before reading, I'll take a min of yours. The author of the book 'Hellhound's mate' is so fucking rude. she can't take criticism at all. when i told her about the words 'r*tard' she schooled me saying i could just abandon her book and that i was a snowflake. y'all better choose books with good authors. we don't want another J.K rowling case. I'm boldly gonna write the name in the cs. i thought maybe she was just defensive coz of something but NO. she just knows how to block people who are giving constructive criticism over the words she uses blatantly saying 'my religion says no. call me homophobic idc.' bla bla. So damn bad man. SO DAMN BAD.

*******

"You are lying" her face remained the same. The smile taunting me. "Right?" she shook her head. "Absolutely not" and I groaned. Oh my- Don't cuss. I am so ready to cuss loudly but I can't, I won't.

"Why? Why would you do that? Are you insane, Rida? That's so embarrassing," I groaned, covering my face with my hands and yelled.

"Oh suck it up, fucker. We are going to a strip club. I know you got your man, but damn if this won't be fun," she said, getting out of the car, coming towards my side. "Get out, overthinking bitch" she opened the door, and I stubbornly sat in. This was sooo bad. I know it. It's not good.

And next second she pulled me out harshly and slammed the door shut. "You are going in with me. And actually going to enjoy it. You aren't spoiling this for yourself." She said, holding my shoulders and smiled. "Let's go. I promise if you feel uncomfortable even a little bit, we will leave. I swear it on my life and I won't leave your side." we both stalked inside the club and woof!

The lightings, the music and the wildness was crazy. There were girls in lingerie in the front and the guys giving the show on the stage in bathrobes. That was soo hot.

"Let's go there" she took me in the corner booth and we sat there. "Alcohol?" She asked.

"I don't drink," I said embarrassingly. A lot of people made fun of me for that. I mean it was my choice and there was no rule that one must drink. But Esmee's friend didn't understand this. They made fun of me and one of them spiked the drink I had, resulting in the event that took place that night. Even though she was Caro's sister, I wasn't comfortable in being in contact with her and her friends. And I was going to take a stand on that this time. No backing down.

"Oh, that's fine. They have some amazing non-alcoholic drinks here. I'll join you," she smiled and ordered all the non-alcoholic drinks for both of us.

"Hello" she smiled flirtingly at the guy server who was in his black shorts. His abs on display and a cutesy smile on his face. "Hello ma'am," he smiled back gently looking at both of us.

"Can we get the best non-alcoholic drinks?" Rida sat straight, her chest puffed out and one of her hand residing just on her neck, arching it. She looked bold and sexy. Her posture speaking volume.

"Sure ma'am. What else?" he asked.

"Are you on the menu?" she asked, and his eyes widened. He shook his head, looking at me for help?

"Too bad. I had thought of devouring you tonight" she took a noisy breath in and I looked at her, shocked. She was one of a kind.

He blushed. "Are you available now?" she leaned in, whispering lightly.

"I'll get your drinks. Anything else ma'am?" he directed his question to me. "No, thank you" he nodded and left once I replied politely.

He was soo flustered. Rida busted out laughing. "That guy was so flustered," she said, fanning her face. I love this girl.

"He knew I wasn't kidding tho. I could see it in his eyes" she said dramatically pointing at her eyes.

"Rida. Stopp" I hit her arm, and she shook her, making me smile.

A guy with a black robe came to the booth opposite to us. There were some girls sitting and everyone had their attention on them. "May I?" he asked politely. On her nodding, he straddled her and everyone started hooting. The girl's eyes widened, and she laughed when he started thrusting his hips in motion and played with her. It was soo fun seeing all of it. It wasn't sexual. Not in any way. The guys were smiling and enjoying making sure all of us were comfortable. It was light flirty environment and all innocent.

Our drinks came, and the guy was still shaky. Poor him.

"Rida, please. He's uncomfortable. Let it be," I said lowly, and she nodded.

"She's quiet intimidating. but I'm not uncomfortable," he said to me, but Rida heard it and threw her head back, laughing. "Glad you like me.."

"Alarick," he replied, smiling.

