I live for the night, I live for the lights

I live for the night, I live for the lights by nadiaa featuring acetate glasses

I closed my eyes and leaned the side of my head against the back of my couch. I hadn't gotten more than two hours of sleep since I found out Braden was cheating on me. I had closed myself off from everyone and called in sick to work for the past week. I was so embarrassed and ashamed that I didn't see what he was doing to me… I had this hole in my chest anytime I thought about it… I felt like I literally had a broken heart.

I heard a knock on the door and it made me jump. I had a bunch of missed calls and texts that I hadn't replied to, but no one had to to come and show up. I sat there quietly and closed my eyes once more, hoping whoever was on the other side would just get the picture and leave, but they kept knocking. I didn't make a sound, but the lock started to jiggle and whoever was on the other side opened the door and walked in.

"Milena…" I heard a voice that could only belong to one person.

I raised my head and saw the small smile that was on my father's face, "Dad… what are you doing here?" I said in a hoarse voice.

"I thought you would be hungry." He held up a bag, "I brought you, you're favorite."

I blinked my eyes as my stomach started to grumble at the smell of tomato soup and grilled cheese. It reminded me of my childhood…

He sat down on the couch next to me as he took the food out of the bag… I was a complete daddy's girl and honestly my heart leapt when I saw him.

"Thank you." I said quietly as I grabbed the soup and slowly drank it.

"Your mother is worried about you…" He eyed me as he dipped his grilled cheese into the soup. I avoided his gaze and didn't speak, "You're upset darling… I don't blame you. Ames told me what had happened…"

"Are you here to say 'I told you so'?" I said, licking my lips.

He shook head head, "Absolutely not. I didn't want to be right about Braden. I hoped and prayed he was the guy you thought he was. The idea of him cheating on you killed me darling. I wanted to kill him."

"Daddy… everybody was right though…" I trailed off, sniffling.

He shrugged, "Who cares? You believed in him, maybe it was wrong, but still. Don't give up on love."

"I doubt I'll be dating for a while." I shook my head, setting my cup down and rested my hands in my lap.

"You know the worst day of my life was the day I found out you were going to be a girl." I furrowed my brows, "Because the day some guy that would take you away from me would become the worst day… No guy will ever be good enough for either of my daughters…"

"Every dad says that." I rolled my eyes.

"But you and Camille are the most gorgeous girls in the world…" He grinned, "No man deserves either of you."

"Thank you daddy." I told him as I sighed, "I just feel stupid."

"You're anything but stupid… You have a big heart and people take advantage of it."

I heard another knock as I raised a brow, "Who's that?"

He shook his head and shrugged, "I came alone."

I stood up and padded over to the door opening it and I saw Ames standing there, "Ames?" I asked confused.

"Hey…" He trailed off, sticking his hands in his pockets, "You haven't been replying to any of my texts… I got worried."

I gave him a small smile, "I haven't been replying to anyone’s…"

"And that's why I'm here." He nodded and then nodded towards my father.

"Hey Ames." My dad smiled at him, "I hear you punched her ex in the face."

He sucked in his lips and nodded slowly, "Yes sir." I know Miles wasn't his dad nor did he have any responsibility to him, but Ames was a good guy and I think that his presence in what happened between Braden and I was unusual for him.

"I would have done worse." My dad told him as he nodded his head, making me smile even a bit… I loved my dad, "Why don't you come over for dinner? Mom will cool!" Dad said, making me shake my head. Honestly I didn't want to be around everyone yet, I knew they would all be pitying me…

I shook my head, running my hands through my hair, "I don't think I'm really up for family events." I shrugged at him. I was terrified to be around everyone. I didn't want to hear the 'I told you so's' quite yet…

"Well, why don't you and I go out? Get some dinner, put on a pretty dress and pretend like you don't give two fucks about him." He told me as my dad shot him a look, "Sorry." Ames gave him an apologetic look.

"I think it's a good idea actually…" He agreed, getting up and slapping Ames on his back, and then mumbled something quietly under his breath, not letting me hear.

"What do you think?" Ames turned towards me and asked.

It wasn't the worst idea.

I shrugged, "I guess."

He nodded and clapped his hands, "Great!"

