Page 2 of His Holy Chaos

Pierce exchanges a glance with Glynn. Concern, maybe. Regret, definitely. They shouldn't have told me to come. I shouldn’t have come.

"Maybe drink your water, sweetheart," Glynn suggests, pointing to the untouched glass I’m still holding.

"Maybe mind your own business?" I shoot back, the words sharper than intended. It could have been banter but it wasn’t. The look of hurt that crosses their face makes me feel like shit, but I'm already spiraling. "Sorry. Just… one more shot. Then I'm out."

I signal to the cute bartender, but he gives Glynn a concerned look, waiting for approval. Glynn nods softly. They can never tell me no. It’s cute. I drink the burning liquor fast.

But the alcohol isn't helping like it should.

I just want to forget. But each shot just makes the memories more vivid.

I slide off the stool.

"I’m sorry I’m no fun tonight, lovelies."

“We’re worried about you, Jude,” Glynn says. Pierce looks at me with absolute pity. I hate it.

“I know.” It’s all I say, and I don't wait for their response.

I wink at them with my forced and definitely sad-looking smile and start pushing through the crowd toward the exit.

That's when I see him.

In the middle of leather and mesh and bare skin, sits a man I've never seen before, dressed in a white button-down that probably costs more than my monthly rent. He's older, silver streaking his dark hair, lines etched around his blue eyes, a neatly trimmed beard on his jaw.

Beside him sits Dave, a sub I recognize from my more frequent days. Dave's wearing his pink collar with KITTEN written on it in silver letters. They're together but drinking and talking clearly as friends.

We lock eyes. I’d usually just ignore him but he’s too handsome to do so. He brings the cup he’s drinking to his mouth, and I realize it’s not alcohol. Is he having juice or something at a BDSM club? The thought is hilarious. He’s clearly still staring at me, though, and he winks.

Okay, he got my attention. When I came there today, I was determined to have a good day. Not let Ghost Emmett ruin everything, as he always did. Maybe I could still have a good time.

I change course, back toward the bar where Glynn is wiping down surfaces with more force than necessary, never being able to stay away from doing some sort of work.

"Who's that guy with Dave?" I ask, leaning on the bar and cocking my head toward the table.

Glynn follows my gaze, their expression shifting to something like amusement. "That's Ford. Dave's old college friend. First timer. Don't even think about it, Jude. You’re way too drunk and Dave commented that he doesn’t like brats.”

"Think about what?" I ask with fake innocence. “And he’s here, isn’t he? Did he miss the name of the club? Literally BRAT World? Like Disney World for brats?”

“I know. But Dave told me that it took a hell of a lot of convincing to get him here. So be on your best behavior. No chaos.”

I press a hand to my chest in mock offense. "Me? Chaos? I'm a delight. Besides, you wanted me to come. Maybe I’ll finally have some fun.”

Glynn rolls their eyes. "He's not your usual type either. Too..."

"Stable? Sober? Sane?" I supply helpfully.

"I was going to say 'composed,' but sure, those too."

I study Ford for another moment. There's something very interesting about the contrast, the way he seems completely at ease yet entirely separate from the environment. As if he weren't watching people get spanked ten feet away.

"I think I'll introduce myself," I decide, pushing away from the bar. I’m all excited again.

"Jude…!" Glynn starts, a warning in their voice.

I blow them a kiss over my shoulder. "You’re the one who told me to have fun, darling!” I exclaim. They look exasperated. That doesn’t stop me.

Chapter 2. Jude