Chapter One

Qyxiella

“OH, C’MON, QUE-xa-ella! You can do it! You can find a man tonight and ace our bet!” Zhenesca, one of my best friends, naughtily smiled as she drank her tequila and said my name drunkenly.

I exhaled a bored sigh. Zhen is correct. I could easily meet a man tonight if I wanted to, because this was Zhenesca and Forester's dare, to give up my first kiss to the man who would catch my eye tonight. Our bet was made five years ago, but would only happen tonight.

“Stop it, Zhen. Let Qyxie decide on her own. Remember that forcing people to do things against their will would give a bad outcome?” Forester, who was busy mixing her drinks, glared at Zhenesca to stop her from teasing me.

Zhenesca shook her head because Forester was always contradicting whatever she said.

The three of us were having a good time at Club QyZheTer. This high-end club was located in the beautiful city of Cebu and was owned by us, hence the combination of our names. We founded the club four years ago, after my 18th birthday. Managing the club was my only hobby at times when no one wanted to talk to me in my family.

I loved to mix drinks. It is either alcoholic or not. So, when my friends and I decided to build this club, I put all my effort and heart into it.

“How about that one?” Zhen pouted her lips as she pointed downstairs.

We were at the second level of the bar, and we could see everything happening downstairs.

I looked down at where Zhenesca was pointing and held my breath when my eyes spotted a certain man.

There was a small light that focused on the man's face, so I could study him clearly while he was busy drinking. I can see his gorgeous appearance from where I am sitting. I couldn’t help, but gulp, and my throat felt dry just watching him. My heart beats erratically. I want him!

My gaze didn’t leave the man as I watched his every movement. How he furrowed his thick and dark brows while lost in his deep thoughts. How his beautifully carved lips get moistened as the lingering wine left after he drank his liquor. His Adam's apple’s movement as he swallowed, made me thirsty.

I watched his aristocratic features that made him appear like a God who descended from heaven. Like a celestial being that makes people around him stare at him and bathe in his aura. His sharp jawline caged those perfectly curved lips. It’s appealing. It’s opulent. Why do I believe that this man could kiss tenderly?

I swallowed hard, again, not taking my gaze away from him. I watched his every move as he conversed with the bartender.

“Him. . .” I spoke in a hushed tone. My chest rumbled with nervousness and excitement. I had no idea how to seduce a man and was afraid that I would make a mistake, but I could die trying. This is my first time liking a man whom I first laid my eyes on.

Zhenesca and Forester laughed a little.

“So, in just a few minutes of staring intently, you had already chosen your bet, huh?” Zhenesca teased. Lips hanging in a lopsided smile.

“We’re not going to stop you, Qyxie. But if this is against your will, please stop. Don’t take this dare seriously, okay? After everything that has happened to you, we only want you to be happy.” Forester poured my glass another shot of tequila, the drink I had grown used to.

I gave my friends a reassuring look and smiled, letting them know that I would be okay, before returning my attention to the man who was still quietly drinking at the bar counter.

“Let’s see, gals. If he deserves my first kiss, then I will give it to him.” I murmured just enough for the two to hear.

I walked down towards the man with my heart pounding in nervousness and excitement. My hands were shaking a little when I arrived at his side.

“Hi, handsome!” I greeted him and flashed a lovely smile the best I could manage. The man raised a brow and looked at me with his dark gaze. The hand that held the rock glass paused midway.

“Mind if I join you?” I added and, without taking his permission, I sat on the stool beside him. My lovely smile remains even though I am crumbling inside.

“You are already sitting beside me, young lady. Why still ask for permission?” The corner of the man's lips lifted, and he took a glass of wine from the passing waiter. “It's on me.”

“Thanks.” I thanked him and sipped the wine slowly. My eyes stared at him intently. I like the way he looked at me. There was no contempt and no malice.

“Bryle.” The man offered his hand as he said his name. His dark eyes are still staring at me and my heart beats like it is a drum.

I controlled my trembling hand and took his extended hand. It was rough and callous, but I felt safe when it was connected to mine. It was as if our hands were fated together.

“Qyxiella. Pronounced as Que-xa-lla. Nice meeting you, Mr. Bryle.” I blurted and tried to pull my hand when I felt it was heating, but he tightly held onto it.

“Qyxiella, nice name. I guess your mother loves you so much to give such a pretty name to a pretty lady. It suits you.” Bryle lifted my hand and kissed it.

I shuddered internally when I felt his hot breath on my skin. I could feel my face heating and if I look in the mirror right now, I know it is red as a tomato. Even the words that he had just spoken didn’t sink into my mind. I just stared at him dumbly.

We drink a lot and exchange jokes, but I still haven’t found the right moment to kiss him. I secretly glanced at Zhenesca and Forester, but the two were now busy dancing on the dance floor with guys around them. I knew they would be safe, so I moved my attention back to Bler.

“Do you want to continue drinking at my place?” Bryle suddenly asked. His face was close to my ears and I could feel his soft breath blowing on my ears. It’s hot, yet I like it.

I didn’t hesitate. Even though Bryle was a stranger, I said yes, and we escaped the club and drove back to his condo. The moment we entered his condo, Bryle claimed my lips and kissed me deeply. His tongue pried open my lips and I let him in while giving kisses back. This is it. I had already given up my first kiss. But what is this? Why is Bryle not stopping? Does he want to take my virginity too? And why do I like it?