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Dante stands across the street, outside a Mediterranean restaurant. He’s not alone, though. Next to him is a woman. I’m seeing fucking red. Is this what he had to take care of today? Another woman?He used you. You’re nothing to him now.

I watch them as my blood boils. I’m going to fucking ki—

“Hey! What are you guys doing out? Omg, are you okay, Ev? I heard what happened…”

Nicolette comes up to the table and plops down next to me, tearing my attention off of the asshole across the street. Harmony sits down next to Astra. Why the fuck are they hanging out together? I thought they hated each other.

“Yeah. I’m great.”

She glances up to where Astra still stares.

“Oh, Ev… You didn’t fall for him, did you?” She fucking condescending. I clench my fist beneath the table.

“Stop. I’m fine.”You’re not fine.

“It’s okay… Mistakes happen…”

I turn to face her. My vision feels blurry and distorted. I glance back to see Dante left, and the girl is gone too. I return my focus to her, and I want to punch her in the face.Do it. She deserves it.

No. I can’t.

I stand to leave. Astra stands up with me.

“We’ll catch up later,” she says, hurrying out, following me as I storm out of the restaurant patio.

“Ev, wait up.”

“I need to go home.”

“Let me come with. I don’t have anything to do tonight.”

I nod, letting her follow me home. I need to do something. Something fucking reckless. I don’t know what.

* * *

Astra has been over, watching the Real Housewives with me, and we have drunk an entire bottle of wine so far. I feel like an idiot. How did I not see this coming? Of course, he would have some other women. He is the bad boy that women dream about.

Ever since Dante, I have found myself becoming increasingly reckless. He has pulled me into this world of sin, and unfortunately for me, I don’t want a life without the excitement. Nothing has made me feel more free. Nothing has made me feel so alive.

At first, I felt out of place, but I don’t think I knew the first thing about loving myself. I’m not ashamed, I don’t want to be innocent if it means going back to my boring life and my monotonous routine. I want to feel the adrenaline I felt in his presence. The rush I got from knowing he was always watching. That he might attack at any moment.Get revenge. Show him what he lost.

I always judged Astra for being adventurous, and now I realize what I was missing. I don’t think she’s a whore for having fun. Not anymore. Now I just feel like I missed out on some incredible experiences.Ones that you should make up for.

I’m sure there are tons of men willing to indulge in my dark desires. One’s that won’t need to have multiple women. I should have known. He is friends with Lucien, who is notorious for cheating. Astra didn’t give me a hard time.Because she has been there.

“Hey, I’m going to get more wine from the cellar, do you want anything?”

“I have an idea, “I say to Astra.

She raises her brow at me.

“We aren’t going to kill her, Ev—”

“No, it’s not about that,” I say, cutting her off.

“Oh.. well, I’m listening.” She smiles at me, sitting back down on my king-size bed.

“What if we go out for the night. We can go to Club Muse, it’s safe. Silas is always working, and I know they have surveillance and bouncers on site.”