Chapter 2

Adriana’s POV

I couldn't stop the flush creeping up my neck when Enzo opened his mouth. The whole group fell silent, and every eye turned to me. Enzo didn't even look guilty as he smirked from the center of the room.

"Sounds like a good idea, but Addi might not wanna come. You know, clubs aren't really her thing. She's the most boring one out of all of us," he said, dragging my social life through the mud.

I shot him a glare, trying to hide the heat in my cheeks. "That's in the past, Enzo. Clubs are my scene now. My social life's fine, thank you very much."

He didn't seem convinced. "You sure?" His tone was playful, but that teasing look had me wishing I could shrink into the floor.

"Yes," I said, a little too firmly.

"Club it is then. Go get ready, everyone!" Enzo clapped his hands like he'd won some victory.

I could feel all the eyes on me as everyone split off. I stayed put, mentally swearing at Enzo.

I threw on a short jumpsuit, loose and comfy, paired with sneakers. Simple. I thought I was playing it cool until I stepped out and realized I was the only girl not dressed for a runway show. Everyone else had on tight dresses and sky-high heels.

Great.

When Enzo passed me, he barely glanced at my outfit. "Cute."

My stomach dropped. I wanted to be hot. Sexy. Not cute.

But I wasn't supposed to want that. Not from him. I was supposed to be over him.

I ended up in the car with Jules and Linda, one of the couples from the group. They were sweet, but when they started talking about Enzo and me, I wanted to crawl under the seat.

That conversation dragged on until we pulled up to the club. I had zero energy left.

The moment I stepped inside, I regretted it. The noise. The flashing lights. The packed space. Everyone was dancing with their partner. I was a third wheel in a crowd full of pairs.

A drink was thrust into my hand by one of Enzo's friends. I didn't even smell it before I downed it. The taste made my stomach churn, but I forced it down.

I tried to blend in. Tried to be part of the crowd. I stood there awkwardly until I ended up against the wall at the back.

I watched Enzo and Alicia swaying to the music, their bodies so close it made my chest tighten. I couldn't look away as his hands slid over her waist and then up, brushing her chest before settling at her neck.

I sucked in a breath and forced myself to turn my head. I couldn't do this. Not here.

"Damn, you're about to crush that drink, huh?" A voice beside me startled me. I whipped around to see a guy grinning, his brows wiggling as he leaned close to shout over the music.

"Is that your man?" He asked, and the question hit me like ice water.

I stiffened. "What?"

"Your ex?" He looked me over like I was some puzzle. "Someone you had, or someone you're still pining for?"

I blinked, realizing I must've looked like I still wanted Enzo. God, how embarrassing.

"No," I said quickly. "None of that. I'm just here to have fun."

He didn't seem convinced. He placed his hand on my hip, leaning in close. "How about we have fun together, then?"

I almost choked. His face wasn't ugly, but he didn't have that sharp jaw or those brown eyes that always made me melt. He wasn't Enzo. And the comparison made my stomach twist.

"Not interested," I said, stepping back.

Before he could say another word, I turned and walked through the crowd, toward the restroom. I wasn't even sure why. I just needed to be away from all of it.

I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. I looked fine. Not ugly, but not the kind of girl anyone would notice in a crowded room. My eyes were big, my lips full, but they weren't the kind of features that made Enzo's jaw drop. Not like Alicia.

Exactly two years ago today, Enzo had texted me. Apologized for everything. Said he wanted to be friends again. I'd resisted at first. He'd hurt me. But eventually, I gave in.

I didn't really forgive him. I still wanted him. But he had Alicia, and I had nothing. No matter how hard I tried to act like I was over him, I wasn't.

Sighing, I turned to leave the restroom, but stopped dead when I saw Enzo standing outside. His eyes found mine, and I froze.

"Addi?"

My heart hammered. What was he doing here? I'd expected him to be dancing with Alicia.

"Enzo, I—"

"What do you think of him?" He cut me off with a grin, motioning to the guy standing beside him. "For you. To mingle with. You're the only one here without a date."

My stomach twisted. This was not happening.

"No, Enzo," I started. "I'm fine."

He didn't let it go. "C'mon. It's better than you standing here alone."

I shook my head. "I'm good, thanks," I mumbled, but he wasn't listening.

Enzo grinned again. "I dare you to kiss him."

I stared at him. "What? No."

"Why not?" Enzo's grin widened. "It won't hurt your boyfriend. It's just a kiss."

I could feel my anger rising. I grabbed his hand and dragged him outside the club, my patience running thin.

"What is your problem?" I hissed.

Enzo just shrugged, acting like this was no big deal. "I'm just trying to help you move on from me."

I stared at him, incredulous. "Move on? You're insane."

"Am I?" Enzo raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious.

I opened my mouth to respond, but Alicia's voice cut through the air like a blade. She stepped between us, shoving me backward.

"Social distance," she snapped, pressing herself into Enzo's side, glaring at me.

I wanted to say something, but the words died on my tongue.

"I was just warning him," I muttered. "About trying to hook me up with some random guy."

Alicia didn't even look at me. She just dragged Enzo back into the club, leaving me standing there, feeling completely empty.

What the hell was I even doing here?

I wasn't going to get any answers tonight. Instead, I found myself back at the bar, my mind spinning.

Then, a deep voice interrupted my thoughts.

"What's a gorgeous little thing doing all by herself?"

I turned to tell him off, but my breath caught when I saw who it was. Zayn. My fake boyfriend.

And he was unreal.

His jaw was sharp, his eyes bright blue, and his black hair tied up in a messy bun. I couldn't breathe for a second.

"Late, huh?" I muttered, trying to hide my shock.

Zayn just smirked. "Had some things to handle. But now I'm here. Let's get this party started."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I cleared my throat.

Before I could say another word, his hand clasped around my wrist, pulling me toward him.

"What the—" I started, but he cut me off. "Is that how you welcome your boyfriend?"

I blinked. "What?"

"Your ex is coming," he said, voice low, barely audible over the music.

I turned my head and saw Enzo approaching, weaving through the crowd.

Zayn's grip tightened. "We need to act like a couple. Quick."

The tension rose in my chest. This was a lie. A whole lie. But it was the only way out.

I stepped closer to Zayn, awkwardly trying to make it seem real.

Without warning, his hand slid to my waist, and he pulled me against him, so close I could feel every inch of his chest against mine. My body froze.

Before I could react, Zayn leaned down and kissed me.

Everything inside me exploded.

"What the...?" Enzo's voice came from behind me, full of confusion. "What's going on?"

I couldn't think straight. I pulled away from Zayn, my heart racing.

Enzo's eyes were wide, looking between us. "Adriana, why are you kissing my... brother?"

I blinked, my mind spinning as everything I thought I knew came crashing down.

"W-what?"