Prologue
Alena
Fuck Travis. Fuck him and his stupid ‘this isn’t working anymore’ shit. He was just scared we were moving too fast. Not that I had been all for it, but it was just working out that way since we spent most of our nights together at his fancy apartment. I tried to keep my distance, to go slow, but he was adamant about pushing ahead. He told me he loved me and had never met anyone like me before.
All fucking lies, lies he’s probably telling some poor other girl right now.
He lives for the chase, the sex, and then breaking hearts. I saw the malicious grin on his face when I turned away, refusing to beg or cry. I deserved better, but that didn’t mean it was painless. I loved him a little. It was fresh and still growing, but it was there, and now here I am, slightly drunk and wearing a ridiculously short dress and overly high heels. Why do I do this?
Why am I out here making a fool of myself just because some idiot hurt me?
I know better, he’s not the first man to let me down, nor will he be the last, but I’m fucking tired of these boys and their games and the boredom in the normalcy of living. Work, sleep, heartbreak, repeat. So instead of my usual ritual of drinking myself into a coma at home, here I am, looking for something to change my world.
I guess I should be careful what I wish for.
When I see him, I know he’s going to be my fun tonight, a faceless fling to rid myself of the feel of the man who couldn’t even make me come. He’s dressed in a suit and good-looking. Just what I need. Something in me screams in warning, but I toss back my shot and ignore my brain. After all, it’s only led me into bad decisions and the beds of toxic assholes. For once, I won’t be smart. I’ll be stupid and take what I want.
Right now, that’s him.
Grabbing another shot for confidence, I drink it down before straightening my shoulders, flipping my hair back, cocking out my hip, and heading his way. He’s standing near the VIP section talking to a bouncer, and he finishes the conversation just as I sidle up to his side.
He blinks in surprise, but a slow, sultry smile curves his lips. “Well, hello there, beautiful. Looking for someone?”
“Yes, you.” I grin, stepping closer, sliding my hand up his chest to tickle the bare skin exposed at the top. “You look like a good time, which is exactly what I want.”
“Is that right?” he purrs, grasping my hips and pulling me closer. I hook my leg around his, and he inhales, eyes darkening.
“Yes, so are you?”
“Am I what?” he murmurs, his head bent towards me.
“A good time?”
“Definitely. Why don’t you let me show you?” he offers.
I nod and he takes my hand, leading me up the VIP stairs to a booth at the back. He slides in and pulls me after him. I lose my balance and almost land on his lap, making us both laugh.
He strokes my exposed skin, running his eyes over my body. “What’s your name?”
“Alena,” I answer and lean closer, pressing my breasts against his arm, making him groan. “Yours?”
“Whatever you want it to be,” he teases, his eyes dark. “Won’t your friends miss you?”
“I’m here alone,” I reply, and he blinks at my response, but it seems to be the right answer when he leans in and kisses me. I kiss him back. He tastes of whiskey and mint, and it’s not unpleasant. When he pulls away, panting, I lick my lips.
“What sort of fun are you after?” he questions.
“The kind that has me screaming with my nails in your back,” I purr, dragging my hand down his torso to his hard cock. I squeeze it through his trousers so he knows exactly what I desire.
“I do like a woman who knows what she wants.” He grins and brushes his lips against my ear, making me shiver. “And isn’t afraid to take it.” He drops his hand to my long legs and runs his fingers up the smooth skin before reaching the hem of my dress. My breathing stutters, and my veins hum with desire and alcohol, but when I pull back, his eyes look... wrong. For a moment, I see a flash of satisfaction and calculation that makes me look closer, but then it’s gone and he’s back to smiling at me.
“Another drink?” he queries.
I nod mutely, internally shaking my head at my absurdity. It’s the lights, smoke, and booze playing tricks on me. He waves his hand, and another drink appears before me—a fruity cocktail. I prefer straight vodka or beer, but I let it slide. He doesn’t need to know me to fuck me. In fact, it’s probably better that way.
“Bottoms up.” He nods, sipping his drink as he keeps his eyes on me above the rim. I toss mine back, almost gagging at the excessively sweet drink. He drains his as well, taking my glass and adding it to his on the table.
“Want to come to my office for a little privacy?” he growls, dragging his fingers along my shoulder and playing with the strap of my dress. My pussy flutters a little at the invitation, and despite the alarm bells ringing in my head, I nod and let him take my hand and lead me from the VIP area.