Torn between two

Chapter 2

Dunya’s pov

After the café and my embarrassing moment with a Greek God, we walked back to our apartments. We talked about the guy probably for an hour, he was after all really good looking. The girls wouldn’t leave the subject be, but luckily, I steered the conversation away towards our night out.

After I finally got to my apartment, I went to take a quick shower. I washed my hair and after blow-drying it, I decided on also straightening it. Straight hair made me look slimmer, and I wanted to look my best and that way have a little more confidence.

After finally getting my hair as straight as possible, I plopped down on my bed. I was so tired from our shopping trip, that next thing I know; I’m off to dreamland. Once again, I had one of my weird dreams. I’ve had weird dreams for as long as I can remember, but luckily, I forget about them the moment I wake up. I just can’t shake the weird feeling I get every time I wake up.

I looked at my phone and realized that it was already 7 pm. I had slept for 2 hours and had to get ready and fast! I started to put on some make-up. Thank God I had straightened my hair already, because it would take ages to tame my curly hair.

My phone was beeping non-stop and I knew it was our group text. I looked at the messages and it seemed like they already started drinking. I rolled my eyes and threw the phone on my bed. “Finns and alcohol” I thought out loud rolling my eyes again.

I was just yanking my high-waist denim black shorts on when I heard knocking on the door.

“Dunya! Lähdetään ihan just, ootko valmis?” (We’re about to leave, are you ready?) Tiina yelled and continued knocking on the door.

“Joo, pieni hetki” (Yeah, just a moment) I said and buttoned my shorts 4 buttons. I put on an off shoulder white top, that was so short, it barely reached my shorts. There was like half an inch of my stomach showing and I didn’t feel too comfortable about it. Why did I agree to buy this top? Oh yeah, Tiina and Minna insisted I buy it with the shorts, and I was too tired to look for something else. I was about to look for another top from my closed, but Tiina started banging on my door again.

I rushed to the mirror, and checked myself out, spinning from side to side, yanking at my top to get lower, but then my boobs popped out and I had to yank it back up and so on for few seconds. “Whatever. This will have to do” I thought oud loud. I quickly combed my long hair and left it open, and put on some nude sparkly lipstick. I glanced at myself in the mirror again. “Okay, I guess I look kind of hot in this outfit” I thought out loud again and shook my head. I quickly grabbed my purse with my phone and keys, put on some black stilettos and went outside.

Everyone was already waiting outside of our building so we quickly took off. Me, Tiina and Minna had asked around on our shopping trip, what was the most famous night club, and apparently it was called Moonlight. We went there and it was stuffed, luckily, we still got in.

*

The first two hours, everyone just wanted to get drunk. So, we did just that; we ordered drinks and did shots. I drank maybe 3 shots and 3 pretty strong drinks. When everyone was finally in the zone, the girls wanted to dance, so I of course joined them. I’ve never been shy on the dancefloor, and I wasn’t going to start now. As soon as we found a spot to dance, I let my body find the rhythm of the music. It was really fun and this was just what I needed.

After a few songs, I had a feeling that I was being watched. I turned my head to the side and noticed a handsome man glaring at me. I turned my body to face at his direction and he gave me cute crooked smile. He had short black hair that was neatly combed back, he was tall and you could see from afar that he was very fit. He had a wine-red dress shirt on with black ripped jeans. I smiled back at him and noticed that he was coming my way. Next thing I know, Tiina is pulling me towards the bar counter and away from the handsome guy.

“Odota!” (Wait!) I said surprised and started to pout like a little kid.

“Juomista. Nyt!” (Drinks. Now!) She says still pulling my hand behind her.

I tried to look for the guy, but he was nowhere to be found. Why am I losing all the hot guys today??

“Perhana Tiina! Tosi söpö jätkä tuijotteli ja oli tulossa juttelemaan” (Damn it Tiina! A really cute guy stared at me and was about to come and talk to me) I said annoyed.

“Missä?” (Where?) she stops and looks around curioysly.

“No en tiiä enää, ku raahasit mut tänne” (Well I don’t know anymore, since you dragged me here) I said rolling my eyes.

“Sorry” she replied “Ehkä löydät sen vielä jostain” (Maybe you’ll still find him somewhere)

“Toivottavasti” (Hopefully) I say annoyed and try to look for him again. “Mitäs tilataan?” (What are we ordering) I asked and turned to the counter.

“Vodka limu? Itseasiassa mun pitää käyä vessassa. Voitko tilata mullekki? Mä tarjoon seuraavat!” (Vodka soda? Actually, I have to go to the bathroom. Can you order for me as well? I'll get the next round.) She asked and hurried away without waiting for my answer.

