𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑋𝑜𝑛𝑒

𝑋𝑋𝐼𝑋

"So, do you dance, Mariah?" Kelly asked, leaning in with an encouraging smile.

I giggled, shrugging. "Yeah, I can dance a little, but definitely not like you guys."

"Oh, I bet you're just as good, maybe even better," she said with a wink.

Then Nikki chimed in, "We're heading to the dance floor, wanna come with?"

I looked between their friendly, inviting faces. If I said no, I'd be left alone while the rest of them were already out there, lost in the music. I shrugged, a little nervous but intrigued. "Sure, why not?"

We made our way onto the crowded dance floor, the music pulsing all around us. The DJ spun tracks I'd never heard before, but judging by the way the crowd responded, these were clearly hits here in London. The bass vibrated under my feet, and I could feel the energy building around us. Kelly and Nikki flowed with the beat effortlessly, their moves smooth and confident, glancing back to make sure I was keeping up.

The energy was infectious, and I couldn't help but start to loosen up, swaying to the unfamiliar rhythms. Just as I was beginning to relax, the DJ switched tracks, and a familiar beat dropped, one of Janet's songs. The crowd's reaction was instant; they erupted, cheering and moving with an even wilder enthusiasm.

With a laugh, I threw myself into the music, my moves becoming more carefree as I tried to keep pace with Nikki and Kelly. Every now and then, I'd look across the dance floor, my gaze finding Janet, who was dancing close to Tina. They were laughing together, totally absorbed in the rhythm. But every so often, Janet's gaze would drift across the crowd, landing on me. Her eyes would soften, and a slow, private smile would tug at her lips, just for me.

That glance, lit up by the flashing lights, made my heart race, reminding me that even in the middle of all these people, we had something just between us. Tina, Gil, Nikki, Kelly, Shawn, and Janet moved like they could dance all night without breaking a sweat. Their energy was electric, effortless spins, sharp moves, and synchronized steps that had the whole crowd watching. I was doing my best to keep up, laughing as they'd pull me into their rhythm, each one giving me little tips and encouragement with a wink or a nod.

Every time I thought I'd caught the beat, they'd throw in something new, their moves so smooth it was like they'd rehearsed it a thousand times. Janet caught my eye and smiled, reaching out to pull me closer, her hand warm and reassuring as she guided me into the flow. Being with them was exhilarating, and though my feet were starting to feel the burn, I didn't want the night to end.

After a few drinks, we were done for the night. Being a lightweight, I was officially drunk, and as we stepped out into the cold London air, Joey was there, guiding us carefully to the limo. The clock had passed midnight, and the streets were dark and quiet, a stark contrast to the warmth and music that still pulsed through my veins.

The ride back was a haze, and the next thing I knew, we were in our hotel room. Everything felt soft and blurred around the edges, the hazy warmth of the night wrapping around me as I swayed slightly. Laughter bubbled out of me, Janet's familiar voice grounding me as I felt her steady, strong hands guiding me.

I barely registered the feel of the bed beneath me before Janet's soft, feminine laugh echoed in my ears, her voice a gentle hum that anchored me. Her touch was both comforting and electrifying, her fingers tracing light, teasing patterns that made my heart race. I leaned into her, her warmth and strength surrounding me, her smile drawing me deeper, narrowing my world down to just the two of us.

Her fingers brushed my hair back, her laughter a soft murmur that made me giggle, though I couldn't remember her words. But I remembered the feeling, being held, safe, completely lost in her presence as her hand found mine. And then, in the blur of the night, came the clearest memory of all the way she made love to me with her strap inside of me. My hand gripping the covers on the bed, her hand gripping mine, grounding me as we moved together. Each moment vivid and unforgettable as we lost ourselves in each other.