16. Sienna

Chapter 16

Sienna

While I had always loved my job and owning a Pilates studio, it had also become a sanctuary. Since I was stuck living with Colby, being here was the only place he wouldn’t bother me. Although, I couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking about back at the penthouse. He seemed overly lost in thought as he peered out at the skyline. I almost felt bad for being such a bitch to him, but he deserved it for putting me in this kind of position and refusing to let me go.

This afternoon, I had a short break between my noon class and the following one that started at four, so I spent most of it looking through the monthly schedule and debating whether to add additional classes throughout the week to keep me out of Colby’s path.

As I sat at the front desk, eyes glued to the computer, I caught myself spinning the wedding ring on my left hand as if out of habit. Glancing down at the ring, I pressed my lips into a hard line, taking in every detail from the black raw cut stone in the center—which I was confident now was obsidian based on how it looked in natural lighting—and the four round quarter-carat diamonds that enhanced it along the white gold twin band closely resembling vines. Why would he choose a ring like this for me?

The front doorbell chimed, and I looked up, shoving my hand under the desk and out of sight.

“Are we in a better mood today?” Chyler entered the studio, dropping her gym back on one of the benches, and approached the desk.

“That all depends on what a better mood consists of these days…” I mumbled, propping my elbow on the counter and resting my chin in my palm. “I moved in with him…” I gritted out through clenched teeth.

“Excuse me?” She gawked. “You did what?”

Releasing a long-held sigh, I dropped my face into my hands.

“I moved in… with him… this morning,” I whined in hopelessness, digging my nails into my scalp.

There was no lying to her; she would figure it out eventually. Chyler always seemed to have a knack for getting the information she wanted from people, and I was no exception. Although right now, I wished I was to save the embarrassment and shame that came with it.

“Oh, Sienna…” Chyler sighed, stepping around the counter to wrap her arm around my shoulders. “I think someone needs a drink.”

“Drinking doesn’t solve anything; drinking is what fucking got me here in the first place.” I gave her an incredulous look as I shook her off of me.

“I didn’t say it would solve your problem.” She clipped. “But if you must know, I’m graduating early and leaving at the end of the week. This is my last night to party with you and Jessie before I leave.” She crossed her arms over her chest and arched a brow. “So you can either pull that head out of your ass and drown your problems in Malibu tonight, or I guess this is the only goodbye you’ll be getting from me.”

“Graduating early? When did you find this out? You just told me you had a month left.”

“I found out this morning. I didn’t know it was an option, but I guess I qualify.” She shrugged. “You know how badly I’ve wanted to see my sister. This is a good thing.”

Chyler was my closest friend here, and we weren’t even that close. We only continued to see each other because she loved my studio and workouts more than any other. With her leaving, I would be back to where I started… alone once again.

“I’m sorry.” I dragged a hand down my face. “Yes, let’s go out and party tonight to celebrate your early graduation.” I wasn’t going to be the asshole to her now. Not when this would be our final goodbye.

“Great.” She beamed, perking right back up to where she was when she walked into the studio. “Fallout. Jessie and I will be there around nine.” She swiftly added.

“Sure, that sounds good. I’ll text you if anything changes.” I confirmed, pulling out my phone to add it to my calendar as a reminder—another excuse and way to avoid Colby tonight. I would most likely crash at one of their places afterward, too.

Chyler stepped over to where she plopped her bag on the bench and picked it up. I checked the time on my computer monitor and saw that it was almost two thirty.

“You aren’t taking a class today?” I asked as she draped the strap from her bag over her shoulder.

“No, I can’t; I have to wrap up some things at school.” She smiled softly. “I’m going to miss this studio… and you.”

“Don’t get all soft on me now… we still have tonight.” I forced out a chuckle and returned her softened expression. “We’ll make it one to remember.”

She nodded in agreement and left the studio. My thoughts returned to my Colby problem as I once again sat there alone in silence.

