The Secret Baby

Flashback: The pounding beat of the music was like a drug, coursing through Emily's veins and making her heart race. She looked over at her friend Rachel, who was grinding up against some guy she'd just met, and took another sip of her drink. It was only her second one, but she already felt a buzz creeping up on her. "Hey, Em, loosen up!" Rachel shouted over the music. "It's my freakin' birthday!" Emily rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. She'd promised Rachel she'd come out and celebrate, even though this grimy club was not her scene. The flashing lights, the sweaty bodies, the overpowering smell of booze - it was all too much. But then she saw him. He was like a god among mortals, standing tall at the bar with a chiseled jaw, piercing eyes, and a look that screamed danger. Emily felt her pulse quicken as she gazed at him from across the room. He looked like he belonged in another world - a world of power and mystery, where anything was possible. Rachel nudged her with her elbow, following her gaze. "Oh, yeah, he's definitely hot," she said, grinning. "You should totally go talk to him." Emily snorted. "No way. He's probably some conceited jerk who thinks he's better than everyone else." Rachel shrugged. "Or he could be the love of your life. You'll never know if you don't try." Emily rolled her eyes again, but the seed was planted. She found herself stealing glances at him all night long, even as she tried to act like she didn't care. But then he approached her at the bar. "Hey there," he said, flashing a smile that could have melted steel. "I couldn't help but notice you over here. I'm Jack." Emily's heart skipped a beat. Was this really happening? Was she really talking to the most gorgeous man she'd ever seen? As the night wore on, Emily and Jack explored each other's bodies with a hunger that was both intoxicating and terrifying. She knew it was a mistake, that this was a bad idea waiting to happen. But at that moment, she didn't care. Present Day: Emily sat alone at a table in the club's corner, trying to forget the memories flooding back - memories of Jack's touch, his scent, his voice. But then she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Jack standing behind her, that same smirk on his face. "Well, well, well, look who it is," he said. "Fancy seeing you here." Emily tried to keep her cool, but her heart was pounding. "Yeah, funny how that works," she said. They chatted for a while, catching up on each other's lives, but Emily could feel the tension building between them. She knew she should run far away from Jack, that he was nothing but trouble. But she couldn't resist. "Let's dance," he said, taking her hand and leading her onto the dance floor. As their bodies moved together to the rhythm of the music, Emily felt herself getting lost in the moment. She knew it was a mistake, but she couldn't help herself. Jack had a hold on her she couldn't break - and she wasn't sure she wanted to try.