Chapter 2~Forgetting about hm
1203 Words
Ashley’s POV.
It’s been a week since I caught my husband in that life altering affair. Dani has been the best, really. She picked me right up, cursed Jasper out and held me the whole night while I cried.
Honestly, I saw the signs. I knew he was cheating but I had no clue who it was and no evidence to confront him. So I stayed silent.
“Helloo, earth to Ashley!” Dani waves her hand furiously at my face to grab my attention. Seems like I lost track of time and spaced off… again.
Dani stands between my body on the couch and the rolling TV. “That’s it, you need to pull yourself together, Ash. You can’t keep moping around all day in your PJs and eating junks.” She tries to clear the mess on the couch to create space to sit.
“Tell you what,” there’s a mischievous glint that sparkle in those green orbs and I'm dreading what’s about to leave that girl’s mouth.
“Whatever you’re scheming, dead it.” I say, plopping another spoon of ice cream in my mouth.
“I know you’re hurting right now, but a night out is exactly what you need, we’ll drink, we’ll dance and you’ll forget about that cheating ex of yours.” she says excitedly.
“Nope, you’re just looking for an excuse to get wasted.”
“Maybe, maybe not. But babes, you need to get out of this house and move your bodyy.” Dani gets up and attempts to break dance for more emphasis.
I stare at my beautiful friend who’s full of life despite what she's faced with her abusive parents. Daniela Owen was a petite firecracker with a big personality. Her messy brown hair is streaked with bright coloured pink that adds to her edgy look. Her infectious giggles and bubbly spirit got to me.
“I don’t know… I just feel betrayed and hurt. I don’t think I’m ready for a night out yet.”
“That’s exactly why you need a night out! You can’t let him win, girl. You need to show him you’re stronger than that. Plus, who knows, you might even find someone hot to make you forget all about him…” she wiggles her brows “at least for a little while.”
Ardent as usual.
“You’re crazy, you know that right? But I love you for trying.”
“That’s what I’m here for. Now let’s get you glammed up and smoking for tonight. We’re painting the f*****g town red b***h!”
I throw my head back and laugh genuinely for the first time in weeks, at how crazily excited she is and get up. “Okay, fine, but if I end up crying in the bathroom all night, don’t say I didn't warn you.”
“Deal! And if you end up hooking up with someone hot, don’t say I didn't set you up,” she smirks deviously.
I groan and make my way to the bathroom. “What have I gotten myself into.”
Dani throws her head back and laughs in response. “We’re getting f*****g wasted!”
````
The pulsing lights and thumping music surround me. The bass reverberates through my very being. Dani yells something at me, something like “let loose girl” and takes off with a handsome stranger.
The air is electric, charged with the collective energy of the crowd. I feel alive, yet detached. The rhythm seemed to match the turmoil in my mind, the beat pounding out the anger, hurt and betrayal. But with each step, each movement, I begin to feel loose and let go.
Allowing the music to wash over me, carrying my worries away. For a moment, I was free, swaying my hips to the melody and bobbing my head. I need some liquor.
I make my way to the bar stand and plop down, making my boobs bounce dramatically. For a second I thought they were gonna fly out of the second skin Dani calls a dress.
Tonight feels nostalgic in the most endearing sense. Being married to Jasper meant I had to give up clubbing every other Friday night with Dani. This… This is electrifying!
My outfit is bold. It doesn’t just turn heads, it demands attention. The fabric of the mini dress hugs my waist and exposes some skin on my belly from the crisscrossed lace. It flares slightly at the hem in a sheer pleated mesh.
My heels, courtesy Dani, are jet black and strappy, adding length to my toned legs. I have a silver choker adorning my neck as an accessory. Nothing too much. I feel confident and I stride unapologetically.
The bartender grins as he wipes down the counter. “Well damn, what can I get you tonight, beautiful?”
He looks easy on the eyes, can’t lie. Slick back dark curls and a cute dimple on his left cheek.
“Something strong, I’m not here to sip and drink.” I tell him truthfully, resting my elbow on the bar
I came here to forget about my scum ex as the divorce is being finalized.
“Got it. You look like a Tequila kinda girl. Fierce.” he smirks and pulls out a bottle.
“Yup. no salt, no lime. Just the booze and I.”
“Rough night or just trying to forget someone?”
“Maybe both. Or maybe I just like the burn,“ I shrug nonchalantly.
“What’s your name?” he asks
“Catching feelings too soon now are we?” I tease
“Sweetheart, you’re stunning, but unless you’ve got a six-pack and Y chromosome, I ain’t biting.”
“I’m Ashley, and you are?” I giggle.
“Levi, baby.” Levi smirks and slides my glass of tequila. “Here’s to burning whatever bullshit's in that curvaceous chest,” Levi says and turns to attend to another customer.
“Cheers to that.” I whisper to myself, already missing the warmth of our little conversation.
“Well that last line sounded sad.” I turn my head around to where the voice came from.
And goddamn, a flipping god is sitting right beside me.
He sits with the kind of presence that makes the rest of the room blur. Jet black hair, a little tousled like he’d run his hand through it too many times. His features are sharp and chiseled. And his eyes—a piercing shade of ice grey, stares intensely right back at me.
He doesn’t smile.
Doesn’t need to.
The quiet confidence in the way he sits, shoulders relaxed, one hand resting casually on the bar, says enough.
A black shirt hugs his frame, sleeves folded just high enough to reveal the trail of a tattoo that slithered from his neck, disappeared under the fabric, then reemerged across his forearm in dark intricate lines, wrapping around the strong veiny arm I wish could wrap around my body.
He looks older and everything about him screams danger and very off-limits. But f**k, there's also something about him that’s terrifyingly magnetic and I very much want to get railed by this breathing sin.
- Writer
