Page 31 of Supernova

Billie also looked drop dead gorgeous in her black satin bandeau that cut off at her midriff and a tiny black hip hugging skirt, leaving a large portion of her sculpted torso on show. With a banging body like hers, she deserved to show it off at every opportunity. She paired her booty skirt with knee high black boots. Her braids were left loose, framing her face and falling down to her bum. Her dazzling doe-like features looked phenomenal with a soft smokey eye and brown lip combo. Both my friends were hot.

With my long dark hair curled and my satin LBD, we looked like something straight out of Charlie’s Angels. The material of my dress draped over my curves. A small slit exposed my left leg and the slight cowl neck showed just the right amount of cleavage. My back, on the other hand, was almost fully exposed as the rear of the dress criss-crossed and was cut extremely low. I was thankful for all my extra training sessions that were really starting to strengthen my muscles. My skin slightly glowed with the light layer of highlighter Kit dusted over it. We used a dark purple shimmery eyeshadow on my lids to make the green flecks in my eyes pop and kept my lips glossy and nude so the sultry eyes did all the talking.

After a quick mirror selfie of our little girl gang, we were ready to go.

As we carefully descended the stairs to the Chill, extra cautious of the gaps given the heels we were wearing, we immediately caught the attention of the boys who were leaning against the back of the couch waiting for us. Carter whistled in approval. Griffin’s intense gaze snapped to me, running the length of my body as he took in everything from my shoes to my hair. His little dagger earring swayed from the movement of his head. Heat burned through me along the trail his eyes left on my body.

Despite his stare, Griff’s body language was casual as he continued to sit on the back of the couch, his hands clasped in his lap. Ordinarily he would be fiddling with his kunai but it seemed he would be leaving it home tonight. Although I highly doubted he’d go anywhere unarmed. It was probably hidden somewhere on his body—I didn’t want to think too long about where. His hair was effortlessly styled up, showing off his defined cheekbones and sharp jawline. He was wearing a white tee that hugged his broad chest, tucked into dark grey corduroy chino pants with black boots.

I may have drooled slightly. Just slightly. He cleaned up well.

Carter looked equally as good in chequered grey pants and a black long sleeve top. A few chains graced his neck and he topped it all off with a pair of white sneakers. His blonde hair was slicked back with a few escaped strands hanging over his face. They were both devastatingly handsome and more than a few heads would be turned tonight.

When I got to the final step, Carter strode up to me and held his arm out for me to loop mine into. “Shall we, love?” He asked, charming as ever.

I laughed. “We shall.” Griffin waited until we all passed before he got up from the couch and silently joined us.

We used the front door for once, the one that seemed so big and daunting to me just a few weeks ago. Now it was nothing more than a large steel door. We hailed a cab and I eagerly waited to see where it would take us.

About ten minutes later, we were dropped off outside a tiny pizza shop. It was safe to say I was very confused but I followed my friends into the storefront nonetheless. They led us through, heading towards the kitchen with Carter and Kit leading and Griff defending from behind. I occasionally felt the hot branding of his eyes on the bare skin of my back, sending chills through me.

The staff nodded at Carter as we walked through a small dark hallway off to the side until the steady thump of music reached my ears. Carter pulled open a black curtain, revealing an incredibly large space in the unassuming pizza shop, full of flashing lights, loud music and an abundance of bodies swaying in sync to the beat. God, I loved New York City.

Once I picked my jaw up from the ground where it had most definitely dropped to, I followed them in. Griffin was still at my back, waiting until I entered. Somehow he was always the soldier, even when he was mucking around, he was silently watching and observing, always ready to defend his friends. Looking at him, I’d never have thought he took it so seriously, but apparently he did. At least where his friends were concerned. Ironic, since they were all trained warriors too. I was intrigued to see what he’d be like on a night out and if his playful side would come out or if he’d keep on the stoic mask he more often than not wore.

“This way,” Carter yelled over the music as he gestured for us to follow him. Kit held Billie’s hand who reached out to grab mine so we wouldn’t lose each other in the crowd. I turned back and held my hand out to Griffin who smirked at me before grabbing it. We made our way past all the people, squeezing through gaps that seemed near impossible, until we reached a few booths in the back. Carter moved away the bollard that closed off access to a large booth, slipping in as if he owned the place. Honestly, it wouldn't have surprised me if he did own the place. He sure as hell came here often enough, from what I’d heard.

