CHAPTER 1: WILD ONES

**DREW'S POV.**

The clock strikes 12:45 AM on a Friday, casting a soft glow over the luxurious TransCorp Hilton, a towering presence in the bustling heart of Abuja, Nigeria's federal capital territory.

As the city drifts deeper into slumber, most of its residents—petty traders collecting their wares, taxi drivers winding down after long shifts, corporate workers savouring the last moments of the week, and nursing mothers nestled with their children—are safely cocooned in their beds, shielded from the outside world. The streets, usually vibrant during the day, are now eerily quiet, the echoes of laughter and conversation replaced by the stillness of night. Yet, amid this tranquillity, a lively group of young adults emerges, filling the void with their youthful energy and anticipation.

This eclectic crew is not just any gathering of residents; they are the night owls of Abuja whose evening is just beginning to unfold. Their spirits are high, and their collective purpose is to revel in the city’s nightlife until dawn breaks—because for them, that's the epitome of what it means to be young and carefree.

While most people regard weekends as sacred times for rest and rejuvenation, Andrew and his friends have a different mantra. For them, the allure of the night beckons with promises of unforgettable memories, sounds of music pulsating in the air, and the thrill of laughter shared under starlit skies. Tonight, they abandon the conventional notions of rest and dive into the vibrant pulse of the city as they embark on their quest for an unforgettable night out.

For them, the end of another week of schoolwork is more than just a milestone; it's a triumphant reminder of survival, and what better way to celebrate survival than with an exuberant night out? They revel in the pulsating rhythm of the music, drinks in hand, bodies swaying and colliding on the dance floor as laughter and shouts blend into a euphoric symphony. As the night wears on, the effects of the alcohol blur their vision, creating a double vision that they are only going to live once.

Amidst the pulsating bass of the club and the kaleidoscope of flashing lights, Andrew found himself enveloped by a throng of alluring bodies, each figure moving with an eagerness that ignited the air around them. The dance floor was a wild sea of youthful exuberance, where laughter mingled with shouts of excitement, all fueled by the intoxicating haze of the night. As he swayed, surrounded by attractive strangers who seemed to crave more than just a dance

Andrew noticed one of his best friends at the far corner of the club, completely absorbed in his phone. He felt a twinge of exasperation but reminded himself that maybe his friend was just busy with something important but he knows his friend better than anyone.

"What in God's name are you doing with that phone in a club, mate?" Andrew snapped, his voice cutting through the pulsating bass of the music as he abruptly yanked the iPhone from Hossein's grasp.

The younger man, caught off guard, felt a rush of adrenaline surge through him. He instinctively stood up, his body tensing as he prepared to confront whoever dared to invade his personal space, assuming it was yet another one of those rowdy patrons who found amusement in messing with others after a few drinks. But as he turned to face the source of the confrontation, he was met with the familiar glare of his best friend, eyes narrowed with concern. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he deflated, the fight leaving him.

"Isn't there a verse in the Bible that advises against taking the Lord's name in vain?" Hossein quipped, a smirk spreading across his face as he leaned back into his seat, the atmosphere around them lively yet suddenly more serious.

Drew arched his perfectly sculpted eyebrows in a mix of amusement and annoyance as he playfully shoved his best friend, Hossein, to emphasize his disbelief. The dim lighting of the club bounced off the colourful lights, illuminating their playful banter.

"What the hell, man? You promised you'd have some fun!" Drew exclaimed, his voice barely rising above the pulsating beat of the music surrounding them.

Hossein smirked, leaning back with an air of mock innocence. "I promised I'd come, and I came," he quipped, emphasizing the last word with a cheeky grin that made Drew roll his eyes in exasperation.

Hossein ran a hand through his tousled hair, frustration creeping into his voice. "C'mon, man. I drove you guys here, and I’m going to take you back home. Isn't that enough? I only agreed to come along because we had a plan, right?" He gestured animatedly, recalling their initial agreement amidst the throbbing bass of the club.

Drew chuckled, the sound barely cutting through the laughter and chatter of other partygoers. "Yeah, but reading in a club? C'mon, mate!" he retorted, his playful tone contrasting with the vibrancy of the scene around them, as the lights flickered like stars against the lively crowd.

Hossein rolled his eyes dramatically, letting out an exaggerated sigh that echoed his frustration. "I wasn't reading, okay?" he muttered, glancing away from the book in front of him. Drew raised his eyebrows in disbelief, clearly unconvinced by his friend's protest. Deep down, Hossein knew that Drew wouldn’t just let this one go, so he begrudgingly added, “I was chatting with Ella.”

Drew's confusion deepened. How could his typically reserved best friend suddenly be engaging in conversation with Ella, the girl he had recently been pursuing? This scenario was so out of character that Drew couldn't help but question it. “Why?” he asked, his tone reflecting genuine perplexity.

With a deliberate pace, Hossein replied, his eyes narrowing as he considered his words. “She claims she might have some information on the hooded rider's identity, and apparently, there's a race happening right now.” Each word was laced with the weight of urgency, hinting at the mysterious undercurrents swirling around them.

"Wha...really?" Drew's voice trembled with disbelief as he stared at Hossein, who nodded cautiously. An air of tension filled the space between them; Drew was typically a tempest of fury, often punctuating his frustrations with a barrage of colourful curse words. Yet, to Hossein's surprise, there was no eruption this time. Instead, Drew's demeanour shifted, revealing an unexpected calmness.

"Does Min know about this?" Drew asked, his tone steady but urgent.

Hossein shook his head, the weight of uncertainty hanging in the air. "No, not that I'm aware of... why?" His question trailed off as he noticed the strange tranquillity that had settled over his friend. He felt a growing unease as Drew nodded slowly, swallowing hard, as if bracing himself for what was to come.

"Get him," Drew insisted, his voice low but intense. "We gotta get there ASAP." The urgency in his words left no room for debate, and a sense of impending action washed over them both.

Hossein hurriedly yet carefully summoned his other best friend, who instantly set aside whatever he was doing, drawn in by the urgency in the words 'hooded rider.' There was no need to question or hesitate; the thrill of the unknown beckoned.

Moments later, the three young men found themselves settled in the plush interior of Drew's gleaming new Lamborghini, its sleek lines glistening under the streetlights. The excitement crackled in the air as Hossein, the night's designated driver drove them to their destination.

Andrew Oluwabankola David Jr. is a boy of exceptional talents, known for his magnetic personality and striking presence. When his name is mentioned, whether as Andrew or the more casual Drew, a colourful array of characteristics floods the mind among his peers.

He’s often described as a chick magnet, charming flirt, and strikingly handsome devil. His confidence shines through his rich background, further intensifying his playboy reputation. Yet, beneath the surface of this charismatic facade lies a tinge of arrogance, a trait that sometimes puts him at odds with others. To some, he embodies the quintessential leader of an underground motorcycle gang, a daring figure whose allure pulses with danger.

However, just last week, that title slipped through his fingers when a mysterious, hooded rider challenged his authority. It was an incident that left his friends exchanging worried glances, knowing all too well that Drew was a notoriously sore loser. He can't stand the thought of anyone encroaching on his territory or defying his standing. The very idea of someone who might see him as a rival ignites a fierce protectiveness in him.

Andrew plays rough, especially when it comes to those he perceives as threats. Understanding his nature makes it clear that he doesn’t take challenges lightly, so anyone in his way should tread carefully.