"Rida" she shook his hand and brought it to kiss his knuckles, making him shiver. She smirked. "Is that your real name, Alarick?" she asked seductively, and he nodded. "It is ma'am" his words now made Rida sit straight, and he smirked.

Both of them were fire ends. One hotter than the other. I discarded their conversation when my phone rung. I smiled, picking it up. "Already missing me, baby," I teased, and he groaned. "Fuck, Avha. You are making this harder for me. I miss you," I smiled, covering my mouth to not let the giggles out.

"I miss you more. We are doing okay. Fine, in fact. I'll call you later. Go and do some work, Caro. Adios," I smiled. This man was a crazy butt.

"Vale."

For the next few minutes, we sipped our drinks and laughed a lot while looking at the male strippers and the flustered females. There were quiet a lot of women who made the guys blush making both of us laugh.

"Come on let's dance" she took my hand and dragged me to the stage where the guys were dancing in their shorts and girls were enjoying their presence. This was as amazing as it could get. And by god was it making me feel safe and secure?

'Hips don't lie' by Shakira started buzzing and the guys started their powerful show again. It was like a power was generated in them and they were soo fabulous in their work. After dancing for a long time, we both sat down in the booth and sighed. "It's soo fun. Thank you Rida" I hugged her, and she smiled, hugging me back. "I'm happy you enjoyed this" she kissed my cheek, making me blush. "Hey ladies. Shall I get you something?" the black-haired guy said enthusiastically.

"Can you repeat what we had? We don't know the names," I said with a smile etched on my face.

"Sure, gorgeous. May I know your name first?" he asked with hope. I examined him and he looked good pretty sincere. "Avaha and she's Rida. My best friend" And here I said it. She became my bestie in just few meetings. She made me feel safe and confident and comfortable. The list was long and I didn't regret any of it.

"You both are beautiful," he tried shaking hands, but I denied and waved my brown glove clad hand. I needed time to get over these gloves in public. Around caro, that was an another case.

He nodded, looking at my hesitation. "I'll get them again." Smiling, he left.

"Look at that damn ass. I could smack it any day, but I feel he's gay," Rida said, making me laugh at her previous statement.

"Tell me about your man," she asked, sipping her drink.

"Who?" I questioned, looking away.

"Don't fucking blush. And don't act like you don't know. That grumpy bitch of yours. I want to know about him. He was glaring at me the whole time at the event." she shook her head.

"Carwyn?" I asked, and she glared again in a 'really now' way.

"It's complicated. I don't know," I shook my head. "I mean, he's the best and all, but I don't know what we have."

"Give it some time. You'll know." She nodded knowingly. "And if he's controlling or anything like that, you tell me. I'll kick his ass or teach you how to," she glared, making me laugh.

"I will"

*** ***

"Thank you so much for coming," she said, holding my hands. "Thank you and sorry you couldn't drink because of me" the guilt dawned in me.

"It's alrighty. Drinks wouldn't have changed a thing. You take care of yourself and call me anytime. We'll catch up soon, yeah?" she said, hugging me. One of a hugger she is.

"yeah" I smiled and hugged her back. Both of us turned when a horn buzzed behind me.

"Fucking bitch. Let me talk to her for a bit. Rascal," she yelled at Caro, making me gasp.

"Don't talk to him like that." I hit her arm, and she narrowed her eyes. "You taking sides now?"

"Stop it. Both of you act childish," I laughed when the horn buzzed again.

"Go now or he'll make me deaf" she shooed me and we bid byees.

Before he could come out and open the door for me, I reached to my side and settled in, taking in his glare happily.

I immediately took off my gloves. "You look happy," he smiled, making me turn to him and taking his warm hands in mine.

"I am. I feel like a main character of my life" he smiled, bringing his face closer to mine and connecting our lips.

===================================================

Rida in no way is a pushy friend. yk the one who can't take no. She knows Avaha needs to come out of her zone and she's trying to help her in that. Rida is one of the best person and I assure you that.

Esmee's case is quiet complicated rn. idk where to take her and how but i'll try to make her a better person. expect a character dev there.