Chapter one: Tall, dark and Handsom

Esmeralda

Two years that's how long it took for Billy to show his true colors and through our 'marriage' down the train. Actually, no, that is too nice of an away to describe it. He let it go up in a flaming hot dumpster fire, then pissed on it while laughing.

That's why I am at this club with my best friend Frankie, the girl stuck through there with me every minute since high school. When I showed up at her house last week with a bag full of clothes looking like a hot mess of tears and wet clothes from the rain. She didn't even say I told you so. Instead, she just let me in, and waited a day before telling me she told me so. And tonight, when she got home from work and saw me in the same spot, she left me eight hours earlier and demanded I get in the shower, declaring we were going out.

So here I am two hours later after I showed she shoved me into a skin time body con green dress that left nothing to the imagination. Then she curled my long red hair into perfect loose curls that fell almost to my butt, followed by doing my make-up in a seductively looking manner. It's way more than I normally wear. She did some contour things, it looks good, but you can't even see my freckles. My eyes look huge, and the green is super bright though so at least I don't look like dog poop even if I feel it.  She even got me into some questionable heels. We are at a new night club in the city called Pandemonium.

It's a nice club, everything is high end. The décor is sleek and modern, with plush velvet couches, marble bars, and glittering chandeliers adorning the space. The walls are adorned with abstract art pieces and neon signs, adding to the trendy and upscale ambiance.   

The club is divided into different sections, each offering a unique experience. The main dance floor is crowded with people dancing to the beat of the DJ's music, while the VIP area is reserved for the elite guests who prefer a more intimate setting. The bar area is always bustling with bartenders expertly crafting cocktails and serving top-shelf liquor.

Then you have me in the section of booths off to the side of the dance floor in the corner in the dark. I don't really feel like being here. I was with Billy for six years. Married for two, still married technically.                       

The energy in the club is contagious, with everyone letting go of their inhibitions and immersing themselves in the lively atmosphere. The air is filled with the scent of expensive perfumes and the sound of laughter and chatter.

"Essy!" Frankie yells as she approaches the table. I am sipping on a very expensive Vodka soda. Two men are following behind her. She reaches into the booth and pulls me out. "Essy what are you doing? Come dance with us!" I stand on wobbly legs, and not because of the one drink I was able to afford. It's all the heals fault. "This is Nick." She says as Nick wraps his hands around her pulling her into him.

"And this fine stud here is Alex." Alex smiles at me and now I understand what this really is. She is trying to hook me up. I try my best to smile.

"Hi, I'm Esmeralda." I put out my hand to shake his, and he looks at it before taking it and not returning it.

"Cool name, let's dance." I’m pulled out to the dance floor without ever answering, not that it was really a question.

I force a smile, gritting my teeth as Alex spins me around, his hands firmly on my hips. I can feel his breath on my neck, and I suppress a shudder. This is not how I imagined my night going. I usually love dancing, the freedom and release it brings, but tonight, I feel trapped. As the music pulses through the club, I try to lose myself in the beat, ignoring the hands roaming my body.

I close my eyes, willing myself to forget about Billy and the mess of a marriage that now lay in ruins. But the more I try to escape, the more Alex's touch feels like an invasion. I am not ready for this, not ready to be touched, or to feel the heat of someone else's body against mine. With a subtle twist, I step out of Alex's embrace, feigning a need to catch my breath. I back away, grateful for the dim lighting, and make my way back to the booth, my heart pounding.

Frankie shoots me a questioning look, and I give her a small shake of my head, not wanting to ruin her good time. I take a long sip of my drink, the vodka burning my throat, and watch as Frankie and Nick move in sync on the dance floor. I know she means well, but tonight is not the night for a new connection. I love dancing normally. It's always been a way to get my emotions out. But not one part of me wants to really dance with this man. Especially when we get to the floor and he spins me so that he is grinding, off rhythm, into my ass, his hands roaming my body.

I finish my drink and head towards the bar, hoping to escape the unwanted attention. But as I make my way through the crowd, hands reach out, grabbing at me. I flinch, the touch of strangers unwelcome. I need to get away, to catch my breath and clear my mind. The press of bodies is overwhelming, and I feel trapped, my heart racing.

At the bar, I signal to the bartender, my eyes scanning the room for Frankie. I need her, but she is lost in the sea of people, her bright smile and vibrant energy swallowed by the club's pulsating lights and music. I order another drink, my hand shaking slightly as I reach into my clutch for my wallet. I can't stay here any longer, but I have nowhere else to go.

Suddenly, I feel a familiar presence, the heat of a body too close. I turn, my frustration mounting, to find Alex, his hands on my waist. I try to step back, but he pulls me towards him, his breath hot on my skin.

"You are really fucking hot," he says, his words slurred. I attempt to remove his hands, but he tightens his grip, his touch invasive. He grabs at me, again this time grabbing my boob. "I love big tits." Cue the ass grab. "You even have the ass to match." His actions crossed a line I never invited him to cross.

"Stop, get your hands off me!" I yell, my voice rising above the music. But he doesn't listen, his actions only becoming more aggressive.

"What's wrong babe?" He starts kissing along my neck. "Come on, don't be a tease."

Before I can say anything in response I feel him ripped away from me.

"I believe the pretty lady said to remove your hands. I hate to have to tell you sir but no means fucking no." I deep voice sounds behind me.  I turn to see who it belongs to and I see a huge, and I mean huge man holding Alex by the collar, staring him down. I take a minute to look over mister tall, dark and handsome. And shit he is handsome

The tall, dark, and handsome stranger stood at an imposing height, his broad shoulders and chiseled features no doubt causing heads to turn as he walked down the street. His jet black hair was styled in a messy yet alluring way, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to hold a hint of danger in them.

He exuded an air of confidence and mystery, drawing me in with his enigmatic presence. He seemed like the kind of guy who is viewed as a reckless rebel, always seeking adventure and thrills, while others saw him as a smooth and charming gentleman, capable of sweeping anyone off their feet.

"Who the fuck are you?" Alex said when he let him go not having the good sense to just leave.

"Jaxson." The guy said. Like that was all that was needed. But apparently it was because Alex paled and started backing away. Once he was gone. Jaxson turned back to me. It was hard having all his focus on me.

"Thanks a lot, I mean it." I say.

"No problem, Are you okay?" I can't help but laugh.

"Not even slightly." He smirks.

"Fair enough. Can I get you a drink? I have a private booth where you can sit and get away from this." He waves towards the crowd. And I have no clue what happened next.

"That would actually be great."