•Let go for the night / Foxes•
"Turn off the lights
Let go for tonight, baby"

I bite my lower lip hard, trying to focus on one of the hardest tasks ever – painting my fucking nails without a polish remover around.

You are a surgeon, for crying out loud, you can do this. Breathe in, focus, breathe out, don't smudge.

I narrow my eyes, my head tilting and cheek leaning on my knee as I finish my last nail. A sigh escapes my lips when I see it is all done in perfection. My toes wiggle, black paint shining against the sun. My foot is propped up on the metal chair I am sitting on, my leg close to my chest.

My other foot brushes the cold floor on the balcony. The sun is going down, the sky gaining a mix of colors, a deep purple reaching the horizon as the winter breeze sways my hair.

I pull my other leg to my chest, my arms stretching so I can check my fingers' nails. I smile, admiring my good work.

My head falls back as I hug my knees. I am only wearing a white knicker and a loose top. A yawn leaving my mouth. Victor dropped me off around 3am after ordering some food and stayed in the bookstore reading one book after the other.

However, I didn't have such good sleep this past night. Deep waters and loss of breath kept haunting me. I shut my eyes and clench my jaw, trying to avoid the memories.

Akira left a beautiful dress for me at the lobby this morning, what remembered me that I had agreed with her invitation for a fundraiser.

Victor also sent me a couple of messages – yes, I gave my number to him, it is not my fault, his dumb eyes tricked me. He asked if I was free tonight and a part of me wanted to say yes. Another part wanted to say no, wanted to cancel with Akira and wanted to go back to my own home.

I just want to be me again. To feel like a person instead of a broken doll.

My feet slip the chair, finding the floor again. I push myself up, my top brushing on my stomach as I walk inside the bedroom.

I have one hour left till Akira picks me up. I blow dry my hair, trying to create waves in my strands. I paint my eyes in nude and gold, a thin winged eyeliner giving an extra touch. My lips are crimson red, and a pair of black earrings fall from my ears.

The black dress hugs my body tightly, outlining my small waist and wide hips. A deep V-neck cleavage reaches the middle of my chest and long sleeves unfold in my arms. The hem brushes right above my middle tights, and the fabric carries sparkling straps. My high heels making the dress look even smaller.

Chloe would call this option a fancy slut-ish. It is gorgeous, classy. And it is skintight, revealing.

My hells echo in the wooden floor of the room as I clean the place, grabbing my small black purse as I walk out of the room, heading to the elevator.

''Wow, I knew this dress would be perfect for you,'' Akira says as soon as I walk out of the hotel, being embraced by the cold air. She grins at me inside of the black jeep. ''Ready for the main event of the year?''

I laugh while my fingers open the car's door. ''What is this event again?'' I ask, grabbing the seatbelt. She is wearing a white dress; the long sleeves have laces sewn on them and her long curls fall around her shoulders like a black waterfall.

''We have this huge hospital outside the town. It is the main hospital in the region, and it is also one of the benchmarks in cancer treatment nationally,'' Akira says, her eyes glued to the road. ''The town here has many old-money families, people who love some fancy night to gossip, drink and pretend they have good souls donating a little money to the poor sick kids or whatever.

''And I would go crazy if I had to continue only writing small, silly articles for the magazine here. So, I decided to start something fun.'' She tries to laugh casually, her fingers holding tight the steering wheel.

''You are the one that arranged the event then?'' She nods, confirming my question. ''It is amazing, Coco.'' She groans, her eyes rolling, but I can see the smile forming on her lips thanks to the nickname.

''What have you been doing in my lovely town?'' she asks, looking at me in the corner of her dark eye.

I play with my rings, biting my lip before opening my mouth, ''You will go crazy,'' I start, making her eyebrows furrow and an amusing smile spread on her lips. ''I have been seen the same arrogant and full of himself owner of a bookstore guy.''

She laughs, her shoulders shaking. ''Wait, seeing as in...'' Her eyebrows wiggle when her head turns to me for a second.

''Wait. What? No!'' I quickly say when I realize what she is implying.

She chuckles, her curls bouncing on her shoulders as we drove away from the town. ''I am betting one hundred with Rhys. Please have sex with Victor only in one week. Not one day before it, okay?'' My mouth hangs open with this last statement, my hand hitting her straight in the arm. ''Hey! Don't harm the driver.''

''You are way too blunt. You know that, right?'' She simply lifts one of her shoulders, an innocent smile opening on her plump lips. ''And it is not going to happen. So make a new bet if you don't want to lose your money, you perv.'' We giggle, my fingers brushing the cold window as we enter dark roads, the stars in the sky lighting up the way.

''Now, let me tell you all about my jerk of an ex. Thank God it is an open bar. Of course it is an open bar; I organized it after all.'' I snort as she vents. ''I will need alcohol in my blood to survive this night. But let me start in the beginning, I was in high school...''

