Chapter 5 5. A night to forget

Kelly's pov""""

Jesse's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "You know what you need? A night out. Let's go clubbing and forget about Augustus for a while."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Clubbing? Really?"

Jesse nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, really! We can dance, drink, and just let loose. You need to release some stress, and I'm happy to help."

I couldn't help but laugh at her infectious energy. Maybe Jesse was right. Maybe a night out was exactly what I needed to take my mind off things.

"Okay, you're on," I said, smiling. "But just for tonight, let's forget about everything and have fun."

Jesse squealed with excitement, already planning our night out.

Jesse rummaged through my closet, pulling out dress after dress. "No, no, no," she said, discarding each one. "We need something that screams 'I'm over Augustus'."

I laughed, feeling a sense of excitement build up. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Jesse grinned mischievously. "Totally. Now, let's find you a dress that'll make you feel like a queen."

After trying on a few options, Jesse finally found the perfect dress - a stunning red number that hugged my curves in all the right places.

"Wow, you look amazing," Jesse said, handing me a pair of heels.

I slipped on the shoes, feeling a sense of confidence wash over me. I was ready to take on the night, and Augustus be damned.

Jesse worked her magic with the makeup brush, enhancing my features with a few expert strokes.

"Your caramel skin tone is everything," she said, admiring her handiwork. "The way the bronzer brings out the warmth in your skin... you're glowing, girl."

I smiled, feeling a sense of pride in my appearance. Jesse's words were like a balm to my soul, soothing the wounds Augustus's hurtful words had left behind.

As I gazed at my reflection, I had to agree - I looked stunning. The makeup highlighted my best features, and I felt confident and beautiful.

"Thanks, Jesse," I said, giving her a hug. "You're a genius with makeup."

Jesse beamed with pride, and we were ready to take on the night.

The music was pulsating, and Jesse was already on the dance floor, waving me over. We took a break to grab some shots, and Jesse handed me a glass.

"To new beginnings," she said, clinking her glass against mine.

I downed the shot, feeling the liquid burn its way down my throat. I wasn't much of a drinker, and I could already feel the effects of the alcohol.

"Whoa," I said, stumbling slightly. "I think I'm in trouble."

Jesse laughed and grabbed my hand. "Come on, let's dance it off," she said, pulling me onto the dance floor.

The music was loud, and the lights were flashing. I felt like I was spinning out of control, but Jesse was there to catch me.

As Jesse made her way to the bar, I lost myself in the music, letting go of my worries and inhibitions. That's when I saw him - a handsome stranger with piercing eyes and chiseled features. He was built, and I couldn't help but notice the way his muscles rippled beneath his shirt.

I felt a flutter in my chest as he caught my eye and smiled. Before I knew it, he was dancing next to me, his movements fluid and confident.

I was in awe, my eyes fixed on him as we danced together. Who was this mysterious stranger, and why did I feel such a strong connection to him?

The music pulsed around us, and I felt like I was melting into his gaze.

As I danced with the stranger, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I'd seen him before. His features seemed familiar, and yet... different. Maybe it was the way he smiled, or the shape of his eyes.

I squinted, trying to place him. And then it hit me - he looked like Augustus, but different. The realization was jarring, and I stumbled slightly.

The stranger caught me, his hands on my waist, and I felt a spark of electricity.

"Hey, you okay?" he asked, his voice low and concerned.

I nodded, still trying to process the resemblance. Was it just the alcohol playing tricks on me, or was there really something familiar about him?

The stranger's eyes locked onto mine, and I felt like he could see right through me. I wondered if he was still playing games with me, trying to figure out what I was thinking.

The music pulsed around us, and I felt a sense of unease. Was I just a game to him, a way to pass the time?

I pulled back slightly, trying to read his expression. But his face was a mask, giving away nothing.

"What's your name?" I asked, trying to break the tension.

The stranger smiled, and my heart skipped a beat.

The stranger's voice was low and husky, sending shivers down my spine. "You don't remember me, sweetheart?" he asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

I felt a jolt of surprise. Did I know him? I racked my brain, trying to place him, but nothing came to mind.

"No," I said, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I don't remember you."

The stranger's smile faltered for a moment, and I saw a glimmer of something else in his eyes. But then, he smiled again, and I was left wondering if I'd imagined it.

The room was spinning, and I felt like I was floating above my body. The alcohol was definitely getting to me.

I stumbled slightly, and the stranger caught me, holding me steady. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, his voice sounding far away.

I nodded, trying to shake off the haze. But my head was fuzzy, and my legs felt like jelly.

I didn't see it coming.

Then I felt it-his lips on mine.

Soft. Warm. Unfamiliar.

Everything slowed.

My mind screamed a thousand questions, but my body stilled. I wasn't sure if I kissed him back. I wasn't even sure if I was breathing. The air between us disappeared, and in its place, a strange electricity hummed against my skin.

Who was he, really?

Why did this feel like a beginning... and an ending all at once?

When he pulled back, barely, just enough for his breath to brush against mine, my chest rose with the weight of everything unsaid. I could still feel the echo of him on my lips.

I wasn't sure what this meant. But I knew-nothing was the same anymore.

His lips crashed back into mine-no hesitation, no apology. Just raw possession. It wasn't a question; it was a claim.

The music behind us pulsed like a second heartbeat, but I barely registered it. All I could feel was him. His grip on my wrist was firm, urgent, but not painful, as he pulled me off the dance floor and into the dim corridor.

The moment we broke free of the crowd, the noise muffled, but the heat between us only grew louder. My back brushed the cool plastered wall as we moved, his mouth still claiming mine like he needed to drown in it. I tasted something wild on his tongue-whiskey, adrenaline, maybe danger.

"Where are we-" I tried to ask, but he silenced the question with another kiss. Deeper this time. More demanding.

He led me down the hall, door after door blurring past as if none of them mattered except one. My heels clicked against the floor, my breath hitching with every step.

I should've stopped him. Should've asked his name. Should've remembered who I was before his hands found my waist like they belonged there.

But I didn't.

Because in that moment, I didn't want to be careful. I wanted to be ruined.

And somehow, I knew... he would.