I Won't Fall For You | ✔️

▪︎\\Chapter Thirty Nine

"Look who's finally here guys!" Akilah shouted over the loud music.

She was sitting with a group of people I'd never seen before, but they seemed cool enough.

I needed a drink, so I called her, and she told me about a new club opening. I thought, why the hell not? I needed a break from work and from the thoughts that had been clouding my mind all day.

"Hey girl," I said as I slid onto one of the leather couches.

I was wearing a short black skirt, a fringe top, and my favorite shoes. Men couldn't seem to take their eyes off me, but I tried to ignore it.

"So, guys, this is Vanessa. She'll be partying with us tonight. This is Josh, Kimberly, Tyrese, Tamoya, and the lady of the night, Malina," Akilah said, pointing out everyone around us.

They all waved, but my attention couldn't help but drift to Tyrese. The way he was looking at me made me pause for just a second.

It was like he was staring into my soul.

He had a very dark and smooth complexion with low cut hair and a sharp jawline. He was dressed casually like the rest of the guys and only looked up from his phone when he wanted to take a sip of what he was drinking.

"So, what are you drinking tonight baby girl?" he said as he smiled widely at me.

"Baby girl?... sounds like someone's got a crush!" Akilah teased as we all laughed at Tyrese who was smiling like crazy.

I didn't really know what I wanted to drink but it has to be strong but not to an extreme because many things can happen when you get drunk.

Unspeakable things. Unforgettable things.

"Let's go to the bar," Malina said as Josh lifted her up playfully.

I followed behind them, but this uneasy feeling settled in my chest. My eyes stayed alert, scanning everything around me.

The call with Zed kept replaying in my mind, each word echoing like a warning. Anything could happen at any moment, and I honestly didn't know what I'd do if he ever found me.

"A vodka martini for the beautiful lady, it's on the house," the bartender said with a grin. I gave him a small smile before taking a sip. The alcohol burned down my throat, sharp and hot, but it tasted surprisingly good.

"You have to see Tamoya dance!" Akilah shouted over the music as she grabbed my hand and pulled me through the crowd. Bodies moved and lights flashed all around us until we finally reached the front.

Tamoya was in the center wearing nothing but a pair of black leather shorts and a tube top with mesh stockings. There was a guy sitting in a chair without no shirt on as he smirked.

"Does she do this often?" I asked as she started grinding on the guy's lap. Everyone was cheering and I watched the guy's face twist in pleasure as he used his hands to caress her entire body.

"She's a stripper," she replied and my mouth formed in an 'O'.

That would explain everything from the way she was dancing. I took another sip of my martini as I glanced around the room. I started to feel uneasy again like I was being watched. Or maybe it was the fact that I had work tomorrow and I had to face my boss who played 'tongue wars' with me.

His father had the nerve to try and intimidate me. I had no clue if Mordechai had feelings for me or not and if he actually does, I will never confront him about them.

I already had enough cash saved up to leave the city but the contract wasn't up and if I leave like that, I knew I would be in trouble. I'd be running from both Zed and Julia.