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“Now, this is exactly what I needed.”

Elena laughed beside me, allowing the cool breeze to brush the bangs on her forehead. She was stunning tonight, as always. The rest of her frizzly brown hair was held up in a messy bun, and the teal dress she was wearing highlighted every inch of her full curves and enhanced the glow of her smooth olive skin.

It was funny how, years ago, we’d both been teased for being curvier than the average media-projected stereotypical girl. And it seemed now that almost every woman wanted a voluptuous figure.

Back in college, when I met Elena a few times, I yearned for how effortlessly flawless she was. Not only was she attractive, but her I.Q. and confidence levels were unparalleled, and it intimidated me to the point where I felt like I couldn’t measure up. But despite our differences, we somehow clicked, bonding over late-night pizza and study sessions.

And now, over time, we’d grown into two women who couldn’t get enough of our friendship.

“I can’t remember the last time I saw you this wild and free.”

Signaling the bartender, I rolled my eyes and moved the glass forward for a refill. “You call two glasses of Paloma wild and free? What happened to you? I thought four glasses were for beginners?”

“Hey, you know I’m still me. But you? Haze, you’re taking two shots. Two. When was the last time you went out with me to grab so much as a bottle of water?” I didn’t answer, and she gave me a curt nod. “Exactly my point.”

She wasn’t wrong. If it wasn’t Prima Care, then home it was. I couldn’t even recall the last time I went anywhere else after work, except grocery shopping. But that was one major difference between Elena and me: She was an absolute social butterfly, and I wasn’t. She could walk into any place with her head held high and mingle with everyone, even if she knew no one.

Like tonight, for instance. Her call came in right after I arrived home, and all she’d said was, “A friend’s throwing a party. It’s a new place in town, and I’m taking you there because I really want us to check it out. No excuses. Get ready. I’ll be there in ten to pick you up.”

I couldn’t argue; she didn’t give me the time to. But despite my reluctance to admit it, I knew I needed a break from the chaos of work and thoughts of Nathan to just recharge and focus on myself.

So, I got dressed and followed Elena to The Tavern. There, Elena confessed to not knowing the actual party thrower.

Thankfully, it wasn’t a high-class event, so entry was free, and we were spared any embarrassment.

Honestly, the place was cool. It still retained that new smell and buzzed with life. It stood on an open terrace, surrounded by glass railings that overlooked the city skyline.

Warm, golden string lights crisscrossed above polished wooden floors, and music pulsed through the space, a sultry jazz tune laced with a subtle electronic beat. It wasn’t too loud, just enough to make me feel comfortable.

Elena and I sat at a high-top table near the edge, where the breeze carried the city’s night air, cool against my skin. She leaned in, her green eyes gleaming under the lights.

“I know you, Haze. I know something’s up. You know I won’t try to force anything out of you, but I’m here to talk if you want.”

Flashing an unconvincing smile, I swung my head back to down half of my third shot. The instant taste was smooth, a perfect balance of sweet and strong. “I’m fine.”

I was trying hard not to ponder on the glaring fact that Elena and I were taking free shots at someone’s party. Someone who had no idea we existed. Someone we didn’t know.

“You’re fine? That’s fantastic! Can I interest you in some denial-based coping mechanisms?”

That tore a laugh from me, and I was close to choking on my drink. “Don’t pull the therapy thing on me, Lena. I’m—”

“Fine. I know. I heard you the first time.”

I fought hard not to spill my guts and empty the truckload of my worries on Elena, but my pit of frustration was full and overflowing. There was no one else I could comfortably share these things with.

I sighed, and she smiled, knowing she’d won.

“So…Nathan’s back.”

She gasped with joy and then looked at me funny. “That’s a good thing, isn’t it? Why don’t you look happy?”

“I am,” I groaned, running my fingers through my hair. “I am just bubbling with so much happiness because he’s closer now, at least for a few more weeks. I get to see him again, right? But lately, it just feels like…like we’re off. Emotionally. Physically. It’s like we’re going through the motions, but something’s missing.”

“Ah,” she tutted and took a swig from her glass. “So, you guys still aren’t fucking.”

Despite the chill air, heat spread around my neck. “A relationship is more than just that , Lena. There are other ways to connect, and with Nathan, you know that’s not an option for us.”

“But you’re still not fucking. And you desperately want to fuck.”

“Christ, Elena! Can you please stop using the f-word?” I mumbled. “It’s triggering.”

Elena leaned against the counter, stirring her drink lazily, a smirk playing on her lips. “Sounds like someone needs a little excitement.” She leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Why not explore other options?”

I scoffed, shaking my head. “Nathan and I are serious, and you know that’s not how relationships work.”

She took a slow sip of her drink. “Maybe. Maybe not. But one night of fun never killed anyone.” Her gaze flicked across the terrace, and I followed it.

There was a guy on the move, watching us intently. Tall and sharp-looking in a plain black suit, though I couldn’t make out his face from the distance.

Elena winked. “That one looks promising.”

I laughed, rolling my eyes, but my stomach did a slow, uneasy flip. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re frustrated.” She smirked. “Think about it. I need to use the ladies’ room.”

No, she didn’t. My friend was conveniently walking away to buy time for the stranger, and there was no time to yell at her. My back suddenly tingled in awareness, and my nose picked up the whiff of cologne.

The man appeared beside me and motioned to the stool Elena left vacant. “May I?”

I nodded shyly, toying with my glass while the stranger made himself comfortable. He had an aura around him, confident and dark, like a brooding knight that emerged from the shadows.

Up close, the mystery allure around him only intensified.

I found him charming. His dark eyes, thin lips, and pointy nose. The way he carried himself, the way he looked at me like I was the only person here—it was enough to make any woman feel special.

