Chapter 002

I thought I had the confidence but as soon as I walked into the club, I ran out of it.

I struggled to calm my fast-beating heart when I received a phone call from my stepsister.

"Hello?"

"Jenna, where are you?" Sarah asked, "And what's with your breathing? Are you alright? Talk to me."

"Sarah, he... He's marrying someone else." I answered, trying not to cry over my make-up.

"Who? What are you talking about?" 

I hesitated to speak, "Jenna, calm down, where are you now?" Sarah asked frantically.

"I'm at the Elite Club," I answered.

"I'll come get you."

"No! Don't. I have to do this. It's the only way I know I'll get my revenge."

"Jenna you're confusing me. Start from the top at least." Sarah urged, in a caring tone.

As I poured out my heart to Sarah, the weight of my emotions lifted slightly.

Sarah listened patiently, her voice a comforting presence, "I can't believe he would do something like this to you, Jenna," she murmured, her tone tinged with disbelief and outrage.

"And you don't know the woman he's getting married to?" Sarah inquired.

"No. I didn't check. I first saw the venue boldly printed at the top, but then I lost my mind the moment I saw his name on the card. I didn't check the bride's name." I answered.

"This is crazy." Sarah sighed.

"I know, Sarah. I never saw it coming," I admitted, my voice trembling with the rawness of my pain. "But I refuse to let him destroy me. I need to take back control of my life, to show him that I won't be a pawn in his twisted game."

"You're stronger than you realize, Jenna," she reassured me. "How about a bet?"

"A bet?" I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. 

"Yes. Raphael did this to you because he saw you as a timid nobody. If you want to prove him wrong then head in that club and..."

"And?"

"And have a one-night stand with a total stranger," Sarah stated.

"I- I don't know if I can d-" 

"I knew it. You don't have the guts." Sarah said, "Just get back. Give it up."

"No! I can do it! I'm here already, aren't I?" I insisted, "Raphael isn't the only heartbreaker in town."

"Alright, see you tomorrow," Sarah said, ending the call.

I took in a deep breath and then let it out slowly, "I can do this."

I stepped back into the pulsating energy of the nightclub. The air hummed with desire, a heady mixture that intoxicated my senses.

I refused to dwell on the pain and betrayal I had just experienced, channelling my energy into the task ahead. 

A one-night stand... I'm sure I can get at least one man from this club. Rich or not, a man is still a man. This should be easy, right?

Spotting a group of impeccably dressed men at the bar, I sauntered over confidently. They turned to look at me, their eyes lingering appreciatively on my figure, and I relished in the attention.

Just to make it more interesting, I walked passed them and sat at the counter to order a drink and wait for the most daring man to approach.

"What can I get you, miss?" the bartender asked me.

"Mind if I join you?" a man's voice, low and husky, sounded behind me.

That was fast. I had to swallow just to be sure my heart wasn't stuck in my throat. That voice is a fine definition of deep and manly.

I bit my lip nervously, my pulse racing. "I don't see why not," I replied, my voice betraying none of the nervousness coursing through me.

As he settled onto the stool beside me, I couldn't help but admire the way his eyes seemed to pierce through the facade I had carefully constructed. There was an intensity to him, a certain rawness.

"Can I buy you a drink, my lady?" he said, his eyes still fixated on me.

"Wouldn't a 'yes' on the first offer make me an easy target?" I finally looked at him, flashing him a seductive smile.

His eyes sparkled with intrigue as I leaned in closer, my voice dripping with allure, "And, I'm not your lady." I whispered into his ear.

He chuckled, charmed by my boldness, and gestured for the bartender to pour us a round of cocktails. 

I smirked, admiring his boldness. 

Now that I'm really looking at him, he looked quite average and a bit fit. Raphael is better looking.

Damn it! I came here to forget that moron!

"The name's Yohan Farrell." he put his hand forward 

"Jenna Harrison." I was about to shake his hand but he quickly turned it over and placed a soft kiss on my hand, " it's a pleasure to meet you." he said.

As we engaged in playful banter, I ordered more and more drinks just to forget Raphael completely and focus more on the man in front of me.

I had to engage him in a one-night stand and I knew there was no way I could do that on the first meeting in my right senses.

I was about to gulp down my fourth glass when I felt someone hold my hand but it wasn't Yohan. The stranger's hand was vainy and strong and his palm could swallow mine.

"That's enough, Yohan."

"So you were eavesdropping? Odd for a man to do something he detests." Yohan smirked. He reached for me but I felt myself being pulled in and held tightly by the stranger.

"Oh no no no, boss. You heard the others. The bet says this has to lead to the bed. I can't back out right in the middle."

A bet? Is that all I was from the start?

"I don't enjoy repeating myself, Yohan." the stranger's voice sounded threatening and authoritative. So much so that even if I was drunk, I noticed Yohan was finding it difficult to hide his fear.

Who the hell was this stranger? Just who does he think he is, holding me like I'm his property?

"Or else what? You'll fire me? Unless you've forgotten, this isn't working grounds, boss."

The stranger didn't respond to that, instead, I felt him hold me even tighter. Yohan grabbed a glass of alcohol.

"Then don't bother coming to work tomorrow." the stranger finally spoke up.

Yohan spat out his drink after hearing the stranger's answer, "What?! You did not just fire me!"

"Would a punch to the ear clear out that clog?" the stranger asked in a threatening tone and Yohan took two steps back and clenched his fists until the glass broke.

"You cannot fire me for no just reason." Yohan said, "I'll make sure to report this!"

"Break a leg." the stranger stated, coldly.

The stranger lifted me and put me over his shoulder, "And about this woman, I will finish the bet myself. I know you don't like to lose, and you should know, neither do I."

What?! What's going on?!

I felt the stranger bend forward with me still on his shoulder like a hanging object, "Good luck finding a job after this. A little price to pay for defying your boss.'' he said and started walking.

"Fucking bastard! You can't do this to me! I'll make you pay!" Yohan yelled and the sound of shattering glass followed.

I don't know how but I found myself in the bedroom. I was glad I made it this far in the bet I made with Sarah but why did Yohan look different from what I saw earlier?

Maybe it's the drink messing with my head.

"Yo... Yohan?" I looked around the bedroom as I took off my clothes, "one night... st... stand."

At this point, my voice was barely audible and I felt like I was about to pass out but I had to finish what I came for.

Yohan came out of what looked to me, in my blurred vision, like a bathroom. He had a towel tied around his waist and I blushed when I saw his well-built body. 

Is he a god?

My heart pounded in my chest as he approached, his presence filling the space between us with a palpable tension. There was a dangerous edge to him, a wildness that both frightened and exhilarated me in equal measure.

Unfortunately for me, I felt like I was losing grip on my consciousness and I was right. 

The moment he reached for me, I passed out.