Chapter 2: Birthday Party

Alexandra’s POV

I still can't shake off the fact that I met Mr. Scott at the entrance door. It was rare for him to come to work on Thursdays.

Without dwelling into it, I focused my gaze on the road before turning to Sophia. I noticed she was being nicer than she was to me when we were friends. Then, she was sassy and more out-spoken. Let's say she was behaving more mature now.

She dressed me up in an emerald green, strapless, short gown made of shimmering material, paired with black pantyhose.

My hair was in a sleek braided updo, and a bold smoky eye with emerald green eyeshadow, nude lip color, and statement earrings, finished with a pair of high heels and cross-body bag.

We alighted from the car and I was flabbergasted that we were at a nightclub. I had my suspicions when she insisted I should dress this way.

“Let's go in,” she smiled at me.

“Sure. But, why here? Sorry, I mean, it's your birthday and your guests might….” She interrupted me.

“I can't seem to make any friends ever since I left Australia, Alex. I know you don't like clubbing, but if you wanna leave it's very fine. I will update you about the…”

“No, no, no. That's not what I'm saying. I mean it's….” My voice trailed off when I read the bold words written in front of the building.

MALE STRIP CLUB.

“Huh?” I muttered, turning to Sophia with a stupefied expression.

“We came all the way here to watch n@ked men, curling themselves around a pole?” I lamented in total disbelief.

“Like I said, you can leave if you want to,” she said and I was lost for words.

‘Oh my God,’ I groaned inwardly. Alex, you can do this. It's just for the night.

I motivated myself before flashing her a sweet smile.

“Anything for my baby girl,” I purred and she aww-ed. She smiled genuinely and I brushed off those weird thoughts and entered the club with her.

We were welcomed with screams, loud music and the smell of alcohol. The air was electric, filled with the scent of perfume and the hum of excitement. I was struck by the performers, their chiseled physiques and captivating stage presence drew my attention. I looked over at Sophia, who was beaming happily.

‘Are these people her friends?’ I wondered, returning my gaze back to the half-n@ked men.

“Oh my Goddd! Let's party, girl!” She squealed excitedly, I let out a yelp when she suddenly dragged me to the center of the club.

A waiter brought a tray of drinks to us, as much as I didn't want to drink. I couldn't resist the temptation because of how loud the party was.

Ladies and men continued to hype a particular male stripper, he was wearing a mask and that got me attracted to him. He was doing his thing in a totally different way, ladies kept squealing and aww-ing.

The male stripper entwined himself around the pole, his chiseled body coiled like a serpent, his muscles rippling as he arched his back, and his hips swiveled in a hypnotic rhythm.

I joined the crowd squealing with delight.

“It seems you are enjoying the fun. Do you like him?” Sophia teased beside me and I chuckled, taking a sip from my alcohol.

“It's not that. I mean….” My voice trailed, my eyes were glued on his chiseled chest and I felt my heart skip a beat. He is my ideal type of guy.

“You were saying…” Sophia sang in a teasing tone, making me chuckle. I gulped down the whole alcohol content in my cocktail and squealed instead of responding to her.

“I'm waiting,” she teased again and I tried to move away from her. She was making me think too much about him, when I knew that this night would be the first and last time I would be seeing him.

“You like him, right? I can actually make you guys talk, you know? He is a friend,” she urged.

“Nah, I'm good,” I discarded, continuing to enjoy the night. I was still dancing to the music when I felt my phone vibrate in my bag.

It was my Mum calling.

She isn't my biological mom actually. When I was five years of age, I went to the amusement park with my Dad. He didn't return and I wandered in the park until late in the night.

Madam Cassandra found me, trying all her possible best for me to meet my Dad but it all went in vain.

“I need to pick this,” I excused myself.

“I hope this isn't your way of escaping,” she commented and I rolled my eyes at her dramatic words, I got out of the club and found a secluded area to pick the call.

“Hi, Mum,” I greeted her, placing the phone on my ear.

“Has the party not ended yet? When will you get back?” She asked in concern.

“I should be home soon. Don't wait for me, Sophia and I have a lot of things to catch up with. I'm currently having fun,”

“Remember you have to go to work tomorrow. I will call you again in an hour,” she informed.

She takes care of me like her own. Sighing, I turned to enter the club when I heard the sound of a door opening.

I followed the sound and saw my stripper male crush, his mask made me know he was the one.

He froze in his spot when he saw me. It was as if he wasn't expecting anyone to be here.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I'm Alex, and I must say, I was completely charmed by your performance,” I commented. He nodded and walked past me but I stopped him.

Thanks to my heels, I was able to reach his shoulder.

“At least, tell me your name. I just complimented you,” I reminded him in a loud voice. He harshly yanked my hands off his body and I staggered backward.

“Hey! That was rude,” I lamented, going to hit him back.

He was quick to hold my wrist but I used my other hand to hit him, but it hitted his face and his mask fell off. My eyes widened in shock upon seeing his face. The CEO again!