Chapter 1

Sophia’s POV

I knocked back another shot of whiskey. I’d lost track after the third one. My eyesight was getting a bit fuzzy, and the sharp sting in my throat had softened into a numb sort of warmth, but it still wasn’t enough to ease the ache inside.

If I just kept going, maybe I’d finally stop picturing Alex’s face in my head, or hers. Emily.

My closest friend.

I let out a bitter chuckle and fought back the tears that were always on the verge of spilling over. I kept repeating to myself that I was better without them in my life, but it all rang hollow. It still seemed like everything in my world centered on them.

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror behind the bar—my eyeliner was smeared, the snug red dress that had once made me feel bold now just seemed like a disguise, and my eyes were brimming with regret.

“Here’s to betrayal,” I whispered to myself, lifting the glass once more.

It had only been a couple of hours since I’d shown up at Alex’s place without warning, planning to surprise him with a home-cooked meal. But what I walked in on was his fingers woven through Emily’s hair, her mouth pressed against his neck—the very same spot I’d kissed every single morning. Then she dropped lower, right to his dick, performing oral sex on him while I stood there in shock.

The very same girl I’d confided all my deepest secrets to. She knew every detail about me, and yet she went ahead and did this. I never imagined betrayal could hurt this deeply. It was like my heart had been smashed into countless fragments. When I called them out on it, they just mocked me and labeled me an idiot.

Now, here I sat in a shadowy bar on the outskirts of town, attempting to drown the shame in alcohol. I let out a soft laugh.

“Would you mind if I joined you?” a smooth voice asked from right next to me.

I spun around, maybe a tad too quickly, and almost tumbled off the stool. I steadied myself at the last second, looking up at him with bleary eyes.

There stood a tall, incredibly good-looking man, with intense dark eyes that seemed to pierce right through my defenses, and a chiseled jaw that could have been sculpted by an artist. His hair was jet-black and a little tousled, and he wore a crisp white button-up shirt paired with sleek black suit pants.

“I spotted you from the other side of the bar, and you look absolutely stunning, but are you alright?” he inquired, arching one eyebrow.

I managed a forced chuckle. “What exactly do you mean by ‘alright’?”

He grinned, not in a teasing manner, but as if he truly appreciated my response.

“That’s a valid point. What brings a gorgeous woman like you to drink by herself?” He slid out the stool next to mine and settled in.

I squinted at him suspiciously. “You’re not going to hit me with some worn-out pickup line, right?”

He let out a deep, resonant laugh that sent a shiver racing through my body.

“No clichés here. I’m just genuinely curious.” We locked eyes for a moment, and his dark gaze held me captive.

I’d already taken him in fully. He didn’t come across like the typical sleazy guys who hung around bars. He exuded a quiet confidence, the type that commanded attention effortlessly. Like a person accustomed to calling the shots.

“Let’s just say my day took an unexpected turn for the worse.” I sipped from the fresh drink that Liam, the bartender, had poured for me. Liam quickly attended to the stranger as well. I figured he must be a regular around here.

“Rough end to a relationship?” He took a swallow of his own drink, never once dropping his gaze from mine.

I lifted an eyebrow. “Is it that apparent?”

“You’re sipping straight whiskey at eleven at night, in heels that look like they’re torturing you. It’s got to be either a broken heart or the stress of filing taxes.” He flashed a grin.

I found myself laughing in spite of everything.

“He didn’t shatter my heart. He shattered his own, because he’s just thrown away someone he’ll regret losing forever.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “Well, in that case, whoever this guy is, he’s a complete fool.”

“That’s precisely what I thought. But I don’t want to drag you down with tales of my old romance. What’s done is done. So, why don’t you share something about yourself?” I finished off the glass in front of me. Then I propped my chin on my hand, doing my best to look composed.

“I’m simply an ordinary man who stopped by for a couple of whiskeys, and perhaps to find a woman to share the evening with.” He smiled, gently twirling the contents of his glass.

“There are plenty of attractive women in here this evening, and you’re not exactly hard on the eyes either.” I scanned the room; a few female dancers were eyeing him intently, likely wishing he’d pick one of them.

“Thanks for the compliment, but I believe I’ve spotted the perfect one, and she’s the most stunning woman in this entire place.” He gazed at me, then broke into a grin.

I nodded, easing back against my seat. Wonderful, now I’ve developed feelings for a guy who’s interested in someone else. I noticed the dimple that appeared on the right side of his cheek whenever he smiled. Under the dim blue lighting, his eyes had a subtle sparkle; he was incredibly appealing.

We continued our conversation. In some way, he managed to push the pain of the betrayal to the back of my mind, at least temporarily. He inquired about my job, my aspirations, and even got me to laugh when I felt like I couldn’t. I still hadn’t learned his name, and oddly enough, I hadn’t bothered to ask. I preferred to keep this fleeting escape free from the intrusion of real life.

But soon enough, the room began to whirl more intensely, and my equilibrium faltered. I nearly slipped off the stool, but he caught me and held me firm.

“Hey,” he said softly.

“Are you doing okay?”

“No, I’m not. You’re incredibly handsome, and I really like you,” I slurred. I rested my hand on his shoulder. The booze was hitting me hard now.

I had no idea where this sudden courage sprang from, but I leaned in closer, gave him a quick peck on the lips, and then sat back with a small grin playing on my mouth.

“I don’t think you’re fully aware of what you’re suggesting. You need some rest; it’s been a tough day for you.” He gently stroked my hair.

“I’m really attracted to you, and I truly like you. Let’s go ahead and have sex.” I let my hand drift down toward his crotch. He grasped my hand securely, but not harshly. I wasn’t sure where this audacity was coming from, but I was embracing it.

He leaned in and murmured in my ear, “You’re quite the bold one, aren’t you? How about we head upstairs and enjoy ourselves? You have no idea how badly I’ve been wanting to be inside you.”

His tone was velvety and profound.

“So, what’s holding you back?” I met his gaze and winked at him. He scooped me up from the stool as though I were weightless. I wrapped my arms around his neck, my legs encircling his waist. I threaded my fingers through his hair. He let out a low, aroused groan. That sound ignited something in me. He gave my butt a playful smack and carried me toward one of the VIP suites.

He gently placed me on the bed and kissed me passionately. Our mouths moved together seamlessly; I nibbled softly on his bottom lip. Then he trailed down to my neck, maintaining that gentle rhythm. I released a quiet moan.

He shrugged off his white shirt, flinging it somewhere across the room, then he parted my legs and p

ositioned himself on his knees between them.