ChapterFive
372 Words
CHAPTER FIVE
Strip Bar and Lounge, Los Angeles
Emily’s POV
He watched me as I stood against the wall, like he didn’t want to miss a single movement. My heart was racing, and I hated how much I wanted him to notice.
“I thought you were going back to your friends,” he said quietly.
“I was… I just needed a minute,” I mumbled, looking anywhere but him.
He stepped closer, but not too close. Just enough to make the space between us feel electric. “Rough night?”
I shrugged. “Celebration night, actually. Got a job today.”
His eyebrows lifted slightly. “Congrats.”
“Thanks,” I said, my voice smaller than I wanted.
“You’re welcome,” he said, a tiny smile tugging at his lips.
Something about that smile made my stomach flip. I wanted to hate it. I wanted to tell myself I shouldn’t feel this way. But I couldn’t.
“I should probably go back to my friends,” I said, trying to sound casual.
“Or we could get a drink,” he suggested. “Somewhere quieter.”
I hesitated. I didn’t know why I didn’t say no. Something about the way he said it, calm and patient, made me trust him, like he wouldn’t hurt me, even if everything in me was telling me not to go.
“Okay,” I whispered. “One drink.”
We walked back into the lounge. The music felt softer here, the lights warmer. He ordered something smooth for himself. I just asked for water, but he didn’t make me feel small for it.
We talked, about nothing but about everything. He listened like he actually cared about my words, like they mattered. I laughed at something he said, and he watched me with a look I couldn’t name. It made me feel seen,really seen, and terrified all at once.
At some point, our hands brushed. I froze. His thumb traced my skin lightly. My breath caught.
He leaned closer, and I didn’t pull away. His lips found mine. Slow. Gentle. Careful. Not rushed.
I felt safe. And alive.
“Come with me,” he whispered.
I didn’t think. I just followed him.
- Writer
