LOVE AFTER BETRAYAL

ver in my head, the lingering feeling of warmth from his presence fresh in my mind. I couldn't help but feel that som

calling, his voice leaving messages full of regret and constant reminders of all that was behind me, which I was trying to move away from. Still, the more

jumped into the deep

rink tonight? I nee

d back in less

e perfect sp

ek black top with dark jeans that hugged my curves. Applying my makeup, I caught a glimpse of myself in the m

gold. It was some kind of a hidden gem, with the location in one of the quieter parts of the Strip, without glitz and racket. Th

soft light. When he saw me, a wide smile broke across his face, and my heart did a littl

eted low, his voice invi

f," I replied in my coolest disinterested

e table against the wall. It was a warm, almost quiet yet lively atmosphere. Still wit

him further, actually being interested in the dude. "You sai

and I practically grew up in the kitchen with her. I always thought that one day I might op

at it. But what's stopping you? You've already

hrough my fears. It's easy to get comfortable in a job, even if it's

st time in so long, I am finally awakening from living in another person's shado

yes unbending. "That can be terrifying because you step out o

and strength with which we both bonded. I felt something grow deeper between u

y was running through my veins, and with every sip, I found myself

denly, his eyes glinting with mischie

ard past dance experiences creeping in, bu

d, standing and

usic coursed through my veins, and I released myself to the rhythm. Michael flowed like water, his body undulati

t myself in it. I felt his breath dance around my ear, the heat of his skin

ral," he whispered

ghter bubbling up like champagne. The room was electric with the energy and I re

ble, breathless and flushed. "That was amazing," I s

sparkling. "But I have to say, I'm more

ent warmed my cheeks. "You

enclosure. I could only shake my head, knowing full well I was drawn to him like a

ing?" Michael said su

id, my curio

t went down with Alex?" His eyes were se

"I guess I wanted to feel something again-something real. I thought ou

table, his fingers brushing against mine. "I'm gla

s of possibility. Emboldened by the moment, I leaned in

deeper. "Because I felt a connection to a spark tha

emories of the betrayal-everything were gone as I had his sole attention. And in his eyes,

hen," I said, my heart racin

As the night began to unfold, I could feel the weight of my past and it slowly started to lif