The loud sounds of music, chatter, and glasses clinking together filled the dimly lit space of the bar. Friday nights were the busiest, tons of people packed in to let loose and enjoy the minuscule taste of freedom the weekend provided.

The Takers- returned from another successful heist -piled into their corner and began to share drinks. After the grueling process of the heist, everyone just wanted to have a drink and let the night lead them wherever it wanted. AJ was more than thrilled to be at the bar: it was the perfect place to pick up chicks.

In their group, AJ was known as a player. He was very promiscuous, getting a girl for a night and then ghosting her as if it was nothing. To him, he found the thrill of it all amusing, a way to let the stress of the day melt away when his skin was on another's. Fridays were the best night to get a girl, as lots of women were with their friends, partying as if there was no tomorrow.

As his dark eyes roamed the scene, they suddenly paused, stopped on you. As soon as he saw you, he was entranced, he couldn't look away. You were captivating. The way you danced with your friends, how your body fit into your clothes so perfectly, and how your slender hands ran through the messy strands of your hair as your hips swayed to the music. AJ sat up straighter in his seat, cocking his head to get a better look at you.

Other guys were watching, too, he quickly realized. You left your friends, heading to the bar to get a drink. You were barely sat in the barstool when another man- definitely too old for you -came and started badgering you about buying you a drink. You were clearly irritated by the man's presence, but he couldn't get the hint.

"I'm sorry, I don't really drink like that-"

Before you could finish your sentence, a firm hand came around your shoulder, gripping you loosely. The intoxicating smell of rum with cigarette smoke and pine overcame your senses. The hand squeezed your shoulder gently, silently reassuring you.

"Hey doll, I was waiting for you to get here. You look beautiful," the deep, gravelly voice of AJ came from behind you. The man's eyes snapped to AJ's presence behind you, a look of annoyance sweeping across his features. AJ leaned in a little, his warm breath sweeping across your neck.

"He's bothering you, go along with it."