Chapter 2

I walked into the club, the heavy bass thumping in my chest as 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, especially the smell of alcohol hanging in the air. Yet here I was. 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 look like someone who drinks.”

“I don’t.” I admitted, coughing lightly. “It is my first time.”

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

I shrugged. “I am here to get drunk. And maybe it will be my first time doing other things too.”

His brows lifted. “Other things?”

“Yeah,” I sighed, swirling the liquid in my glass. “I just hope all this will help me forget that my boyfriend cheated on me with my best friend. I also found out he only dated me to win a stupid dare from his friends.” The words tumbled out of 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, he 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.

“What is your name?” He asked gently.

“Diane, and you?”

“Leo.” He replied, taking a sip from his drink.

“Tell me. If I stop drinking, will you help me forget my pain?” I mumbled, my voice barely above whispers. “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 standing at the entrance of the club.

My breath hitched.

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

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, 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 what seemed like jealousy.

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

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

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 and I was amused to hear him say that after everything he did.

“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 as though to get me to believe he loved me, but I felt irritated instead.

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

“You are a liar. A shameless one.” 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 to have ever fallen for him in the first place.

“Leave me alone.” I whined, finally pulling my hand off his grip. He reached out to grab me again but Leo caught his wrist and pushed him away from me.

His voice was low and dangerous as he glared at him. “She said you should leave her alone.”

Jaden scoffed, 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.”

“Don't dare touch her again!” Leo warned, standing tall in his intimidating height, both hands in his pocket.

“Hey you bastard! She is my girlfriend. What—!” Jaden tried holding me, but before he could even finish what he was saying, Leo’s fist connected with his jaw in a swift, hard punch that left him stumbling back.

Jaden staggered back, clutching his face, checking his finger for any stain of blood on his lips. “You are going to regret this.. I promise you. Do you know who my father is?!” He roared in pain, wiping blood on his lips with the back of his arm.

He bent down and picked his phone which had fallen after the punch, his face red with anger, shame and humiliation as he saw the crowd watching him, yet he wouldn’t even dare to challenge Leo again as the hit seemed to have instilled panic in him.

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

Jaden's eyes were bloodshot in rage especially when he saw me snickering at him. I don't know why it was so satisfying seeing him get punched. I wished Leo would beat him more.

"I swear, you will regret this. See you in school!" Jaden growled, his jaw clenched 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 fright before he made his way out.

"Thank you for saving me from that idiot!" I thanked Leo with a smile leaning on his shoulder 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.