Page 53 of Sinful Pleasure

“I missed you too, girl. It’s been way too long.’’

My eyes shifted to Lydia, who was still standing there, watching us.

“Tamara, this is Lydia,” I introduced “Lydia, this is Tamara. My bestfriend.”

Lydia gave a polite nod.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

Tamara, being the social butterfly she was, didn’t even hesitate. She stepped forward and wrapped Lydia in a big, enthusiastic hug. Lydia stood frozen for a second, caught off guard by Tamara’s warmth, before awkwardly patting her back like she had no idea what to do. I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing at the awkwardness. Tamara pulled away first, grinning.

“Did you reserve our table?” she asked, already in her element, eyes scanning the crowd.

The bodyguards at the entrance nodded as we passed through, making our way to the VIP section.

“Of course,” I said.

When we reached our usual spot, a bottle of vodka was already waiting for us on the table. I sat down, looking around at the familiar faces, feeling that rush of excitement return.

“So, Lydia,” I asked with a teasing smile, “Do you like it here?” Lydia took a moment, her eyes scanning the crowded club.

“I’ll tell you after a few drinks,” she replied, winking at me before her gaze shifted to the waitress, who had appeared out of nowhere.

“I think it’s time for welcome shots. Yeah?”

Tamara burst into laughter, leaning back in her chair.

“I already like her.”

The drinks arrived, and before the waitress could even leave, we’d already slammed back a shot each. I felt the burn of the liquor hit my throat, a bitter aftertaste coating my mouth. The adrenaline of the night started to surge through me.

“We’re going to get wasted tonight,” Tamara yelled over the thumping music, raising her glass high in the air.

“Welcome back, babe!”We all cheered and took another shot, the warmth spreading quickly through my chest.

A few hours later, the night was in full swing.

I wasn’t drunk, not by a long shot but I was definitely feeling it. The music pounded in my ears, the bass reverberating in my bones. Tamara and I had migrated to the dance floor, our bodies moving together in sync with the beat.

Now and then, I could feel eyes on us, the men around us clearly impressed by the show we were putting on. Tamara was already a few shots deep and practically falling over with laughter as she spun around and pressed her body against mine.

The club is packed, with drunk people dancing all around us, moving their bodies to the rhythm of the music.

I looked away from Tamara and focused on Lydia, who was kissing a random girl on the dance floor right next to us.

It was shocking, but at the same time, it wasn’t.

It’s only surprising because Lydia never told me she liked women too, but at the same time… that’s Lydia.

“I like your friend,” Tamara practically screamed in my ear. Her voice was slower and higher than usual. “She’s cool.”

“Yeah, she is,” I replied louder so she could hear me over the music. “She’s also Maddox’s sister.”

Her eyes went wide. “What?” she yelled, and I nodded.

“Maddox, like your super-sexy, hot-as-hell bodyguard Maddox?”

I bit my lip, nodding again.

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