My shoulders move to the rhythm of the music as I perch on a stool at the club downtown.
I lean forward, resting my elbows on the counter long enough to sip my martini. It's been a while since I've had a drink and I'm definitely feeling it.
I'm having the time of my life. Running my fingers through my loose hair, lip-syncing as I point at the bartender. He grins, shaking his head in amusement.
The overhead lights flash blue, giving the club its signature and name Rhythm & Blues.
When my glass runs dry, I lean forward again and scan the bar for my favorite mixer. The moment our eyes meet, I give him a wink.
He instantly makes his way over, "refill?"
"Please," I tease.
I sway to the music while he pours, tapping my nails against the tiled counter. Just as I reach for my glass, a hand settles on my waist.
I turn slowly. Noticing the man standing behind me. Tall and lean with a nasty grin on his face.
"Hi," he drawls.
I roll my eyes. "Hands off."
He raises his palms in surrender, "easy, I mean no harm."
"Then maybe don't touch women without their permission," I say coolly.
I take my drink before turning toward him, stirring it with my straw.
"My apologies, darling," he says, biting his lower lip.
He thinks it's a game. Playing hard to get as they always say.
I lower my gaze, smiling. We'll see about that.
My fingers twirl the glass idly, and with a quick flick of my wrist, ice-cold liquid splashes down his shirt.
He jolts back.
"Oops," I say brightly. "My apologies, handsome."
He gives me a stiff smile before walking away. I burst out laughing the moment he disappears through the crowd.
You're savage," Sasha says, lifting her eyebrows.
"He deserved it," I reply. "What an ass."
"You're at a club, Shai. Loosen up."
I rock my hips, grinning. "You mean let strangers grab me? Pass."
She laughs. "Fair enough."
I hum, spinning towards the dance floor. Bodies press together, slick with sweat. Smoke curls through the lounge area where people sprawl like they've melted into the furniture.
That's when I see him.
He's been there all night.
Sitting back, legs spread casually, women leaning in to whisper while he takes slow drags from his cigarette. I don't know why it bothers me. But it does.
I stare long enough until our eyes meet.
I glare at him.
He smirks.
I roll my eyes, turning to Sasha, "I can't stand him."
"Who?" She asks, sipping her margarita.
"Jaques freaking Hoffman," I snarl.
Sasha folds her lips to bite back a smile as she looks behind me.
"Is there a problem sweetheart?" His voice slices through the music, decorating my skin with prickles.
I close my eyes briefly before turning to face him, "not at all," I reply, with a tight smile.
He leans closer, one arm braced against the counter behind me. "Funny. You keep looking my direction."
My heart beats in time with the bass. Thump. Thump. Thump.
"How dare I."
He chuckles. "You've been shooting me death glares all night, tiger. Almost like your jealous or something."
I snort. "In your dreams."
"They're haunting."
I kick his knee. Hard. "Back off, Hoffman."
He steps away, eyes gleaming.
"Enjoy the rest of your night Shai."
Sasha gives me a knowing look. My eyes twitch, causing her to swallow hard.
I down my drink in one gulp.
"Ugh! I hate him!"