“joo, tottakai” (Yeah, of course) I say to myself apparently. As I waited for the bartender to come take my order, I looked around if I could see the cute guy again. On my left side I notice there’s a V.I.P section across the dance floor. And to my surprise I saw the guy from the coffee shop there. The God like creature was sitting comfortably on a black leather sofa with his right hand on the back rest and stared directly at me.

A young woman, maybe barely my age in high heels and a short black dress, sat down really close to him on his right side. She was really pretty and it got me somehow really jealous. I was right, he was way out of my league, he already had a hot girlfriend, why would he want me.

They both stared at me, she put her hands on his shoulder and whispered something in his ear. He nodded and they both smiled looking back at me. Great. He told her about my clumsiness and they’re now laughing at me together.

“What can I get you” the bartender asks and I reluctantly pull my gaze away. I was so short even with my stilettos, that I hoisted myself up on the railing that is on the bottom of the counter. Something I’m very much used to, since the music is loud and the bartender can barely hear me.

“Two vodka sodas” I replied to him, keeping my elbows on the counter, so I wouldn't fall back. He nodded and started making our drink. I glanced back the V.I.P section and noticed they were talking about something and still looking my way from time to time.

“Hi” I heard someone say, in a husky voice from my other side.

“Hi” I managed to mutter as I turned my head and realized who it was. It was the cute guy from earlier! He smiled his crooked smile at me again and I couldn’t help smiling back at him. This gorgeous guy is talking to me, me?? My heart began to race faster.

“I’m Elijah” he said still smiling and that smile was dangerous, I just knew it deep down. That smile, could say thousand things that I was not prepared for.

“Hi” I repeated myself stupidly. I was just gazing at him and facepalmed myself. “I mean I’m Dunya.” I replied embarrassed.

“Hi again, Dunya” He chuckled. “Nice to meet you” He continued and reached out for my hand.

“Nice to meet you too” I reach my hand out, forgetting that I’m supporting myself on the railing and almost fall back on my ass. His reflexes are fast, as he quickly puts his arm on my back, supporting me from falling. I finally find my footing on the floor as he holds on to my extended hand and plants a kiss on my palm. Wow really cold hands and how... chivalrous?

“That is the cutest thing I’ve probably ever seen. You’re so tiny!” He chuckles as if he’d said the funniest thing. My cheeks were hot as a lava from embarrassment, I must look like a tomato right now!

“What is the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?” I asked embarrassed. “Me being tiny...?” I continued crossing my arms and glaring at him kind of annoyed.

“Not you being tiny, but that you used the railing to boost yourself up to the counter.” He laughed again.

“Well Ha Ha, I´m short” I said and crossed my arms. “It’s not so funny” I continued. Great, I’m being laughed at again. Could I be anymore embarrassed? Seriously, twice in one day my clumsy ass manages to be well, clumsy.

Me being the temperamental person that I am, in the heat of the moment, I start to walk away from him. He grabs my hand and turns me around. “Wait! I’m not making fun of you, I just thought it was really cute.” he said with furrowed brows. “Let me make it up to you and pay for your drinks”

I wanted to facepalm myself again, I totally forgot about the drinks. I turn back to the counter and get my card from my purse. “I can pay for these myself, thank you very much” I said and stared at bartender, ready to give him my card.

Elijah managed to give the bartender a twenty-euro bill “But I want to” he says and gives me his panty dropping smile again. “Keep the change” he says to the bartender never looking away from me. I rolled my eyes at him and nodded; I wasn’t going to say no to free drinks.

Maybe I over reacted just a little bit. I mean, it is kind of funny that I get on the railing every time I order something at a bar and even, I sometimes laugh at myself for doing it. Besides, all the shots and drinks are getting to me. I should slow down!

I turn to look at the V.I.P section again while I put my card back in my purse. The hot guy was still staring looking my way and he looked kind of pissed. I noticed that his whole demeanor had changed, he seemed more tense than before. It’s like the laid-back guy he was just a few minutes ago was all gone and in his place was this dark and gloomy guy. It almost gave me chills. The women said something to him and he nodded. What was his problem? Not happy with his lady?

I shook my head and returned back to Elijah and noticed he was holding our drinks. I saw Tiina coming towards as in a rush just as I took our drinks from his hands.

“Oho, onpas söpö” (Wow. He’s cute) she says with wide eyes and a grin. “Löysithän sä sen!” (You found him!) She continues and grabs her drink.

