Under the Mistletoe... with the Mafia King.

R H E A I should've said no when I had the chance. "Let's get you another drink!" I hear Cassie's voice, somehow through the thunder of music circling in the air. I don't even know how I agreed to any of this... I knew this would be a bad idea from the start.... "No, I... I think I've had enough!" I try to respond to her, and at this point, I don't even realise I'm shouting, my words coming out slurred. My body sways from side to side, the alcohol now taking full effect as I laugh for no apparent reason. Cassie is dancing with me, light flaring around us, and the only reason I should've refused... was cause I had no idea I'd drink this much tonight... and I know it's gonna come bite me in the ass tomorrow... Earlier in the afternoon... "It's Christmas Eve and a Friday night, Rhea! There's no way I'm letting you stay in and read your books!" Cassie lets, standing across the living room with her hands raised out in front of her. "But I like my books..." I mumble as I sit cross-legged on the couch with my read for the week. A dark romance novel that has been too good for me to stop reading. Cassie huffs, blowing her blonde hair out of the way before she marches over to me and plops herself beside me. "Your books aren't going to bend you over and make them call you daddy, are they? You're getting some tonight, whether you like it or not." She tells me sternly, her blue eyes boring into my brown ones before taking the book from me and shutting it abruptly. "CASSANDRA!!" I squeal in embarrassment before covering my face, my long black hair curtaining in front of me and falling into my lap. She really did not just say that to me. "That settles it, you're coming. Now get up, let's look for something suitable for you to wear that isn't a baggy sweater and cargo pants. You're showing off that body tonight, whether you like it or not..." she continues before pulling me up from the couch. I had a figure, yes, but it's not like I needed everyone to see that. I believed in saving myself for someone special, and so far it's worked after being single for almost 3 years. "Ugh..." I groan, shaking my head as she pulls me through our apartment. "But Cassie..." "Quit whining, I know how much you love me. Besides, we're gonna be looking back at this day and you're gonna laugh about how I'm the one who set you up with your future husband." She says confidently, just as we reach my room, and she begins pulling out clothes from the wardrobe while I get seated on the bed, watching her get to work. "How did I end up with a roommate that can't understand the word no..." I chuckle as I follow after her, realising that even though I don't like stepping out of my comfort zone, it is Christmas Eve, and a drink or two tonight won't hurt... Currently... At least that's what I thought. Now here I am, 2 cocktails and 6 shots later, drunk out of my damn mind. "Suit yourself, but I need at least 2 more shots!" She squeals excitedly, and I don't even think she's as drunk as I am. She has always been more of a heavyweight, while I was the complete opposite. I shake my head at her, watching as she takes my hand and begins dragging me over to the packed bar where we would find 4 or 5 bartenders rigorously working the counter. "2 more liquid cocaine shots please..." She lets out as she leans over the counter, smiling at the bartender from earlier, who had been eyeing her since we ordered our first drinks. "Coming up beautiful..." He smiles at her. He's a handsome man. Slicked back black hair with the sides shaved and blue eyes that seem to glitter with curiosity. "And can I take you to-go..." She says slightly, eyeing him from head to toe, unable to keep her eyes off him. "Tempting offer. Maybe if you're still here at the end of the night..." He says back, and I'm surprised by how easy her charm has worked on him. If only I could have the same luck... that is, with someone I was actually interested in. Cassie picked out extra special dresses for us tonight. She decided to go with an off-the-shoulder green dress that stopped above her knees. Her blonde hair is tied up in a high ponytail, and she has beautiful golden hoops that match her gold stiletto heels. For me, she picked out a lovely red dress, one I had bought when we went shopping together but never had the chance to wear... until now. It's got a high slit on my right thigh and stops just under my knees. That and a set of black pumps. My usual straight hair was curled and bouncy today, and my warm, olive skin was practically glowing thanks to the body butter Cassie let me borrow for the night. Safe to say my outfit was a little outside my comfort zone, but Cassie insisted that I was the hottest person in the room, and that definitely helped boost my confidence. As Cassie flirts with the bartender, I glance around the room, trying my best to sober up, even momentarily, as I scan my surroundings. Everyone seems to be having a great time, and I can't lie... so am I... but at the same time, I wish there was someone I could share it with... "Alright folks, I hope you're ready. Ladies, get your lip balm out, gentlemen, pucker up, cause it's time for the mistletoe..." I hear the voice of the MC, just as the music changes, becoming much slower and sensual. That's when I notice a few bunches of mistletoe drop down from the ceiling, now hanging over the crowd. Just then, people around me begin grabbing each other, sharing a passionate kiss, some of them even strangers. I glance over at Cassie, not knowing what to do. "I dare you to find a guy and kiss him." She says to me, crossing her arms with a mischievous smile on her face. "I'm not doing that..." I shake my head at her, chuckling a little nervously. "Why? Too much of a wuss?" She raises an eyebrow at me, her smirk widening. That's when she scoffs lightly and steps on the foot support of the bar stool and climbs onto the counter, swinging her legs over the counter and landing on the other side, right next to the bartender. That's when he looks at her with confusion, and before he even realises it, her hands are at the back of his neck, pulling his head down and smashing her lips onto his. He is taken aback at first, but soon welcomes her kiss by wrapping his hands around her torso, holding her close. I stare at her with a shocked smile, not believing she would actually do something like that. But then again, I know my best friend. Of course, she'd do something this insane. After a few seconds, she pulls away and looks at me triumphantly just as the bartender holds onto her, seemingly mesmerised. "Fine. Challenge accepted." I answer her confidently, and I have no idea what's come over me. It all happens so fast. I turn back into the crowd, searching for someone I find even remotely attractive. And that's when I spot him... A man, passing through the crowd, dressed in an all black suit. He is serious, stoic... and jaw-droppingly sexy. His hair is slightly curly, dark brown with a few light brown, almost golden highlights. Without thinking, I move forward, making my way over to him, my body ignoring every possible warning sign from my brain. In a matter of seconds, I intercept his path, and I'm now standing right in front of him. He towers over me seamlessly, making me feel much smaller than I really am. His cologne envelops my senses, making my toes curl in my heels. I don't think I've ever smelt anything this expensive... this masculine... He stares down at me in confusion before his face suddenly softens and he raises a hand beside me, almost as if he were stopping someone from getting close to us. Being this close to him, I feel the nerves suddenly kick in, not expecting him to be even more handsome up close. And that's when I finally decide. F*ck it. No backing down now Rhea. "Merry Christmas..." Is the last thing I say to him before I grab the back of his neck and pull him down slowly, feeling his soft lips press against mine. I can't believe I'm doing this right now... I can't believe I'm kissing a complete stranger.