1. Pretty womanizer

Madison's POV

I hate everything and precisely, I hate men.

Men.

My boyfriend, well my ex-boyfriend, broke up with me.

David Young.

Ah yes! That motherfucker.

He said, failing to showcase a single ounce of regret or guilt in his voice “Let’s break up, Madison. I don’t think we are working out.”

He looked at everything, but me, with majority of the people in the café watching. Completely ignoring the fact that I got him his favourite flowers as it was our one-year anniversary. Interestingly he failed to acknowledge my temper and acquired the audacity to ruin my day. I smiled, standing up and grabbed my handbag. He looked amused and copied my movement.

“You better sit back down or I will make you sit on a wheelchair for life.” I said, eyeing him through my shoulder.

Luckily for him he understood my words and decided to take the action he should. I grabbed the flower bouquet and dumping it in the bin, I saw the barista looking at me with his eyes wide. I stared in his direction for a second and grabbed the iced coffee from his hand. Stamping my heels back to the seat I left, David looked at me with a bewildered gaze and I did something I had to do.

Splashing cold coffee on his face, I threw the cup on the floor.

“What the fuck!” He gasped and shouted, immediately standing up from his chair, looking at me with his mouth wide opened, hand-wiping his cheek.

“You are lucky, it wasn’t hot.” I glared at him and walked out, because I knew I might end up genuinely hitting him.

All the eyes took account of every move I made. Maybe because my conscious was hyper active, I noticed everything around me, supposedly thinking I’m their possible target. The feeling of falling deep into the ends of self-hatred slowly took over me. Every step towards my car just made my heels feel heavier, as if they wanted to me to break down.

I looked over my shoulder one last time to the path I was walking with great difficulty and it felt like heavy chains were restricting my movement further. My mind was filled with his image, his words, his lies, his deceptive aura. The fact that it was so hard to let go made me hate myself even more.

I sat down in the driver’s seat, with my head against the steering wheel. I finally let out. My tears. My precious pearl like tears, for a man, who doesn’t even know their worth? Is this really something I should put my energy into? Maybe not.

But his face invaded my mind and it all rushed back.

It’s been about a week, still every day I wake up with a hope of seeing his name in the notification panel. Does break ups always shatter you this bad? Perhaps I am a novice to this game of hearts, that my lack of knowledge makes me feel like burning in hell.

Sugar coating all his lies, he created a bad impact on my thinking process. My resentment for him is just an outer fold of my self-hatred. I hate the feeling of sun coming up, knowing very well that he must be flourishing while I was stuck in habits and deteriorating myself, breaking inside.

“Maddy, just shut up. There is no way I will start tonight’s party without you.” My friend, Jaxon, said from the other side of the phone.

“I feel horribly lazy, J. I don’t even want to move from my bed.” I said, wrapped up in my blanket like a burrito.

“As if I’d eat that. Get up quickly, now.” He said in his usual cheerful voice. Which brough an involuntary smile on my face.

He is the owner of one of the biggest night clubs in the city. Being a sweetheart, he has the capability to swoon anyone off their feet. He knows how to make use of every single of his attributes. Looking at how carefree he is, I only get envious and love him even more. I met him about three years ago and it’s safe to say, he has been through all my ups and downs.

He is the only person I consider to be family, while I am away from my original one. I can’t exaggerate enough on how charming and bold he is, but at the same time, a sensitive little fluff ball. In short, he is a human version of a golden retriever.

“It has been a week, Madison. Coming out tonight won’t cure the scar that motherfucker left on your mind, but you will be distracted. At least for once.” He said in his usual convincing tone. Yes, you can’t beat his eloquence.

I took a deep breath and before I could speak further, Jaxon said, “Yeah, you are coming here tonight. If I don’t see you here by ten, I will drive to your house myself. See you soon!”

“I can’t, Jaxon seriously, wait, hello? J? what?” I saw my phone, with a notification from Jaxon,

‘How about black? I’ll wear the same :)’

I inhaled with my eyes closed and pondering upon what Jaxon said, I decided to go to the club. I can’t sit around all day being unnecessarily gloomy. I have to get myself together. I got up from my bed and looked at the mirror, encountering a person I despised the most in that moment. Me.

