Chapter 2: One last time

Elysia

I dropped my bag onto the couch and made my way to my room.

This house now felt like a constant reminder of the two people who had ruined my life. I couldn't stay here anymore, not with Kathy.

I decided to pack my belongings, throwing in whatever I could find.

As I was packing, my mind drifted to my mom's place in Elyndor. I hadn't been back there in years, but it felt like the only place I could escape to.

I zipped up my suitcase and took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination wash over me.

You can do this, Elysia

Just then, my phone buzzed. I almost ignored it, but something made me glance at the screen.

Sylvie.

"Girl, where are you? I'm at Euphoria and there are some seriously fine men here tonight!"

I'd completely forgot we were supposed to meet up.

"I can't," I said, sitting heavily on my bed. "Something happened."

"What kind of something? The good kind or the 'I need tequila' kind?"

"The second one. Definitely the second one."

"Then get your ass down here. I'm buying."

For a moment, I considered skipping it. I was in no mood to party.

After everything that had happened today, I needed to get out of here, but I also needed to see Sylvie.

“Give me thirty minutes."

I threw on a black dress that hugged in all the right places and headed to the club anyway.

I'm hoping to unwind and forget my troubles. I got ready quickly and headed out.

Euphoria was packed, the bass line vibrating through the floor and into my bones. I searched for Sylvie in the crowd, but the lighting was dim and everyone looked like shadows.

And to make matters worse, my phone was dead.

I sighed, making my way to the bar instead. One drink, just one. Then I’ll leave.

I didn't know how many drinks I'd had after that, but I knew it was a lot.

My vision was starting to blur, and my head was spinning. I reached for another cocktail when a deep, smooth voice interrupted me.

"Mind if I join you?"

I turned and nearly forgot how to breathe.

He was breathtaking.

Sharp jawline, piercing golden eyes, an aura of confidence that made the air between us crackle.

I blinked at him, my brain struggling to catch up. “Uh…”

He smirked, tilting his glass of whiskey. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

I shook my head, barely able to focus. We introduced ourselves, and I learned that his name was Gabriel or was it King Gabriel.

I wasn't listening anyways, I just needed a distraction away from my thoughts.

As the music picked up, I felt myself getting lost in the beat. I stood up and started dancing.

“You are drunk”

I scoffed, tilting my chin up stubbornly. "I’m not drunk."

Gabriel raised an eyebrow. "Really? Then why are you swaying like you’re about to collapse?"

I glared at him. "I'm just...dancing."

Gabriel chuckled. "You're not even moving to the music."

I shrugged. "I'm just enjoying the moment."

Gabriel's eyes locked onto mine, as something unreadable passed through them. "I think you're enjoying the alcohol more."

I laughed. "Maybe a little."

Gabriel smiled and handed me a glass of water. "Drink this."

I took the glass, feeling a bit annoyed at being commanded. "I can take care of myself."

Gabriel's expression turned serious. "I'm sure you can. But humor me."

I rolled my eyes but took a sip of the water.

"So, what's going on? You're not just here to have a good time."

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Let's just say I've had a rough day."

Gabriel's eyes narrowed. "What happened?"

I exhaled. Maybe it was the alcohol. Maybe it was the way he was looking at me like he wanted to hear what I had to say.

“My life's been ruined," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "My boyfriend cheated on me with my step sister. I just found out today."

His expression darkened, his jaw clenching. "He is a dickhead,"

I let out a bitter laugh. "Yes, he is," I said.

"But I'm not going to let it get me down. This is my last night here, and I want to enjoy it."

His lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. "Then let’s make it memorable."

I continued to sway my hips to the music and started dancing seductively around Gabriel.

He watched me with a smirk on his face, his eyes gleaming with desire.

Then, he stood up and walked towards me. He grabbed my waist, and kissed me behind the ear.

I felt a rush of excitement at his touch. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before.

Gabriel's lips brushed against my neck, slow and deliberate as if he was savoring the moment. Then...

He inhaled sharply. His grip on my waist tightened.

For a brief second, his golden eyes changed to a darker shade.

Then so softly, I barely heard it. He whispered one word against my neck.

"Mine"

A strange heat curled in my stomach at the way he said it... It sounded like a claim.

His lips grazed over my neck, lingering as if he wanted to do more.

And then he pulled away.

For a moment, his gaze was unreadable and his breathing uneven.

Then, his smirk returned but it felt different this time. Forced

"Want to get out of here?"

I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation.

We stumbled out of the club, arms around each other, and hailed a taxi. The ride to Gabriel's place was a blur; I remember kissing him in the backseat, feeling his hands on my skin, and losing myself in his eyes.

"Last chance to change your mind," Gabriel said as he closed the door behind us when we got to his place.

I didn't say a word.

Instead, I kissed him hard on his lips in response to his question.

A groan rumbled in his chest as his arms wrapped tightly around my waist,pulling me so close to his body.

His fingers easily unhooked my bra and then my underwear followed afterwards. Then I felt his naked body pressed to mine.

He carried me to the bed and I wrapped my hands tightly around his neck, still kissing him.

His lips brushed against my neck, sending another shiver through me.

Then, his mouth moved lower, pressing soft kisses along my shoulder, making my breath hitch. I didn’t expect it to feel this good.

But when he reached my chest and took one of my nipples into his mouth, my lips parted and a soft moan escaped my lips before I could stop it.

His tongue flicked over the other, and my mind went completely blanked. My hands found his hair, gripping it as I couldn't stop the way my body reacted to him.

“Please,” I whispered.

He let out a low chuckle, kissing my temple before his mouth claimed mine again.

He nudged my legs apart, and I felt him hard. He pushed forward, and a sharp cry left my lips as my nails dug into his back. I clung to him, breathing heavily, trying to adjust.

He stopped, his body tensed as realization dawned on him.

“Elysia…” He whispered. “You’re a virgin.”

For the first time that night, I could see him hesitating. "Are you sure about this?" he asked, his voice softer now.

I had never done this before, but right now, with him, I wanted to.

So I nodded.

Gabriel smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. "Relax," he murmured, kissing my lips.

And then, with one slow push, he filled me.

A whimper escaped my lips, as my fingers clenched the sheets beneath me. Pain spread through me as Gabriel slowly pushed deeper.

He didn't move right away. He waited, his golden eyes watching me intensely.

Then, slowly, he moved.

"Fuck, you're tight."

Gabriel's head dipped lower, his lips trailing hot kisses along my collarbone.

"You feel so good," he murmured against my skin. "So fucking perfect."

I gasped as a wave of pleasure built inside me, replacing the initial discomfort. My fingers dug into his shoulders, needing something to hold on to as he filled me over and over again.

"Mine," he murmured again, his voice rough.

I didn’t have time to process what he meant, as I felt hot pleasure exploding through my veins.

I cried out, arching beneath him, my entire body trembling.

"Fuck Elysia"

His grip on me tightened, and with one final deep thrust, he released groaning my name, his entire body shuddering against mine.

For a moment, neither of us moved. Our breaths uneven, and our bodies still tangled together.

Gabriel buried his face in the crook of my neck, inhaling deeply. His lips brushed against my skin for a moment before he finally pulled back.

His golden eyes met mine.

Then, he pulled me into his chest, his arms tightening around me as if he had no intention of letting go.

But just as I was about to surrender to sleep, I heard Gabriel's voice whispering in my ear.

"You have no idea who I am, do you?" he asked, his tone low.

I turned to him, but he was already asleep, a small smile playing on his lips.

And that's when it hit me - the realization that I had just spent the night with a stranger, a man who claimed to be a king.

But was it true? And what did he mean by that?