"That sounds good." My father gave me a smile, patting Ames on the back once more, "I'm going to head out. Finish eating… you're mother wanted a progress report." He grinned.

I nodded, "I will Daddy." He pulled me into a big hug and I didn't want to let go. My dad was my hero and my savior.

He kissed my forehead, "Have fun." He said as he left.

"You sure you're okay with going out?" He asked with a grin.

I nodded, "I'll be okay, but I have to shower. I haven't left the apartment in a few days." I gave him an ashamed look.

"I understand. I can wait." He said with a smile.

I nodded, "Okay, if you want, make yourself comfortable. I have beer in the fridge." I nodded towards the kitchen.

"Anything a little harder?" He grinned as I nodded.

"Yeah, there's some scotch. Finish it off, I hate it… Braden loved it." I shrugged.

"I'll drink anything that was for him." He gave me a wink, making me smile.

"Thank you." I nodded, walking to my bathroom and quickly showering. I was a little excited to go out tonight… it's been over a week and I had been a hermit most of it.

I stepped out and noticed the clock and how long I actually took. I walked out into my living room where Ames was watching TV and having a drink, "Hey, I'm sorry I'm taking so long. It might be another 30 minutes to an hour to do my hair."

He turned and gave me a look, swallowing, "That's fine. I'm used to waiting on women." He grinned.

I rolled my eyes, "Shut up Casanova." I told him as I walked back into my room to finish getting ready… and 45 minutes later, I was. I squeezed into a little black dress and pulled on my heels, walking out.

"I'm ready Ames." I shouted to him as I grabbed my clutch.

He turned off the TV and turned towards me and he stopped and just stared at me.

"Is everything okay?" I raised a brow, "Something in my teeth?"

He shook his head, "You look amazing…"

I smiled, "Thank you."

"We should go to Braden's club and just show you off in front of him… Show him what he's missing out on."

I grinned and chuckled, "Okay…" I said something out of character.

He raised his brows, "Really?"

I nodded, "I do look pretty good tonight…"

"You look awesome." He nodded with a grin and I could feel my face flush, making me change my mind.

"Actually, I change my mind." I blinked back at him.

"What do you mean?" He asked, raising a brow.

"I want to get totally trashed. I don't want Braden to see that, but I want it." I told him, unsure of myself

He winced, "Your Dad just-" He started and I set my hands on my hips.

"There are other clubs in the city are there no?" I glared, trying to speak without wavering.

"Trashed it is." He said with a grin, nodding, "But don't tell your dad." He added, making me grin.

"Can we take your car?" I asked with an excited smile, almost feeling like myself again…

He laughed, "We're sure as hell not taking yours." He teased.

I pouted, "There's nothing wrong with my car! It's safe for the environment!!"

He led me out to his car, which I couldn't lie, it was a gorgeous car… and incredibly sexy.

"So it mine." He grinned, opening the door for me, allowing me to slide in.

He jogged to the other side and got in before I replied,"This gas guzzler?" I raised a brow suspiciously.

He shrugged, "Okay, maybe not, but it goes really fast." He grinned at me.

I rolled my eyes, "Boys and their toys."

He eyed me, "This is not a toy... This is the first big purchase I made for myself after I was able to. It's special!"

"It's just a car." I teased him.

He smirked, "Do you like it?"

I nodded, "It is pretty nice." I told him honestly with a smile.

"Then enjoy the ride." He grinned back at me as I leaned my head back against the cushioned head rest and relaxed.

"Thank you for bringing me out of the house... I really needed it. I've been a bit of a hermit..." I pouted slightly as I looked out the window.

I felt his fingers on my chin as he turned my face to look at him, "No worries...  If I were you I'd be partying every night." He gave me a charming smile.

"Well, you might be seeing a different side of me tonight..." I trailed off with a small grin.

He laughed, "Well, I'll be your bodyguard for the night. If you go missing your father will cut me into pieces."

I chuckled, "Probably. He's protective of me and it doesn't help that I'm a total daddy's girl."

"Well I promise you will be safe." He smiled at me.

"But don't sour the mood! I wanna have fun." I told him, eyeing him.

He smirked, "You will be safe and have fun. I promise Mila, just relax."