Fallout was one of those nightclubs you went to on a weekend where you wanted to drink, dance, and potentially hook up with a hot stranger. There was a strict dress code for men and women with no exceptions under any circumstances whatsoever, and because of that, I never felt the need to go there. I’d much rather spend my night at a dive bar than have to comply with their ridiculous policy, but that is where Chyler wanted to spend her final night partying, and I was not going to kick up a fuss over it.

After closing the studio at eight, I drove back to my apartment to dress for the evening. There was enough clothing left behind from this morning that I could put together a reasonable outfit and do a basic makeup look.

Fluffing my hair with a can of dry shampoo, I admired my quick, thrown-together style in the bathroom mirror. I wore a tight, black midi dress and my favorite hot pink heels. For makeup, I went with a smokey dark brown shimmery eyeshadow all over the lid and basic black liner on my upper and lower waterline.

I looked good for not having much in my closet. I was never the party girl, and while I wanted a dramatic change when I moved to Las Vegas, partying was not one of the things that I added to my immediate to-do list.

Partying just reminded me of Lily… I ghosted her immediately and even got a new phone number. She had no idea where I had gone, and I didn’t want her to. My parents would have just used her to harass me, and I had to cut ties entirely with New York.

And what would they say now… To see that I was thriving in Sin City and… married. Fuck, everything circled back to that one fact. No matter how hard I tried to avoid the knowledge of being legally bound to Colby, I always landed right back there.

Why did it have to be him? Why did I have to be so stupid? And why the fuck was he constantly on my mind?

Colby was going to be the death of my sanity. I hated him; I have to hate him.

The Lyft I called pulled up to the front doors of Fallout, and I stepped out, scanning the line for Chyler and Jessie. Not seeing them, I took my phone out of my purse, walked toward the end of the line, and texted Chyler.

Me: Here, where are you?

She didn’t respond immediately, and I stood at the end of the line, hoping I was just early and they weren’t already inside. It was just after nine, and she said they would be here around that time, but I wondered if they had gotten here earlier.

Fallout from the outside looked like your typical Vegas-style nightclub. The entire exterior was matte black with no windows. The only colors on the outside were the gold door handles and the red velvet rope used to separate lines and block entrance into the club itself. Even the bouncers were dressed in all black down to their ridiculous sunglasses. Who the fuck wears sunglasses at night?

I stood in line for about ten minutes before my phone went off, and I looked down to see a new text message from Chyler.

Chyler: Coming to get you. Jessie got us VIP!!

That made things a little easier…

With VIP, it was a skip-the-line pass for all group members. When I reached the main doors, I saw Chyler speaking to the bouncer and pointing at me. He nodded as I approached and removed the rope that separated the two lines leading inside.

“You have to see the booth that Jessie got us!” Chyler squealed excitedly as she grabbed my hand and dragged me inside the club. She already sounded a couple of drinks, or shots, deep. Good for her .

Once inside the doors, Chyler pulled me to a sharp left, running down a long corridor. At the end was a set of stairs leading to the second and third levels of the club. We veered off to the right once we reached the second level, and she then proceeded down to the far end of the balcony, where I saw Jessie in a prominent corner VIP booth, big enough for at least twelve people.

“This is so unnecessary…” I joked as Chyler fell into the plush black leather seating and picked up her drink from the low-lying, glossy black table. “But I love it!”

The leather sofa fit seamlessly into the corner, where six people could comfortably sit on the left and another six on the right. There were only three of us.

“How did you manage to swing this?” I asked Jessie. I could only imagine how much a twelve-person VIP booth would cost to reserve, not including the alcohol.

“Don’t worry about it; I have my industry connections.” Jessie winked, picking up her glass and signaling for the waiter. “Sit, stay, have a drink, party!” She commanded, patting the spot next to her, and I shrugged, plopping my butt down into the booth.

“What can I get you, ma’am?” A young male waiter stopped before our booth and handed me a drink menu. “Malibu Cherry Coke,” I ordered. “Oh, with extra cherries, please!”

“Be right back.” He smiled, leaving for the bar.

