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Chapter 12.

Let's get shit drunk tonight.

~~~

The man's grip was burning on her wrist, painfully biting as his fingers dug into her soft skin. He tried to grab her free hand but before he could, Lima reached out and clutched at the top of his head, pulling at the strands of his rough hair. Immune to his pain, she hauled his hair forcefully, plucking out some of the fine threads. The man winced in agony and discomfort, cursing loudly at the fearless bold woman who had promptly turned the tables around on him.

Using his other hand, he pressed it hard over her mouth, indecently against her lips and teeth. He smirked at the light flinch of ache in her eyes. But his eyes widened at the ferocity that quickly appeared. Without any hesitation, she opened her mouth further and bit the man's palm, making him yelp at the sharp sting. He quickly jolted his hand away from her mouth, waving it to the side, hissing in anger.

"What the hell is wrong with you!"

"Me?" Lima scoffed loudly, casually leaning back on the wall. "You are the one who attacked me. I am merely defending myself." She sighed and tsked at the man, he looked in his late thirties and was most certainly drunk. The smell of alcohol and smoke invaded her nose and she scowled at it.

He was still tightly gripping her other wrist and Lima used her free hand to pull his hair harder, she could feel some of the strands erupting from their roots, falling in between her fingers. He cursed at her, wincing and closing his eyes at the intense ache.

"You fucking bitch! I am going to kill you!"

"Promises. Promises." Lima tilted her head, yawning in boredom. "Let go off my wrist before I remove all hair from your head." She tugged at his hair once again and the man seethed, glaring at her. He let go instantly. "Ow Ow." He cried, like a dog yelping for help. "Sorry sorry, my hair. Ow. Let go! Let go!"

Lima hauled his head closer to hers, looking straight into those dark previously menacing eyes. She whispered to him. "I just dealt with one asshole, I don't have time to deal with another one."

What is it with men so desperate to attack women just to showcase their absent masculinity?

The man bowed lightly, his head throbbing from the persistent aching in his skull. "I just wanted some money. I need some money."

"I don't have any."

The man snarled, glancing at her elegant designer dress and perfectly done hair and makeup. "Really? You don't have money? You reek of money, lady."

Lima's lips twisted at that. "Do I look like a walking talking charity?"

"You could still give me some. It's called helping."

Lima rolled her eyes at his lame persuasion tactic. "I don't have any money to give to assholes. If you want money, work your ass off, don't steal it. You think I earn my money to give it to pigs like you? Hell no. Find a job and earn you own wealth, don't attack women for it."

The man glared at the woman, wondering who the hell she was to not be scared of him. By this time, he should have been digging into her purse and counting the cash and cards but here he was – at the mercy of this supposedly small and fragile woman. He used full force to get away from her hold and almost succeeded but Lima was quicker than he ever could be. His hand reached towards her shoulders to push her back but she swiftly avoided it, her free elbow hitting him in the ribs.

He gasped and bent over in pain, wincing and screaming in agony. "You fucking bitch!" He shouted in a state of half drunk and half annoyance. This was supposed to be easy but somehow, he was the one who kept getting hurt. Tonight wasn't going according to his plans.

Lima glared at him, clenching her jaw as she whispered in a low dangerously ominous tone. "Don't you know, bitches bite the best?"

Rishit stood just outside the alley next to the club, looking at his phone, impatiently waiting for a particular message when he heard a man's shouts from inside the alley.

He turned, intrigued and worried. He took a few steps inside the alley, squinting his eyes to get a clearer look and in the dim lights he could see the figure of a man cornering a woman. From his angle it seemed as if the man was lightly bent, forcing himself on top the woman who desperately wanted to escape.

He quickly marched towards them. He froze when he noticed the familiar green dress and bare legs. He blinked a few times, just to be sure that he wasn't seeing this but no, there was no mistaking those slender legs and that gorgeous dress. "Lima?" He breathed out in shock. He couldn't believe that she was here – in the dark alley being attacked by some drunk man. What the hell?

Lima's eyes snapped upwards at the familiar voice. In the darkness, Rishit's black shirt made it impossible to recognize him but she had heard the voice enough times, memorized it, to distinguish it in a crowd of millions of people, even in her dreams.

