CHAPTER ONE
- HAZEL -
It's our anniversary today. Tristan and I are finally celebrating being one year together and he told me he has everything planned. All I need to do is meet him at the hotel. One of the best in the city.
It's hard getting a reservation there. One has to apply and wait for months before a space is available. I blushed, walking out of the flower shop with a bouquet. I dipped my head in it and inhaled. The floral scent mix makes me feel even better.
That shows how much he cherishes us. I'm still hyped about the whole thing and can't wait to tell Kate about it.
I'm sure my phone will be buzzing with messages before I arrive at the hotel. Kate is my childhood friend and best friend. We planned to attend the same campus and follow the list we wrote as kids of how we want our lives planned till I met Tristan. That didn't change anything between us, but we're far apart in different states because now, Tristan and I are in the same university.
Bad choice, I know, but how could I resist going to school with my hot boyfriend? It was like a dream come true for me, fulfilling my pinterest desires while doing couple stuff? How could I say no?
A buzz from my back pocket diverted my attention and my hand reached out to it. Pulling my phone out. My thumb swiped to the side and I picked the call.
"Uh, hey Theresa? What's up?" I asked, supporting my phone to my ears with my shoulder while trying to balance my purse, the shopping bags and the flower bouquet in my hand.
"Seriously? Don't tell me you forgot." Theresa asked. I heard a pop from the other end and I could tell she was chewing gum.
"Forgot what?"
"Patty's show?"
"Uh.." I tried to remember, running my eyes at the sky. What show?
"Her stage performance at the opera?"
Oh wow. That seems huge but I can't remember. When did Patty sign up for a show? When did she become a dancer?
"Hazel! The one we signed her into a month ago and forced her to attend rehearsals." Theresa beamed and I gasped, pulling my hand on my lips. Because the bouquet was in my hand, it slapped my face and I choked on some flower petals.
I cleared my throat trying to remember. "How late am I?" I croaked, rushing to the traffic light. I pressed the button and waited for it to flash green, meaning passengers can walk.
"Thirty minutes early." Theresa sassed.
"Good. Text me the address and I'll be there!" I cut the call and held my phone to my face. I got the address notification and put it on my map. Calling an uber. He'll be here in ten minutes. I rolled my eyes and groaned. Just great! I huffed and slid my phone in my purse, having a meltdown. Patty will kill me if I am late. Theresa said we signed her into the show! How could I have missed this? I looked at my outfit. It's not bad, it just doesn't scream I-am-cheering-for-my-friend-on-her-big-day. But it'll do. It has to. I pulled my phone out of my purse, checked the time then dipped it back in. I really need a watch but my outfit really needs a make over.
Ugh! I don't have time to go home for a quick change. I tapped my toe on the floor impatiently. The traffic light is still red. Come on, come on, how long does it take to make cars halt already? With annoyance I kicked the stand with my boots and regretted my decision instantly.
My face reddened and I puffed my mouth with air to avoid screaming. I don't have time to wail, I need to get to Patty. To my advantage, it worked and I rushed to the other side of the road, walking in front of the restaurant I set my location in. I dug my hand in my purse and checked my phone. The uber will be here in seven minutes. Maybe I'll grab a take away bite for Patty. It's a good reason to explain why I'm late and my little apology. Plus the flowers! I cleared my throat and walked into the restaurant. My foot hurts, but this is my little punishment.
*
I snuck into the auditorium.
Oh my God, it's crowded!
I searched my online ticket and looked around to find my seat. I almost choked. Of course it's like Theresa to book us the front row. I made my way there and sat.
"Lucky you. The show was delayed." She grinned, filing her nails. Theresa studied me for a second. I know she checked out my outfit. "Classic." She murmured, taking her attention from me as music blared from the stage. I shrugged her reaction off and averted my gaze to the stage where the dancers made an entrance in their tutus, looking like white daisies.
So I'm not late, that's all that matters.
