CHAPTER 21

When Saturday night came around again, I was ready to go out and get a bit wild. So when Carter asked us as we lazed around on the couches, I was the first to volunteer. The girls squealed with excitement. They couldn't wait to take me out.

"Okay, we need to get ready. Bye boys." Kit waved as she grabbed my arm and pulled me up the stairs towards the Bunker with Billie following close behind. The boys didn't move from the couch. They clearly would not need as much time as us to get ready, especially considering how perfect they already always looked.

"Goodluck, Vee. You're going to need it," Carter called after us with a chuckle as we ascended the staircase.

"This is going to be so much fun. Especially with another girl on our side," Billie proclaimed as she took the steps two at a time. I grinned at them both as I let Kitana pull me along.

She stopped when she got to our beds. Heading straight for my cupboard she pulled out my black satin dress. "We'll ease you into it," she said, like a girl on a mission. Walking back to her own wardrobe she fished around until she found a pair of pointed black heeled boots that laced up at the front. They had a little peep-toe feature and the sides were a mesh material. "These will be perfect for you."

"Are you sure, Kit?" I asked. I felt bad to use any of her gorgeous clothes. But I was also grateful that they were boots and would provide me with even a little bit of support. Opportunities to go out in Saint Claire hardly came around, so naturally I was very out of practice with heels.

"Please," Billie intervened as she walked across to her stuff. "Kit has way too many clothes; they could use the extra love." Billie's bed was in the row across from us, a few spots down. The Bunker was quiet, with most people out already, utilising the free time in any way they saw fit. Some hung around the compound, dispersed across the various sections, while others took the first opportunity to leave the clutches of the academy and enjoy the free rein of the city. Even still, a few members were lounging around now, lazing in their beds. They paid no attention to us.

Kit nodded in agreement. "Totally. This is what I live for." She rummaged further through her stuff before grabbing out what looked like a torn up black dress. Holding her makeup bag and dress in one hand, she grabbed my arm again with the other, once again pulling me as she made a beeline for the bathroom, straight to the mirrors. Billie joined us a few minutes later, putting on some music to get us in the mood. We didn't care who entered, we had claimed the bathroom as we did our makeup; dancing, laughing and singing. And I was already having the best time. Billie and Kit fawned over me, fiddling with my hair and makeup until they were satisfied.

A little while later, as I inspected Kit's dress on her perfect frame, I found that it was not a shredded up piece of material, like I initially thought, but instead a tiny, long sleeve mini that had round cut outs all up the sleeves and down the front of the dress. The neckline was a gorgeous halter and the sleeves were detached at the shoulders, connected to the sides of the dress by the tiniest slither of material that didn't look like it would hold. It was a typical Kitana-style dress: sultry, powerful and badass, thanks to all the straps created by the cuts in the material. She straightened her short platinum hair and added a smokey eye and a red lip, making her ocean eyes look even more stunningly apparent. She finished the look up with black strappy heels. A true sight to behold; this girl was something else.

Billie also looked drop dead gorgeous in her black satin bandeau that cut off at her midriff and a tiny black hip hugging skirt, leaving a large portion of her sculpted torso on show. With a banging body like hers, she deserved to show it off at every opportunity. She paired her booty skirt with knee high black boots. Her braids were left loose, framing her face and falling down to her bum. Her dazzling doe-like features looked phenomenal with a soft smokey eye and brown lip combo. Both my friends were hot.

With my long dark hair curled and my satin LBD, we looked like something straight out of Charlie's Angels. The material of my dress draped over my curves. A small slit exposed my left leg and the slight cowl neck showed just the right amount of cleavage. My back, on the other hand, was almost fully exposed as the rear of the dress criss-crossed and was cut extremely low. I was thankful for all my extra training sessions that were really starting to strengthen my muscles. My skin slightly glowed with the light layer of highlighter Kit dusted over it. We used a dark purple shimmery eyeshadow on my lids to make the green flecks in my eyes pop and kept my lips glossy and nude so the sultry eyes did all the talking.