"Rishit?" She swallowed, her determined hands quickly left the man's hair and she backed away against the wall. She pulled the man from his collar, making him stumble on top of her.

She blinked innocently at Rishit. "Help me!" She pleaded urgently in a shaky breath.

Rishit's shoulders shook from rage, he stormed towards them, fury in his eyes. He heaved the man away from Lima, grabbing him by the shoulders, turning him and swiftly placing a tight punch to his jaw.

The man howled and fell on the ground, rubbing his chin to numb the pain. He glared at his new attacker. "Dude, she was hitting me."

Lima sniffled, taking quick breaths with her open mouth, shaking and trembling. She hugged herself and backed further against the wall. "I-I think he wanted to hurt me." She whispered to Rishit.

Rishit fisted his hands, standing protectively in front of Lima. He narrowed his eyes at the man, trying to control himself from beating him into a pulp. "How dare you touch her?"

The man scowled at the couple and stood up with unsteady legs. He groaned as his body ached. "I am telling you, she pulled out my hair! I should be the one crying. She was the one hurting me."

Lima looked down, tucking a strand of hair behind her ears. She took a step closer to Rishit. "I was so scared."

The man scoffed in incredulity at the sudden personality change in this crazy woman. He had only heard about bipolar disorder but now he witnessed it too. "You two-faced slut." He yelled.

Rishit took a threatening step forward, standing tall and making sure the man could see the wrath on his face. "What did you just call her?"

The man's eyes widened and he stumbled back, shaking his head. "What a bunch of mad people." He muttered under his breath. "Bloody insane!"

"Get out of my sight before I break your bones." Rishit spat with venom.

The man looked at them with slight fear and then turned around and ran away, not once glancing back.

Lima smirked as she saw him leave like the pathetic coward that he is. If Rishit hadn't come, she probably would have broken a finger – at the very least. He should be thanking Rishit for coming in time and saving him.

Once the man was out of sight, Rishit turned to face Lima, concern clear in his voice. "Are you okay?"

Lima's smirk dropped immediately and she pouted like a gullible victim. "He put his fat hand on my mouth, you know... to block my screams for help."

Rishit quickly scanned her from head to toe, making sure she wasn't physically hurt anywhere. "Did he um, touch you anywhere else?"

She pointed at her wrist. "He held it so tightly. It hurt so much, I couldn't even hit him back."

Rishit took the wrist delicately in his hands, his thumb grazing over her veins. Lima savored the warmth that spread thorough her skin at the touch. She felt her heart skip a beat and then suddenly start to beat faster. His gentle touch seemed to sear her skin.

She vaguely considered hiring men to attack her, just so she could experience this - Rishit's concern and his comforting touch.

Somethings as crazy as they sound, just make pure sense!

"Better?" Rishit questioned, his tone low and carnal, reaching into the deepest depths of her belly.

Lima could barely breath, she could barely find words, she pointed to her left waist, whispering into the intense air. "He touched me here also."

Rishit swallowed hard. His hand shifted to her waist, the fingers curling around the curve, lightly kneading the soft skin.

Even with the barrier of clothes, Lima could feel his touch caressing and burning her. She bit her lower lip, gazing into his deep eyes. In the darkness of the alley, with dim lights of the club, his eyes shined, glazed with desire and affection. She found it impossible to look away, not that she even wanted to.

If it was up to her, she'd stay here for a very long time, just her and Rishit.

Rishit's hand slowly wrapped around her waist, unconsciously he took a step towards her, their feet touching. She didn't push away. "Better?" He breathed out, his breath fanning over her face.

Lima's brain was starting to shut down from the closeness, her practical senses were already defeated, taken over by the impulsive naughty thoughts. She wanted Rishit and she wanted him now. Her heart was pounding and she was sure it was louder than the music in the club.

She inhaled his scent, a little citrus and some beer. It was intoxicating. His hand stroked her back seductively and her breath hitched. Oh my! What would it feel to kiss him right here, right now. To feel that mouth, to tease that tongue.