*
The opera rose into chaos at the end of the performance as an uproar of applauses resonated through the walls. This has to be the classiest, and most interesting ballet show I've watched. And Patty was the star. I can't wait to meet up with her. I glanced at my phone screen.
Then quickly catch up with Tristan. My cheeks reddened. I had no idea how late it had gotten. Our dinner starts in an hour but he hasn't called yet.
At least this gives me time to actually get ready for it and put on something nice.
Patty walked out, holding a napsack.
"Patricia!" I called, waving my have amidst the crowd hoping she'd see me or at least heard me. I called her name again, yelling this time. I caught her attention alright, but she's looking around like a lost duck.
I frowned. "Behind you! Look behind you!" She did. For some reason, that got my temper to rise. "Your left Patricia!" She turned to her right. I slapped my forehead with my hand. "No. The other left... your right..... Patty!" With frustration, I walked up to her and tapped her shoulder. "Hey!" She flinched before turning.
"Omg, you made it! Heyy!" Patty sighed with relief, pulling her arm over me. "I thought it was a thief."
I giggled, she literally thought if someone wanted to mug her, they'd approach her in broad daylight? Cute.
"I watched your show." I said and handed her the flowers and snack. "It's probably cold right now, but I hope you like it."
The first thing Patty did was inhale the flowers. "Thank you Nut. Where are the girls?"
Haha, okay, today, I'll let it slide. My friends sometimes call me 'Nut' because my name is Hazel and there's a thing like hazelnut. It's a boring joke but what can I say to change it when they've set their mind on it?
"They're with Theresa, grabbing a snack. Ivy couldn't make it though. She got held at work but said she'll buy a copy to relive the moment." I don't know why I added that, but to get attention about my near lateness driven from me, this is my best shot. It's petty, but petty can be my middle name. My phone buzzed and I checked the time.
"Omg, Patty, I'll text you later, sorry for leaving this way, let's have a sleepover at your place tomorrow night, I'll fill you in!" I said and dashed out of the opera. My Uber just arrived. It
's finally time for this girl to get ready and have the night of her life!
Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
- HAZEL -
I got out of my bathroom in a short pink robe and newly styled hair. I did it myself. I obviously spent more time fixing my hair than washing my body and I won't be surprised if I'm late. My eyes scanned my room decorated with scented candles, I can feel the love already.
Laying comfortably on my bed is an opened box of clothes, accessories and heels he wants me to wear. Tristan left it with a note.
Put this on for me tonight. I'll pick you at nine.
- Love Tristan.
Just rereading that sent butterflies to my stomach. What's not to love about him? Who wouldn't want to be me at this moment? Just beside the gift box, is my phone. I sat on my bed, grabbing my phone. As expected, it's swarmed with messages and missed calls from Kate. I haven't even left yet and it's ten minutes to nine.
I won't rush. It's not lady-like to do so. I'll make him wait. After all, men crave a little bit of delay from their love interest, right?
I picked up the jewelry box and walked to my queen sized, makeup mirror-desk-cabinet. I held the necklace to my neck and tilted my head up, adoring it. He knows what I like and how to give it to me. It's one of the things I love about him.
I gently took off my robe and slid into my dress. My love ignited while dressing up. It's a perfect fit and he didn't leave the price tag nor label. Unlike other men, he's not boastful nor cheap. I checked the time on my watch. 21:30.
I tapped my phone screen gently. He's not here yet. Why is he not here yet? His letter said he'd pick me. Thirty minutes has passed yet I haven't received a text from him. He's meant to be here. I shouldn't be agitated about my anniversary. It's meant to be the other way around. Unless he wants me too.
My brows furrowed. Taunting me is his thing. I don't like it, but he does.
Should I go over to his place?
And ruin the fun? I'll pass.
Wouldn't that put him on his toes and make him fall in love with his impatient girlfriend more? Or this is just my indecisive ass voicing my thoughts? I bit my lower lip and stared at my phone.
21:45.
What if he forgot? Or got stuck in his room and can't get out? Or his car is broken? Then he will use an uber. I groaned in frustration.
