Chapter 1 1

"Are you really going through with this, Rose?" my best friend asked, eyeing me as I carefully applied a fresh coat of lipstick. The decision was made, I was going out tonight. Clubbing, of all things.

All thanks to my ex, who dumped me after two years because he suddenly decided I was too boring and not his type anymore. Funny how it never seemed to bother him before.

I felt the sting behind my eyes, the threat of tears rising, but I blinked them away. He didn't deserve that...not now, not ever. And I wasn't about to mess up my makeup over someone who clearly never saw my worth.

"I'm fine, Bella. Really. You don't have to worry," I said, raking my fingers through my hair to give it that intentionally messy, effortlessly sexy look. She was only concerned because she knew me well,crowds, loud music, alcohol... None of that was really me. But maybe that was the problem. Maybe I needed to change things up. Maybe he was right, and I was too stiff.

"It's just... it feels like you're doing this to prove a point to Derick," she said gently. And maybe that's what it looked like from the outside but the truth was, this had nothing to do with him anymore.

"I'm not doing this for Derick," I told her, my voice steady. "He's out of my life for good". This is for me.

"I just want to know what it's like to be wild for once. You could come with me, you know," I offered, noticing how anxious she looked.

Bella let out a frustrated sigh. "Trust me, I'd love to...but I've got a shift at the hospital tonight." Of course she did. Being a nurse meant her nights were often spent saving lives, not tagging along on impulsive clubbing adventures. So, it was just me tonight. Solo. But that was okay. Maybe I needed the space to let loose.

"Please don't do anything crazy," she said, pulling me into a hug before giving me a playful smile.

"Yes, ma'am," I teased, grabbing my bag and heading for the door.

"See you tomorrow!" she called after me.

"Bye!" I shouted back, just as I slid into the Uber waiting outside. I hadn't driven myself on purpose,if everything went according to plan, I'd be far too drunk to be behind the wheel.

I asked the driver to take me to The Cyclone, a chaotic, infamous club I'd only ever heard wild stories about. Something told me that's exactly where I needed to be tonight.

The line outside was insane...mostly kids who looked like they'd only just turned eighteen, hungry for their first real taste of nightlife. I didn't feel like waiting around. Tugging the neckline of my dress just a little lower, I gave myself a confident, sultry smile in the reflection of my phone screen and strode straight past the crowd.

The bouncer didn't say a word.

Just like that, I was inside.

The music hit me like a wave,loud, fast, and overwhelming. For a split second, I second guessed this whole idea. But no, tonight was about shedding my usual self. Tonight was about being bold.

As I pushed through the crowd, people were already losing themselves to the beat, some were drunk enough to forget what planet they were on.

I was just about to reach the bar when someone grabbed my hand. I turned to see a man who looked like he could barely stand.

"Dance with me, pretty thing," he slurred, pulling me against him. I practically crashed into his chest, instantly assaulted by the heavy stench of alcohol. Gross.

"Not tonight, sweetheart," I said, gently but firmly pushing him away before he could try anything else. I slipped into the nearest seat at the bar.

"Hit me with your strongest drink," I told the bartender, who raised an eyebrow in question.

I just shrugged. Why not?

The first shot went down rough,fiery and foul tasting. I winced. How people did this for fun, I had no idea. Still, I was here to let go. No overthinking. No rules. Just chaos.

As I glanced at the dance floor, the sea of bodies swaying under the flashing lights, my thoughts drifted straight to him. Was this the kind of nightlife Derick craved? Late nights, packed clubs, strangers bumping shoulders? We'd had our moments...sweet dates, quiet picnics, long walks in the park. I gave him all I could, so what more did he want? How did I go from being his person to suddenly not his type?

I used to ignore the way he double tapped bikini pics on Instagram like it meant nothing, but maybe that was always a red flag. Still, I couldn't believe he woke up one day and decided I wasn't enough.

And yet... Here I was, standing in the middle of a club trying to prove I was. No. I stopped myself. I wasn't doing this for him. This night,this version of me was for me.

Then I heard my name.

"Rose?"

I froze.

People always say speaking of the devil brings him to life, and apparently, that's not just a saying. Because there he was...Derick,of all people, in the same damn club, tonight of all nights. And he wasn't alone. A girl clung to him like she had to mark her territory.

I pulled on my most convincing fake smile and turned.

"Derick. Hi." I greeted coolly, silently screaming for him to walk away.

But of course, he didn't.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, clueless.

I almost laughed. What was I doing here? I should be asking him that. But I kept my voice casual.

"Just out for a drink with a friend. You?"

I already knew the answer. They weren't there for a quiet drink. They were going to get drunk, maybe do more, and it had nothing to do with me. Still, the fact that he even cared what I was doing? Irritating.

"I don't see how that's your business. You should probably get back to your... 'friend'," I said with a sharp smile. "I wouldn't want my boyfriend running into you here."

Where that lie came from, I had no idea. But I owned it.

His eyebrows shot up. "Boyfriend?"

"Yes. He went to the restroom. Should be back soon."

Derick looked stunned, which honestly made me want to grin.

"What, you thought I'd be crying in my room over you? Please. I didn't get a terminal diagnosis we broke up."

And just then, as if the universe had a sense of humor, a tall, handsome man appeared, walking toward the bar.

Without thinking, I got off my stool and walked straight to him.

"Hey babe, you took forever. I was starting to worry," I said quickly, keeping my voice low and my tone sweet. His face immediately showed confusion.

"Please. Just go with it," I whispered just loud enough for him to hear over the music.

Something shifted in his expression he caught on fast.

"Sorry, love," he said smoothly, "I left my phone in the car. Had to grab it."

Then he kissed me on the cheek.

I spotted Derick still watching, and the performance in me kicked up a notch. I pulled the stranger closer and kissed him full on the lips.

I meant it to be all show. Just to prove a point. But something about the kiss... didn't feel like acting. His lips didn't feel unfamiliar. They felt... right.

When we pulled apart, I looked toward where Derick had been, but he was gone.

And now, I was left standing with a stranger I had just kissed like I meant it.

"Do you kiss random guys like that often?" he asked, clearly amused.

I met his eyes for the first time, and everything slowed. They were striking...warm, intense, almost too much to look away from.

"I... didn't mean to," I said, though I wasn't even sure that was true.

He smirked. "I'm Ryan, by the way."

"Rose," I replied, still breathless.

And just like that, my night took a turn I hadn't planned for.