4

      ***Emily Grayson's"***

It's been a week of me moping around in my apartment. I can't seem to stop these stupid tears. Throughout the days, Jack has been calling me nonstop and texting me—messages that I haven't even tried to read. Some messages are from Lexi, my best friend. I couldn't tell her what happened; Lexi had never been fond of Jack and my relationship. I don't think I can stomach the “I told you so” from her.

I called in sick at the firm where I work. I am a writer in a publishing company. I just hope I still have my job when I resume next week. I looked in the mirror: long brunette hair, a very short red dress, and black heels. I'm going out to drink and have a one-night stand; I’m losing my virginity tonight. With my mind made up, I walked out of my apartment and locked my door.

I hailed a taxi.  

“The Antonio's club.”  

Coming out of the cab, I walked into the club, heading to the bar.  

“What can I get you?”  

“Vodka, please.” Looking at the bartender,  

He's handsome with brown eyes and jet-black hair, but he’s not my type.

"Could you bring me two more, please?" I called out to the bartender. “The bar guy said they’d be right up. I’ve had about three or four drinks already, and I’m starting to feel a little tipsy, but definitely not drunk yet!”

I could sense someone sitting next to me, but I decided not to glance over. A few guys had tried to strike up a conversation tonight, but I politely declined while I was busy reading a message from Lexi on my phone. Just then, a vodka was placed in front of me, and I took it and take a sip without looking up.

“What makes a beautiful lady like you hang out at a club full of bad people all alone?” he asked, which made me turn my head to look at him.

“Oh wow,” I thought—he was really handsome! Maybe he could be the one-night stand I needed.

“Are you a bad person?” I asked, noticing his steady gaze. Maybe I should just be straightforward and cut to the chase.

“Can we fuck?” I asked, then stood up from my seat and placed my right hand on his chest. He seemed to tremble slightly—maybe it was just in my head—before I could give him a kiss, he pulled back.  

“Hey, hey, calm down. I think you might be drunk. I won't take advantage of you; I don’t even know your name.”  

“I’m Emily… Emily Grayson,” I replied.  

“Okay, Emily. I’m Alexander Antonio,” he said, extending his hand for a handshake.  

“Alexander, I’ll get straight to the point: can we hook up?”  

“And you say you’re not drunk,” he asked instead.  

“I’m not, and if you’re not interested,” I said, turning to sit back down.  

“Who said I’m not interested?” he interrupted. I turned toward him again. Leaning in, I wrapped my arms around his neck, and my pulse quickened being so close to him. His gray eyes were deep and intense, taking my breath away. I couldn't help but notice the tattoos that snaked up his neck, reaching all the way to his hairline—there was something oddly mesmerizing about them.

"Like what you see?" he whispered, cocking his brow.  

I smashed my lips against his, kissing him hard, not giving him a second to adjust. I ripped my lips from his, gasping for breath as I looked at him. In the next moment, Alex smashed his lips back against mine and kissed me hard. The shock made me gasp; he forced my lips apart and then plundered my mouth, ripping a moan from me as he invaded me.

Kissing him was like something I had never experienced; it was brutal, wild, and raw, not passionate or even affectionate. He didn't give two fucks about sweet romance. He was harsh, as if he were punishing me for looking for a one-night stand. I knew my lips would be bruised after this; they would be showing for days, but I didn't care. Not even one bit. If harshness is what he wants, I will give it to him. I locked my hands around his skull and dragged my fingernails down his scalp. He then pressed my hips tighter against his own, letting me come in contact with his hard bulge. Heat exploded inside me, and I couldn't help but whisper again. I involuntarily rubbed my hips against him to feel more of him, to get that burning friction, but Alex didn't allow it. Releasing my lips from his, my hands desperately began to work their way to the front of Alex's suit.

“Fuck, not here. Let's get a room. I have one here?”

“Okay.”