Chapter 3

Dahlia 

My heart ached each time I remembered how they held each other, how they talked about me, how he touched her, how he told her he loved her. I wanted to forget it all, I just wish I could wipe my memory at this point. 

I even cursed the day I met Scott and Emma...I honestly wished I had never met them. A few hours ago I thought that they were the best people in my life and that they had changed it for the better but little did I know that it was the complete opposite. 

The loud, thumping music from down the street jolted me out of my spiraling thoughts. My eyes drifted to the brightly lit club ahead, its neon sign flickering 'The Grooving Getaway'. The name felt almost mocking, but it was either walking in there or drowning in my misery at home.

"Stop here," I said to the cab driver, handing him the fare.

I stepped out and stood at the club entrance, taking in the rowdy crowd and pulsing music. This isn't me, I thought for a moment. I wasn't the drinking, clubbing type. But tonight, I'd do anything to numb the ache tearing through me.

Inside, the chaos was almost overwhelming…people packed the dance floor, wild and carefree. I made my way to the bar, ignoring everything around me.

"What can I get you?" the bartender asked, his polite smile almost irritating.

"Anything strong," I replied flatly. "Just make sure it gets me drunk."

His brow furrowed, but that was the most he could do. This was none of his business, all he could do was make sure the people were satisfied and he'll get paid. 

He then poured me a glass of something amber and sharp, I didn't care what it was and I was certain I wouldn't even if I tried. The burning liquid slid down my throat as I gulped it in one go.

Normally, I would have taken my time to enjoy it as I didn't come to the club often, but tonight wasn't about clubbing, it was about forgetting everything and getting myself drunk. 

"Another," I demanded, sliding the empty glass toward him.

"Miss, maybe you should…"

"Just pour," I snapped, cutting him off. I didn't need his concern. I wasn't here to be saved.

I'd lost count of how many drinks I'd had but everything was beginning to be a blur now. 

Perfect. 

I dropped the glass in front of the bartender, gesturing for him to pour but he hesitated. 

"Uh…Miss I don't think it's a good idea to…" he trailed off when I glared at him. 

"Is it your money? No…so just pour the damn drink!" I slurred. I was starting to be loud but we were in a club so no one really paid attention to me. 

At least that's what I thought. 

I was about to yell at the bartender some more when I heard a low chuckle behind me.

"Someone's in a bad mood." 

I turned to see the source of the voice, and my breath caught. He leaned casually against the counter, his tousled jet-black hair falling over piercing blue eyes that sparkled under the lights. His sharp features and devilish smirk made my heart stutter. He was breathtaking, the kind of man who made it impossible to look away. "Rough night?" I heard him ask and that was when I realized that he was speaking to me. 

"Why do you care?" I mumbled, my annoyance clear.

He raised an eyebrow, sipping his drink slowly. "I don't. Just seems like you've got a story to tell."

My eyes swept over him and I didn't know if it was the alcohol but I suddenly felt heat coursing through my veins. He looked so fucking sexy and God his lips were calling mine. 

He was wearing a white crisped shirt but the first two buttons were open and I was certain he left them open for women like me to take a quick peek and he was so well built. This guy was literally to die for.

"Cupcake, my eyes are up here," he spoke in a low sultry tone that sent shivers down my spine.

Cupcake? 

"Cupcake?" I narrowed my eyes into thin slits, letting them roam over his body. He really was a true Adonis. I mean I didn't even feel a bit of shame when he caught me staring…maybe it was the drinks effect on me or maybe not, but it didn't matter. 

"You may be feisty right now, but you look like a sweet, little innocent, girl." He said in a seductive manner before taking another sip of his wine. 

"Innocent girl?" His condescending tone grated on me, but I couldn't help sneaking another glance at his captivating eyes, sharp jawline, and the sly smile that seemed to hint at secrets. 

He then turned to the bartender without saying a word and seconds later he was making his way to the other end of the bar. 

"So…" he grabbed the bottle of whiskey that the bartender left, pouring himself another glass. "Would you like to tell me who got you so riled up?" He arched his brow and then it hit me. 

This man was flirting with me. 

And that only meant one thing. 

He wanted me. 

This hot breathtaking god wanted me and after what I'd seen tonight, who was I to say no? 

"Maybe." I purred, feeling the heat of his wash over me as he checked me out, and there was no denying it. It felt so good. "But only if you dance with me first." I said, feeling bolder than I should have. 

The alcohol was really getting to me. 

He seemed startled for a few seconds before his lips then curved into a mischievous grin. "I have to say…I didn't expect that." He said dropping his glass on the counter. 

"Take it or leave it," I said, smirking back. 

He tilted his head, studying me for a moment before standing. "Well…I don't see why I should refuse," the mischievous grin on his face did nothing but turn me on. "Let's see if you can keep up."

He extended his hand, and I took it without hesitation, following him to the dance floor.

On the dance floor, the music pounded through my veins. I turned my back to him, feeling his hands settle on my waist as I moved against him, grinding my ass against his crotch with my hands around his neck. 

"Not bad," he murmured into my ear, his voice a low rasp. "Guess you're not as innocent as I thought you were." He said, making me spin around to face him, wrapping my arms around his neck with a smirk. 

"I guess not." I scoffed. 

His dark, intense gaze burned into mine, and I felt the heat between us spark. "You look oddly familiar, have we met?" He asked in a low rumble. 

"I don't think so…" I raised a brow, a small smile playing on my lips and his eyes narrowed as he looked at me intently. Gosh his eyes were so pretty. 

"So, what's your story?" he asked, his fingers brushing against my cheek.

I hesitated for a moment deciding whether I should tell him before blurting out, "Let's just say, I walked in on my boyfriend and my best friend having sex…and I just needed to clear my head." My voice wavered, but I held his gaze.

His eyes darkened, not with pity, but something else—something raw and primal. "Their loss," he said, his voice dripping with certainty. 

"What?" I blinked with a small smile, not getting what he meant. 

"I said it's their loss. Because now you're here. With me." His grip around my waist tightened. 

"Well…I have to admit, it does feel good being here." I drawled, trailing my finger down his chest and the only thing I wanted right now was to see him without a shirt. I was paying so much attention to his body that I was caught off guard when he lifted my chin. 

"With me." He leaned closer, his hot breath grazing my skin. 

"With you..." I whispered back and the words weren't able to fully leave my lips as he crashed his lips against mine and in that moment, I realized I wanted more. 

His kiss was rough and consuming, making me forget everything else and a few seconds later, we pulled away, staring at each other with our chests heaving. 

I could read his eyes, they were dark with desire and lust. I definitely didn't want this to end, I didn't know what was wrong with me but I was sure of what I wanted.

Him. 

"Do you…wanna go somewhere else?" I hesitated to ask, feeling breathless. 

His smirk deepened as he took my hand in his. "I thought you'd never ask." 

And just like that, I followed him into the night, leaving everything else behind.