“Yep” I muttered. I noticed that Elijah was still staring at me, never shifting his gaze to Tiina.

“Let’s go dance!” She excitedly and turns to the dance floor as she realizes that Elijah has eyes for me only. “Ota hottis matkaan” (Take the hottie with you) she continues in Finnish luckily, almost shouting.

“Mä tuon herra hottiksen ihan kohta” (I’ll bring mr. Hottie in a minute) I reply smiling and turn back to Elijah.

“What language is that? Sounds European.” He asks grinning, as if he understood what I say.

“It is. It’s Finnish” I reply almost immediately.

“Finnish, huhh? You don’t look like a Finnish. You look to exotic to be from Finland” he grins again.

“Actually, I’m originally from Iran. I was adopted.” I replied and felt my cheeks burning up again. Why did I have the need to tell that to a stranger? Maybe because I was so drawn to him. His sexy smile, a sharp jawline, that it could probably cut ice, emerald green eyes, strong ripped arms and the way he also towers over me. What is it with strong tall guys? Oh my god, keep it in your pants Dunya.

“I thought maybe middle-eastern.” he grins once more as he could read my mind. “So, are you here on a holiday?”

“No, actually I moved here to work. Two days ago. What about you? You don’t look Greek.”

“What kind of work?” He asks and raises his brow. “I’m American, born and raised in New Orleans. I’m here on a business trip. Import business.”

Import? I really don’t know anything about that. But who cares when you’re that handsome? I sipped on the drink I’m holding, suddenly remembering I even had it as my throat seems dry as the desert. Is it the alcohol or is it this man, you can never know.

“Customer service on the phone and computer. I needed a fresh start on life, so here I am.” I say and wonder once again why am I telling him my life story. He didn’t ask. “Wow. I’ve always wanted to visit. How long will you be staying?” I continued quickly.

“As long as it’s needed” He replies with a wink. Oh, please just take me now. “Dunya, such a beautiful name, like it’s carrier”

“Thank you” I blush “It means ‘the world’ in Persia”. I notice his eyes shifting to my lips and lower to my cleavage. The thought of him even noticing me like that, makes me bite my bottom lip.

“Beautiful” he replies sofly.

His gaze goes from my eyes to my lips again and leans in towards me and I panicked. I didn’t want a bar hook-up. No. Enough of those in my past. I want something more serious and he looked like a player. He was too cute and hot to not be just that and actually want anything serious from me. Not when he’s making a move so quickly.

I quickly lower my head and take a long sip from my drink. “Let’s go dance” I say after clearing my throat hastily and grab his hand towards the dance floor. Damn it, how are his hands still so cold?

I finish my vodka soda and put the empty glass on a side table. Elijah ditches his drink without even drinking it and follows me to the dance floor. For some reason, I have the urge to look at the V.I.P section again and I notice the guy was still sitting there, but the woman was gone. He still looked pissed though, maybe even more than before. I shake the shiver I got once again and turn to Elijah.

Elijah puts his hands on my waist and pulls me closer. He is really tall compared to me, maybe 6”3. So, it’s safe to say that I had to reach really up to get my hands on his shoulders. Damn this man could dance. He spun me around the dance floor and pulled me close again.

I was having a really fun time. He made me laugh, and he was being such a gentleman, not the usual drunk dance where the guy just wants to dry hump all over you.

After a while I needed a break from dancing and I really needed to use the bathroom. After doing my business and washing my hands, I decided to spruce myself up a little. With all the sweating and dancing, my hair needed a brushing and my face needed fixing. While retouching my lips, I notice the woman from the V.I.P section come in and she comes straight towards me.

“Hi. I’m Layla” she smiles sweetly. “You’re really pretty”. She leaned on the sink and stares at me.

I’m pretty? She is slim and gorgeous! And really fit in her black dress. She has long dark brown hair that falls to her lower back. And she’s wearing a pair of black high heels, that I could never walk in without support.

“Thanks, so are you. I love your dress. I’m Dunya” I replied and smiled back and put my lipstick away.

“Are you here alone?”

“No, I'm with some friends.” I replied and wondered why was she asking me that.

“Good. You should leave with them.”

What does that mean? Is she judging me or giving me a warning? Is she talking about Elijah? Who said I was leaving with him?

“Umm... Yeah, that was the plan...” I reply chuckling nervously. “Umm I'm sorry, but why do you care?”

“That guy you were dancing with... Well, let’s just say, that he’s not good company. You should ditch him, as soon as possible. If you need help with that, I can help.”