The music was loud, but not enough that we couldn’t communicate sitting next to each other.

“Who’s spinning tonight?” I quizzed Jessie as she sucked down her drink.

“Don’t know, don’t care.” She shrugged with a playful laugh.

Like me, she didn’t care to come here but managed to pull out all the stops for Chyler with this booth.

The waiter returned, handing me my drink, and I waved him back just before he left.

“Can we actually get six pink starburst shots as well?” I asked, and he nodded, leaving our booth again to grab the shots.

I had every intention of getting fucked up tonight. I wanted my mind blank, numb, and free from all distractions aside from my two friends.

Chyler glanced at me over Jessie, her eyes flicking to her and back to me a few times. I shook my head, mouthing the word ‘no’ as my eyes flared wide. I haven’t told Jessie about my situation and didn’t plan to. That stayed between Chyler and me, and it would move with her to Minnesota. I didn’t need any more hands in the pot of my fucked up life.

Her eyes then flicked to the hand holding my drink, and I choked on my long sip, realizing that I was still wearing the wedding ring. Fuck. I quickly switched hands on my drink and casually wedged my left under my thigh. I couldn’t take it off in front of her; it would be too obvious, but now I had to always be aware of my left hand.

Our waiter delivered the pink starburst shots to our table, and the three of us took them together, celebrating Chyler and our last night as just the three of us.

I finished the rest of my drink and ordered another shortly after, my buzz for the evening beginning to make itself known. I was feeling good, but I wanted to feel better.

A remix of “The Bad Touch” by Bloodhound Gang started playing, and both Jessie and Chyler jumped up from their seats. Jessie grabbed my hand, dragging me with them.

“Come on, girl! Time to dance!” She squealed as we speed walked in our heels to the end of the balcony and down the stairs to the dance floor.

The nightclub was crowded, filled to the brim with bodies. I preferred it on the second level, though, as there were fewer people to push through to move around. I grunted and glared daggers at several people who collided with me as Jessie pulled me through the sea of dancing drunks.

Relax, Sienna… have fun.

Breathe.

Chyler stopped in an open spot, and we all moved to the music, grinding up against each other and screaming the lyrics as loudly as we could. I loosened up as the song played, the anger and frustration of the day dissolving into bubbly laughter.

I managed to slip my ring into my purse when Jessie stepped away from the booth earlier to use the restroom. I was thankful for the opportunity. I wasn’t planning on explaining it to her at any point this evening.

An arm curled around my waist, and someone’s hips pressed up against my ass, grinding into it. My heart started to race, and I looked over my shoulder and saw a random man with short dark hair grinning at me. I could hear Chyler and Jessie’s playful laughter over the music and shifted my attention to see them grinding up against men of their own.

I could feel the sweat starting to bead down my hairline and back from dancing in the tight crowd, and my accelerated heart rate wasn’t helping.

I needed to cool down before I passed out.

“You okay?” The guy grinding up against me asked with concern.

“I—I’m fine,” I shouted over the music. “I just need some air.” I ran my hands through my sweat-soaked hair and attempted to shove my way off the dance floor and out of his grasp.

“Here, let me help you.” He yelled, gripping my waist tightly as he pushed people aside, making a beeline to the emergency exit. That was kind of him …

I could already feel the relief wash over me from the cool air as we approached the door, and he opened it, allowing me to step into the club’s back alley.

“Thank you.” I breathed a sigh of relief, pressing my back against the cool cement building and closing my eyes. “I almost thought I would suffocate on that dance floor if I stayed there any longer.” I swallowed, taking a deep breath.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” The man stepped into me, and I opened my eyes at his nearness.

“Y-yes, I’m fine now.” I stuttered, sinking further into the wall. He was so close, and it felt even more wrong.

“In that case…” He murmured, lowering his face to mine and raising his hands to cage me in. “Feel like having a little fun?” He smirked, and my insides twisted. I wanted to vomit.

“I’m married.” I clipped, pushing as much confidence into my words as possible.