And yet, my insides twisted, a quiet unease settling in my stomach.

“Hi. I spotted you from a distance and couldn’t help but draw closer. The name’s Axel.” He held my gaze with an easy smile. “Do I have the pleasure of knowing the name of the damsel?”

I was sure my cheeks were scarlet already. Fighting hard to control myself, I mumbled, “Hazel.”

“A pretty name for a pretty lady.” Axel turned toward the bartender. “Mind if I get you a drink?”

My stomach repeatedly flipped, but I shook my head. “No, I don’t mind.”

“Great.” Axel’s smile stretched until his eyes were smiling, too. “You’re so beautiful. Has anyone ever told you that?”

Yes.

My boyfriend, to be precise, and he’s told me countless times.

A lump formed in my throat. What was I doing?

I forced a polite smile, gripping the glass a little tighter. “Excuse me,” I said, my voice smooth despite the uncertainty creeping in. “I need to freshen up.”

Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and made my way to the restroom. As expected, Elena was not there. She was probably on that terrace mingling with some random people.

The dim lighting and cool marble counters offered a brief reprieve from the swirling energy of the party outside. I placed my hands on the sink, exhaling slowly.

This was ridiculous.

Axel wasn’t trying to get to know me. Encouraging the conversation was only going to lead to one thing, and his eyes showed it: the lust-filled intent he had for me.

This wasn’t me.

I wasn’t some na?ve girl swayed by a handsome face and a charming demeanor. I had Nathan. Nathan, who had always been there, who sang the cheesiest song for me on my eighteenth birthday, who loved me and always managed to prove it.

I straightened, meeting my own reflection in the mirror. My eyes were teary, but I quickly dabbed them with my fingers to avoid ruining my makeup.

I smoothed the crinkles on my halter black dress, adjusted the sleek bun on my hair, and retouched the red lipstick before walking back out, resolved to politely dismiss the man.

Axel was still there, waiting on the stool and smiling at me with a fresh drink in hand. I tried to slow down my steps, but who was I kidding? I knew determination when I saw it, and he was determined.

I got close but didn’t bother hopping back on my stool.

He handed the glass to me. “It’s a negroni, and I guarantee you’ll love it.”

The confidence I’d mustered in the restroom fizzled out like a single flame exposed to brittle wind. Exhaling a nervous breath, I reached for the glass, and his fingertips brushed mine. The contact made my stomach churn, but I hadn’t figured out how best to tell him I wasn’t interested.

I was going to try, though. It was the least Nathan would expect of me: to defend what we had. So, I opened my mouth…and shut it again. Drinking up first sounded like a better idea.

What was it they said about alcohol? It gave false courage and false wisdom.

I took the glass to my lips, and…someone snatched it in a swift whoosh. “What the—”

Everything else happened in a blur.

Not a word. No warning.

Before a protest left my mouth, in a quick motion, the negroni got tipped over Axel’s head, and my eyes widened in shock at the horror as it seeped into his hair and drenched his face.

Another shocked gasp rippled through the bar, and I started to reach out to a furious Axel to apologize, but my hands froze midair, and I held my breath when I recognized the lunatic that caused the scene.

My Level One Code Red client.

Miron Yezhov.

***

“Oh, my God, are you crazy!” were the first words that flew out of my mouth the second we were outside The Tavern and out of earshot.

My heart was racing so hard that I was having trouble breathing. I wanted to smack the look of indifference off his poker face until he cared.

“What the hell is wrong with you? Why on earth would you do that to another person?”

I knew I’d skipped the most important question, which was what he was doing there in the first place, because I had to know if it was really therapy he needed or special care at an asylum.

After he’d gone ballistic by dumping a glass full of alcohol on Axel, he’d dragged me by my wrist through the ogling and murmuring crowd to the exit. But I couldn’t decide which bothered me more: Axel’s unwillingness to retaliate or how weirdly the party resumed like nothing ever happened after Miron whispered indistinctly into the ears of some men.

“What the hell is wrong with me ? I should be asking you that. You’re the one who needs to have better taste in men.”

I gaped, almost choking on my heightened annoyance. “ Excuse me? ”

My strappy mule heels were six solid inches, and still, I had to tilt my head far back as if I were stargazing. He towered over me, blocked out the rest of the world with his broad shoulders and rolled-up sleeves, and also had the audacity to smell so good that he could pass for something edible.

Blinded by rage, I still couldn’t help but notice—and be further infuriated by—how sinfully handsome he looked tonight. The blue in his eyes was clear, sweeping from my head to toe and back to my face, and the plain curve of his lips strangely called my attention.

He sounded angry, but looked far from it. “Axel’s a bastard. The only thing he can offer you is trouble. You should be thanking me.”

“Thanking—” I wanted to pull my hair out and scream. This man was fully insane. So, they knew each other, but there was no valid reason to justify what he did. “Did you say I should be thanking you? For humiliating someone who didn’t do anything wrong?”

I felt hot and cold at the same time.

Hot because no one else had managed in all twenty-four years of my life to rile me up as Miron did, and cold because I suddenly felt exposed before him. All my senses were on alert that I stood before him, not hidden behind the four walls of therapy, but bare, as a regular girl who could be anything else to him in this moment but his therapist.

Christ. I was losing it.

“Haze?”

I glanced over my shoulder to see Elena frantically waving me over. She looked worried, and her hair was a mess. The worried look on her face was my fault. The hair part? Definitely had someone else’s fingerprint.

However, her timing couldn’t be more perfect.

“Lena, I’m right here. Give me a sec, and I’ll be with you.”

Curling my fingers, I shot Miron a glare. “If there’s one thing you’re having from me tonight, it’s not an apology. Next time, don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong.”

And with that, I turned on my heels and walked away.