Her fingers skimmed over her parted lips, whispering the words so softly that only he could hear them. "He touched me here also."

Rishit's eyes lowered from her eyes to stare at the bright red enticing lips. He blinked and looked back into her eyes, as if asking for permission, gauging her reaction. Her eyes didn't shy away, they challenged him, they welcomed him.

His fingers brushed against her cheeks and Lima held her breath. Yes! His thumb lightly grazed her lower lip. "Here?"

"Yes." Lima breathed out. The anticipation was thick in the air, butterflies fluttered in her stomach and every sense was heightened, deeply aware of him.

His thumb traced the outline of her lips, and she felt could die from the lack of oxygen. His own breathing was ragged, he was holding on to a very thin strand of self-control and it could break at any second now.

He stared at her exquisite mouth, as if captivated and then lightly brushed his forefinger over it. "Better?"

"No." She didn't want him to stop touching, she didn't want him to stop holding her. She didn't want him to stop at just that. Kiss me, dammit! Throw me against this wall and kiss me hard!

Rishit's eyes looked at her lips again and all reasonable fears and orders to destroy her went straight out of his head, plummeting in a ditch somewhere. All he could see was her, all he could feel was her, all he could think of was her, all he ever wanted was her.

She had the kind of magic that made him forget his own self.

His gaze hooded and eyes darkening, he lowered his head and Lima eyes fluttered close. Rishit's grip on her waist tightened a little and she controlled herself from simply jumping over his body and kissing him senselessly until all he could ever dream of was her lips on his.

She could sense his breath getting closer, the air around them was electrifying, surging with denied attraction and desire. She waited impatiently to feel those soft lips, the flutter of her heart and the zoo in her stomach were not helping.

His lips lightly brushed against hers and she relished in the light teasing graze, the softness of the gentle touch.

Then – his phone rang.

They jumped back from the distressing piercing sound of his ringtone, it seemed to cut straight through their fantasy of a happily ever after. Lima licked her unsatisfied lips glaring at his pocket. "Fuck!" She yelled, completely pissed. "Shit! Throw that damn phone off a cliff!"

Rishit ran his fingers through his hair, his head still reeling from the events that transpired in the last five minutes. Still in a daze, he removed his phone, it was Alesha.

"Don't you dare pick up that call." Lima warned him with fuming eyes. She wanted to continue where they had left off.

Rishit pressed his lips together, taking a step back. His voice hoarse and husky. He needed to distance himself. He couldn't play with her feelings like this. "Sorry. I have to." He picked up the call. "Hey!"

Through the loud music in the club, Alesha screamed. "Dude, where are you?"

"Uh. Outside. Just coming."

Lima scoffed, folding her hands. Her lips were set in a straight line. "Well, that was quick for you. But then all men are the same in this aspect."

Rishit ignored the obvious taunt. "I'll join you all in 2 minutes." He told Alesha on the call and cut the call. He looked at Lima, running his fingers through his unkept hair. "Um, are you joining us?"

Lima glared at him, jaw clenched as she gritted her teeth. Her eyes twitched in fury and Rishit took a hasty step back, knowing that she could easily hit him with the purse. "Of course. That's why I am here." She barked in pure sarcasm.

Rishit cleared his throat. "I'll go first." Without waiting for a reply, he walked out of the alley, out of her sight. He didn't know if he should be proud that he held back or call himself a fool for not kissing Lima.

"Aye!" she shrieked. "Aye, don't you dare leave me alone and go!"

Rishit didn't turn.

Lima scowled at the empty space. "Stupid Alesha. Stupid phone." She hit her purse against the wall angrily. "That asshole." She screeched. "How dare he almost kiss and walk away like nothing happened? How dare he show self-control!? What is wrong with him? Is he gay!?"

She breathed out loudly and raised her head high. "Well, I'll make him regret this." She walked purposefully into the club, ignoring a wide mouthed Benny who had just seen Rishit come out of the same dark alley Lima had come through. He didn't dare think of the scenario that must have taken place. But judging by the regretful and furious expressions on their face, he was sure nothing good happened.

