Chapter 7 — Club Outing 

I swallowed forcefully, chest rising and falling fast.

So… close.

So close that I could feel his breath on my cheeks and smell his expensive cologne.

My tongue ran over my lower lip and his gaze dropped there, then snapped back to my eyes quickly.

His grip around my wrist tightened, eyes searching my face, almost as though he was trying to hold himself back.

But from what?

A key inserting into the door had him pulling away from me sharply.

Mom pushed the door open and stepped in.

“Hello residents,” she said, giggling softly.

“Hey, babe.” Henry said, walking up to her, then he kissed her.

I ripped my gaze away sharply.

“How was your day?” He asked.

She hummed. “Crazy…” was all she said, then she glanced at me. “Sweetheart, how was your day?”

I stared at her, smiling. “It was… eventful.”

“I see… there are books all over, were you guys studying?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Ohh that reminds me… it's good you are— because I met your principal and she said your grades were bad, Rosie. Like really bad.”

I smiled sheepishly.

“I guess the universe does work in mysterious ways… I mean Henry's here. I'm glad to know he's helping you.”

He smiled as she pecked his lips softly.

“Anyway… I need to get some rest. Okay.” 

With that she walked off, heels clinking on the floor as it slowly faded away.

“How about we… continue this some other time,” Henry began, pushing his hair back. “Preferably tomorrow, I'll send you a tutor schedule later tonight. Cool?”

I nodded.

He exhaled heavily, gathered his things and left the living room.

I suddenly felt cold and empty.

Seriously, Rosie?

What the hell is wrong with you?

I packed my things and headed to my room. The vibration of my phone drew my attention.

I stared at the caller ID—‘Lena.’ I picked up, pressing the phone to my ear.

“Hello.”

“Hey girl! What's up?”

I pulled the phone away from my ear as loud music reverberated through the speaker.

“Why's there so much noise there, Lena?”

“I'm at a club, bitch. I was calling to ask you to come.”

“You know I need to study, Lena.”

“Come on… you also need to unwind, and there are a lot of hot guys too.”

Fuck.

“Alright, text me the location, I'll be there in an hour.” 

“Yay!” She screamed, then a click sound followed.

“Okay… get your sass on, Rosie.” I said, opening my wardrobe.

My eyes trailed the rows of clothes, finally I decided to settle on a short armless black dress, ending just above my lap.

Paired with a teardrop necklace and earrings, then I slipped on a low heel.

I grabbed my purse, and left my room.

I sent a quick text to my mom and pushed the door open.

“Where are you heading to?” 

I shrieked, turning around sharply.

“Christ… you almost gave me a heart attack.” I said, holding my chest.

Henry stared at me, from top to bottom— leaving a trail of goosebumps wherever his eyes touched.

He raised a brow in question. “Where are you going… dressed like that?”

“To see Lena.”

He stared at me, unbelieving. “Just, Lena?”

“Yeah… just an outing.”

“This outing, is it by any chance a club?”

I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest.

“I'll be back soon.”

“I'll make sure of that. Let's go.”

“What?”

“Let's go.” He repeated, walking towards the door.

“I do not need you to follow me.”

“I know, I'm just choosing to.”

“Why?”

“To make sure you're safe.”

My heart skipped a beat.

“I'm fine.” I grumbled, trying to sound aloof, but the blush on my face told a different story.

“Come on, Rosie. I'll just drive you there and stick by to make sure you're safe. That's all.”

“But I will be safe—”

“It's either this or I'll have to ask you to stay back.”

Fucking asshole.

I scowled, brushing past him as I walked out the door.

“You know this is actually worse than telling me to stay back.”

He didn't reply, simply walked to the garage and got into his car.

“Get in, Rosie.”

Although I wanted to argue, I decided against it.

“Where to?” He asked.

“Lore Street,” I paused, glancing at him then at the name of the club.

“I'm waiting, Rosie,” He groaned, annoyed, as he began pulling out.

“Err… Graffiti Grind.”

He stopped the car, then glanced at me. “Isn't that an adult club? I thought the age of acceptance starts from 30.”

I didn't reply.

“There's no way I'm letting you go there.”

“Come on professor Henry…” I whined.

“Tell your friend to pick another age appropriate one.”

“Those age appropriate ones are usually very boring and besides she's already waiting for me.”

“You do know I'm in a position where I can't let you do things like this, Rosie.” 

“You can look the other way just this once.” I pressed.

He shook his head, “seriously, Rosie. I can't allow that.”

“Please…” I begged, staring at him deeply.

He clenched his jaw, pulling his gaze away from mine. “I don't feel comfortable—”

“Please, Daddy.” I pressed, inching towards him in my seat.

His eyes widened in shock, as his fingers gripped the wheel tightly.

“Daddy?”

“You're doing that on purpose.”

I giggled, staring at him as he shifted in his seat uncomfortably.

He closed his eyes, then ran his palm over his face in exasperation.

“I can't believe I'm considering this.” 

He glanced at me, and I batted my eyes at him.

He sighed heavily…

Then—

“Fine—”

“Yay…”

“But,” he cut in. “You stay where there are more people around just in case and should anything happen, don't hesitate to come to me. Okay?”

I nodded eagerly.

He shook his head with a slight smile.

“You're always something else.” He muttered.

I grinned as we began pulling out of the driveway and onto the road.

My first club outing with my future stepdad.

Why did I suddenly feel like a lot of things would go wrong?