Ha! He could be stuck in traffic. But that's why we have cellphones. To communicate. I'm loosing my mind here!!
I got a text from Kate.
'How's the date going? Taken a bathroom break to adjust your lipstick yet?'
I rolled my eyes and smiled, marking it as read.
'Gurl, if you leave me on read, I will storm right there.'
Tempting, but no.
'He's not here yet. Waiting to be picked.' I texted her back.
'Who are you? Cinderella? Lost a shoe? Get an uber bitch, it's 2023.'
Isn't that desperate?
'And come out as a cock hungry bitch? I'll pass.'
'You are though. You legit followed a cock and left me in uni!' I laughed out loud reading her text.
It's true. And since when was I shy? Since it came to him.
'Haha, very funny.'
'Fact tho. Lmao. Now go meet your man and feed me gossip. I live for it.'
(Translation; Lmao - Laughing my ass out. Tho - Though.)
And this is all the motivation I needed. The universe was giving me a sign and I am going to grab it!
'Calling a cab rn. Ttyl.'
(Translation; rn - right now. Ttyl - Talk to you later.)
'Way ahead of you sissy. It arrives in fifteen minutes. Thank me later.'
I think booking with my phone would've been way easier and shorter but what can I say? I do love a free ride.
At this point, I don't care if I'm being pushy. I need to meet him first. Hopefully, he's not on his way here and we miss each other because it'll be hilarious. Hot yet hilarious.
I ran across my room to my wardrobe and put some flats in a tote bag. Just in case. I can never trust heels.
*
I tapped my fingernails on each other, agitated as the uber came to a halt. We're in Tristan's home. His parents are out of town so he has the mansion to himself. My heart is beating so hard I can hear it. Seeing the glass walls of his mansion had me remember that night. When we first started dating and I gave myself to him. My cheeks burned as I made my way to the front door. I have a key. I call it girlfriend privilege.
Tristan railed me on that window. I remember it like it was yesterday. My first time. Who knows? Tonight might be another crazy ride on his bed. Something I'd very much love.
I stepped in and shut the door gently, heading to his room. The house looks empty. I always wondered how he could live here alone but he was chill with it.
I can yell his name to find out if he's here or surprise him, it's totally up to me. I'm choosing the latter. I crouched to take my shoes off and dropped it on the small glass table by the sofa in his living room and walked up the stairs. My fingers swayed up the railing, giving me flashbacks. It was here too. He took me in his arms gently, taking me up the stairs while devouring my mouth with his tongue.
My legs quaked and I cleared my throat. A night with Tristan does this with someone. He leaves whoever he's with entirely captivated. I know this because I knew his ex. The story spread back in highschool that everyone he dated never forgot him and still wanted more. He is a reckless lover. The best kind.
He knows how to love and when to give it. My breath hitched. As I stood at the top of the stairs, my mind ran wild with memories. How he slammed my back on this wall and broke my choker.
How I moaned when he fingered me flooded my mind and I rolled my eyes. Just the thought is driving me mad. I can feel the heat brew in my body and hear myself moan. Is this actually possible? My imagination is too vivid that it has my pussy pooling.
Now my moans are loud. My eyes widened and I came back to my sense.
Except.... these aren't my moans. It's someone else's. My throat tightened with dread. I felt my mouth go dry, following the sound.
Could it be that he's cheating on me? I questioned myself, walking slowly to his room. I would rather it be porn than my earlier thought.
It's our anniversary today. He wouldn't do that to me. He told me he loves me. He sent a dress. Then despite all this why am I doubtful? Because I know him. Or knew him. The signs were evident but I didn't listen to myself.
I could never meet up to his expectations. Or could I? Why do I always imagine the worst of things in a dire situation?
Tristan must know I'm here and he's taunting me on purpose. The ends of my lips twitched. Forcing a smile.
The moan got louder and I heard a familiar voice gasp the words. "Oh, Tristan. Yes! Keep going."
