Chapter 2 Dahlia's Pov

As I stepped out of the bathroom, the soft click of my heels echoed through the hallway of the house. The house. The one thing my brother and I had left of our parents. It wasn't much-just a small, old house filled with memories of a life that was no longer. But it was home. And for Delijah and me, it was enough.

The dress I'd picked out was simple yet striking. Red, spaghetti straps, and a slit that ran up the side, just enough to catch the light with every step. I'd always been the kind of girl who didn't need to be flashy, but tonight? Tonight, I was feeling daring. The dress clung to my curves in all the right ways, and I couldn't help but feel confident as I glanced at myself in the mirror.

I made my way downstairs to find Delijah on the couch, still absorbed in his laptop. When he looked up, his eyes widened, and I couldn't help but laugh at the look on his face.

"Woah," he said, his eyebrows raising, "you look...wow."

I grinned, doing a little spin to show off the dress. "I'm not going to prom, you know," I teased, making my way to the door.

Delijah chuckled but quickly recovered. "I mean, seriously, you look great," he said, his voice a little softer, though his eyes were still on me.

I grabbed my purse and slung it over my shoulder, glancing at my brother one more time. "I'm just going for a few drinks with Stacy. It'll be fine."

Delijah's face turned serious for a moment. "Don't drink too much, okay? And stay away from guys. I don't trust them."

I couldn't help but laugh at his overprotectiveness. "I am your big sister, Deli. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

His eyes narrowed slightly, and he crossed his arms over his chest. "Stay safe, okay? I can't trust you with Stacy. You two together are the worst combination."

"Yeah, yeah," I said, rolling my eyes as I reached for the door handle. "I'll be fine. I'm not a kid anymore, you know."

Delijah stood up, walking over to me. "Just... be careful. You know I worry about you." He gave me a small smile, even though his concern was clear.

I smiled back and leaned in for a quick hug. "I'll be back before you know it. Promise."

As I stepped out the door, I gave him one last wave. Delijah wasn't the type to show a lot of emotion, but when he did, it meant everything. I could tell he cared more than he let on, and that always made me want to protect him even more.

I could already hear Stacy's car pulling up outside. Tonight was going to be fun. And maybe, just maybe, I needed this break.

Stacy pulled up to my house in her flashy car, and I could already feel the excitement buzzing in the air. I stepped out, locking the door behind me, and as I approached her, she rolled down the window with a wide grin.

"There you are!" she said dramatically, as if she hadn't seen me in years. "Girl, I swear, I've been DYING without you. Like, literally. How am I supposed to function without my partner in crime?"

I laughed, rolling my eyes as I slid into the passenger seat. "Girl, we saw each other yesterday at the café. You're being dramatic."

Stacy shrugged nonchalantly, tapping her fingers against the steering wheel. "We haven't gone out in forever. It's been too long since we had some real fun, you know?"

I raised an eyebrow, glancing over at her. "Well, we're doing it now, so what's your point?"

She smiled, clearly not ready to drop it. "Point is, you need to get out there more. Have some fun. I mean, girl, it's been months since you broke up with Blake. You've got to meet new guys! You're beautiful, and every guy out there would be lucky to have you."

I sighed, the mention of Blake still stinging a little. "Stacy, I'm not looking for anyone right now. Besides, Blake isn't worth my time, like you said."

"Exactly," she said, a hint of sass in her tone. "So let's just forget about him. He's history, and you're way too good for him anyway. Tonight's about you. You need to get back out there, enjoy yourself. Have fun. Meet someone who appreciates you."

I could feel the tension in my shoulders start to relax at the thought of letting go for the night. "Alright, alright. I'll try to have fun, but don't expect me to flirt with every guy who walks by."

"You say that now," she teased,

As Stacy pulled up to the club, I couldn't help but think about how much she'd done for me over the years. Sure, the rent wasn't an issue since the house had been our parents', but Stacy had been there for me in so many other ways. She'd helped me with little things-like groceries, or when I was too tired to cook, she'd bring over dinner. She would offer financial support when I refused to ask anyone else. She was always looking out for me, and I hated to admit how much I depended on her.

"Come on, Dahlia," she'd say when I protested. "Let me help. You've been doing everything on your own for so long, it's time someone else takes care of you."

I never liked accepting her help, especially when she was so well off. But somehow, she made it feel like I wasn't a burden. She just wanted me to have a little peace of mind.

And then there was the VIP treatment she always managed to pull off. As we reached the entrance of the new club, "Crimson Eclipse," Stacy flashed a grin. The bouncer barely glanced at us before opening the ropes, letting us through. "I told you, babe, I've got connections," Stacy said, her voice laced with confidence. "VIP access, every time."

"You and your connections," I teased, impressed as always.

"Hey, somebody's gotta make sure you get in without a fuss," she winked. "Tonight's about having fun. Let's get you a drink, yeah?"

We entered the club, and immediately the loud music, flashing lights, and the energy of the crowd hit me. The place was buzzing with people, and the atmosphere was intense, but in a good way. The bar was lined with people, and a cute bartender caught my eye. He was tall, with messy dark hair and a smile that could melt anyone.

"See that?" Stacy whispered, leaning toward me. "That's Jake. He's new here, but I'm pretty sure I could get him to notice me with one look."

I rolled my eyes, knowing she was already sizing him up. "You flirt with every guy in here, Stacy. Just don't get us kicked out, okay?"

She gave me an exaggerated wink, "Relax, I know what I'm doing."

We grabbed a couple of drinks from the bar and found a spot on the dance floor. The music pulsed through my veins, and I couldn't help but start moving to the beat. I let myself relax, laughing with Stacy and just enjoying the moment. It felt good to be out, to be alive. For a little while, I wasn't the responsible older sister or the girl who had just gone through a painful breakup. I was just Dahlia, out with her best friend, having a good time.

