SLOANE

After what felt like an eternity of staring at my disheveled reflection in the glass door, debating whether I truly wanted to go through with this, I finally pushed it open in one single breath.

The second I stepped inside, I was hit by the stench of sweat, cheap alcohol, and stale cigarette smoke. My eyes widened, and my jaw nearly dropped to the floor. 

Wasn't this supposed to be a gym? I came here hoping to spend the night pounding the walls, everything possible to release my aggression on and forget this tormenting pain. But not here. Not a club.

With every intention to leave, I wanted to turn around and bolt out of here but my legs betrayed me, carrying me deeper into the crowd instead. My eyes darted around in panic, stopping at the dance floor where bodies swayed, dancing to the booming music like their life depended on it.

I had never been to a club before. But seeing almost everyone here so alive, like they’d left their sorrows at the door, made me think that maybe it wasn’t so bad after all. Even if it was just for tonight, maybe I, too, could forget all my problems. I deserved that much.

I located a barstool and sat down on it. I knew I should do anything but drink. However, watching them all down it in their mouths with joy on their faces like it was the best experience of their lives, I also wanted to try it.

I persuaded myself it was going to be just one shot and yet… I drank every liquor my hand could reach, the vodka burning its way down my throat and still, I wasn’t satisfied.

The question though was, would I be getting another? The bartender, a middle aged man seemingly in his early thirties crossed his arms over his chest, giving me a pointed look as I passed one of the empty glasses across the counter for a refill.

Clearly, he’d had enough of me and probably wished he could toss me out and honestly, I couldn’t blame him.

This meant to be just a taste.

I didn’t have a penny on me and he offered me a shot on the house. But apparently, it only left me wanting more.

I kept begging, and although he swore each one would be the last, he couldn’t stop taking mercy on me and ended up continuing to give in. Just that now, it seemed he was really going to kick me out this time.

“C…can I have one more shot pleas—-?” Sighing, I was prepared to whine once again, when the vacant seat beside me made a sharp scraping sound as someone dragged it back.

I didn’t know if it was the drink that made my hearing sensitive, or the person was just really loud with it but it had an impact that abruptly cut me off. My nostrils flared. When did seating become such a big deal?

Gritting my teeth together, I turned my head sharply towards the perpetrator, ready to blow off on whoever it was but the sight left me too dumbfounded to form a word.

A heavy silence could be felt in the atmosphere as my eyes trailed over the man’s face, taking in every inch like I’d been enchanted.

Maybe if I was somber, I would have been embarrassed as he raised a questioning brow in my way when he caught me staring at him. But this version of me gave him a full smile in return. All thanks to the alcohol, I only grew more confident.

How on earth had this handsome yet sinful angel descended from heaven?

There was something off about him— off in a way that made it hard for me to look away.

His high cheekbones were sharp, like they didn’t belong on a real person. And his eyes? They weren’t just green. I noticed the way they glowed when the light hit his face. Then his thick lashes caught my eye… and those full lips! Good gracious. It was the kind of face you look at twice, then spend the rest of the day trying to explain to yourself.

“Hey! Can you hear me?” The man snapped, tapping the counter and his deep raspy voice made my breath hitch.

And somehow brought me back to my senses too. Damn. W-what was I doing ogling a stranger?

“I’m very sorry for the inconvenience. I’m taking my leave now.” I rushed out as I slid from the stool, shakily getting on my feet. 

I couldn’t understand how it’d happened but there was now a wetness in between my legs, and the urgent desire to jump him which scared me to the bone. I didn’t wait even a second longer to pull myself together, when I began to walk off, attempting to scurry out of his sight. 

But how could I forget the bad luck I carried around with me? I had only taken a step when my legs wobbled and I lost my balance. I let out a sharp cry, my heart almost flying out of my chest as I stumbled backward.

I awaited the loud thud, but to my utmost surprise, I crashed into someone’s arm instead. 

As I reopened my eyes, I was ready to let out a breath of relief. I didn’t know relief was the last thing I should feel. And by the time it hit me, by the time I realized my mouth was stuck somewhere, I found myself wishing I had fallen instead.

Because no, my mouth wasn't just stuck. Someone’s mouth was planted into mine. And it wasn’t just anyone. It was the deadly-looking stranger, of all people. 

My throat tightened and I gulped, a chill running down my spine as our eyes locked into each other’s. For a fleeting second, I noticed a flicker of shock in his eyes but it was soon gone, replaced by amusement as he studied me intently.

Heat rose to my face. Wasn’t he going to pull away? Does he have the slightest idea the music had stopped, all eyes were now on us, and cameras were flashing in our way? 

Well, if he wasn’t going to, I would. I told myself I wasn’t going to risk this, but only if I had known. My body screamed in protest, urging me to break free but I felt too numb to try. 

Then suddenly, the air grew thick with tension, neither of us speaking or making an attempt to withdraw our lips. It was at that point I realized my body doesn’t seem to be mine anymore. Being this close to him, I couldn’t restrain my desire any longer. I was shamefully turned on all over again.

The very moment he started to pull away, it dawned on me he was about to slip through my fingers and I threw every caution out the window.

My arms wrapped around his neck at once and before he knew it, I pressed my lips harder against his, deepening the kiss.