Involved

four

isabelle langa

I wrapped my arms around my brother, feeling his body loosen up when he hugged me back. Hugging isn't something that's normal between us. He's far from an affectionate person, but today he was accepting my affection and I was grateful. The liquid courage was rolling through me. I don't go out often because Junior hates when I'm out late. But today was my birthday and I was out late, so I planned on making the most of my night.

"Thank you so much," I thanked him while I rocked us back and forth. Music blared in my ears and there were colourful lights everywhere in this dark club.

I don't support Junior being a dealer and I hate to reap the benefits of his dirty money. But my birthday party was happening at the club and seeing as I'm just turning 19, Junior had to pay something to make this happen.

"I'm happy you're enjoying yourself," he laughed, reaching into his pocket to bring out his phone. I pulled away from the hug when his expression changed. He now looked concerned and worried. "I'll be back," he kissed my temple then walked away.

I shrugged, approaching a girl from my cheer team in high school—Rachel. She's one of the very few girls on my team that I still talk to. She helped me make my rounds of thanking people for coming. It seemed unnecessary, but I wanted everyone to know how much I appreciated their presence.

We were in the middle of dancing when a hand got ahold of my waist from behind me. I kept my eyes on Rachel who was smiling at me. Guys usually know better than to pull something like this because they know my brother. Normally I would assume it's Dre. But I was seeing him on the other side of the club,  seated at the lounge with a few of his friends.

"You look cute." Lips touched my ear as their voice rang through my body. It was deep and raspy and I wanted to hear them read to me.

Turning around, I looked up at Killian who stared down at me. I opened my mouth to speak and ask why he was touching me, but no words were coming out. My dress was nice and it made me feel confident. It was a strapless plunge mini dress that was a sparkly baby pink colour. He seemed to be taking a liking of it and for some reason that created this warm sensation on my cheeks. I don't know why wearing something he likes made me feel this way, but it made me smile. I smiled until I realized this was Killian and I shouldn't make a point of dressing for his liking.

"Thanks," I looked at Rachel, hoping he hadn't noticed the stupid smile on my face. "Shots maybe?" I asked, being eager to squeeze my way out of this situation. My tipsiness was wearing off and I needed to keep it up because being around him was making me feel strange.

"Yes!" She cheered, walking off and expecting me to follow me but the arm at my waist stayed firm on me.

"Running away from me already?" Killian laughed and kept his chest to my back. He was warm and made all the exposed parts on my skin feel taken care of.

Yes.

I was trying to run away because I was very confused on what's happening. It's easier to hate him. Right now I'm not supposed to hate him but fuck. Killian smells so good and he's attractive and not hating him means falling for him and that's never going to happen. There doesn't seem to be an in between—it's either I hate Killian or I love him.

"I have your birthday card in my car. Come outside," he squeezed my waist, sending chills down my spine. His touch was doing mad things to my body.

"Later," I made my way to the bar where Rachel was waiting. Killian was this unnecessary bodyguard that I didn't need and was trying to ignore. But we were taking our shots and he was standing too close for comfort while drinking his beer. The tequila was doing its job, but my feet were still hurting in these heels. I would've taken them off if the floor wasn't sticky.