After a quick mirror selfie of our little girl gang, we were ready to go.

As we carefully descended the stairs to the Chill, extra cautious of the gaps given the heels we were wearing, we immediately caught the attention of the boys who were leaning against the back of the couch waiting for us. Carter whistled in approval. Griffin's intense gaze snapped to me, running the length of my body as he took in everything from my shoes to my hair. His little dagger earring swayed from the movement of his head. Heat burned through me along the trail his eyes left on my body.

Despite his stare, Griff's body language was casual as he continued to sit on the back of the couch, his hands clasped in his lap. Ordinarily he would be fiddling with his kunai but it seemed he would be leaving it home tonight. Although I highly doubted he'd go anywhere unarmed. It was probably hidden somewhere on his body—I didn't want to think too long about where. His hair was effortlessly styled up, showing off his defined cheekbones and sharp jawline. He was wearing a white tee that hugged his broad chest, tucked into dark grey corduroy chino pants with black boots.

I may have drooled slightly. Just slightly. He cleaned up well.

Carter looked equally as good in chequered grey pants and a black long sleeve top. A few chains graced his neck and he topped it all off with a pair of white sneakers. His blonde hair was slicked back with a few escaped strands hanging over his face. They were both devastatingly handsome and more than a few heads would be turned tonight.

When I got to the final step, Carter strode up to me and held his arm out for me to loop mine into. "Shall we, love?" He asked, charming as ever.

I laughed. "We shall." Griffin waited until we all passed before he got up from the couch and silently joined us.

We used the front door for once, the one that seemed so big and daunting to me just a few weeks ago. Now it was nothing more than a large steel door. We hailed a cab and I eagerly waited to see where it would take us.

About ten minutes later, we were dropped off outside a tiny pizza shop. It was safe to say I was very confused but I followed my friends into the storefront nonetheless. They led us through, heading towards the kitchen with Carter and Kit leading and Griff defending from behind. I occasionally felt the hot branding of his eyes on the bare skin of my back, sending chills through me.

The staff nodded at Carter as we walked through a small dark hallway off to the side until the steady thump of music reached my ears. Carter pulled open a black curtain, revealing an incredibly large space in the unassuming pizza shop, full of flashing lights, loud music and an abundance of bodies swaying in sync to the beat. God, I loved New York City.

Once I picked my jaw up from the ground where it had most definitely dropped to, I followed them in. Griffin was still at my back, waiting until I entered. Somehow he was always the soldier, even when he was mucking around, he was silently watching and observing, always ready to defend his friends. Looking at him, I'd never have thought he took it so seriously, but apparently he did. At least where his friends were concerned. Ironic, since they were all trained warriors too. I was intrigued to see what he'd be like on a night out and if his playful side would come out or if he'd keep on the stoic mask he more often than not wore.

"This way," Carter yelled over the music as he gestured for us to follow him. Kit held Billie's hand who reached out to grab mine so we wouldn't lose each other in the crowd. I turned back and held my hand out to Griffin who smirked at me before grabbing it. We made our way past all the people, squeezing through gaps that seemed near impossible, until we reached a few booths in the back. Carter moved away the bollard that closed off access to a large booth, slipping in as if he owned the place. Honestly, it wouldn"t have surprised me if he did own the place. He sure as hell came here often enough, from what I'd heard.

He grinned as we all took a seat. I was pretty impressed, not only at the covertness of this place but also at the fact that there was a table just casually waiting for us. Life must be good for guys that looked like these ones. With the right smile, they'd be able to charm their way into any situation.

"I'll get us some drinks," Carter offered.

Kit stood, flashing him a smile. "Yes, you do that. We'll be on the dance floor."

I knew that meant me and while I was usually more of a movie and popcorn type of girl, I was actually looking forward to dancing with my new friends tonight. Sure enough, Kit looked down at me expectantly. "Come on, up you get!"