Did I hear wrong? Is he replaying tapes of our nights together?
He wouldn't hurt me. Not on our anniversary.
His room door was open and a smile formed on my face. As expected, he was doing this on purpose. A red cloth was on the floor and the closer I got, I realised it is my lingerie. The one he got me.
That dick had me worried for a second. For a very long, devastating second. I'm still going to surprise him, without running forward.
I took my time, carefully sneaking to his room on my tip toes. I pushed my head out first to peak in and my smile turned to a frown when I saw him and her.
Anger. I felt the dreadful taste of anger sweep through my mind and the only thing that rang in my head was murder but I'm not that fearless bitch who'd stab a cheating ex.
This time, I wish I could be.
Tied to his bed with her eyes blind folded is Ivy. On top of her is my boyfriend, fucking her on his bed.
Using my sex toys and putting on my lingerie. How disgusting are they? I wanted to leave but not like this. I don't want to have a lying man sitting next to me for dinner smiling on our anniversary like he didn't just fuck my friend. I ran-walked to his room and picked up his ps5, disconnecting it from the switch and hit him.
Tristan growled, falling down from the bed. I should've hit his head and Ivy's. Whomping his back wasn't enough to quench my anger.
"Hazel..." He breath, looking deep into my eyes.
Ivy pushed the blindfold off her face. She has a worried look written all over. "Hazel, I-"
So this was why she missed Patty's performance? To fuck my man? "Don't." I muttered, staring at her, now I looked at Tristan. "Don't come near me or say a word. We're done." I said and walked away.
"Hazel-" Tristan called. What did he think?! That I'll go back to him?! Accept him with open arms and thank him for sleeping with my friend? Not anyone else but her? Ivy? One of my closest friends? That manipulative slut! My heart is burning so much that I can't breathe. "Wait, don't go."
Hearing him speak annoyed me and I crashed his ps5 on his smart TV. Throwing every device on the ground till I was certain they are destroyed beyond repair. I could be fined for destruction of property but at this point, I don't care.
"Fuck it! Fuck you Ivy! Choke on every man's cock you see because one isn't enough for you!" I yelled with tears in my eyes. I don't want them to see me cry. That's the least I want. In fact, I don't want him to think his actions affected me at all.
I took off his jewelry and ripped the dress in half, now, the previous long dinner dress is torn shabbily above knee length. I threw everything on the floor. "Don't bother following me." I said, obviously hurt. "It's just sex. I will be a freaky bitch who'll get all the sex in the world tonight." That was unnecessary but I was just that hurt. I won't bother crying. Not now. Now ever.
I stormed out of his room then down the stairs and picked up my phone and shoes. I received a text from Kate.
I was too angry to reply her and scrolled through my contact list on my chats instead.
I texted Theresa. 'Babe, remember those guys we hung out with that night at the grill?'
She was typing. Thank God, she's online. 'Yeah why?'
'Anyone of them ready to hang out? My friend needs a date.'
'Lmao. Sure. Here are their contacts.'
Theresa sent me some JPEGs and numbers of five people. I knew I could count on her!
I studied the photos of every man whose contact she shared and one in particular caught my eye. He was the closest to Tristan at the grill that day. Perfect.
He's just the one I want. If only I had tinder, this would be perfect. Actually no, then he'd know who's texting.
I sent him a message. He responded. If luck isn't on my side tonight, everyone I need to text are active.
Me: Hi.
Him: Who are you?
Me: We met at the grill. One of Resa's friends.
Him: Okay. Why the unexpected text?
My lips formed a grin.
'Are you free tonight? I would really love to talk over drinks.' I texted.
He responded. I was nervous at first that he would decline because I am being such a needy pig. I didn't even look at his name before texting him.
Him: Sure. Where?
A grin formed on my face and I texted the address. 'See you there.' I added then ordered a taxi.
I can't If I can't have Tristan, then I'll fuck his friend.
Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
- KILLIAN -
I was going through some folders on my desk when I my phone screen beamed with a notification. My phone is on silent but that dim glow caught my attention and I picked it up while pinching the bridge of my nose.
I got a text from an unknown number. A client maybe. Or the vice chancellor.
I unlocked my phone and tapped the notification.
The person texted me 'hi'. I don't know if whoever it is doesn't know how laughable this is. Getting a text from an unknown number is one thing, no introduction after that text is another. I've been busy sorting out files tirelessly all day, so maybe this could be a good distraction.
I responded. Personally, I'm not interested in the least, but I want to know if someone needs to get some work done and why this person was dumb enough to text with his or her actual line.
I held my phone in my hand and exhaled, staring at the screen.
'We met at the grill. One of Resa's friends.'
I read. That piqued my interest. It's normal for women to fawn over me. I just never expected anyone to message me this quickly.
I replied back. 'Okay. Why the unexpected text?'
'Are you free tonight? I would really love to talk over drinks.'
Straight to the point. I like that. I guess I don't have a choice but to accept this invitation. It's rare for a lady to get me intrigued enough to reply more than once. Hers was short yet good.
'Sure. Where?'
I received the text faster than I blinked. Reading the address, I smirked. She wants to talk over drinks in a club? I chuckled. What an interesting yet readable person. Giving out what she wants without begging.
'See you there.' She texted again and I dropped my phone. Resa's job at the grill party was to invite only females so I know it's a lady. Now I wonder if she's an interesting one. Maybe she's more fun in person.
I took off my reading glasses and relaxed my back on my office chair comfortably. Tonight will be my night off. I can worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. With a stretch, I texted my agent and stood up.
*
- HAZEL -
I bit my lip while sitting at the bar. He's late. Very late but I'm half drunk anyway so I don't care. I whisked the glass in my hand slowly, enjoying the curl of the whiskey in it then drank.
A sharp exhale left my lips as I drowned everything down my throat at once. At this point, I might get laid even before he arrives but that would be so wrong.
I am beautiful and hot. I know the effect I have when I walk into a room. I know men want me. The trick is submitting to none, while feeding their eye desires. At least, in a place like a club. But none of that matters tonight. Because tonight, I have my eyes on one man. And that is one of Tristan's closest friends.
My brows furrowed as I ordered another drink and dropped a tip on the counter. Submitting my heart to someone got me shattered. I don't ever want to feel this pain again. Not even after I heal.
"Make that two." A deep voice echoed in my ears as a man leaned over me, taking my card back. He gave it back to me along with my tip and made himself comfortable on the stool beside me. "It's on me." He said with a smile.
My heart dropped. His cologne filled the air, suffocating me in a way I enjoyed. I studied his form. The man's hair is perfectly styled, nothing too much but decently attractive. He has thick, brown eye brows and lashes and a straight nose. Then his jaw... it's chiselled to perfection.
I ran my eyes down his body. I don't even want to begin to talk about how broad his shoulders are. How yummy he looks in that suit. I want to rip it off. I want to see him naked.
I blinked, trying to get him out of my head.
Oh my God. I knew he was alluring from the photo but I didn't know he was this alluring. I also did not give him much credit earlier. How did I not notice someone like this at the party? Was I blind?
By that cheater's love, yes.
"Killian. A pleasure to meet you." He didn't stretch his hand out like I expected. I could tell he does not want to be friends. He wants more. A grin formed on my face. I wonder, just how much more.
"Hazel." I said, tilting my back forward while stretching my leg out, playing with the counter stand. Giving out an alias would've been smarter but I want my name to ring in his mouth after we're done. If he wants to have his way with me.
Our drinks arrived and my attention was directed at the bartender. I have to come off as uninterested as ever even though I'm practically stripping him naked in my mind. I cleared my throat and held the stem of my glass. Killian took a sip from his.
Watching his throat vibrate as he swallowed makes me needy. I pressed my thighs together. I am supposed to be sad. Enraged even, but this man takes every negative energy away from me. I like that but it's shocking. Deliciously shocking.
