CHAPTER 003 One Night to Forget

Lexi

Cheers and whistles filled the club, and I felt like a cow in a slaughterhouse.

"I’ll show you a good time!” someone shouted.

“Hey, I’m available!”

“I can make you forget him in one night.”

From above, in the shadowed VVIP section, three men sat watching us. They were different from the rest of the crowd—calm, composed, confident. One of them, a man with sharp features and dark hair, lifted a platinum card, raising an eyebrow in Sophia’s direction.

Sophia smiled. “Now we’re talking,” she said.

“I think we’ve found the perfect candidates.”

“The what?” I asked.

Before I could process what was happening, Sophia and Rachel grabbed me by the arms, dragging me through the crowd toward the VVIP section.

“Guys, I really don’t think—” I dug my heels into the ground, trying to resist.

“Oh, hush, Lexi,” Sophia said with a wave of her hand.

“Tonight’s not about thinking. It’s about doing. And you, my dear friend, are about to do something wild.”

My heart pounded in my chest, and my mind raced, trying to figure out how to escape.

But they weren’t listening. They pulled me through the sea of people until we reached the VVIP section, where the three men sat around a sleek glass table, sipping their drinks.

One of the men, the same one who had held up the platinum card, leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

He looked effortlessly powerful, like he owned the room—and maybe he did.

“Ladies,” he greeted. “Which one of you does the platinum card belong to?”

Sophia practically shoved me forward.

“Her.”

I stumbled slightly, my face flushed with embarrassment.

I could feel the man’s eyes scanning me, taking me in from head to toe. I hated how exposed I felt, but at the same time, there was something magnetic about his gaze, something that made it hard to look away.

“So,” he said, smiling. “What’s your name?”

“Lexi,” I replied.

“Well, Lexi,” he said, holding out his hand.

“Why don’t you join us for a drink? It’s been a while since we’ve had… interesting company.”

I glanced back at Sophia and Rachel, both of whom were grinning like this was the best idea ever.

God, I was in so much trouble.

Before I could decline, the man’s hand was in mine, pulling me down into the plush seat beside him. His touch was cool, yet it sent a jolt through my body.

He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered,

“Tonight’s just getting started, Lexi. You sure you’re ready for it?”

My mind screamed no, but my body felt differently. For the first time in a long while, maybe it was time to let go.

“I am,” I said. “I’m ready.”

“Good,” he said, leaning back.

“What brings you to the club tonight? Or should I ask, why haven’t you been here sooner?”

His voice was smooth, the kind that made my heart race. Something about the way he looked at me made me feel bold, more daring than I’d felt in a long time.

I smiled a little, tilting my head.

“Maybe I was waiting for the right invitation.”

“Well, I’m glad you accepted mine. Can I get you something to drink?”

Before he could finish the offer, I reached over and took his glass right out of his hand.

Our fingers brushed, a spark running between us.

I held his gaze as I raised his drink to my lips and finished it in one long sip.

The stranger’s eyes darkened, and his gaze moved to my lips. I licked them, and I could see the change in his eyes.

“Thanks,” I said, setting the empty glass back on the table with a smile.

“But I’ve already helped myself.”

“I wasn’t expecting that,” he said, smiling.

“Maybe you don’t know me as well as you think.”

He grinned. “I’d like to get to know you better, then.”

My heart pounded. I wasn’t sure what had gotten into me tonight, but I wasn’t going to stop now.

I smiled, standing up and holding out my hand.

“How about we start with a dance?”

He stood, taking my hand. “Lead the way.”

As we moved through the crowd, I felt his presence behind me. Just as we reached the edge of the dance floor, he said,

“Can you dance?”

I spun around to face him. “That depends,” I said. “Can you?”

The stranger placed his hands on my hips, pulling me close.

I let myself get lost in the music, my body swaying in time with his.

The heat from his hands sent waves of excitement through me.

“You’re full of surprises,” he whispered, his voice husky.

I met his gaze, my lips just inches from his. “You have no idea.”

“I don’t think this night’s going to end here.”

“Maybe not,” I whispered back. “Just dance with me first.

Maybe—just maybe—if you impress me, I’ll let you take me home.”

He laughed.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him in. My lips brushed against his ear.

“Show me what you’ve got, stranger,” I whispered.

Without a word, he gripped the back of my neck firmly and kissed me.

The kiss was electric, unlike anything I had felt in years. I felt myself melting into him, my senses overtaken by his touch, the beat of the music, and the warmth of his hand on my back, pulling me closer.

When we finally broke apart, my breathing was shallow, my heart racing. I looked up at him, searching his eyes for any sign of hesitation, but there was none. Only heat and confidence.

“Was that good enough to impress you?” he asked, his voice low and full of mischief.

I laughed softly, feeling a spark of confidence that had been buried for far too long.

“You’re off to a good start.”

We danced, losing ourselves in each other and the music, blocking out the world around us.

The weight of my heartbreak, my recent losses, and my anger faded in the heat of the moment.

But as the night went on, I could feel the stranger watching me with a curiosity that went beyond the casual. I could tell he wanted more than just a dance, more than just the thrill of the night. There was a glint in his eyes, something intense and mysterious, that made me wonder just who this man was.

Eventually, Sophia and Rachel found us again, practically squealing with excitement when they saw me laughing, relaxed, and even flirtatious.

“This is the Lexi I know and love!” Sophia shouted over the music.

As the hours slipped by, the stranger leaned down and whispered in my ear,

“The offer to take you home still stands.”

My mind flashed back to all the moments I’d been afraid, the times I’d held myself back.

Maybe tonight was my chance to let go, to rewrite my story.

With a final look at my friends, I took a deep breath and nodded.

“Lead the way,” I said.

Once the words left my mouth, he leand towards me and took my lips in a passionate kiss once more.