He slid a hand down and took my left hand, holding it up where I could see it in my peripheral vision.

“I don’t see a ring. Are you sure about that?” He chuckled as though he caught me in a flat-out lie. Fuck.

I didn’t have my phone on me either; I was so fucked right now.

Dropping my hand, he leaned in even closer, our chests touching. He dragged his hand up my bare thigh, pushing the hem of my already short dress up even higher.

“No… Stop.” I whimpered, biting my lower lip as my breaths shortened. Please make him stop . I closed my eyes and rolled my head to the side, attempting to avoid any and all forms of eye contact with him. He gripped my chin, turning my face to meet his once more.

“Don’t tell me you don’t want this.” He licked his lips before grazing them along mine. “Everyone wants this.”

I swallowed the bile that began burning the back of my throat. My eyes locked to his, and I clenched my jaw, preparing myself for the worst. I had two options right now: fight or surrender, and even if I lost the fight, at least I would have the peace of mind of knowing I tried.

My hands came up to push against his chest in an attempt to put space between us—however little that may be. He was strong but smaller than Colby overall, and it didn’t take much to overpower me with my petite frame. Goddamnit, I wish Colby was here right now… Of all the fucking times…

He abruptly wrapped his hand around my neck, the other now cupping me between my thighs, a finger threatening to slide itself past my underwear. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, and I could feel myself growing lightheaded.

“Don’t fight me, or I’ll make it hurt even more.” He growled into my ear.

I started trembling in his grasp.

“Need some help there, mate?” A strong voice came from the shadows, and I whimpered in relief as I sagged against the wall.

“Fuck off and find your own pussy, man. This one is mine.” The man spat, not giving Colby the light of day, his attention fixed on me.

Colby lightly laughed, stepping out of the shadows. I turned my attention to meet his bright blue eyes, and mine stung with unshed tears. His hands slid into his back pockets as he casually continued to swagger toward us.

“Funny you should say that because she’s not yours…” He paused, stopping mere feet away from us. “She’s mine.” He finished coolly, dragging his tongue along his teeth.

“Look, ass—” The man started, turning to face Colby and didn’t get a chance to finish as Colby brought up his right hand and violently stabbed a knife straight through the center of the man’s throat, blood spraying both of us from the impact.

All I heard were the sounds of strained gagging and desperate breaths before Colby released his grip on the knife, and the man’s body went limp, falling to the ground, the knife still sticking out of his neck.

My mouth fell open in shock as I attempted to process what just happened.

“I… you… he…” I stammered, unable to create a cohesive sentence.

Why was a part of me happy? Satisfied? I wasn’t scared of what he had done, but more so… was I in awe? Like a knight in shining armor, Colby just killed a man to save me and fuck if that didn’t just turn me on.

He ran his blood-covered hand through his hair, giving him the look of an unhinged killer, and my eyes locked with ones of a darkening blue. For someone who just stabbed a man and killed him instantly, he was looking overly calm and collected. His face was peppered with speckles of blood, almost like forbidden freckles. I was sure mine looked just the same.

Colby stepped into me, and I didn’t move, not even a subtle flinch. I wasn’t afraid of him. I should have been, but I wasn’t.

He gripped my wrists and pinned them beside my head against the wall, his bright blue eyes shifting from my left hand back to mine and searing into them.

“Where’s your ring, love?” He questioned.

Oh shit… he thinks I took it off to hook up with someone, doesn’t he?

I sucked in a breath, and instead of answering, I shook my head.

Would he even believe me after what he just saw? How long had he been standing there? Did he know it wasn’t consensual? That I told him to stop?

I’ve never found him intimidating until now, at least not in the aspect of murder, and instead of it scaring the shit out of me, something twisted in my heart, and it twisted in desire for him. Was I that fucked up?

Unable to find the words or any justification for why I wasn’t wearing my wedding ring, my lips parted, and my eyes dropped to his lips—a silent plea.

I may need to reconsider my hatred for my husband because what I was feeling as I stared into his eyes was anything but hate.

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