I breathed out as he pulled in front of the incredibly busy Paris nightclub, one that I had been to before, a long time ago before I met Braden. The door was opened quickly by the valet as I stepped out. This area was a hotspot for celebs so the paparazzi were out and hunting tonight, their cameras flashing in every direction. Maybe I wasn't ready for all of this…

"Let's go squirt." I heard Ames tell me as he wrapped his arm around my waist, leading me into the club, where the music was loud and flashing lights were everywhere.

"I need a drink." I swallowed, looking at him. I just kept thinking that it was too early for all of this.

"Coming right up." He grinned, leading me to the bar, "What do you want?" He asked, hailing over the bartender.

"Tequila." I said seriously as I looked around the room, "Lots." I was going to need liquid courage tonight.

He rose his brow, "Are you sure-"

I put my finger to his mouth to stop him talking as I glared, "You're my friend not my father." I told him, making him grin again.

The bartender slid two large shots over to us and I pushed one of them towards Ames, "I'm driving." He declined.

I rolled my eyes ,"We'll be here for a while Ames, suck it up." I lifted the glass to my lips and drank it down quickly.

Ames followed my example and swallowed his down as I called out for another and sucked that one down just as quickly

"I think that's enough for now." He said seriously, making me pout. I wanted to drink until I couldn't remember, "It's early, you don't want to be puking before you even get to have any fun right?" He pointed out.

I licked my lips and nodded, "Good point."

"Hey gorgeous." A guy with an American accent interrupted the two of us as he grinned at me, "Need a drink?"

It was a confidence booster that I was already getting hit on, "I've just had two actually." I told him as a matter of factly.

He leaned into me and then I suddenly felt Ames' arms wrap around me, "Can you not see me?" Ames said angrily.

It was odd, but kind of funny. I knew I didn't want to be hurt again, but I didn't need to be protected like that…

"Oh sorry man…" The guy said, widening his eyes and he backed up.

I bit my lip, "This is my big brother, he's very protective, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind if we had one dance?" I said reaching out to grab the guys hand.

The guy grinned, "Hell yes." He said, taking my hand and pulling me away.

I turned back around and winked at Ames, "Why don't you get yourself a dance partner big bro." I winked at him as I definitely felt the warmth of the tequila coursing through my body.

Ames sighed as I walked off with the guy, "What's your name?" I asked him as I started grinding up on him.

"James…" He breathed out, "What's yours beautiful?"

"Milena…" I bit my lip as I looked up at him, already feeling the warmth of the tequila through my body.

"Why's your brother so protective?" He asked, wrapping his arms around me, pulling him even closer to me.

I shrugged, "He's not my brother. Shhhh." I whispered.

James raised his brow at me, "He's not? Then why's he so protective of you?"

I shrugged, "We're like family, but not related in any way… He thinks of me as his little sister." I pouted, "I grew up having a crush on him."

Another side effect of the tequila? Word vomit.

He eyed me, "Why are you two here together then if you're not dating?" He asked me.

"My ex cheated on me and knocked a girl up." I sighed, "I don't want to talk about it." I shook my head, pulling his head down to kiss him deeply. I pulled away with a small grin, "I just want to have fun!" I yelled out.

I felt a hand wrap around my arm and pull me away, "That's enough." I heard Ames say angrily.

I glared back at him, "What did I say about not being my father?" I told him, "I'm a grown woman Ames."

He shook his head, "You're a drunk woman, you can have fun without lowering your standards."

The guy shot him a look, "Hey!" He yelled out.

Ames shook his head and pulled me into him, cupping my face, "Braden cheated on you because he was a douchebag. Not because of anything you did, or anything you are." He told me, hurting me more than I thought with that statement. It still stung to think about it.

I rolled my eyes, "Just what I need, a reminder! Thanks so much." I groaned.

"Is this what you want? To get drunk and hook up with some tourist who won't remember you?"

"Oh I'll remember her. She's like the hottest girl I've ever seen in my life." The guy grinned at the two of us, which made me extremely happy. At least I knew I still had it.

"Shut up." Ames told him with a glare, "Seriously? That idiot?"

I tilted my head to the side and narrowed my eyes, "Are you saying he's an idiot because he thinks I'm hot?" I asked him.

"No."

I nodded, "Okay, and tell me this, when you got your heart broken what did you do? Stay home at night and read books?"

