Chapter 1 Let him change you

Rae's POV

I wasn't supposed to say it out loud. But I did.

Sitting on the edge of Zara's bed, clutching a throw pillow like it could somehow absorb the embarrassment.

"I still haven't lost it," I muttered, eyes glued to the carpet.

Zara's head whipped around. "Wait. Still?! I thought you and Caleb-"

"Yeah, that's the problem." I groaned, sinking deeper into the pillow. "We tried. And by tried, I mean... he couldn't even get it in."

Zara's jaw dropped. "You're joking."

"I wish."

My face burned. "It was so awkward. He kept apologizing, saying he was nervous. I was overthinking everything. Then his mom called, and that was it-game over."

Zara blinked. Then she clapped a hand over her mouth.

And exploded into laughter.

"Oh my God, Rae. You sweet, innocent cupcake."

"Don't laugh! I'm traumatized."

"I'm not laughing at you," she said, flopping down beside me, still grinning. "I'm laughing at boys. You deserve way better than some nervous college guy who can't find his way around a conversation, let alone anything else."

I groaned louder.

"No, listen. I'm serious." Her voice dropped to that conspiratorial whisper she used whenever she was about to drag me into something reckless. "What you need... is someone who actually knows what he's doing."

I side-eyed her. "Define 'knows what he's doing.'"

"Someone older. Confident. Experienced. The kind of guy who'll make your first time feel like fireworks instead of a fumble."

I blinked. "That's not helpful."

Zara's grin turned wicked. "I have an idea."

Oh no.

Not again.

"Zara..."

"Shush. Just hear me out." She reached under her bed and pulled out her tablet. "It's called Club Obsidian."

I stared at her like she'd suggested skydiving without a parachute.

"What the hell is that?"

She tapped through the site like she'd done it a hundred times. "It's private. Super discreet. Invitation-only. A high-end spot where mature, successful people go for real chemistry-no games, no pressure. One night, one connection. You meet someone intriguing, feel the spark, and see where it goes. No strings, no awkward small talk the next day. Just... an experience you actually want to remember."

"You want me to hook up with a stranger?"

"Not a stranger. A possibility."

She turned the screen toward me.

The site glowed with dim, warm lighting-elegant shadows, couples in tailored clothes sharing quiet laughs over drinks, sleek black design that screamed luxury hotel more than anything sketchy.

My heart gave a traitorous little jump. It looked... tempting.

"Zara, I don't know..."

"Rae. You want this to actually happen, right? No more fumbling. No more guys who can't handle the moment." She sat up straighter, her expression turning serious.

"This is about you taking charge of what you want. You set the pace, you decide the boundaries, and you walk away knowing exactly what real connection feels like. One unforgettable night."

I bit my lip.

One night. No expectations. No labels. Just... a secret I could keep.

It was crazy.

And yet...

"I don't have an account."

"You will." She grinned. "I already signed you up."

My eyes went wide. "You what?!"

"Relax. Fake name: Riley Summers. Sounds mysterious and hot, right?"

"Zara..."

"And look-" She tapped again, triumphant. "You've already been matched. Someone saw your pic and was interested."

I blinked. "You sent them my picture?!"

"Just your face. Chill. I added some filters-you look like a total goddess." She leaned in, voice soft. "Do you trust me?"

I swallowed hard.

Did I?

Yes. Stupidly, completely, dangerously.

She grabbed my hand. "Then let me help you get ready."

~~~~

Ten minutes later, I stood in Zara's bathroom, staring at a version of myself I barely recognized.

A fitted black skirt that hugged my hips and ended mid-thigh. A sleek off-shoulder top in soft black fabric that showed just enough collarbone and shoulder to feel daring-no bra, because why not feel bold tonight? Cherry-red lipstick.

Hair loose and glossy over my shoulders. And around my neck, a delicate silver chain with a tiny star pendant that caught the light.

"I look like I'm ready for trouble," I whispered.

Zara leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, eyes sparkling with pride. "No, babe. You look like a woman who knows exactly what she wants-and isn't afraid to go after it."

I laughed, nerves bubbling up. "What if it's awkward again?"

She stepped closer, cupped my face gently, and smiled.

"You won't be dealing with boys this time. Trust the chemistry. Let it happen."

My phone buzzed on the counter. I glanced down.

Room 47 awaits you.

My breath hitched. This was happening. I was actually doing this.

Zara grinned as she'd just won the lottery.

"Now go," she whispered. "And don't come back until you've forgotten Caleb's name completely."

I turned to the mirror one last time.

Red lips. Wide eyes. Heart pounding like it was trying to escape.

In that moment, I wasn't just Rae-the girl who overthought everything.

I was Riley Summers.