I take a long draw of my cigarette, my eyes cutting into her exposed back. The tiny silver dress clings to her curves as she perches on the stool, swaying to the music like she owns the place.
Who does she think she is, throwing me those judgmental looks every time our eyes meet? Like she's disappointed.
Shai Lynn gets on my last nerve. Not that I'd ever let her see it.
She's been glaring at me all night. I pretend not to notice, until I decide not to. Our eyes lock, and she scowls before turning away.
She definitely has something to say.
I peel myself from the booth, putting out my cigarette and dropping it into the ashtray before weaving through sweaty bodies and clouds of smoke. I reach the bar just in time to hear her mutter my name like it leaves a bad taste in her mouth.
"Is there a problem, sweetheart?" I ask lightly.
She spins around. "Not at all," she says through clenched teeth.
She's more than a pretty face and the with the way she's looking at me right now, I'd be lying if I said I didn't like seeing her mad. Her golden brown eyes resembled fire.
Their heat makes me lean in, trapping her between me and the counter, "Funny. You keep looking my direction."
"How dare I," she replies coolly.
She reminds me of a tiger. Lethal. Untouchable.
And God help me, irresistible.
"You've been shooting me death glares all night, Tiger." I add. "Almost like you're jealous."
She scoffs. "In your dreams."
"They're haunting."
She kicks my knee.
I hiss quietly and straighten, taking a step back. Her hostility quickly reminds me of why Shai and I have never gotten along over the years.
She acts too entitled.
"Back off, Hoffman."
Gladly.
"Enjoy the rest of your night, Shai."
I head back to the booth, unsettled enough to light another cigarette. The space I left is untouched, and I sink back into it, forcing myself to relax.
Moments later, Niah slides in close, her warm breath brushing my neck, strawberry perfume clouding my senses.
"You look tense," she whispers, fingers tracing my chest.
"You have no idea," I mutter, exhaling smoke.
Her blue eyes flick to my lips. "Kiss me."
I take one last drag before gripping her neck and pulling her in. She inhales the smoke straight from my mouth before our lips collide. I take control instantly. Her strawberry lipstick gives her lips a sweet taste.
She moans, and I grip her waist. "Want to get out of here?"
"Anything you want, baby," she murmurs, kissing my neck.
I groan. "Good girl."
I stand, tucking my cigarette between my lips as I pull her up with me.
We move toward the back exit, and against my better judgment, I glance toward the bar.
She's still there.
Her red lips morph into a frown. I don't get it. She hates me but yet she watches me like a hawk.
If I go near her, she assaults me, but now her gaze travels to Niah and her eyebrows perk up for a quick second. If I weren't watching so closely, I'd have missed it.
By the time I reach my car, the arousal is gone. Completely.
I slam my palm against the hood, startling Niah.
"I'm sorry," I say, forcing a breath. "I have to go."
"You're leaving me out here?" she snaps. "Seriously, Jaques?"
"I can drive you home," I reply calmly. "But that's it."
"Why?" she whines.
I retrieve my keys and meet her glare. "You're either coming or you're not."
She rolls her eyes. "You're an ass."
I smirk. "An ass you keep coming back to."
Her jaw tightens. "I'm done with you."
I step aside. "Fine by me."
She storms back toward the club, the door slamming behind her.
So much for chill.
I finish my cigarette, slide into my car, and pull away from the curb.
Of all people. I can't believe I allowed Shai Lynn to ruin my night.