Her words guide us through the road. My eyes trailed on her as her face frowns and twists, our laughs filling the air. It is nice to realize I am not the only one drowning in complicated feelings. All my friends stopped telling me their problems back home, treating me like the broken doll I am. But for the first time, someone is treating me like a normal person again.

And all I can think is that this is going to be an interesting night.

🩺🩺🩺

The place is huge, chandeliers falling from the high ceiling and round tables all over the wooden floor. White lights illuminate the ballroom as people dressed in formal clothes walk around. Champagne glasses tinkle and a jazz song echoes in the air.

It is fancy. Cinderella fancy. And my stomach twists as I fix my dress and comb my hair, bringing my waves to my collarbones.

We walk down the stairs, Akira smiling at some people and gossiping about everyone. We are in the biggest city in the region, a half hour away from CampoBello. Apparently, all this region is still dominated by old rich families and people here really love a wealthy event.

My long earring brushes on my neck as we walk further in the ballroom. Our heels cracking against the wooden floor.

''You are always late, aren't you?'' a deep voice says behind us, making me and Akira stop. I turn, finding Rhys and a blonde guy staring at us.

''I needed to make myself the prettiest here. It takes time, you know?'' Akira fires back, smiling and throwing herself in Rhys' arms. I notice how the blonde man looks at her, his blue eyes shining.

Rhys whispers something to Akira, making her swallow hard. His eyes then turn to me, a casual smile adorning his face. ''And you convinced the new girl to come too. It will be fun.''

''I feel like I am entering into a cult or something right now,'' I bounce on my heels with the three of them staring at me, but they all break into laughter.

''They are both freaks. Don't mind them,'' the dirty blonde guy says, a smirk opening on his lips as he admires my body up and down. ''Aiden.''

My eyes find Akira, observing how she scoffs while Aiden flirts without a care with me. He is the ex, the stupid-son-of-a-huge-bitch-small-dick-with-mind-blowing-oral-jackass-Aiden, her words.

''Elena.''

''Hot name for a hot girl.''

Akira groans and Rhys shakes his head, his hand smacking Aiden's shoulder. I steps closer to Akira as she crosses her long arms. I lightly elbow her side, making her smile.

''Hey, guys. Did you know they are serving shrimp? This shit is so fancy. I am almost glad for bein-'' My head snaps towards the new voice, being meet with chocolate eyes.

Victor cut himself when he notices me. His body stoping, looking between the other three people and me. I blink a few times as I look at my side, finding Akira wearing a sheepishly smile. My eyes narrow at this sight – this little biatchy.

''Hi, Vicky. Have you met Elena?'' she says perkily, her tone carrying amusement mixed with a challenge.

He holds her stare for a couple of seconds before his eyes find me. His features soften and, instead of most men here, he doesn't look down at my body, his eyes trailed at my face.

Rhys chuckles, making us all snap towards him. Aiden is trying to understand what is going on, his eyebrows furrowed.

Victor sighs, walking towards Akira and me. His head shakes, but he still opens an amused smile. His hand finds Akira's neck, bringing her to his chest. His arm goes around her waist as she stays stiff, gradually melting in his embrace.

My stomach twists at the sight. This is not making any sense.

''Don't worry, new girl,'' Rhys's long arm surrounds my shoulders. ''These two are siblings, our man continues free for snatch.'' In the first second, my mouth hangs open, my brain processing the information. It sinks and I laugh.

Victor does a handshake with Aiden, both whispering something as their eyes find me. The latter opens a smirk while Victor slaps his head, his chocolate eyes finding my figure. Rhys steps forward, greeting his friend and leaving me behind.

I put some strands of my hair behind my ear as Victor walks towards me. Just like the other guys, is wearing a tuxedo, his body perfectly outlined by the black blazer.

He swallows, his smirk adorning his lips. ''My sister is such a brat. I am sorry for her,'' he says playfully, easing the tension between us.

''She is a sweet brat. And a good company to get wasted with too. I think she is the one that should apologize for her cocky brother.'' He laughs as my body relaxes around him.

His fingers find my arm, his body leaning down. His skin brush against mine while he kisses my cheek. His lips linger on my epidermis and my eyes close, enjoying the tickling our contact causes.

I release a breath when he steps away. His fingers slid down my arm, leaving a warm trail behind.

We head towards the other three, and an easy conversation starts. I feel so dumb for not realizing Akira actually knows Victor more than just an acquaintance from the same town. They all laugh at my expense, and she hugs my side trying to apologize.

She was adopted at a young age, but I can tell it doesn't change any bit their relationship. They are close, even though I can sense she is uncomfortable with something. I ask if everything is okay, but she dismisses my question, grabbing champagne for us.