Laughing at her impatience, I stood. Griff was seated beside me so he slid out of the booth to let me pass before retaking his seat, seemingly not joining us. Guess we were getting serious Griff tonight.

Once Billie got out, she announced she'd help Carter with the drinks. That left me and Kit. In true Kitana style, she grabbed my hand and dragged me to the dance floor, immediately swaying her hips as she led us to a little space in line with where we sat. We nestled beside a few guys around our age. Despite their eyes on us, we didn't join them, instead turning our backs to them so we faced our table. We danced together, letting the beat take over. I felt extra aware of the eyes on us and was definitely going to need a drink—or three—before I fully let loose. Either way, I attempted to do my best, vibing off Kit's energy.

Within minutes, Griff was no longer alone. A gorgeous blonde leaning over our table had bought him a drink and was clearly hitting on him. It was fascinating that these boys didn't even need to lift a finger or do the buying themselves like normal guys would. I was sure Carter could also have just sat there and had everything brought to him if he so chose.

As I continued to dance, I watched as four other girls approached Griff, shooting their shot at the beautiful male specimen. Some of the girls congregating around him just flirted, while others brought him more drinks and asked him to dance. It seemed he was adept at drawing in flocks of swooning females. But while he definitely enjoyed the attention—if his smug face was any indication—he didn't get up to dance with any of them, which utterly surprised me. He seemed extra broody tonight, his cheeky, playful side nowhere in sight.

Thankfully, I didn't have to wait too long before the drinks arrived. We cheersed and I downed two shots with ease.

Before I knew it, I was lost in the music.

When one of my favourite songs came on, I squealed, drawing the attention of the guys near us. ‘Normal Venus' would never squeal, but it turned out ‘Slightly Intoxicated Venus' did. I threw my hands up and moved my body around in a slow, sexy circle—my hips leading the movement. One of the guys smiled at me as he moved closer, a handsome blonde with deep blue eyes. Before I knew it, I was dancing with him, swaying and twirling between him and Kitana. The others joined, and surely enough Kit and Billie claimed one each for themselves. Kit sashayed about sensually while Billie moved her body with more skill and rhythm. I soaked it all in; the feeling of exhilaration. Of freedom. We were all laughs and smiles. Carter was probably having the greatest time out of all of us with three other girls dancing against him. I could see why he liked coming here.

Griffin eventually joined us for a song or two with the company of a leggy brunette who managed to get him on the floor. He swayed beside us, drink in hand while he let the girl grind against him. Shockingly he seemed uninterested in her. I didn't understand how—she was so gorgeous that even I was kinda into her. But his eyes frequently wandered to me, watching as the large hands of my new acquaintance gripped my hips. I let the guy hold me but made sure not to let him get too handsy. I was going to have my fun tonight, but on my own accord. Eventually, the blue eyed male offered to get me a drink, which I happily accepted, using the time he was gone to continue dancing with my girls.

When my feet needed a rest, I stumbled back to the booth. I felt blissful from the alcohol and atmosphere. Free and happy. My mind completely at ease for once and not dwelling on a million different things.

Griff had already made it back to his safe haven—the booth—and as I approached I assumed he'd step out again to let me through to my spot from before, the one my bag was currently occupying. Instead he just stared me down with arms crossed. So I gave him a placating smile, shimming through the tight gap between his lap and the table. As I attempted to pass and almost stumbled, he placed his hands on my bare thigh, keeping me upright as he guided me back to my seat. As usual, his touch lasted that little bit longer than it needed to and tingled more than it should. Not that I entirely minded. Not tonight anyway.

When I was finally seated, he turned towards me. "Having fun, Cosmo?" He asked. His expression had lightened and he looked at me amused, which was a relief.

