Chapter 2 A NIGHT OF RECKLESS REVENGE

* "Another round?" * I was startled out of my reverie by Kenneth's voice, which broke through the soft murmur of music and conversation.

With the remains of my second whiskey sour clinging to the edges, I gazed at the empty glass before me. Even though I still felt a burn in my chest, it was little in comparison to the pain Derek's treachery had caused me.

"Yes," I said, sounding more composed than I had anticipated.

With his effortless charm on full show, Kenneth leaned comfortably against the counter and gestured to the bartender. There was something about him that attracted people without their conscious effort. His dark eyes studied me with an intensity that made my heart race as he turned back to face me.

"Tracy, you're quieter than usual," he stated in a playful but worried tone. "What's happening?"

Swirling the ice in my glass, I paused. Derek's closest buddy, Kenneth, was more than just a regular person. And yet here I was, drinking with him in this darkened pub. It wasn't prearranged. I had traveled aimlessly after leaving Derek's place in a rage and had finally found myself here. Additionally, Kenneth simply joined me when he saw me without asking any questions.

"Are you truly interested in knowing?" I looked him in the eye and asked.

"Try me."

My tongue was loosened by the wine as I gently breathed. "Derek cheated on me."

Kenneth's jaw tightened as his face became serious. "With who?"

I laughed resentfully. "A woman he says is only a 'friend.'" I shook my head, my rage stoked by Derek's lack of concern. "I have no idea why I am telling you this. You are, after all, his friend.

A thin line formed between Kenneth's lips. "Derek's my friend, but that doesn't mean I condone his crap. He has no authority to treat you that way.

My chest ached in a different manner because of something in his voice-an undertone of honesty.

Kenneth pushed one of the fresh drinks toward me as the bartender slid them toward us. "Here's to forgetting that jerk, at least for tonight."

I clinked my glass against his, the sound sharp and decisive. "To forget."

For a while, we drank in silence as the night's burden settled between us. Kenneth, however, wasn't one to let things go on for too long.

"So, what's the strategy?" With a cunning smile pulling at his lips, he asked.

I arched an eyebrow. "Make a plan?"

"Yeah." His words trailed off as he moved closer. "How are we going to make him regret it?"

I had not felt a rebellious flame in years until his words ignited it in me. "What do you propose?"

Kenneth shrugged, his grin widening. "A small amount of retribution wouldn't hurt, but I'm not advocating for a full-scale conflict."

I was surprised by the sound and chuckled in spite of myself. "And how does that look exactly?"

"Well," he said, his tone playful but his eyes serious, "we could start with making him jealous. Nothing too crazy-just enough to remind him what he lost."

I gazed at him, the thought both fascinating and horrifying. It was risky, impulsive, and utterly out of character for me. But maybe that was the goal.

"What do you have in mind?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

Kenneth's smile went evil. "Leave it to me."

---

After an hour, I was in Kenneth's svelte black vehicle, speeding through the streets as the city lights flickered. Through the open windows came the chilly night air, which smelled of danger and opportunity.

"Where are we heading?" At last, my curiosity overcame me and I inquired.

Kenneth responded, his hands calm on the wheel, "You'll see."

Derek and I used to frequent exclusive rooftop lounges for special events, and we drove up to one of them. As we entered, Kenneth took the lead and put a gentle touch on the small of my back.

The music was louder here, the bass slamming in my chest. The throng was a mix of well-dressed aristocrats and casual partygoers, their laughing and talk filling the air.

With a strong presence, Kenneth led me to the bar. I didn't mind that he ordered two drinks without asking what I wanted. I simply wanted to feel for once, not to think.

He handed me my drink and said, "Let's dance."

The idea of being on the dance floor made me pause. But before I realized it, Kenneth was guiding me into the throng because of his infectious confidence.

The beat was rushing through my blood, and the music was intoxicating. Kenneth walked with a smoothness that was both frustrating and captivating, his hands on my hips as he led the way.

For a time, I forgot about Derek. I put the hurt and treachery out of my mind. The music, the warmth of the space, and the way Kenneth's eyes never left mine were all that mattered.

With his voice low in my ear, he said, "See?" "Told you we'd enjoy ourselves."

I let forth a gentle, sincere chuckle. "You were correct."

However, the blissful time was fleeting. A familiar face caught my attention out of the corner of my eye. Derek.

He stood close to the door, watching us with an inscrutable face. Even if my heart stumbled, I didn't want him to see me fail.

"Derek is here," I said in a strained voice.

Kenneth tightened his jaw upon seeing me, and his eyes followed mine. "All right. Show him what he's lost.

Before I could react, Kenneth drew me closer, his hand moving to the small of my back. Now, his actions were purposeful, and his eyes met mine as if to suggest, *Play along.*

Yes, I did.

My laughing was louder than ever as I let the music take me and swayed in sync with Kenneth. Derek's eyes were burning into my back, and I could feel them on me.

As the song came to a finish, Kenneth went closer and kissed my ear. "You're doing fantastic," he whispered.

I turned to face him, my breath faltering at the proximity. "Is everything in line with the plan?"

"Perhaps," he murmured, his smile playful. "However, I'm having more fun than I anticipated."

Before I could digest his comments, Derek arrived, his countenance a combination of fury and surprise.

His voice was stern as he continued, "Tracy."

Kenneth took a defensive stance and moved between us. Derek, take a step back. She owes you nothing at all.

Derek shot back, his eyes tightening, "This doesn't concern you."

Kenneth's tone was calm but menacing as he answered, "Oh, I think it does."

The air crackled with unsaid threats, and the tension between them was evident. I looked around and became acutely aware of the increasing number of people watching us.

Taking Kenneth's arm, I murmured, "Let's go."

He didn't protest, so I was able to guide him away from Derek and the onlookers.

I didn't know I was holding my breath until we got to the street. "That was really intense."

Putting a hand through his hair, Kenneth laughed. "I think we left an impression."

My voice was weak but genuine as I laughed. "Yes, we did."

However, uncertainty started to creep in as the adrenaline started to wear off. Had I exacerbated the situation?

Kenneth's phone buzzed before I had time to think about it. His face hardened as he looked at the television.

"What is it?" I inquired.

He paused before responding, his voice low. "Derek. He's not done with you yet."