Chapter 56

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the city streets, I found myself strolling down the familiar

block with Timothy and Lucas. I hadn’t planned on going out that evening, let alone ending up in such an

unexpected situation.

“This is the hottest place on the block,” Lucas told Timothy, an eager glint in his eyes. “You'll love it!”

Timothy hummed. “Well, what’s the place called?”

“It's a surprise, dude.” Lucas shot him a glare. “And you owe me.”

“lm aware,” Timothy muttered. “Especially since it’s the fifteenth time you've told me.” I giggled. “It'll be fun, Timothy! We go here

all the time.*.

I couldn't believe I was about to do this. Lucas had convinced me that it would be a night to remember, but as we approached

“The X Emporium,” my heart pounded with nervous excitement. I looked over at Timothy, his clueless expression matching my

own feelings.

I

He had no idea what was in store for him.

“Should I be nervous?” Timothy asked, his curiosity piqued.

Lucas grinned mischievously, “You should be excited.”

Lucas led us into a small entrance down a set of stairs and the security guard simply stepped aside to allow us in.

As we entered the dimly lit club, the vibrant music enveloped us, and I could sense Timothy’s confusion. Right as we entered, a

woman in a scant outfit waltzed by with a tray of drinks. Timothy’s eyes bugged out of his skull when he saw how her dress.

dipped dangerously low in the back.

On the neon stage, male dancers moved gracefully around poles, their bodies. adorned with glimmering costumes. I exchanged

a knowing look with Lucas, and we snickered in unison.

“Welcome to ‘The X Emporium!” I said with mock grandeur.

Timothy glanced at me, a mixture of surprise and amusement playing on his face.

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“What a colorful place. Doesn't seem like you're type of scene though, Evie.”

“You don’t know what I like,” I said, slightly offended that he’d made his own. assumptions about me. Of course, it was true that

I'd never go out of my way to step into a strip club.

Lucas clapped him on the back, “Relax, my friend. It’s all in good fun.”

I hoped that Timothy would loosen up and enjoy the night, but I could see he was still unsure about the whole situation. We

found a spot on the dance floor, and I could tell he was trying to act nonchalant, but his eyes betrayed his uncertainty.

“A strip club,” he said finally, his eyes scanning the room. Men were stuffing money into the thongs of dancers as they gyrated in

their laps. “I’ve never been in one of these.”

I blinked in surprise. “You haven’t?”

Timothy glanced down at me. “Hell, no. I have better ways to spend my hard- earned money.”

I wasn’t sure if I was more flattered or shocked by that revelation. Perhaps it was good that he didn’t frequent places like this, but

that didn’t stop them from sleeping with women in the comfort of his own home.

Lucas seemed entirely at ease, of course, blending effortlessly into the electrifying atmosphere. Eventually, a larger man strutted

by and rubbed a suggestive finger along Lucas‘ shoulders. Lucas grinned, giving the man a wink before turning back

tous.

“I'll catch up with you guys later,” he said, already disappearing into the crowd.

Right then, I started to panic. “Lucas, wait!”

Now left alone on the dance floor, Timothy and I exchanged awkward glances.

Timothy scratched the back of his head, unable to hide his confusion. “This is... different,” he muttered, unsure of how to react.

Evie couldn't help but laugh at his bewildered expression. “In my defense, this was Lucas’ idea,” I told him.

The neon lights flickered above us, casting a surreal glow on the vibrant dancers

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swirling around the club. The rhythmic beats of the music pulsed through the air, creating an electric atmosphere. I glanced at

Timothy, his eyes filled with curiosity and wonder as he took in the scene before us.

We had found our way into the heart of the club, surrounded by the mesmerizing performances of the talented dancers. I tried to

focus on having fun, but an unexpected emotion began to bubble up inside me — jealousy.

As we stood there, some of the strippers noticed Timothy and approached him, their eyes locked on him with intent. My heart

clenched, and a possessive instinct took over. I didn’t want him to be pulled away by those seductive temptations.

The tall blonde slid up against him, wrapping a gloved hand around his waist.

“Hey, big boy,” she said seductively into his ear. “Wanna dance?”

“Oh, such a strong physique. Aren’t you that hockey player from the news?” the shorter woman asked, batting her long

eyelashes.

Timothy stuttered, his gaze darting to each of the women as they closed in on him.

In a split-second decision, I grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the nearest private room, much to the girls‘ protests.

“Let's take a breather,” I said, hoping to escape the prying eyes and lingering

unease.

Timothy followed willingly, seemingly unaware of the emotions swirling inside. me. As we stepped into the hazy, red room, the

noise from the main club faded away, and a sense of privacy enveloped us.

