Page 37 of The Death of Kisses

“Sorry, Ms. Callahan, I didn’t know—” he stammered.

“No worries,” I interrupted sharply, “but remember my face. We won’t have a problem later.” I pushed the door open, the club’s pulse thumping urgently behind it.

Inside, the club roared to life, and a wave of chaos hit me—the packed bodies, the pulsing lights, the sound that vibrated in my bones. I stood frozen for a heartbeat, my eyes darting across the sea of faces, hunting for that perfect shade of blonde. I found her—the one at the bar, laughing as she ordered shots with a fiery redhead. Every fiber of my being screamed to yank her away from the red and claim her as mine—tangled in my desire, my obsession.

But I held back, watching instead, every muscle tense. My gaze locked on a man approaching her—a dark, sinister shadow moving through the crowd. My stomach clenched painfully. Lee.

What the hell is Lee doing here?

He turned his head then, and my curse was a silent, bitter cry. I dropped low, slipping toward the stairs that led to the upper landing, body pressed tight against the chaos. A cold gloved hand shot out, grabbing mine, yanking me into the shadows. Panic surged through me like a tidal wave.

“Shhh, I’m not going to hurt you,” a whisper, low and urgent, in my ear—Mike.

I spun around, my eyes locking onto his black suit, the familiar silhouette that chilled me to the bone.

“What is this supposed to be—some kind of meeting?” I asked sarcastically. Of course it was a meeting. Night clubs were the business. Well smuggling but that was best through the clubs.

“You shouldn’t be here,” he murmured, voice so quiet I could barely hear over the pounding music.

“Fuck you,” I snapped, furious. “I came to—” I didn’t finish. The words caught in my throat.

“I know why you’re here,” he interrupted, nodding toward the crowd—toward her. Anna. To Lee, who was now charming her, trying to win her with a smile. Watching them made my chest tighten so fiercely I thought I might break. Every fiber screamed for me to interfere, to pull her away. A primal jealous rage wrapped around my hand, pulling me forward, urging me to intervene.

Then Lee moved away—a fleeting, almost taunting retreat—and I dove back into the crowd, my heart hammering madly against my ribs. I caught Mike’s steady gaze—a silent warning, a dangerous flicker of something unspoken—before he embraced Lee, their figures disappearing up the stairs toward the back rooms. The door clicked shut behind them, the blinds falling into place, sealing whatever shadows they were conjuring.

My focus snapped back to Anna. She was lost in her own world now—dancing with the redhead, bodies pressed together in perfect harmony, unthinking, consumed. Their movements were instinctive, and I could feel jealousy clawing at my chest, wrapping around my throat like a noose. My hands aching to reach out, to claim what was slipping through my fingers—yet part of me hesitated.

Maybe it was better she saw me here. Maybe it was time she knew I wouldn’t walk away. With a shuddering breath, I moved closer—closer to her, closer to everything I couldn’t admit I needed.

I hurriedly made the decision to head to the bar.

Anna's laughter rang out again amidst the sea of faces, a beautiful, infectious sound that pulled me in effortlessly. I never reached the bar; my feet betrayed me, guiding me straight to her, driven by an undeniable need to be closer, to be near her radiant spirit.

26

I MET SOMEONE

Present day - October 20th - Town of Redmont - Population 12,234 - 18 yr old

“Oh God, I needed this more than I can ever put into words,” Carrie burst out laughing after our fourth shot, her joy infectious.

“Fuck yes, it’s been forever,” I chuckled, even though deep down I knew it had only been a week, but in this moment, it felt like an eternity lost in pure celebration. “I can’t believe that bastard cheated on you,” I called over the thunder of the music, my voice filled with anger and protectiveness. There was this strange, unshakable feeling that I was being watched, a prickle on my skin, but every time I looked around, nothing was there — just the buzz of the night and my racing mind. Honestly, the alcohol was what finally eased that jittery edge, settling my nerves like a warm embrace.

Suddenly, a tall, dark-haired man stepped forward, his presence both smooth and kind. “Excuse me,” he said softly, handing cash to the bartender, “I’ll pay for those shots.” His smile was warm, inviting, and something about him seemed so familiar, yet I couldn’t place it.

“Thanks!” I yelled, feeling a glimmer of gratitude and curiosity mingle inside me.

“It’s no problem,” he responded, his voice playful yet genuine. “Maybe you’ll consider a dance?” His charm wrapped around us like a magnetic force, stirring that wild curiosity about what a night with him could be—dangerous, exhilarating.

I offered a polite smile, but Carrie nudged me sharply with her elbow, snapping me back. “No,” I said firmly.

Carrie burst into loud laughter, her eyes sparkling. “Maybe later. She’s basically on a no-bros-only-hos rule. Just celebrating my breakup.”

“Ah, so it’s not a complete no?” he teased, his grin impossible to resist.

Glaring at her, I shot back, “I’m not interested. Maybe try another blonde.”

His smile never wavered as he simply said, “Noted.”