“That boy must have had serious balls messing with a Devil’s property,” Molly says with a grin. I groan with frustration. Only the Devil himself knows what happened to Parker, and I’m not about to ask him.
“Let’s dance; he’s playing my song next,” Cherry orders, grabbing my hand and pulling me out of the booth. She drags me through sweaty bodies into a small opening on the dance floor. The club roars lyrics from ”Turn Down For What” by DJ Snake & Lil Jon, and Cherry starts throwing her arms up with the beat. She bends her knees and shakes her hips, dancing like nobody’s watching. I, on the other hand, just stand there, not sure what to do. I’ve never been to a club; my mother never allowed it.
“Just let loose. Nobody is watching you!” Cherry yells above the music.
I start to bob my head to the music, trying to follow her advice.
Suddenly, Cherry grabs me by the hips and grinds herself onto my pelvis.
“Like this,” she says, showing me how to move my body seductively.
She grabs me around my neck, and her floral perfume suffocates me. Her body rolls against mine as if we were in a lovers’ embrace. I take her lead and start to twist my body against hers just like she showed me.
“You got it,” she smirks.
I smile back and grab her hips, feeling like I got the hang of things as I grind myself against her hip while she continues to dance.
Feeling the confidence override my insecurities I let go of her and just let loose. I pump my hands in front of me as I shake my ass. The beat is so loud it vibrates through my chest and down my legs. I tangle my fingers into my hair and toss my head back and forth to the music.
“Animals” by Martin Garraix instantly plays next, and I close my eyes and continue to dance. I feel free and sexy. This is exactly what I needed, to just get out and have fun with some girl companions. Hands grasp around my hips and slam me into a hard body, and I suddenly smell weed and alcohol. My body stiffens, and my eyes flare open. I pull away from the foreign body pressed firmly against my backside and spin around to see the guy from across the club, Mr. Ross.
He slides his hands over my ass roughly and slams my body against his.
“I don’t want to dance. Thanks.” I squirm, trying to pry myself from his grasp unsuccessfully.
“I ordered you a drink, and you declined. That wasn’t very nice,” he states against my ear, his grip rough and unsought.
“Fuck you and your drink,” I spit, pushing him away. I look around for Cherry frantically but don’t see her anywhere. I dive across the crowded dance floor, weaving through to make my way back to the booth,
“You pussy! Take it!” Babs shouts at Molly, handing her a shot glass as I slide into the booth.
Feeling a little paranoid, I stare out into the crowd looking for Mr. Ross.
“Yuck, you’re all sweaty,” Molly says, poking my arm with a finger.
“Yeah, I got a little carried away,” I apologize, trying to smile.
“Hey, there you are! I got a great song coming up next,” Cherry tells me, grabbing my hand and pulling me from the booth. “Come on. You can rest when you’re dead!”
Cherry notices my hesitation and stops to look at me. “You all right?”
“There was this creepy guy out there. He gave me a weird vibe,” I admit, looking at the girls, wondering if I’m being ridiculous or not.
“What guy? I’ll fuck him up,” Babs threatens.
“You just have to be firm with them. Then they’ll leave you alone,” Cherry advises, tugging me forward. “It happens all the time,” she yells over her shoulder.
I follow Cherry onto the dance floor—actually, I’m dragged. I look for Mr. Ross because something about him scares me. He doesn’t seem like some normal guy trying to get lucky, his dark eyes, and solemn tone make me uneasy.
“No Hands” by Waka Flocka Flame starts to sing and Cherry starts to jump up and down with excitement. I look around me, unsure; I feel like he’s watching me.
“You’re fine,” she says, slapping my shoulder. I suddenly feel silly; this happens all the time at clubs and men are a little too eager hitting on women. I need to let loose and have fun. I throw my hands up and start singing the lyrics as Cherry yells them back at me.
Cherry starts shimmying her shoulders as another blonde girl walks up and starts dancing with her. I forget all about the creepy guy and start dancing and singing with them. I suddenly smell alcohol and weed strongly again; I smell Mr. Ross. I stop dancing and look around me, but all I see is a mass of sweaty people dancing. My body coats with a slick, cold sweat as my heart pounds with fear.
“Looking for me?” a voice behind me whispers in my ear. My blood runs cold as my body stills. He digs his fingers into my arms so hard I feel like they’ll penetrate.
“What do you want from me?” I ask, unsure if he even heard me from the loud music. My instinct to fight rises from my fear; I’m strong and will not allow myself to falter. I start looking for a weapon, my high heel the only thing coming to mind.