"So, talk."
My brows creased. "Excuse me?" I forced some whiskey down my throat to cover this up. I did text him to meet me up to talk.
Killian has a smile on his face. That made my knees go weak. He leaned his hand forward and took my glass from me. "Permit me to say this, you're wasted. Don't have more." He said.
Oh my God. So he's a gentleman and a charmer. My heart raced as his hand got near my face. He stroked the end of my lips with a lazy finger covered with a handkerchief. Since when do men go to clubs with that? I'm getting charmed even more. I giggled.
"Cute."
Killian stopped. "I'm anything but cute."
I laughed. On a normal day, I won't do that but it's the alcohol working, I'm powerless to it. To my surprise, he didn't get offended. "You definitely are cute. Your face, eyes. Nose. Even your hair." I reached out to dip my hand in his hair and slipped. He caught me. Holding me in his arms. Killian sat me back gently.
"You've had so much to drink."
I placed my elbow on the counter and rested my cheek on my folded wrist. "Cute and a gentleman. The killer combo." I giggled. I feel free. Loose. Happy. Light headed. Alcohol does work. Or maybe my emotions are heightened because of the pills I ingested. What can I say? Clubs always have drug dealers and I was pained enough with so much money to spare.
Killian was quiet.
It was then I was partially self conscious. I thought I put on something worth gazing at but he hasn't studied me once. I have sized him these last few minutes at least five times.
"Another drink please." I said to the waiter.
"Hold on with that, please." He commanded and I was cross. We just met physically a second time. He doesn't have the right to do that.
"Please, one more." I said to the bartender, the man sat beside me with my eyes.
"I said no."
What kind of buzz kill did I choose to hang out with tonight?
"Or what? Not going to offer to buy me a drink?" I teased, leaning forward to take his glass. "I can buy my own drink." I added, lifting it to my lips and emptied the contents down my throat.
My head felt dizzy after. I am high and drunk. I laughed, reaching out to my purse on the bar counter and it slipped out of my grip, falling on the ground. A body reached down to pick it.
My pussy pooled when his arms brushed my thighs. They're strong. I blame how I am seated but there are other ways to retrieve my purse without getting between my legs.
I'm not putting on underwear and just knowing he's there made me cautious.
"Here." He said, handing my bag to me. He didn't stand however, his hand rummaged around my feet.
He helped buckle my shoe. Killian's hands feels nice on my skin. I'm sure he didn't do it on purpose but my eyes rolled back in my sockets when his hands slid up my legs.
"I do admire a cute man." I taunted, trying to get on his nerves on purpose.
Killian looked at me, trapping my arm between his fist. "When I get my hands on you, it wouldn't be so cute. You'll retract your words."
My words hung in my throat at his words and my heart skipped a beat. What is this eye contact? It's penetrating and fierce and it burns through my soul. I felt a heat I doubt he experienced too. It's a shame. The one person I want to fuck so bad with and without vengeful intentions doesn't find me attractive at all. And I doubt he ever will tonight.
Killian got up. "Can you walk?" He asked and I shook my head. "Can you stand?"
That was another question and I hate questions but something about his tone made me want to answer.
Makes me imagine how dominant he can be under the sheets. I shook my head again. "Do you remember your house address?"
I looked at him and exhaled. "No." My voice was like a whisper. Killian sighed.
I feel terrible. Am I being stressful? Why does what he thinks about me suddenly matter? I felt devastated and managed to stand. My feet are wobbly and I ended up falling on his chest instead. It was accidental, but I could stay here forever. I pushed my body backwards, maintaining my composure with a grin. Standing, I realised how much taller and bigger he is compared to me.
"Forgive me for this. But I'm taking you out of here." Killian put his suit jacket around me, raised me up, held my purse and walked me out of the club. The good thing is, no one paid attention. The bad thing is my heart is fluttering and I'm a fragile lady going somewhere at night with someone I barely know to a place I don't know.
Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I don't know but this feeds a fantasy and I love it.