“I can’t let that Madison take over.” I said to myself before and moved towards the bathroom to freshen up.

It felt pleasant coming out of the shower and looking at myself in the mirror. A fresh tint of blush spread across my face, with my hair dripping wet and lips swollen red I realised how I was wasting my alluring existence over a good-for-nothing-piece-of-shit. I was motivated to dress up.

After raiding my closet for about an hour, I finally changed into a black broad-strap asymmetrical crop top pairing it with a beige bell bottom trousers. Bringing out my black suede chunky platform heels, I decided to paint my nails bright cherry red. I enjoyed the process of getting ready, it was my way to bring myself out of that gloomy phase I was drowning in.

I did everything with delicacy, going slow knowing I had time. Time for myself to be precise. I tiptoed looking how my outfit would look with heels and it showcased all my curves. Digging into self-appreciation lightened my mood and I grasped onto this feeling.

Finally putting on my heels, I felt my earrings touching my skin, cold enough to bring a smile on my face. A few more accessories combined with my perfume and wrist watch; I was ready to go the party. Grabbing my keys from the table in the living room, I locked my apartment moving towards the parking lot driving off to the Club.

I reached the club within a few minutes, thankfully I didn’t encounter any traffic. I saw tons of people in lines waiting for their turn to go outside the club. No wonder Jaxon is rich, his club is flourishing. Well, he was born with a gold spoon in his mouth, yet he is hard working. His owes his success to it.

Luckily, I didn’t have to wait in lines as I had special passes to enter the club, which Jaxon gave to me earlier. I went in and saw many people on the dance floor. Having fun and most of them were drunk. My inner party animal was getting active slowly while I lightly moved my head on the beat.

The ambience of the club always leaves me in awe. The décor is splendid and every corner is taken into account with great detail. With almost every glass shape and alcohol a person could imagine, the place offered amazing services. I met a few people from the staff team a few months ago.

As I slightly leaned on the bar counter I said, “One-”

But the bartender interrupted me saying, “A Cosmopolitan, with a little less cranberry juice and extra lime.”

I tilted my head in amusement and he said with a charming smile on his face, “Mr. Jaxon already told us what you will drink, Ms. Madison.”

A smile evaded my smile and I pursed my lips lightly shaking my head.

Suddenly a voice interrupted my thoughts, "Can I have a vodka martini?"

I turned around, assuming it was Jaxon, a smile was plastered on my face. But to my surprise I saw a dangerously hot man standing beside me. I had never seen someone as gorgeous. His face was glowing, with every feature as if carved like a sculpture. His light greenish-brown eyes like a shot of espresso, sent an electrifying effect throughout my body.

His lips, perfect as they can be, with a dominant natural pink tint. His skin appeared soft, yet everything so sharp, especially his jawline. He looked like a painting coming to reality, aesthetically pleasing with no space for any flaws. His forehead was exposed with his dark brown shiny locks shifted back. It was unfair and upsetting seeing a man so beautiful.

And like a cherry on top, he had a mole on his chin, highlighting his serenity like that of the moon. He was well built with his shoulder broad and his strong stature being hinted through his tight black coat sleeve. It almost felt like a crime looking at him.

Looking at him? I was staring at him.

Fuck.

I saw his face with an amused smile and within a few milliseconds my face was heated up. I was embarrassed enough to jerk my face to the other side muttering “fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.” under my breath in a row. The pressure of making a fool myself doubled taking in account how breathtakingly stunning he was.

“It’s fine, you can stare. I don’t mind.” I heard his perfect voice calling from behind.

I managed to turn around, still couldn’t fully make eye contact with him. “Uh, I wasn’t really staring.”  I lied.

“I was.” His voice taking a sensual tone.

His words made my eyes fall into a direct eye contact I was avoiding. He pursed his lips slightly into a gentle smile. I couldn’t help the uninvited smile to invade my face. A mixture of arrogance and pleasure dominated my thinking process.

"I'm Ethan." He said lifting his glass, hinting for me to cheers.

“I’m Madison.” I said, lightly touching my glass to his, taking a sip.

 “You with someone?” he asked, shifting a little closer because the music was loud. I could barely hear but was surviving with my brilliant lip-reading skills.

