“Sorry for trespassing. We’d be on our way sir.” my supervisor quickly apologized and walked towards his car but I stood there. We held each other’s gaze until his next words brought down hell. 

“Were you at a bar yesterday? I could swear that you looked very familiar to the drunk lady that I assisted”

Shit. 

My eyes widened a bit but I regained my composure.

“Excuse me?” My voice was low but then he began to explain yesterday’s scenario. I immediately shook my head.

“You will have to excuse me.” I said firmly and hurried to my car. 

Holy fuck! Could this day get any worse?

“Drive now” I ordered as soon as I got into my car. My chauffeur instantly ignited the car engine and sped off, it was as if he knew exactly what happened. Well, he should because he spoke to that stranger yesterday, who happens to be Mr. Clinton.

My mind was a jumbled mess with everything that just happened, but I needed to work, maybe it will take my mind off everything. It’s pretty clear now that I can’t resolve to alcohol, so that yesterday’s scenario doesn’t repeat itself again. 

I informed my chauffeur to take the next route back to the company and he obliged without any murmuring, despite my annoying attitude. I really need to increase his pay, he’s been a patient and hardworking chauffeur, I mentally noted.

As soon as he parked my car, I smiled, “Thank you and take the rest of today off, I can take care of myself.” 

I gave him some cash and he looked shocked but appreciated my gesture. He deserved it.

Well, here I am, with lots of work calling for my attention but the laziness in me is holding on too tight. How do I fight myself to work? 

My phone buzzed, indicating my one and only best friend, Isabella. This means she’s back to the country. God, I miss this woman.

I answered the call. “Tell me what I wanna hear please. Are you back?” I shut my eyes and heard her laugh. Like she literally laughed hysterically for almost ten minutes.

“Get your ass over here, at 38 kingsway street. Light-out palace. Can’t wait to see you.” she finally said, putting me out of my misery. I immediately hung up and carried my bag. 

At least, I have an excuse not to work today. Although, I promised myself to work overtime tomorrow and next but right now, I need a little fun.

********************

As soon as I parked my car, the beautiful welcoming atmosphere enveloped me. This is exactly why I love this Light-out palace, it has all the features and always full of people, I don’t know why it slipped my mind that this place existed yesterday, I wouldn’t have been so drunk.

“Are you this happy because of me or something else happened with Austin?” She inquired as I happily sat next to her.

I shrugged because my mind was totally occupied with my yesterday’s drunken incident but hearing Austin’s name just made my mood sour.

“Are you still here with me?” Isabella dramatically waved her hands on my face and I playfully slapped it away. 

“Dive me into your thoughts.” She continued, her voice was quieter this time. 

I sighed.

“Life hasn’t been fair to me. Austin and I ended everything.” I said, my voice was so low that I doubted she heard. But given her sudden reaction, she heard it clearly.

Bella was taken aback and on cue one of the bartenders came with two bottles of whiskey as the other waiter cleared the bowl of pepper-soup that Isabella ate before my arrival. 

She had a few minute to process what I said and with the confusion written all over her face, she needed some enlightenment.

As soon as we were left alone, I began, “It wasn’t working out, as it should be,”

“You sure as hell to elaborate more.” she fired back and poured whiskey in our cups. I shouldn’t drink, but I needed whiskey to open up to her.

I took a sip to boost my confidence, "He wanted more. A total packaged commitment. How do I give what I don’t have?"

She looked at me confused. Of course, her confusion is valid because she doesn’t know anything about my past or scars.

"And what the heck is wrong with wanting more? Do you know how many girls would die to be in your shoes? Because Austin, not just anyone, is obviously in love with you, and I know you fancy him too, so why do you find it so difficult to give commitment a try?" she asked rhetorically.

I glared at her but didn't say a word. I didn't trust my words; letting my anger loose would only lead to an argument that I wouldn’t win and I hate to lose.

“You are hiding something?” She suddenly said, completely catching me off guard but I shook my head and took another sip of whiskey l.

"I met a very interesting person. He is damn good looking, and a flirt but I don’t think I’ll be seeing him again." I digressed.

She furrowed her brows, “I know what you’re doing and I will let it go for now. So, indulge me in your new found flirt”

I let out a breath of relief.

“I swear it’s crazy and reckless” I said with laugher and rolled my eyes, but she wasn’t having it so I narrated yesterday’s scenario and today’s encounter with Mr. Clinton.

She was amused before saying, “I know the Clinton family. So, if you want to meet him again, just say the word.”

Are you serious now? 

Well, this isn’t the first time we’ve arranged beneficial relationships for each other and considering the fact that she has more connections, my interest was piqued.

Isabella sipped her drink and winked, she was seriously waiting for my response. 

Damn! 

I smiled. This is fucking crazy and I love fucking crazy. 

“Introduce me.” I said and she burst into loud laughter, causing others around to look at our direction.

“Consider it done.” She said with a straight face and it was my turn to burst into laughter. I love my girl.

The rest of our conversation was about her interesting trip and how she’s ready to take the next step. To be honest, I didn’t think she would stay single for this long, because she adores building a family. Something I envy but can never really have. I’m fucked up totally with so many scars. 

Tears formed in my eyes, but I held it back. Thankfully, Bella didn’t notice due to the amount of liquor she has consumed. I took this as an opportunity to excuse myself to the restroom. 

On getting to the restroom, I exhaled deeply and tried to calm my nerves so that my stubborn tears can remain hidden.

But as I stepped out. I noticed a man in royal blue shirt, sleeves rolled up, allowing me to admire his beautiful tattoo until I met his gaze.

Oh no.

I quickly turned around but couldn’t get far because he held me back, “Ms. Lana” he whispered, intentionally fanning his warm breath against my ear.

Goddamnit!

“You’re trespassing” I said, my breath almost caught in my throat.

“Is that so?” He inquired, his fingers gently tracing my arm in a very seductive manner. 

Holy fuck! My self-control is on a very thin line.

"Yes, Mr. Mannerless Rich Boy." I teased, making sure that the words rolled off my tongue. He understood that I was also flirting and he smiled.

"Did you just call me a mannerless rich boy?"

Thank you for reading ❤️ 

Continue Lana’s story in chapter five.