Chapter 2

I walked into the club, the heavy bass thumping in my chest and I wiped my eyes with the crumpled napkin in my hand, cursing Jaden in my heart.

He was the reason I was here. I hated everything about this place, the smell of alcohol hanging in the air. I never thought I would ever find myself seeking solace in a place like this but how else will I bear it?

My parents were out of town and I had lost both my boyfriend and my so-called best friend in one night.

While they would both be having the best night of their lives, I would be in here like the fool I was turned into.

I should have listened to my parents, should have stayed away from Jaden. But no, I had fallen so hard. Too hard. And now, there was nothing I could do to change it. School would resume soon and I would surely be the punchline to their jokes. How didn't I notice he never loved me? I was blind to see he just wanted to take my virginity to win a fucking dare game.

A fresh wave of sadness swept through me and tears blurred my vision. Just then, I stumbled forward, colliding into something solid, a chest warm and firm. The sharp masculine smell of expensive cologne filled my nose and I saw the wine in his hand had spilled and stained his white shirt.

"Oh God. I’m so sorry!." I gasped, reaching into my bag for another napkin, my hand trembling.

"Are you blind?" His voice was deep and sharp, irritation lacing every word.

I looked up, my breath catching in my throat. He was…stunning. Piercing blue eyes locked into mine and for a moment I forgot how to breathe. Dark hair framed his chiseled face, his jaw covered in just the right amount of scruff. He looked older–lare twenties maybe—but undeniably gorgeous in a way that made me tense.

His gaze softened slightly as he studied me, his earlier irritation fading into something else… curiosity maybe.

"I...am really sorry about the stain.” I mumbled, avoiding his charming eyes as I pressed the napkin against the stain on his crisp white shirt, my finger brushing over his firm chest.

He caught my wrist gently, stopping me. "Forget it,” he said calmly. “Use the napkin for your tears instead.”

Before I could say anything, he walked away, his tall figure disappearing into the dimly lit corner of the club. My eyes followed him instinctively, noting the way he sat alone with a bottle of wine.

Something about him, maybe his presence or aura made me feel reckless. Or was it the heartbreak? I would have blamed the alcohol but I was yet to taste any. I suddenly wanted to know him. To lose myself in his world even if just for this night.

Without thinking, I marched to the bar and ordered a bottle of vodka. Balancing it on a tray, I made my way to his table and placed it down with a soft clink.

He looked up, his forehead creasing. “What are you doing?”

I pulled out the chair across from him and sat down. “Do you have anyone with you?”

His frown deepened. “I don’t have anyone and I don’t want anyone.”

I ignored the warning in his tone and smiled. “Perfect.” I breathed as I poured myself a drink, gulping it in one go. The burn hit my throat and I winced. His eyes followed the movement, a flicker of surprise in them.

“You don’t like someone who drinks.”

“I don’t.” I admitted coughing lightly. “First time.”

His lips twitched in amusement. “First time drinking and you picked vodka?”

I shrugged. “I am here to get drunk. And maybe have my first time in other ways too.”

His brows lifted. “Others ways?”

“Yeah,” I sighed swirling the liquid in my glass. “Maybe it’ll help me forget that my boyfriend cheated on me with my best friend. Or that he only dated me to win a stupid date.” The words tumbled out my lips tasting more sour than the alcohol.

I refilled my glass and drank it all, sniffing as the flash of the scene in that room crossed my mind. My heart clenched painfully and tears welled in my eyes again.

Before I could pour myself another drink, Leo caught my wrist. “I think you should stop.”

His touch sent a shiver down my spine and for a moment I felt something… something I couldn’t quite explain. He must have felt it too because he let go quickly as if burned.

“If I stop, will you help me forget him?” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Even if just for a minute.”

He didn’t answer, but his gaze softened. Before he could say anything, my eyes drifted to the entrance of the clubs and there he was. Jaden.

My breath hitched.

“What is it?” Leo followed my gaze. “That him?”

I nodded stiffly and before I knew what I was doing, I leaned over and kissed Leo. His lips were soft and though he hesitated for a second ‘c he didn’t pull away. Instead, his hand cupped my chin gently, playing along even though confusion flickered across his face.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Jaden coming toward us, his expression darkening with jealousy.

“Hey!” Jaden’s voice cut through the air, laced with anger and disbelief.

It was clear he never believed to see me here, especially not with another man just a few hours after he dumped me.

Leo looked at me, then at Jaden his expression unreadable.

“How can we help you?” He asked bluntly.

Jaden ignored him, his eyes locked at me. “Lena, what the hell are you doing here?”

“It is none of your business!” I shot back, crossing my arms and his eyes narrowed at me like he was surprised.

“It is either you are good at hiding it or you have really moved on from me. The latter can’t be possible.” He said in a low voice, trying to hold my hand, but I pulled back.

“Diane, we have to talk. I know you are hurt about what happened, but…”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Can you please leave me alone. We have nothing to talk about!” I seethed, looking away from him but he held her chin and pulled my face back to him.

“I still love you!” The words came from his mouth but it reeked of lies.

“We can straighten things out and get back together. She means nothing to me and you are the one that means the world to me. It was a mistake!” He confessed, trying to sound genuine and get me to believe him but I felt irritated instead. 

He really thought I would fall for his lies over again.

“You are a liar.” I scoffed trying to wriggle my hand out of his grip. His touch was making my skin crawl from disgust. The more I looked at him, the more I felt incredibly stupid.

“Leave me alone.” I whined and wriggled my hand off his grip. He reached out to grab me again but Leo caught his wrist and pushed me away from me, his voice low and dangerous. “She said you should leave her alone.”

Jaden sneered, trying to look brave but I could see the hesitation in his eyes before he turned to me. “Is he the man? The one making you act stubborn as if we are not the best match.” Jaden snorted, gritting his teeth as he glanced at Leo who had stood tall in his intimidating height, both hands in his pocket.

“Hey you bastard! She is my girlfriend. What—!”

Before he could finish, Leo’s fist connected with his jaw in a swift, hard punch that left him hazed.

Jaden staggered back, clutching his face. “You are going to regret this.. Do you know who my father is?!” He roared in pain, wiping blood from his lips as he bent down and picked his phone which had fallen after the punch. His face was red with anger, shame and humiliation. He wouldn’t even dare to challenge Leo again as the blow still held him in shock.

Leo scoffed and pointed at the exit. ""Leave if you don't have anything else to do here!" 

Jaden's eyes were bloodshot in rage as he saw me snickering at him. I don't know why it was so satisfying seeing him get punched. It was as if Leo was punishing him for hurting me.

"I swear, you will regret this. See you in school!" He growled, grinding his teeth as pure venom glinted in his eyes but I felt no fear at his threat. Maybe because Leo was with me.

"Get out of here!" Leo's voice made him shudder in fear and he could only grit his teeth as he made his way out.

"Thank you for saving me from that idiot!" I thanked Leo with a smile and Jaden seemed to hear me as he paused his pace and turned to me.

"I wonder who will save you at school." He rolled his eyes in anger, storming out and kicking the chairs on his way.