Page 17 of Abel

“No, sir, mister officer.” He is just too damn happy to be frisked. “You know, this has never happened to me before, and I’m just a little excited is all.” Cam says as if Dawg cares.

He surprises me when he says, “Understandable. Happens all the time.” He chuckles, wrapping it up. “You’re clean.”

“You bet your ass I am.” Cam says, putting his arms down. “Now this one,” he nods in my direction, “She can hide weapons in various spots on her person. Women just have it like that.”

Narrowing my eyes, I screech, “Camden!” I’m so mortified, but there’s nothing I can do besides plaster a fake smile on my face while Dawg tries to mask his laughter.

“Nah, a pretty, little thing like her wouldn’t be crazy enough to hide anything on her.” He says, winking at me.

In a very seductive way that would knock your socks off.

If I didn’t have other plans, I’d definitely let him take me home tonight, but I haven’t even gone inside to see what my other options are. Can’t be making rash decisions on who’s getting the cookies tonight.

“Cookies? What cookies?” Dawg asks, a smile on the edge of his lips.

Shit, I said that out loud? “Oh um,” I clear my throat, “I was wondering if there were any cookies inside.” I mumble, avoiding his gaze and failing miserably.

He’s looking at me like he doesn’t believe the filthy lie coming out of my mouth. “Sure, there might be some cookies inside.” He mumbles, doing his best not to violate me while feeling me up. “You’re good to go.”

I utter my, “Thanks,” passing my hand along my skirt, readjusting it.

“Hey,” Dawg calls out to my retreating back, “If you’re not busy later, let’s grab a drink.” He smiles, and it’s nice.

He’s really handsome. “Yeah, for sure.” I mentally cringe at my use of words.

For sure?

Who says that?

Me, I say it.

“Way to go, Ivy. That was almost as smooth as butter.” Cam scoffs, making me feel worse than I already do.

“Nobody asked you, Cam-den.” I enunciate each syllable, putting so much emphasis on his name that I’m sure he can hear the distaste. “Get your bony ass inside.” I say, speeding past him.

“She can be a feisty one.” I hear him say to Dawg before scurrying behind me. “What jumped up your ass?” He asks, catching up to me.

“You! You jumped up my ass, Cam.” Acting like a brat has never been my thing, yet here I am… Hand on my hip, stomping my foot, while giving him a pointed glare. “I’m beyond mortified and instead of you coming to my rescue… You just added more kerosene to the fire.”

He has the nerve to stand there looking like a wounded puppy, with his sad, little puppy dog eyes. “I really didn’t mean to. I thought I was lightening the mood.” I hear the smile in his voice before I see it. “Besides, Dawg over there wants to hook up with you because of it.”

I watch his hips sway as he walks deeper into the club. I follow him, looking around, I take in my surroundings, letting that fiasco with Cam ease away from my mind.

I figured it’d be dark in here with strobe lights flashing across the ceiling and walls, making our eyes cross with their psychedelic colors, but that’s not what’s going on here. The lighting is nice and calm in all the right places. Light rays beam down over the tables as people stuff their faces with food.

Out on the dance floor is where the strobe lights circle around the dancers, pumping up the alcohol already coursing through their veins to get out there and dance the night away. I watch the smiles appear on their faces as they become one with the music.

Spinning around until I face Cam again, I place my hand in his outstretched one, letting him tug me along to the bar. “I feel like some liquid encouragement is in order.”

He pulls a barstool out for me, and I have to watch how I sit because of the slits in my skirt. Once I’m situated, I sneak a glance at my best friend.

Someone looking out, not knowing the story of us would think that we’re an odd couple. Me with my damn near black skin, natural black hair, and blue eyes, alongside him and his fair skin, shimmering red, long hair, and green eyes.

“Why are you looking at me like you want to date me?” His lip curls up toward the ceiling, but it quickly turns into a smirk. “Oh, youdowanna date me. You want to jump in my bed and keep me warm at night.” He’s laughing hysterically while poking me in my side.

“You are so annoying.” That might be true, but him and Travis are the only two that can make me smile without really trying. “I wanna dance, but I need something strong to give me the confidence I need to go out there.”

“Say less, baby girl.” He grins, signaling for the bartender.

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