He looked at me with a playful glint in his eyes. “Well, Evie, I didn’t expect to be here tonight.”

I tried to keep things light, not wanting to reveal the true reason I brought him. here. “A little adventure won't hurt, right?”

But the truth was that I couldn’t bear the thought of losing him to the allure of those dancers. It was irrational, I knew, but the

connection we shared made me feel more vulnerable than I cared to admit.

Timothy chuckled, seemingly oblivious to the internal struggle I was facing. “I guess not. It’s certainly an interesting night.”

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11:24 Thu, 21 Mar GG

Clupter 36

As the pulsating music filled the air, Timothy’s next comment caught me off guard. “So, Evie, are you going to give me a strip

tease?”

I chuckled, attempting to keep things light, but the teasing remark belied the whirlwind of emotions inside me. “You wish,” I

retorted with a grin.

However, the moment passed quickly, and my mood shifted as I turned serious. “But really, Timothy, how are you enjoying the

night?” I asked, curious to hear his honest thoughts.

He glanced at me with a thoughtful expression, pausing for a moment before responding, “Honestly, having you along is fun

enough.”

His sincerity warmed my heart, and I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of butterflies in my stomach. Despite the enticing distractions

around us, it was the connection we shared that mattered most to him. I felt a rush of gratitude, realizing that at least our

friendship meant something to him.

Timothy's next question surprised me. “Would you like to dance?” he asked, extending his hand toward me.

I hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. Dancing was not -something I typically did, especially in such a

lively environment. But seeing the

genuine smile on Timothy’s face, I felt my resolve crumbling.

“Sure, why not,” I replied with a grin, accepting his invitation.

We stepped onto the dance floor together, and as the music swirled around us, I let go of my inhibitions. Timothy's enthusiasm

was contagious, and I found myself laughing and twirling with him, the world around us fading into the background.

As we moved to the rhythm of the music, I caught glimpses of our reflections in the club’s mirrors. Timothy's laughter and the joy

in his eyes reflected back at me,

and in that

moment, everything felt right. The worries that had plagued me earlier seemed insignificant compared to the happiness I felt

dancing with him.

As the song came to an end, we both caught our breath, our smiles lingering. “I

didn’t know you were such a great dancer,” I teased, playfully nudgingng. “I

him.

He chuckled, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. “Well, I didn’t know you were either. We make a great duo.”

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Chapter 56

A blush crept across my cheeks, and I felt my heart skip a beat at his words. The closeness between us felt different now, and I

wondered if he sensed the shift in our dynamic as well.

As the night finally came to an end, we stepped outside, our laughter still ringing in the air. The city lights twinkled above us, and

I couldn't help but release a sigh, all my worries melting away.

“What time is it anyway?” I asked him, reaching for my phone. The screen lit up and I nearly gawked at the time. “It’s past

midnight!”

“We should probably go find your friend,” Timothy said, releasing a loud yawn. “If he hasn’t already left.”

“We value the buddy—system, so he should still be in there,” I said, looking back at the entrance door.

“Thank you for bringing me here, Evie,” Timothy said, breaking the silence.

I smiled. “Oh! You’re welcome. I’m surprised you had a good time, considering we were screwing with you.”

Timothy snorted. “I figured you were. Was still entertaining though.”

The night air was cool and crisp as Timothy and I stood on the busy city sidewalk. The bright neon lights illuminated the

surroundings, casting an ethereal glow on the faces of passing strangers. Laughter and music seeped through the club’s

entrance, signaling the revelry taking place inside.

“It certainly was,” I said, my voice filled with genuine joy.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, the club doors swung open, and out stumbled Lucas, grinning from ear to ear. His steps were

unsteady, and he looked like the embodiment of pure joy. It was evident that he had indulged in a little too much alcohol.

“Evie! Timothy!” he exclaimed, his voice loud and boisterous. “Were you about to dip?”

Timothy and I exchanged amused glances, knowing full well that Lucas was

probably not entirely coherent at the moment. Nevertheless, we couldn’t help but be entertained by his drunken excitement.

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Im glad you had a great time, Lucas,” I said, trying to keep a straight face.

He wrapped his arms around both of us, pulling us into a tight, unsteady group hug. “I love you guys. You're so cute!”

We laughed, gently guiding him to lean on us for support. Despite his drunken state, there was something endearing about his

affectionate display.

As we walked together down the sidewalk, Lucas stumbled and tripped over his own feet, his laughter infectious. I found myself

slightly disappointed that the night was ending. Still, I felt a sense of contentment at having Timothy still in presence.

Perhaps a friendship wasn’t so bad?

my