"No, I didn't. I did just what you're trying to do but you're much smarter than I was. Or at least I thought you were. I didn't come here with you to watching this." He shook his head, turning away.

I groaned, "Oh my god Ames, it was one dance! I wasn't stripping for him in the club bathroom!" I told him annoyed, "If you're lonely you should have asked me to dance yourself."

"First of all? Stripping in the club bathroom? Not on my watch."

I laughed, "Not on anyone's, trust me."

"And secondly? You didn't give me enough time to ask you to dance before going off with the frat boy over there."

I narrowed my eyes, "Are you going to ask me to dance?" I told him.

He nodded, "Yes, Milena will you dance with me?"

"She was dancing with me, dude." The other guy, who's name was escaping me, asked.

"Not anymore." Ames glared at the guy and pushed him out of the way, grabbing my arm and pulling me to the dance floor.

I sighed, "You don't have to do this Ames… This was a bad idea. We should just go home."

He shook his head, "I promised you fun Mila."

"You dancing with me out of pity is not fun." I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Who said it was out of pity?" He smirked at me.

"You think of me like a sister Ames, why else would you dance with me?" I raised a brow.

"Because I want to dance with you!" He yelled back at me, "Have a drink."

"I'm fine… Are you going to dance with me?" I eyed him down, putting him on the spot.

"I thought we were dancing." The guy interrupted once more.

"Shut up." I said without looking at him, "Are you going to dance with me or should I go back with him?!" I said once more to Ames.

"Get lost." Ames told the other guy as Ames pulled me away on to the dance floor, "Is this what you want?"

"Ames, I want you to stop treating me like a child. That's what I want. I already have an overprotective father, I don't need two."

He sighed, "I'm sorry…"

I gave him a small smile, "It's okay… So are you going to dance with me? Other wise I'll be bummed."

"You're cute when you're confused." He said seriously as he twirled me around to dance with him.

"I'm cute always." I winked back at him as I moved with him. Then the music slowed down and I smiled at him as he pulled my closer to his body.

"Not always." He breathed out.

I pulled back and looked into his eyes, curious as to what he meant by that… What was going on between us… It scared me.

"No?" I asked quietly, confused.

He shook his head, "Right now you're not so cute."

I looked up at him, "What am I now then?" I said licking my lips as I tilted my head towards his.

"Honestly? The sexiest woman I've ever seen." He said, tangling his fingers into my hair.

I swallowed, unsure of what to do next… What did all of this mean? God, I was so confused and unsure of myself that I was terrified. Terrified of how I felt.

I felt like we were going to lean in for a kiss when it was quickly interrupted by a shrill voice, "Hey guys!!!"

I heard Chloe Lindsell yell out to us as she quickly pulled me into her arms, giving me a big hug.

"What are you guys doing here?" Chloe asked, unaware of that 'moment' that just happened between Ames and I. 

I shrugged, "Trying to get over Braden…" I trailed off, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Well then thank god I'm here!" She squealed with a grin, "I'm like the queen helper of breakups." She grabbed me and pulled me towards the bar, flagging the bartender down, "Four shots of tequila!!" She yelled out.

"Chloe, you don't have to do this."

She shook her head, "Nonsense. So why are you here with Ames?" She grinned at her uncle… Uncle, that was weird to say.

"He was being nice and helping me slowly get over Braden."

"That's your first mistake! You need to just dive right in. Have amazing rebound sex! It helps a lot." She grinned as she downed one of the shots.

I took one and cringed, "Honestly, I was barely ready to go out, let alone have sex with some random guy."

"Stop being a bad influence on her Chloe…" Ames smirked at his niece.

"I'm not a bad influence. Drink up Mila and then lets find you a nice piece of a.ss to do."

"No." Ames interjected and I looked at him and he swallowed, "I mean, Chloe stop, Mila said she wanted to have fun, not screw around with random guys." He chuckled.

Chloe shrugged, "They are one in the same, Ames." She grinned.

"Chloe, I'm fine, well, at least I'm okay enough to not have a one night stand. I did want to get drunk though."

She let out a quick breath, "Fine, let's get you drunk then, but it wouldn't be the worst thing if you hooked up with someone." She grinned, downing her second shot as I took my second as well.