The club wasn't overfull, there were a few people eating and chugging down beers like it was water. And there were a few who were on the dance floor, moving their bodies with no rhythm.

Her eyes scanned to see the acquainted faces. They were sitting on a table to the far end, giggling and talking. She walked towards them, the second they saw Lima Fox coming their way, their faces sobered up and their back stiffened.

"Ms. Fox." Viaan greeted in confusion, wasn't she going to eat Thai food? "What are you doing here?"

Lima glanced at Rishit, apparently, he hadn't said a word to them. She smiled at them, pulling a chair from the adjacent table.

"Excuse me, someone is using it." A girl spoke as Lima took the chair.

"Yes, that someone is me." Lima snapped, dragging the chair to their table and sitting on it.

Olivia and Alesha glanced at each other with apprehensive looks.

Lima kept her purse on the table as she looked at the three flabbergasted faces. "Well, tonight I am just Lima to you all."

She motioned for them to continue eating. "I am not your boss, I am just someone of your age looking to have a good time."

Olivia cleared her throat. "Um. So, you won't scream at us?"

"No, I plan on screaming with you."

Alesha smiled a little at the carefree attitude. "Okay! What is your poison?"

Lima smirked. "Whatever is the strongest!"

Viaan grinned, raising his hand for a hi-fi. "That's my girl."

There was an awkward pause as Viaan realized what he was doing. The other three looked at him wide eyes, wondering how Lima would react.

Lima looked at the outstretched hand and shrugged a shoulder. She hi-fied him back. "That's right! Let's get shit drunk tonight."

Alesha and Olivia cheered. "So, we are here with one mission - find Olivia someone hot so she can forget that dumbass of a boyfriend. If he can go to club and kiss random women, so can Olivia." Alesha whispered, winking at Olivia.

Lima could see that they were already a little tipsy. "Well, how about we find someone for me too? It's been too long since I have been with a guy. I could do with a fun night."

Olivia giggled like a school girl. "Let's all find hot guys." She passed a glass of whiskey to Lima. "Here, drink this. It will give you courage."

Lima doubted that she needed it but drank the drink nonetheless. The strong drink spreading like fire down her throat.

Rishit sat straight, a frown on his face as he saw her drink the entire glass in one shot. "Slow down. It's not apple juice." He directed.

Lima ignored him. She made Viaan pour her another glass. "After this let's do shots!"

Olivia clapped. "Let's do body shots!"

Alesha nodded, raising her half-filled glass. "To hot guys."

Lima and Olivia, raised their glasses too, clinking them. "To hot guys."

They drank a sip each. Alesha winked at the girls. "And sex."

The two girls giggled, blushing slightly.

Viaan looked at the scene with twisted mouth and creased eyebrows. He sluggishly sat on the chair shaking his head. "Great, now we need to handle one more drunk woman. Just what I needed."

Rishit glared at Lima, who was doing a great job of ignoring him. She hadn't looked at him even once and he hadn't stopped looking at her. "Just make sure they don't find hot guys." He muttered to Viaan.

Viaan looked around at the club, there was a group of young men bobbing their head to the music, they looked pretty decent and definitely falling under the hot category. "Going to be difficult." Viaan whispered to Rishit.

Rishit followed his gaze and groaned. "Make sure they don't see them."

But it was too late. Alesha whistled, which was basically just hot air coming out of her mouth. "Hottie alert!" she giggled to the girls.

They turned to see the guys and grinned.

Olivia pointed at the guy with blond hair and yellow tee. "He is mine."

Alesha focused on the guy with black hair and gray shirt. "I want him."

Lima looked at the 5 guys and smirked. "I want them all." She smacked her lips and rubbing her palms.

The girls stood up, stumbling and giggling, sauntering towards the men.

Viaan banged his head on the table in exhaustion. "This is going to be a long night."

"This is going to be torture." Rishit said as he saw Lima Fox near the men, her hips moving, her walk resembling that of a lioness walking towards her prey.

And a part of him desperately wished that it was him she was coming towards.

~~~

I love the scene where Lima pretends to be all innocent! It fits her character, doesn't it?

Started adding more quotes in each chapter, like it?