Chapter 5 *LAYO*

The pulsating beats of afro beats music vibrated through the high ends of Secret Palace with dim lights casting a sultry glow over the space where Lagos elites sipped champagne and whispered gossip.

It's been a week since the wedding saga, and while I kept appearances online, I honestly felt like I was drowning. No amount of perfectly curated Instagram post or empowering quotes could erase the humiliation of being jilted at the altar that was ever still fresh like a tattoo on my skin. And the worst part, I still had no idea why Tony did it.

"Layo, I'm sure you wouldn't be wasting this dress tonight??

You need to need to dance girl, Mercy urged tugging at her hand. You're too gorgeous to sit there sulking."

Mercy was right. What's the point of coming if I was going to keep thinking about Tony??

I tossed back the rest of my drink, letting the warmth settle in my stomach.

"Fine, let's dance, Mercy."

"That's my girl," Mercy teased.

As we moved to the dance floor, I was well aware of the intense accessing eyes from across the club but, I didn't care less. For all I knew I was already trending for the worst .

But across the club, there was this particular eyes. I felt his presence even before I saw him.

For some reason, a burning heat crawled up my spine as I turned and met his gaze.

Our eyes met for a moment but it was enough. He was dressed in a fitted black button down shirt with the two top buttons undone. I didn't know him, but I could tell he was no low class. He sat confidently across the room exuding dominance, and honestly it wont be a surprise if he owned the entire club, or even Lagos as a whole.

The bartender slid a bottle of tequila across the counter. It was timely for I needed something cool after loosing my breath on the dance floor. The cool liquid burned it's way down my throat perfectly satisfying my need.

I tried to distract myself but I could still feel his eyes on me. He wasn't close but I felt his presence against my skin like an invisible touch. I hated to admit what he did to my body just with his eyes. He hadn't moved, hadn't spoken but somehow still managed to trap me in his orbit.

It was quite shameful that I was still looking at some man after my humiliation.

"Another round?" Mercy asked raising her shot glass and bringing me back to reality.

"Why not, girl?" I responded because why not?? Tonight was for me to forget and I needed that more than anything.

I wasn't tipsy yet or was I??

My body felt warm and my muscles felt loose. For some reason I felt active and bold. Bold enough to turn around. Slowly as my eyes locked with his again, this time, I was certain and held my gaze.

It was not my custom to look away first when I locked eyes with a guy regardless of how I felt at the moment. It was cowardly.

He seemed to understand the challenge, holding his gaze aswell. Without hesitating, he stood up from the barstool where he had been sitting and strode towards me.

His tailored black shirt moulding to his powerful frame. As he walked like he owned every space he occupied.

I have seen good looking men and accustomed to the sight of wealth and power but, for some reason, he seemed quite intimidating.

The space between us evaporated within seconds as he reclined next to me, radiating quiet dominance that made the air feel thick.

"Enjoying the view?"

His voice was deep, smooth and laced with amusement.

"Should I be", i answered. I could see his lips twitch as a smirk played at the corners.

"That depends. Do you always stare at men like you're deciding wether to have them for dinner?"

"Well, only the interesting ones."

He chuckled, then asked "Have you decided yet?"

I met his gaze, my fingers tracing the rim of my glass.

"I don't make decisions based on looks alone."

"Good." He leaned in slightly, his scent dark spice and something dangerously addictive intoxicated me.

"I prefer women with good judgement."

I had no idea if this was a compliment or a challenge. He was really full of himself.

Before I could respond, Mercy cleared her throat beside me. I had almost forgot she was here .

"And you are?", Mercy asked crossing her arms.

George barley glanced at her. "George." He said while his eyes remained fixed on me like he could see my soul through my eyes.

"George?" Mercy repeated unimpressed. "That's it ?"

George leaned closer, whispering into my ears.

"What's your name?"

For some reason, I didn't want to believe that he didn't know me, hadn't heard my news.

"Layo", I answered.

"Layo", he repeated, like he was testing how it felt on his tongue. Then after a pause...

"Come have a drink with me."

It wasn't a request for it sounded like a command and God help me I was tempted to obey.

The music throbbed, but at the moment it felt like I was locked with this man in a battle neither of us wanted to lose. I couldn't possibly appear cheap although, I really wanted to have a drink with him and explore who he really was.

"A drink with you?"

Well, I don't know, I was just about leaving...

His expression remained steady but his gaze flickered with something perhaps interest or maybe challenge.

"Leaving so soon?

I thought you like interesting men?"

"I do, but I never said you were one", I responded sipping my drink.

Mercy snorted beside me, barely hiding her laughter. However, he remained composed. Somehow, it felt like he was actually enjoying this.

"Fair enough", he said slipping his hands into his pocket exuding effortless power.

"Then tell me, Layo... What does it take to interest you?"

I felt chills immediately, I had no idea why. Perhaps, the way he asked, his voice deep, sounding like he was appealing to me .

I wasn't sure when Mercy slipped away but by the time I realized, George and I were at a private corner of the club. Or may be it just felt that way.

Everything blurred. The flashing dim lights, the music, the people laughing and dancing, none of it mattered. Especially when he was still watching me like a puzzle he intended to solve.

The air between us cracked with tension it was slow and steady making my skin feel warmer and my pulse beat faster. Maybe it was the wine or maybe It was the way his voice played with my senses, deep, smooth like aged whisky.

"You still haven't answered my question," he said. His eyes dark and unreadable.

"What question?" I asked sipping my drink.

"What does it take to interest you "? He repeated this time with his voice firmer.

"I could say intelligence,charm, power...but that would be predictable, wouldn't it?"

He leaned in slightly, his perfume wrapping around me like a sinful promise.

"And you don't like predictable?"

"I like....... I like men who makes me feel something. "

I didn't know when that came out, it must be the alcohol.

"And what am I making you feel right now?"

I should lie, I should walk away but for some reason, I didn't.

His eyes were intense. And I was captivated.

"Dangerous ", I said.

Suddenly the air became tighter and his jaw flexed slightly like my answer stirred something in him. I knew I was playing with fire but right now, I didn't really care. Not tonight.

He lifted a hand, brushing a loose curl from my face with his fingers barely grazing my skin. It was the lightest touch , but it sent shivers down my spine.

"You're drunk ", he mumured, not moving away.

Was I??

"I'm tipsy."

"There's a difference?"

"A big one.". I leaned closer my lips breath away from his ear. Tipsy means I still know exactly what I'm doing."

To be honest, I really didn't care. I just didn't want the night to end.

His fingers ghosted down my arm slowly and deliberately.

"And what are you doing, Layo?"

My heart pounded against my ribs. Everything in my body told me to stop, to think, to get up and walk away before I did something reckless but then, his hand wrapped around my waist, firm and unhurried and my brain froze.

"Do you want me to stop?" George asked his voice impossibly low.

"What if I don't?"

Something in his expression shifted and his grip on my waist tightened. Before I could process what was happening, he was guiding me through the crowd, past the flashing light and pulsating music. We moved like this wasn't new, like we have done it before.

When we got to the private elevator leading to the club's luxury rooms, I knew there was no turning back and for some reason, I didn't want to.