Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Rhea's Pov

By the time night rolled around, the club was already pulsing with heavy bass that vibrated through the ground. Neon lights flashed against the grimy brick walls, and a line of eager students snaked around the entrance.

I parked the car a few blocks away, and made the rest of the way on foot, blending into the crowds effortlessly.

The moment I stepped into the club, the scent of cheap perfume, alcohol, and cigarette smoke hit me all at once.

The inside was dim, chaotic, just the way I remembered it. I spotted Kevin immediately, lounging on one of the worn leather couches like he owned the place, a beer bottle dangling loosely from his fingers. Ginny was right next to him, clinging to his arm, her expression sour when she noticed the way Kevin’s eyes lit up as soon as he spotted me walking in.

He practically stumbled to his feet.

“Rhea!” He shouted over the music, beckoning me with a wide, greedy grin.

I took my time approaching, letting the dim lights and tight dress do most of the work. By the time I reached them, Kevin was openly ogling, and Ginny looked like she wanted to claw my eyes out.

“You actually showed.” Kevin said, sounding half amazed, half smug.

“Of course.” I said smoothly, brushing my hair back, “You invited me, didn’t you?”

Kevin handed me a drink, something bright and colorful, but I set it down without tasting it. I wasn’t stupid. I had no intention of getting drunk tonight.

“Damn, you’re something else now, Rhea.” He said, leaning closer until I could smell the cheap cologne on him, “If you looked this good back then... man, I would’ve had a hard time keeping my hands off you.” His eyes trailed shamelessly over my legs, my waist, my chest.

Ginny stiffened beside him, her nails digging into his sleeve. I watched it all with a detached sort of amusement.

Kevin didn’t notice her desperation.

“But no worries, I'm sure you changed your entire style so that I would like you back and I'd add that it's working. So I was thinking…” He said, lowering his voice suggestively, “You wanna head upstairs with me later? There’s a VIP section. You and I... We could have some real fun.”

My smile sharpened like a blade hidden behind velvet.

Perfect. This was exactly the kind of mistake I needed him to make.

“Sure, Kevin.” I said, my tone dripping with sweetness. I traced my finger slowly around the rim of the glass I hadn’t touched, “But first, let's have a few drinks and then I can send my sister home, I can't leave her alone, you see.”

Kevin’s face lit up with a cocky grin, the kind that made my stomach twist, not with nerves, but with pure disgust.

“Yeah, sure, babe. Drinks first.” He said, sliding his arm around my waist like he had already won. I subtly stepped out of his grasp, pretending it was just to fix the strap of my dress.

“I’ll go get the drinks. It’s faster if I do it, you just relax.” I said, giving him a wink.

He chuckled, leaning back against the couch like a king awaiting his prize. Ginny, still glued to his side, pouted visibly but said nothing.

What a child. Her expression was giving it all away.

I made my way through the crowd toward the bar, keeping my pace casual, my smile light. As soon as I was out of their direct line of sight, I dipped my hand into the hidden pocket of my bag and pulled out the small satchel Ginny had given me yesterday.

The powder inside was so fine it looked almost like dust.

Quickly, efficiently, I ordered three drinks, but as the bartender turned his back to prepare them, I poured the powder into the drink meant for Kevin. The substance dissolved almost immediately, leaving no trace behind.

I picked up the drinks and turned back, weaving my way through the mass of bodies. As I approached the room, a slight movement caught my eye, the door wasn’t fully shut. Through the narrow gap, I caught a glimpse of what was happening inside.

Kevin’s hand was sliding up Ginny’s thigh beneath her gown, his fingers bold, shameless. Ginny wasn’t pushing him away, no, she was leaning into him, blushing furiously, biting her lip like she was enjoying every second of it.

I stood there for a moment, utterly still, hidden by the crowd. Watching.

A low, breathy giggle escaped Ginny’s lips as Kevin whispered something into her ear, his hand squeezing her thigh possessively.

Disgust twisted in my chest. The two of them fit so well together and it would even be better if I pushed the both of them to stay together and instead… Ha… Hahaha…

An idea popped up in my head.

Smiling, I turned to a lone place and raised Kevin's glass, poured a bit of his drink into Ginny's glass and then poured Ginny's drink into Kevin's again. Like that, the two drinks were fully mixed and evenly shared inside the two glasses.

“There…” I muttered, circling the drinks and placing them carefully on the tray. Then I walked into the room.

“Here are the drinks. Ginny, you don't like alcohol, right? So I asked for something lighter so that you won't get drunk.”

“Thank you.” Ginny beamed and sipped her drink slowly, while Kevin downed his immediately. I smirked, also drinking mine until it was half finished.

I was lightweight so I didn't want to drink a lot so I would still be sober. leaned back against the couch, letting the music and the crowd fade into a background hum as I pretended to feel the drug hit me. I tilted my head, my fingers skimming along the exposed skin of my neck, and let out a low, deliberate sigh.

“Mmm… is it hot in here, or is it just me?” I murmured, blinking slowly.

Kevin's eyes shot up to stare at me while Ginny smiled, scheming. Such a predictable woman.