"The most!" I replied back excitedly. The alcohol had clearly gotten to me. "I haven't felt this free in a while," I admitted. I leaned forward, placing my elbows on the table, resting my chin in my hands as I looked at him. The fatigue was starting to kick in so I needed to catch my breath. I was covered in sweat from all the body heat in here.

He mimicked my movement but leaned his cheek on one of his hands instead. The other extended out towards my face where he carefully wiped some eyeshadow off my cheek. He looked at me with a soft, almost-pleased smile that seemed quite foreign on him. No cheekiness, no humour. Just affable. Maybe even happy. I'd only seen it a few times before but every time it caught me off guard.

Seconds later we were interrupted. My eyes shot up behind him to the guy I'd been dancing with, now holding two drinks. I witnessed the instantaneous change of Griffin's facial expression, his smile turning into an annoyed scowl, his brows bunching together in frustration. He turned hastily towards the other guy and I could only assume he was giving him a very unpleasant look.

"I have your drink, want to get back out there?" The guy had balls, completely ignoring an agitated Griffin who moved so his body was shielding mine.

Griff shot up, pulling me up with him. His hand curved around my waist, bringing me into his side possessively. "She's dancing with me." Griff all but growled at the guy. His voice low and rumbly. I looked at Griffin with sheer surprise as the other guy stepped back. His hands, that still held the glasses, shot up in surrender. It seemed humans knew when they were outpowered, even if it was subconsciously.

As Griffin led me back to the dancefloor, I turned to the blonde and gave him an apologetic shrug. "I'm sorry! Maybe later. Thank you for the drink though."

I was yanked harder in response.

When we reached our little circle of friends, Griff swung me into his body, gripping my hips. He began swaying, moving my body to the beat. Once the initial shock left my system, he no longer needed to guide me. I moved against him willingly, wrapping my arms around his neck. He brought my body even closer, his hand dipping slightly down my back. His touch branded my bare skin. The fingers of his other hand began to explore further down the side of my hip, towards my leg. They dipped slightly under the slit of my dress where they stayed—another point of contact anchoring me to him. His face was so close to mine that his nose rested on my forehead as our bodies flowed to the beat of the music in sync. I was so lost in the moment, I forgot we were surrounded by people, including our friends, who were probably wondering what the hell had gotten into us. Honestly, they wouldn't be alone; I was wondering what the hell had gotten into us.

I guessed it was the alcohol. But I did say I was going to have fun tonight and this was definitely fun. Heated, sexy and fun.

We stayed like that for the remainder of the night. Lost in some sort of trance. There were variations in how we held each other but that was about it.

Finally, when the last song ended, we snapped out of it. I looked up at him, wondering what was going on in that pretty head of his.

"Now I'm sure you had the most fun you've ever had," he drawled in his sexy voice. His eyes blazed into me, seemingly waiting for some sort of response. I had no idea how to reply to him. His face was undecipherable as he stepped away when it was clear I wasn't going to respond, nonchalantly re-joining the rest of the group—minus Carter who was already heading out the door with his three new friends—as if nothing had happened.

It hit me then, that I just danced quite inappropriately with Griffin, and only two weeks after I had just broken up with the guy I thought was the love of my life. What the hell was wrong with me?

Griffin was electrifying. And I got carried away. It was scary how easily he distracted me. How easily he took over all my senses.

The girls chatted excitedly about how epic the night had been and I pretended that I was not lost in my overthinking mind, replaying every trivial and minor detail of the interactions between us.

We kept our space as we journeyed back to the compound. And when we got back and said our goodnights, we acted like nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Which was probably for the best. I was going to attempt to forget about it. I was going to chalk it up to the copious amount of alcohol we consumed, and not that we were actually into each other. Although at this point, it was getting pretty clear there was this undisputable chemistry between us.

I didn't want to be a traitor. I didn't want to move on too quickly. But Griffin was getting to me. Seeing him every day, all the banter and frisky teasing, it was seeping into my brain, taking over my thoughts and dominating my body like a parasite to its host.