly into an almost smile, and damn if that doesn’t make my heart race.

"We meet again, Ms. Shane. And what a way to do so," he says, the last phrase carrying a double meaning I can’t overlook. But the fluttering in my stomach knowing he remembers me, no forget that, knowing he remembers my name, is wonderful. A man who exudes authority, power, dominance, and attraction like him remembering my name is quite a compliment.

"Liam Thomas, right?" I say with a challenging look and a flirtatious smile on my lips. "I’m sorry for the accident, but I think I can make it up to you somehow."

Liam looks at me with a mix of surprise and amusement in his eyes.

"Oh, I truly hope you can. You deserve a chance to redeem yourself."

I lean in closer to him, just enough to create a slight brush between our bodies. I can feel his powerful, dominant presence, only heightening the attraction I feel toward him.

"Let me buy you a drink as an apology. And of course, as a way to celebrate since it’s my friend Marc's birthday."

Liam raises an intrigued eyebrow but accepts my invitation with a playful smile.

"Alright, Ms. Shane, I accept your offer. But I warn you, I’m a man who enjoys control in every situation."

I bite my lower lip at his comment, unable to help but imagine all the exciting possibilities this night could bring.

"That sounds thrilling, Mr. Thomas. I’m willing to let myself be taken by your dominance," I joke.

Liam chuckles softly, and his eyes shine with a desire I can feel deep within my being. He leans down, getting close enough for me to feel his breath grazing my cheek.

"Then, Ms. Shane, prepare yourself for a night of intense emotions and immeasurable pleasure." I shiver inside at that comment. It would be my night after all!

I turn to look for someone to clean up the mess I made only to find a cleaning girl approaching us, or rather, she seems to be approaching Liam as her eyes are fixed on him and a flirtatious smile on her face. I was going to thank her, but now she can wait for that.

"Shall we?" I ask him, not waiting for his response and heading back to the bar to order our drinks. I can feel his presence behind me, "so he’s following me." While we wait, I can’t help but feel the electricity between us, the sexual tension becoming almost palpable.

"So, Liam, what brings you to the club tonight?" I ask with a playful smile.

Liam stares at me and leans his face closer to mine, whispering in my ear.

"I came to find a partner willing to confront her darkest desires, to give in to pleasure without restrictions. And it seems I have found you."

I shiver at his words, feeling a chill run down my spine. This night promises to be much more exciting than I ever imagined.

Minutes fly by as we chat and get to know each other better. Liam has this ability to make me feel secure while simultaneously challenged. He draws me in an irresistible way, like a magnet I can’t resist.

Finally, our drinks arrive, and we raise our glasses to toast to the night ahead. The alcohol burns my throat and warms my blood, heightening my excitement.

"To a night full of thrilling adventures and fulfilled desires," I say as I clink my glass with Liam’s.

He smiles, his intense gaze filled with sensual promises.

"Let it be so, Ms. Shane. May this night be unforgettable."

And together, we step into the club, ready to surrender to the passion and fire that burns between us. The night promises to be wild, intense, and exquisitely exciting. And I'm more than ready to enjoy every moment.