Rhys, just like the other night in the bar, is calm. Aiden is louder, joking more with Victor. The three of them have known each other since forever. And Vic seems more relaxed in their company, his finger brushing against my body – my hand, my back, my waist – a couple of times as he is right by my side in our small circle.

We enjoy ourselves and I feel comfortable around them pretty easily. I notice some people staring, and I make a mental note to ask about it to Akira later. Other than that, the hours run by, my mind finding peace.

The champagne is amazing and they really are serving delicious shrimps.

In the middle of the night, some speeches are held. Thanking people for being here and all their contributions to the hospital and the cancer treatment. A sob video plays in the end.

My hands tingle, missing my hospital. I down the rest of my glass in one sip, feeling the sparkling liquid running through my body.

Apparently, I am not the only one that does it. Akira drinks a whole new glass, her head shaking in the end. ''I need fresh air,'' she says, her voice breaking. Victor sighs, trying to get to her, but she raises her hands, throwing a harsh stare at her brother before walking to the exit.

''I will talk to her,'' Aiden speaks, his fingers rubbing his jaw. ''I won't be a jerk, promise,'' he quickly adds when Victor narrows his eyes at his friend.

Rhys throws us a smile before saying he will call his wife, leaving the two of us alone in the middle of the room. Victor closes his eyes, his shoulders dropping. His finger pinches the bridge of his nose, and I find myself squeezing his arm, my thumb drawing circles against his blazer.

''I am sorry. Small town drama or whatever,'' he whispers as he looks at me.

''Is there something I can do? Talk to her or I don't know,'' I say lowly, my eyes tracing each inch of his face.

He shakes his head, inhaling deeply. ''Can you just stay for a while?'' I squeeze him tighter, nodding. His features start softening once more and I know I won't get anything from him right now. I have a sense that he, just like me, want to just feel normal for a couple of minutes.

''You look very agent-ish tonight, 007.'' He snorts at my stupid remark, his nose wrinkling and dimples showing. My chest sparkles with fireworks, happy that I was able to make him feel better.

He steps in front of me, making me walk back, hitting a table. ''And you look...,'' he seems a little lost for words, making me hold my breath, ''Absolutely stunning.''

''You know,'' I say, clearing my throat, my eyes burning. ''You have amazing self-control. Aiden stared at my boobs in the first five seconds.''

He rolls his eyes, smirking. He steps closer, and I have to look up to stare right into his eyes, pulling me in.

''Trust me, it was a hard task.'' His breath hits my face as our noses almost touch. His eyes slowly going down, trailing each of my features till my chest, and then rising back at my irises.

I swallow, my breathing at a fast pace. His fingers find my arms as he looks at me like he is actually seeing me. The whole me – and I get scared that he will see my cracks.

People stare and whisper, making me feel even more uncomfortable, bad memories coming back. I can tell by the way he has inhaled sharply during all the night that he also doesn't appreciate the attention.

Without second thinking, I suggest we get out of here. And his eyes sparkle, slowly nodding.

''Please, let's eat some real food. I have heard your stomach grumbling all night long.'' I hit his chest, making him stumble back, opening his damn smile.

He texts his friend and Akira, tucking his cell phone back in his pocket right after. And, naturally like we have done this before, his hand finds mine, pulling me with him through the ballroom.

Our fingers intertwine, a warmth running up my arm, infecting each of my cells throughout my body. My heels echo on the wooden floor as we walk fast, my hair brushing my back.

I see the bartender leaving the west bar empty  and I pull Victor back. He looks at me, his eyebrows furrowing. ''Give me one second,'' I whisper shout to him, cursing myself for letting go of his hand as I walk to the bar.

I look at both my sides, checking if anyone is noticing me. And in a quick move, my arms go above the counter, my fingers grabbing hold of two bottles of champagne and bringing them to me.

I start turning back, but my eyes find a box on top of the counter, at my left. I leave the glass bottle on one of the stools as I reach my purse grabbing a couple of money bills and leaving them on the donation box.

Feeling quite good with myself, I grab the champagnes again. Victor is shaking his head as he looks at me, his eyes shining against the bright lights.

I find Akira staring at us on the other side of the room. She winks at me, mouthing ''one week'', making me laugh. I roll my eyes, tossing one of the bottles into Victor's arms.

''Run,'' I say. And we both run towards the stairs, soon reaching the cold breeze in the street once more. His free hand finds mine again, guiding me as our laughter fills the air, our breaths shallow.

I follow him to his car, knowing that right now, I would follow him anywhere.

——•:•——
HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE CHAPTER. DON'T FORGET TO VOTE. THANKS FOR READING

•Any suggestions or thoughts?

- Gosh, now we have other characters with their own secrets and mysteries.... things will get more interesting

This chapter is dedicated to MoMich9393 for being here since the very beginning. I love your writing and I love you

[Sneak Peek 14: our couple all alone... let's eat, drink and forget the rest of the world]