Chapter 2

Their handshake lingered longer than it should have. Neither of them looked away.

After a few seconds, Scarlett pulled back and said, “I need some fresh air.”

Elena nodded quickly. “Mind if I join you?”

“Sure,” Scarlett replied.

The two women walked out of the bathroom and headed to the back of the club. The cool night air brushed against their skin as they stood outside — quiet, close, and uncertain.

Scarlett leaned against the wall and pulled out a cigarette. She lit it, the flame briefly lighting up her face. Elena stood beside her, unsure of what to say.

Scarlett took a slow drag and exhaled. “You shouldn’t be here with me,” she said softly. “I’m dangerous.”

Elena felt a chill run down her spine. The way Scarlett said it — calm, serious — made her heart race.

Scarlett noticed and gave a small laugh. “Are you scared?”

Elena shook her head quickly. “No.”

Scarlett’s eyes dropped to Elena’s hand. “What’s that?” she asked, nodding at the ring.

Elena looked down. “Oh… my engagement ring.”

Scarlett raised an eyebrow. “My condolences.”

Elena frowned. “Now you’re just being rude.”

“I’m just being honest,” Scarlett said with a smirk.

For a moment, they both stood in silence, watching the smoke drift into the night sky.

Scarlett finally asked, “So… has he been saving money since he was a little boy?”

Elena blinked, confused. “What?”

“Your fiancé,” Scarlett said. “He looks like the type.”

Elena laughed lightly. “He’s good with his finances, yeah.”

“Good,” Scarlett said. “But then why are you following me out here? That’s kind of weird.”

Elena hesitated, her voice soft. “I don’t know. I just… feel something strange about you.”

She stepped closer. “I think I might be different when I’m around you.”

Scarlett looked away and gave a small, guarded smile. “Keep saying that, and maybe one day you’ll find the right girl.”

Elena’s heart pounded. “What if I already did?” she whispered.

Their faces moved closer, breath mingling in the cool night air. Their lips were just inches apart when Scarlett whispered, “You’re engaged, Elena. You’ll regret this.”

Elena didn’t move back. “I know,” she said — and kissed her.

The kiss was soft but full of tension — something both of them wanted and feared. Scarlett froze, then pulled away sharply.

“Don’t let this happen again!” she said loudly, anger and confusion in her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Elena whispered.

Scarlett turned and walked away quickly, clearly upset.

A moment later, Clara came outside and saw Elena standing there alone.

“Elena!” she called. “Let’s go home.”

Elena nodded. “Yeah.”

As they walked, Clara glanced at her friend. “What did I just see back there?”

Elena avoided her eyes. “What do you mean?”

“Did you kiss her?” Clara asked.

Elena sighed, annoyed. “Yes, I did.”

“Did you like it?” Clara pressed.

“I’m not answering that,” Elena said sharply. “Don’t talk about it.”

Clara smiled slightly. “You feel weird because you liked her.”

Elena stopped walking. “No. I feel weird because I’m engaged.”

“Oh, please,” Clara said. “You’re the most faithful person I know.”

“It will never happen again,” Elena said firmly.

“Hmm,” Clara replied quietly. “I think you’re wrong.”

They walked the rest of the way home in silence.

Meanwhile, back at the club, Scarlett sat alone in her office. She poured herself a glass of wine, staring at the dark liquid.

She wasn’t happy — not with herself, not with what happened. She leaned back, thinking, Why does that engaged woman make me feel like this?