"Ames, is right though Chloe, I don't need to go completely crazy."

"Squares." She smirked, taking another shot, "Then why don't you put the moves on her Ames? I can see the way you're looking at her." She winked, obviously drunk.

"Maybe you should stop." He smirked.

I shrugged, "I'm too young for Ames." I winked at him.

Chloe laughed, "Well thank god you told him. I've been wanting to tell him to lay off my friends for years."

Ames narrowed his eyes at her as she just returned a wicked grin.

"Oh, I didn't tell him that. He tells me. Every single day." I rolled my eyes, hating the way he always reminded me that all he thought of me was his lithe sister.

Chloe laughed, "But he dates women that are barely legal!!" She exclaimed

I turned towards him, using any liquid courage to talk, "I'm not barely legal." I told him, crossing my arms over my chest. Why don't you put the moves on me Ames?" I asked, trying not to laugh, it was a ridiculous notion. I was nothing but family to him and that was it…

"Because I'm not good enough for you baby." He replied with a wink. People needed to stop putting me on a pedestal… I was not that damn special.

I just stared at him, biting my lip, forcing myself to say what I was thinking, but I couldn't. Why were things this way between us? Why did I harbor feelings for a man who thought nothing of me…

"That's true!!" Chloe piped in, interrupting my thoughts as she grabbed three more shot glasses, handing them out to us, "No one is good enough for you cutie." She said, reaching over to give me a quick kiss on the cheek.

"And I'm sorry about Braden. Should I spread a rumor that he's got a tiny d.ick?" Chloe grinned, making me choke on my drink.

I grinned, "I think I'll be okay."

She shrugged, "What about spreading a rumor about his club? I got sick from a drink there?"

I shook my head, "No Chloe, I'm fine… I swear." I said, looking back at him, not breaking eye contact, "Ames has helped a lot…"

"Well thank you Ames… This girl can't be sad for too long. I'd miss her partying ways." She gave me a big grin, before taking another shot, "Take another!" She yelled at me.

I rolled my eyes and took another and then another… and then another until the night became one big blur.

"Thank you for taking me out…" I slurred out holding on to Ames as I stumbled over my own feet.

"It's no problem." He told me, grunting out as he held me up, but my legs felt like jello.

"Where are you taking me?" I managed out, unaware of my surroundings.

"My place. I can't leave you alone at yours… I'm afraid you'll get into trouble." He breathed out, "This would be so much easier if I just picked you up."

"Picked me up?" I asked confused as suddenly my feet were lifted off the ground and Ames was holding me in his arms, "Wee!" I giggled out.

"Much better." He smirked as he opened the door to what I assumed was his place and set me back down as I looked around…

"This is nice…" I grinned at him as I kicked off my heels, "So this is what being a lawyer gets you?" I walked around as he followed me.

"Mila, you should get to bed…" He said slowly.

"Where's your bedroom?" I asked as I started to unzip my dress.

"What are you doing?" He said stopping me.

I raised a brow, "I can't sleep in this dress… I know you're a man, but a bandage dress is not very comfortable." I grinned.

"Let me get you some clothes to sleep in." He offered as he walked off into his room and I followed him. He disappeared into the closet and I slipped off my dress and made myself comfortable on the edge of the bed.

He walked out of the closet and quickly stopped in his tracks, "Milena, what are you doing?"

"Getting comfortable! I'm tired." I told him with a yawn.

"C'mon, put these clothes on." He handed me some of his clothes that looked way too big…

I pouted, "I like sleeping in just panties."

"Milena, put the clothes on." He told me once more as I grabbed the shirt and threw it over my head.

"It's too hot for shorts." I told him as he sighed.

"Fine…" He sighed, "Make yourself comfortable… I'm going to go lay down on the couch. If you need anything, just call out."

He said walking away, but I stopped him, "Can you stay? I've been for alone for the past week and I don't want to anymore."

He sighed and nodded, "Sure." He said climbing into his bed next to me. I cuddled up to him and wrapped my arms around his chest.

"Thank you." I said quietly, "I'm really happy you took me out." I breathed out as my eyelids started to feel heavy.

"No problem squirt..." I heard him say and I don't know if it was me imagining it of if it was real but I felt him press a kiss against my temple as I fell asleep.