“I am waiting for a friend.” I said, nodding as I flipped my hair behind, exposing my bare shoulder and collarbone.

Was I flirting? Maybe.

“Ah, I wish I was the friend.” He said, curving his lips downward, making me chuckle. He smiled looking at me.

“Well, you can be.” I said, shrugging my shoulders.

He leaned in closer, my eyes opened wide in shock. He said looking at me, his eyes turning a darker shade of brown, “can I?”

A sudden adrenaline rush all through my body made me unbalance. He was quick enough to pull me towards him, holding my body like my blood does. The benefit of doubt kept winning seeing how I didn’t know whether it was the drink taking action or this man’s aura. He was taking control and worst part was, he was aware of that.

Strangely, our close contact didn’t last long when he looked at me with a gaze which felt exactly like, David’s. a short film of the whole year I wasted on him played in my head and I almost felt dizzy.  I kept my hand on his chest and he saw me with a bewildered look on his face. I felt uncomfortable being in contact even with this astonishing man.

“Maddy?” I looked up and saw Jaxon standing beside Ethan.

He looked puzzled, as he should be. I knew he had questions, but he quickly introduced himself, before proceeding to drag me from the scene. “I’m Jaxon Silverstone.”

“Oh hey. I’m Ethan brown.” He said holding Jaxon’s hand greeting him.

“Are you the friend, Madison was waiting for?” Ethan asked pointing towards Jaxon, but his eyes fixated on me.

“Most definitely.” Jaxon announced. I felt a strange tension between them both and in an urgent need to escape, Jaxon held my hand and said, “shall we?”

Ethan just looked at us with the most charming smile plastered on his face. everything about him just screamed class. He was making me delusional and a part of me was upset having to leave him. I was behind Jaxon when I heard Ethan, probably for the last time,

“Take care.” He smiled. “Maddy.”

I couldn’t help but stare trying my best not to, but failing miserably. He was extraordinarily attractive. Soon, he submerged in the crowd like a lost wave and it pained to admit I wouldn’t be able to meet him ever again. Jaxon dragged me to the VIP corner, ordering another set of drinks for us.

We sat on one of the lavish couches, where again, Jaxon was surrounded by a few staff members. I noticed how the corner was even sound restricting as my ears felt this uncanny numbness as I was exposed to blasting music for a good half an hour at least. I looked around but a sudden warmth over my palm made me turn towards Jaxon.

He held my hand, even while he was talking to his staff team, making it sure that he was present. The feeling of being needed doesn’t leave when I am around him. He took a breath and looked at me curving his lips upward, winking at me. A slight chuckle was invited to escape my lips. Another few minutes and his trail of apologies welcomed the beginning of our conversation.

“No more, I won’t talk to anybody anymore, other than you.” He said shaking his head. He is such a puppy.

“It’s alright. I understand you have work.” I said rubbing my thumb against his hand, which was entangled with mine, still.

“I wish you were more needy and selfish for me.” He said looking down, acting sad. I hit his shoulder lightly making him chuckle.

“Who was that guy though?” he asked furrowing his eyebrows, leaning back on the couch sipping his drink.

“Oh, he was, uh I don’t know actually. We were just getting drinks and started talking.” I said shrugging my shoulders, refusing to give details of the best encounter in my recent history.

“Just drinks. Bull crap! He was holding you in his arms ready to kiss.” Jaxon mocked me.

“No, he wasn’t. shut up J. Also, what is this drink, it’s not cold enough.” I said trying my best to hide my blush and changing the topic.

“Flipping conversation now? Okay ma’am.” He said raising his hand, calling a bartender to get more ice. I just shook my head getting annoyed.

We had a few more drinks before I started to lose my consciousness. I knew Jaxon wouldn’t let me drive even though I was still in a good enough condition. He helped me and when I was about to move out when I saw that Greek God of a human again. A girl was sitting on his lap and focusing as much as I could, I saw him kissing her on her neck, my vision was blurred but the close contact was verified by the outfit recognition.

My heart sank but I was happy I didn’t give into his charm earlier. Maybe he has tons of girls around him and maybe he is a playboy? Guess he is, but I decided to not put in much thoughts to that.

Pretty womanizer, eh.