He grinned as we all took a seat. I was pretty impressed, not only at the covertness of this place but also at the fact that there was a table just casually waiting for us. Life must be good for guys that looked like these ones. With the right smile, they’d be able to charm their way into any situation.

“I’ll get us some drinks,” Carter offered.

Kit stood, flashing him a smile. “Yes, you do that. We’ll be on the dance floor.”

I knew that meant me and while I was usually more of a movie and popcorn type of girl, I was actually looking forward to dancing with my new friends tonight. Sure enough, Kit looked down at me expectantly. “Come on, up you get!”

Laughing at her impatience, I stood. Griff was seated beside me so he slid out of the booth to let me pass before retaking his seat, seemingly not joining us. Guess we were getting serious Griff tonight.

Once Billie got out, she announced she’d help Carter with the drinks. That left me and Kit. In true Kitana style, she grabbed my hand and dragged me to the dance floor, immediately swaying her hips as she led us to a little space in line with where we sat. We nestled beside a few guys around our age. Despite their eyes on us, we didn’t join them, instead turning our backs to them so we faced our table. We danced together, letting the beat take over. I felt extra aware of the eyes on us and was definitely going to need a drink—or three—before I fully let loose. Either way, I attempted to do my best, vibing off Kit’s energy.

Within minutes, Griff was no longer alone. A gorgeous blonde leaning over our table had bought him a drink and was clearly hitting on him. It was fascinating that these boys didn’t even need to lift a finger or do the buying themselves like normal guys would. I was sure Carter could also have just sat there and had everything brought to him if he so chose.

As I continued to dance, I watched as four other girls approached Griff, shooting their shot at the beautiful male specimen. Some of the girls congregating around him just flirted, while others brought him more drinks and asked him to dance. It seemed he was adept at drawing in flocks of swooning females. But while he definitely enjoyed the attention—if his smug face was any indication—he didn’t get up to dance with any of them, which utterly surprised me. He seemed extra broody tonight, his cheeky, playful side nowhere in sight.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait too long before the drinks arrived. We cheersed and I downed two shots with ease.

Before I knew it, I was lost in the music.

When one of my favourite songs came on, I squealed, drawing the attention of the guys near us. ‘Normal Venus’ would never squeal, but it turned out ‘Slightly Intoxicated Venus’ did. I threw my hands up and moved my body around in a slow, sexy circle—my hips leading the movement. One of the guys smiled at me as he moved closer, a handsome blonde with deep blue eyes. Before I knew it, I was dancing with him, swaying and twirling between him and Kitana. The others joined, and surely enough Kit and Billie claimed one each for themselves. Kit sashayed about sensually while Billie moved her body with more skill and rhythm. I soaked it all in; the feeling of exhilaration. Of freedom. We were all laughs and smiles. Carter was probably having the greatest time out of all of us with three other girls dancing against him. I could see why he liked coming here.

Griffin eventually joined us for a song or two with the company of a leggy brunette who managed to get him on the floor. He swayed beside us, drink in hand while he let the girl grind against him. Shockingly he seemed uninterested in her. I didn’t understand how—she was so gorgeous that even I was kinda into her. But his eyes frequently wandered to me, watching as the large hands of my new acquaintance gripped my hips. I let the guy hold me but made sure not to let him get too handsy. I was going to have my fun tonight, but on my own accord. Eventually, the blue eyed male offered to get me a drink, which I happily accepted, using the time he was gone to continue dancing with my girls.

When my feet needed a rest, I stumbled back to the booth. I felt blissful from the alcohol and atmosphere. Free and happy. My mind completely at ease for once and not dwelling on a million different things.

Griff had already made it back to his safe haven—the booth—and as I approached I assumed he’d step out again to let me through to my spot from before, the one my bag was currently occupying. Instead he just stared me down with arms crossed. So I gave him a placating smile, shimming through the tight gap between his lap and the table. As I attempted to pass and almost stumbled, he placed his hands on my bare thigh, keeping me upright as he guided me back to my seat. As usual, his touch lasted that little bit longer than it needed to and tingled more than it should. Not that I entirely minded. Not tonight anyway.

When I was finally seated, he turned towards me. “Having fun, Cosmo?” He asked. His expression had lightened and he looked at me amused, which was a relief.

“The most!” I replied back excitedly. The alcohol had clearly gotten to me. “I haven’t felt this free in a while,” I admitted. I leaned forward, placing my elbows on the table, resting my chin in my hands as I looked at him. The fatigue was starting to kick in so I needed to catch my breath. I was covered in sweat from all the body heat in here.