As the night wore on, the drinks kept coming, and Stacy's flirting seemed to become more and more evident. It wasn't long before she was already chatting up a few other guys, clearly in her element.

"Having fun yet?" she shouted over the music, her arms thrown around a guy she had just met. "This is what we needed, Lia!"

I grinned back, more relaxed than I had been in months. "Yeah, I think I'm starting to enjoy myself."

Just as I took another sip of my drink, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change. The night was still young, and I had no idea where it would lead.

The club was alive with music and chatter, but something about it felt off as I watched Blake laughing and flirting with a group of women. My stomach twisted at the sight. There he was, acting carefree and happy, like he hadn't destroyed everything we had. He was the last person I wanted to see tonight, but somehow, there he was, living his best life without a care in the world. I didn't want to care, but the knot in my chest only grew tighter.

Stacy must've noticed my change in mood, because she quickly slid over beside me, her arm around my shoulders. "Ugh, that guy's a total dirtbag, Lia," she said, her voice low but full of disdain as she stared at Blake. "I can't believe you ever wasted your time on him. He's an idiot. He doesn't deserve any of your energy, and you sure as hell don't need to be thinking about him tonight."

I sighed, trying to push away the anger, but it lingered. "It just pisses me off how easy it is for him," I muttered.

"I know, babe. But you're so much better than that," Stacy said, squeezing me tighter. "He's the one who lost. Look at him-bouncing around like he's still on top of the world. But what did he really lose? Nothing. What did you lose? All that love, all that time. It's his loss, and we both know it. Now get out of here, go have some fun. Drink, dance, flirt-whatever you need. But don't you dare waste another thought on that jerk. You deserve better."

I looked at her, nodding slowly, the alcohol already making me feel a little lighter. She was right, as always. Blake didn't deserve my anger. And maybe... just maybe, it was time I let go for good.

"And hey," Stacy continued with a mischievous grin, "how about you meet someone tonight? A new guy. Have some fun. You're beautiful, Lia. Every guy in here would love to take you out."

I hesitated for a moment but then raised my glass to my lips and downed the rest of my drink. "You know what? Screw it. Let's do it."

I didn't even realize how much I'd had to drink until my head started to spin. But with every shot, the boldness surged. I was laughing, carefree in a way I hadn't felt in a long time, no longer worrying about Blake, no longer questioning my worth. I scanned the VIP section, and then I saw him.

A man who made everything else blur into the background. He was tall, with sleek black hair and piercing grey eyes that seemed to look straight through me. His chiseled jawline could have been carved by gods, and his body... Greek god material, like he'd stepped right out of a dream. His shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and a few buttons were undone, giving just enough of a peek at his sculpted chest.

He wasn't like anyone I'd ever seen. And I couldn't help it-I was drawn to him.

I approached him without thinking twice, my steps more confident than they'd ever been. "I don't believe we've met," I said, flashing him a bold smile.

He looked up, his gaze locking with mine, and I could practically feel the heat of his stare. The hint of a smirk tugged at his lips as he spoke, the Italian accent thick and intoxicating. "I don't think so. But I must say, it's a pleasure now that we are acquainted."

I could feel my heart race, the alcohol making me braver than usual. "The pleasure is mine, I'm sure," I replied, my voice more flirtatious than I'd intended.

"You're... different," he said, his eyes sweeping over me in a way that made my pulse spike. "Let's go somewhere a little quieter, shall we?"

I nodded without hesitation,I wasn't thinking straight, a small grin forming on my lips. "Lead the way."

As we moved to leave the club, Stacy waved from across the room, a mischievous look in her eyes as she caught my gaze. She knew exactly what was happening, but I didn't care. Tonight was for me.

And with that, I followed him out of the club.

As they stepped out of the club, the cool air hit their skin, but she barely noticed, too focused on the man walking beside her. His presence was magnetic, and his Italian accent had sent shivers down her spine ealier. He led her to a sleek black car, opening the door for her like the gentleman he was, but there was an undeniable tension I was air an energy that hum between them.

Once inside, the world begins to fade away. His hand brushed against hers, igniting something within her. The moment he leaned in to kiss her, his lips were warm and urgent, deepening the kiss in a way that left her breathless. The heat from his body pressed against hers, and for the first time in a while she felt wanted, truly wanted.

"You look.....incredible" he murmured against her lips,his voice thick with desire.

Dahlia's hear raced, and she couldn't deny the pull towards him. She had been through so much, but now, at this moment, it felt like the world was finally giving her something she craved. She kissed him back with equal fervor, her hand roaming to the button of his shirt, eager to feel him more.

By the time they reached the hotel, she could hardly think straight. Her mind was clouded by the rush of desire that flowed through her. As the elevator doors closed behind them, the atmosphere changed almost electric. He pressed her against the wall, kissing her again, this time with more force, as if trying to claim her in the most intimate way.

Her breath hitched, and she felt the rush of anticipation flood her body. For all her fierceness, all her independence, she wanted this, wanted him. His hands were were gentle but commanding as he undid her dress, sliding it off her bodyweight a careful attention to detail that made her pulse quicken.

The room was dark, the only light coming from the streetlamp outside, casting soft shadows across the wall. They barely made it to the bed before the intensity between them reached its peak. Clothes were discarded, and in the silence of the room, it was just them_two souls lost in the heat of the moment.

As their body entwined, Dahlia felt something she hadn't in a long time_ powerless, but in the best way. This man knew exactly how to make her feel more than she had ever allowed herself to feel before. He guided her, pleasure building with each touch. And in that moment, all her worries, all the pain of the past, fades away, replaced by the overwhelming of being desired, cherished even, in a way she never thought possible.