Chapter 1: The Encounter

Selena’s POV 

Ugh. My phone was buzzing like crazy. I almost ignored it, but then I saw it was Zayn. I put it to my ear, and… OMG. The sounds coming through were disgusting. Heavy breathing, moans… yeah, you get the picture. 

He was hooking up with someone else. And to make matters worse, he wasn’t supposed to be calling. It was obviously a butt-dial — the ultimate humiliation. Seriously, could this get any worse?

My stomach did this sick flip, and I felt my face burning up. Like, full-on tomato red. I wanted to throw up, scream, and disappear all at the same time.

“Zayn I yelled, my voice scratching, unable to put up with whatever it was I was listening to.”

There was silence. And then his voice, all lame and distant, finally realizing his slip-up. "Didn't mean for you to hear that," he mumbled. Like that was supposed to make it okay. “It’s not what you think” he added further.

That lying jerk. This was the height of it all. "You didn’t mean for what?" I choked out, tears stinging my eyes. "Why Zayn? Why? I gave you…"

"I'm sorry," he cut me off, his voice flat. Like he was reading off a script or something. "I am, Selena." 

Yeah, right.

"Whatever, Zayn," I whispered, tears streaming now. "I'm done."

Click. I hung up, and the sudden silence felt even worse than the gross sounds. I needed to erase Zayn from my life. Like, NOW. I needed to escape the memories, the pain, the total and utter betrayal.

The bar's lights flickered, and the music was pounding. It was loud, but it kinda matched the ache in my chest. Zayn, the cheating, lying… ugh.

Three years. Three years of promises, late-night talks, and building a future that just got blown up. After three years of stupid excuses and lipstick stains, I was finally, officially, DONE.

“Two tequila shots please” I beckoned to one of the bartenders. He gave a disapproving look that turned into concern but I waved him off. Tonight, I wasn’t Selena Gonzales, the struggling event planner with a string of bad luck. Tonight I was someone else, and I was going to drink and have so much fun. 

“Another tequila shot” I slurred to the bartender. The burn of the liquor hit my throat as I swallowed loudly. I stumbled to my feet, already intoxicated. My hips began to sway to the music. 

I closed my eyes, slowly losing myself to the rhythm of the beat. 

“Rough night” a deep voice spoke in my ears. I opened my eyes to find an extremely gorgeous man standing very close to me. He had piercing blue-green eyes, and dark hair that fell carelessly over his forehead.

A jawline that could cut diamonds. He wore a tailored suit that screamed luxury. 

“Something like that” I mumbled, bringing myself to reality whilst almost losing my balance. 

“Mind if I join you?” he asked, chuckling at my reactions. 

“Suit yourself” I replied shrugging. 

He ordered a whiskey neat and turned to face me. His face inches away from mine. “I’m Justin.” 

“Selena,” I replied, staring into his eyes. His face twisted into a sly smile. 

“I just broke up with my boyfriend, he’s a serial cheat” I blurted out. The words flowed freely from my mouth. 

He stared at me, his eyes widening. “Can you believe that jerk butt-dialed me whilst having sex with one of his conquests and he had the guts to give me half-baked apologies” I added. 

Then I continued to yap. I told him about my crappy job and the never-ending strings of disasters that seemed to be my life. 

He listened patiently, his eyes narrowing in concentration. The corners of his mouth were frozen in a neutral line. 

When I finally paused, he smiled weakly at me. 

“Sounds like you need a break Selena,” he said, his voice warm and soothing. 

“Don’t we all?” I sighed, leaning against the bar. 

He tilted his head, a mischievous glint in his eyes. 

“Come on,” he whispered, taking my hand slowly. “Let’s get you out of here”. 

His touch sent waves of electricity through my entire body. 

I hesitated for a few seconds, but then the thoughts of Zayn and forgetting all he did came flooding my mind. I let Justin lead me through the crowded bar, and out into the cool night. 

We stopped in front of a luxurious car just outside Joe’s bar and he opened the door for me to get in. I didn’t bother to ask him where we were headed. All that mattered to me was that I was with an insanely attractive man and the promise in his touch. 

A doorman in full uniform swept open the door as we exited from the car, unveiling a lobby that gleamed like a jewel box. Crystal chandeliers hung above and the carpet was plush. 

Justin lifted me off the floor like I weighed nothing, cradling me in his arms. 

The hotel room was even more lush and beautiful than the lobby. The walls were decorated with oil paintings and rich wood paneling. 

He put me down and stared into my eyes. “Selena” he breathed, his voice low and husky. 

“Justin” I whispered back, my body aching for his touch. I had never been with another man apart from Zayn. I felt empowered all of a sudden. 

His lips found mine. The kiss was gentle and demanding but then it progressed into something more wild. 

His hands moved over my entire body, tracing the curves of my waist and the swell of my breast, sending shivers down the lower parts of my body. 

I moaned softly as he unzipped my dress, his fingers brushing against my skin. 

He pulled away slightly, his eyes searching mine. 

“Do you need me to stop? Is this ok?” He whispered, his voice raw with passion. 

I nodded, the intoxication from the alcohol slowly wearing off. “I want this Justin, don’t stop. Air caught in my throat as a soft gasp escaped my lips as he shoved closer. 

He kissed me again, roughly this time, I arched into him, my fingers digging into his shoulders. 

He undressed me completely and slowly. His gaze lingered on every inch of my skin. I blushed as he stared at my perky breasts, but I didn’t look away. 

“I want you so bad Selena.” He moaned in my ears. 

“Have me, take me,” I responded breathlessly. 

He shed his clothes in a swift motion, revealing a god-like body. Justin was pure perfection. He pulled me close, his body pressing against mine. His touch was intoxicating, his kisses a mix of sweetness and hunger. 

I moaned loudly as he entered me, with thrusts that sent shock waves throughout my entire body. 

Pressing close to him, I wrapped my legs around him, wanting to absorb him completely. His thrusts were slow at first, but then it increased as our passion intensified. 

I cried out his name, my body arching beneath him. And as we reached our peak, a wave of pure pleasure washed over me. This was by far the best sex of my life. He followed closely behind, his release a throaty groan that echoed throughout the room and crashed beside me. 

As the morning sunlight crept through the window, I slowly awoke in his arms. He was still fast asleep, his face relaxed. I trailed my fingers slowly around his face. How could someone I barely know feel so familiar? 

Realization soon hit me. What had I done? 

This had never happened to me before. 

I slipped out from beneath the tangled sheets, the bed creaking softly. I had to get out of here before he woke up. 

I scribbled a quick “Thank you for last night” on a napkin and left it on the bedside table. 

The city was already waking up outside. I could hear the distant rumble of cars seeping through the windows. 

Gathering my scattered clothes, I dressed up hastily, trying my hardest not to make any sounds. 

Closing the door quietly behind me, I blended into the brewing crowd. Leaving the warmth of last night behind.