CHAPTER TWO:OneNight Stand with the Stranger

Anne’s POV

As I approached the mysterious individual who had captured my interest, the music pounded in time with my heartbeat. The pulsing bass seemed to mirror the agony in my heart with each step, erasing out the painful recollection of Nathan's treachery. His focused look never wavered, his eyes fixed onto mine with a magnetic pull that drew me in, unraveling a combination of excitement and uneasiness inside me.

A whirlwind of emotions swirled beneath the surface as I neared him. Was it conceivable to find comfort in the arms of an unknown? The idea sounded both dangerous and seductive, a tempting diversion from the sadness that hung heavy on my chest.

It was difficult to deny the aura of confidence he radiated as he stood there, a picture of undiluted manhood. His chiseled features and piercing eyes carried a calm charm that sent a chill down my spine. He stood tall and was elegantly dressed. As I neared, the corner of his mouth twisted into an inviting grin, and his words caressed me like silk.

"Care to dance?"

His modest offer, which carried the promise of a momentary relief from my suffering, hovered in the air. I gave him a silent nod and let him take me onto the dance floor. We were engulfed in the music's beat like a sensory maelstrom. His contact sent off a spark of energy as we moved in time, momentarily pushing away the gloom that had engulfed my mind.

The weight on my shoulders appeared to lift with each step and sway, replaced by a fresh sensation of release. The previous several hours vanished, leaving just the current moment, the music, and the mysterious man who had attracted me into his circle.

"You dance beautifully," he said, his soothing voice a salve to my wounded spirit.

I managed a faint smile, the corners of my mouth twitching upward, despite the lingering despair.

"I'm very grateful. I haven't had the urge to dance in a while.

His eyes communicated to me with a depth of wisdom as though he had witnessed the battle under the surface.

"Neglect can sometimes be the best medicine for healing."

Our dance became a type of wordless communication, beyond the bounds of speech, with the beat of the music directing our motions. I felt myself submitting to the moment in his arms, letting go of the grief and heartache that had haunted me. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring us together, delivering a little reprieve from the storm raging in my heart.

We came to a halt as the song's final notes faded, our breaths mingling in the space between us. The intensity in the club was palpable, and the dark lights threw a strange tint on our surroundings. I raised my eyes to his, our gazes locked in a common understanding that words couldn't express.

A delicate yet electrifying touch from his fingertips brushed a hair off my face. He asked, scarcely raising his voice above a whisper,

"Would you like a drink?"

I was dead drunk but my reaction was a short nod, and he glided through the mob to the bar. Few minutes later, he returned with the drinks and after handing me my drink and receiving a word of appreciation from him, he leaned in and said,

“Would you like to go somewhere private after this drink?”

His question was filled with expectation and hovered in the air. I was experiencing a mix of thrill and uncertainty, but I also had a newfound courage.

“Actually, I’m here with my friends. Can I just go and let them know?” I asked.

“You’re a big girl; do you still need your friends’ permission?” the stranger said.

“Actually scratch that, let’s go,” I said excitedly.

I grabbed my purse as I let him drag me out of the club and into the cool night air. I knew what we were about to do but I was too drunk and hurt to stop myself. I was stunned by the size of his home when we arrived there. I didn't believe he was this affluent, even though he seemed wealthy.

I followed him into his house as he led the way. The atmosphere was friendly, cozy, and unpretentious. We were standing face to face, the weight of our yearning audible. The climax of a fortuitous encounter that had brought us here, the moment seemed to be frozen in time.

I leaned into his touch as my heart raced as he extended his fingers to brush over my cheek. He approached me slowly and gave me a soft yet passionate kiss. There was a blending of feelings—desire, attraction, and a craving for connection.

Every touch and caress that was given throughout the course of the evening sparked a fire that had been dormant for far too long. Whispered discussions mixed with our laughing to create a closeness that went beyond the physical. However, a shock suddenly surged through me when the first sunbeams entered the room through the curtains.

I woke up to see a man standing in front of me with just a towel wrapped around the lower part of his body. His chest was bare but it was a sight to see. It was well-sculptured and it was definitely eye-candy. It was… hold on. What is a half-naked man doing in my house?

I looked up and tried to recognize his face but I couldn’t. I drew in as much breath as I could before letting out a loud scream with my eyes closed. Seconds later, I slowly opened my eyes to see that he was still standing there, not flinching.

“What are you doing at my house?” I yelled.

“Your house?” he asked, in a cold but deep voice.

I looked at him confused until I looked around and noticed that this wasn’t my bedroom. Oh no, I’ve been kidnapped, I thought.