Chapter 2 - Into the Lion’s den

(Gloria)

The club pulsed with energy, music thumped through the speakers and vibrated in my chest as the flashing neon lights moved across the packed dance floor. Bodies swayed, drinks clinked, and the air smelled of expensive cologne, sweat, and a hint of spilled liquor, just what I needed to forget a certain scummy bastard.

For the first time all day, I felt… free.

Elena grinned at me, pressing a shot of tequila into my hand. “To new beginnings,” she declared, lifting her glass.

Jordan smirked. “To making Ethan regret ever breathing.”

I rolled my eyes at that but clinked my glass against theirs anyway. “To moving the hell on!”

The tequila burned on the way down my throat, but I welcomed it. I welcomed the heat, the rush, and the way it dulled the sharp edges of my betrayal.

And for the next hour, I just let go.

Elena and I danced under the flashing lights, laughing as Jordan attempted to show off his terrible dance moves. The music pounded through my veins, drowning out the pain, the anger, and the bitterness.

Ethan who?

Somewhere between a vodka cranberry and a stolen sip of Elena’s margarita, I lost all track of time. And, unfortunately, I lost track of my friends.

“Elena?” I said as I turned, scanning the crowd. “Jordan?”

No answer. Just a sea of strangers, their faces blurred by the dim lighting and alcohol fogging my brain.

I sighed, squeezing through the mass of bodies toward the bar. If I waited there long enough, one of them would definitely find me.

The bartender barely acknowledged me as I ordered another drink. I leaned against the counter, taking a deliberately slow sip, letting the burn settle in my stomach.

Then, just as I turned to move, I collided with something hard… or someone.

My drink slipped from my fingers. Cold liquid splashing across my chest.

At the same time, an even bigger disaster occurred… my drink wasn’t the only casualty.

A deep, irritated voice cut through the noise of the club. “You have got to be kidding me.”

I looked up, my heart lurching, and immediately wished I hadn’t.

Towering over me was a man in a crisp, perfectly tailored suit. With his dark hair, chiseled jaw, and piercing blue eyes that could cut through steel.

And now, thanks to me, his pure white dress shirt was stained with two drinks, one red, the other amber.

Shit.

His jaw clenched, his fingers flexing at his sides as he took in the mess.

I forced an apologetic smile. “Oops?”

His gaze snapped to mine, ice cold and lethal. “Oops?” His voice was dangerously low. “That’s all you have to say?”

I blinked. “Would you prefer an interpretive dance?”

His nostrils flared with anger. “Do you have any idea how much this shirt costs?”

I crossed my arms, irritation sparking in my veins. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Mr. Armani. Maybe if you weren’t standing so close, this wouldn’t have happened.”

His jaw ticked again. “You ran into me.”

“Well, technically, it was a mutual collision.”

His icy blue eyes darkened. “You’re insufferable.”

“And you’re overdressed for a club,” I shot back hotly. “What, are you here to close a business deal on the dance floor?”

Something dangerous flashed in his eyes as he took a step closer to me, his voice dropping to a threatening whisper. “You have no idea who you’re talking to, little girl.”

My stomach tightened, but I refused to back down. “Oh, forgive me. Should I curtsy?”

His lips curled, but it wasn’t a smile. It was a promise. “You’re going to regret that sharp mouth.”

“Really? What are you gonna do, sue me for damages?” I smirked, who did he think he was exactly. “Or cry over your overpriced laundry bill?”

His fingers twitched, like he was debating whether to strangle me or walk away. Let him try.

Before he could decide, an arm dropped around my shoulders.

“There you are!” Elena’s voice was bright and oblivious as she pulled me close. “We’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

Jordan appeared at my other side, taking one glance at my opponent before whistling low. “Damn, Glo. You sure know how to pick your fights.”

I scoffed at the handsome stranger. “It wasn’t a fight. It was a… heated discussion.”

The suited man exhaled sharply, his eyes flicking between me and my friends before stepping back. “Consider yourself lucky.” His voice was clipped and controlled, but beneath it, I sensed something very dangerous.

I lifted my chin. “I’ll try to contain my gratitude.”

He gave me one last angry look before turning and disappearing into the crowd.

Elena waited until he was gone before bursting into laughter. “Oh my God, that was intense. Who was that?”

“No idea.” I exhaled, finally releasing the breath I didn’t even realize I was holding. “But he’s got a stick so far up his ass, it’s practically a spine replacement.”

Jordan snorted. “Rich guy problems.”

Elena grinned, pulling me toward the exit. “Come on, drama queen. Let’s get you home before you start another war.”

As we climbed into the car, I stared out the window, my pulse was still racing.

Something told me that wasn’t the last I’d see of him.