“Umm... not that it’s any of your business... But I wasn’t going to go with him anyways... I’m just having fun. Why am I even explaining this to you? I don’t even know you. Are you jealous or something?”

I take my purse and head to the bathroom door, when Layla puts a hand on my shoulder. I turn around to look at her, her expression a bit worried. “You’re right, it’s none on my business... and trust me, this isn’t jealousy. I’m just trying to warn you.” She says sounding sincere. Well, I mean, why would she even be jealous, if she has a God for herself.

“Thank you, I guess... I can look out for myself. Always have and always will”

Not waiting for a respond, I head out and notice Elijah waiting for me right outside. I grab his hand and pull him towards the dance floor again. I glance back at the bathrooms to notice Layla walk over to the man and whisper something to him. The guy seemed to have smoke coming out of his ears and I can’t help to wonder what the hell is their issue?

Once again, shaking myself out of my thoughts, I turn to Elijah. He noticed that I was looking at the couple and smiled. “Friends of yours?”

“Nope. The women just warned me about you in the bathroom.” I reply playfully not even thinking on it for long.

He pulls me close and puts his arms around my waist. “Really? What did she say?” he asks with a grin on his face. Damn that grin and damn that sexy face.

“She said that you’re not a good company” I bite on my lower lip. “Do you know them?”

“Not a good company, eh?” he chuckles pulling me even closer to him. “I don’t know them. But what do you think? Am I good company?” he asks in a husky voice. Pulling my lower lip from between my teeth with his thumb.

Damn, I’m about to melt in his hands and I need to slow this down a bit. I put my hands on his chest so I could distance myself from him a bit. I had to stay strong and I don’t want to seem too easy. Especially when I’m drunk.

“So far, I do”

He takes my hands and puts them on his waist, then he cups my face and pulls me close for a kiss. This time, I wasn’t strong enough to push him away, so I lean for the kiss. I need this, more than I thought I did. The kiss was hot, I could feel my body melt in his arms and my panties getting wet.

Maybe it was the alcohol, but I could swear I heard a loud growl coming from somewhere in the distance. Startled, I stop our sweet kiss for a second to look around.

“Did you hear something?” I ask confused and sad that I stopped the kiss.

“Nope” Elijah answers quickly and pulls me back to our kiss. Even though his lips and palms are ice cold; our kiss was the exact opposite. My heart beat sped up again, banging like crazy. Time stood still, like in those romantic movie as we kissed like we’ve never kissed before. I was mesmerized by him; it didn’t feel awkward at all, it didn’t feel like a first kiss at all and I didn’t want the kiss to end.

Suddenly, I felt someone pull Elijah away from me, breaking me from his spell way too quickly. What the hell. The guy from the coffee shop was standing there and he seemed really angry. If I thought before that you could almost see smoke coming from his ears, it was nothing compared to this.

Before I can even comprehend what is happening and why, he pushes Elijah back so he bumps to some dancers around us. That pisses Elijah off immediately, he walks towards the guy like he was about to punch him.

I try to take Elijah's hand trying to pull him back, but he doesn’t budge a bit. Next thing I know, the guy punches Elijah straight to the jaw. Elijah barely moved that time. He takes a swing hitting the guy straight on the nose making the guy growl. Wait, growl?

I flinch because it looked and sounded like Elijah broke his nose, but no blood, no nothing. The guy barely moved. What the hell??? I swear I could hear something crack. Were these guys made of stone?

“No! Danny, stop!” Layla shrieks and rushes towards us to pull the guy named Danny away. “This is not the time nor place for this!”

I tried my luck again, and try to pull Elijah away. “Elijah!” I yell.

Luckily, this time, he noticed and turns his head towards me. I watch Layla pull Danny away from us and I swear I could hear another growl come from the guy. This time, I was sure I heard right. What the actual f**k! Is this guy some king of an animal? What the hell was his problem??

I look at Elijah worried that he was hurt, but nothing. Not even a scratch, he looks exactly the same as before. “Are you okay? It looked like he hit you pretty hard...” I asked worried. He seemed to cool down and smirked at me.

“Takes a lot more than that to hurt me.” He leans in again, but I turn my head hastily the other way. The mood died a long time ago.

“I want to go home...” I told Elijah and turn to walk out of the club right away. He runs after me after a short while later carrying a leather jacket on his shoulder.

“Can I at least walk you home?” He gives me his sexy crooked panty-dropping smile again. Aaaaand the mood was right back on... Damn, I have to hold it together.

“Sure. But just so you know, you’re not invited in.” I cross my hands and start walking away.

“I didn’t ask to be invited in, did I?” He grins and follows me.