Chapter 133 133
She was the first to look away.
Her heart had leapt straight into her throat the moment she saw him there. Even as she turned toward Gilles, pretending interest in whatever he was saying, she could feel Damien’s eyes on her heavy, unrelenting. The sensation made the tiny hairs at the nape of her neck rise.
“Hello, my beautiful ladies,” Gilles greeted them with a wide grin.
Jacqueline forced a smile, though her gaze flicked toward the table behind him. “Why are they here?” she asked, referring to the entire football team occupying the seating area.
“Ah minor detail I forgot,” Gilles said sheepishly. “We’re celebrating. My team won the finals yesterday, remember?”
He beamed with pride.
Of course she remembered. She had been genuinely happy for him. She had attended his very first game but that had been enough. Even from across the field, Damien had noticed her. He had thrown her sharp looks throughout the match, and after that, she’d quietly avoided the rest of the games.
If Gilles had mentioned Damien would be here tonight, she would never have come.
Fanny tugged her arm gently. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Jacqueline exhaled, though her chest felt tight.
“Congratulations, guys,” she offered politely to the group of jocks before following Gilles toward the bar. Fanny, Thérèse, and Laurent trailed behind.
They claimed a cluster of barstools. Gilles sat on her left, Fanny on her right. Laurent and Thérèse preferred to stand nearby.
“Two orange juices and one martini,” Gilles told the bartender.
Jacqueline and Fanny turned to him in unison, brows raised.
“What?” he scoffed. “You two are basically kids. Deal with it.”
They shot him identical glares but let it go. Staying sober in a place like this wasn’t the worst idea.
“Rude,” Fanny muttered under her breath.
“What was that?” Gilles leaned toward her suspiciously.
“You might want to see an otolaryngologist,” Fanny replied sweetly.
“I need a what?”
“In simple terms,” Jacqueline sighed, “an ear specialist.”
Gilles scowled at Fanny, who looked far too pleased with herself.
Jacqueline slid off her stool with a quiet sigh and motioned for Gilles to take her seat. He caught on immediately and switched places with her, earning a dramatic “traitor” from Fanny.
Jacqueline only shrugged, smiling faintly. Those two could argue until sunrise if left alone.
Their drinks arrived. She took a cautious sip of her juice while Laurent and Thérèse drifted a little farther away, immersed in their own animated conversation.
Facing the dance floor, Jacqueline watched the crowd move beneath flashing lights. The music pulsed through the floorboards, alive and electric.
Then she felt it again.
That stare.
She glanced over her shoulder.
Damien was watching her openly, intensely.
Her spine stiffened. She turned back toward the bar, presenting him with nothing but her back. She needed something anything to dull the edge of her nerves.
“One vodka cranberry, please,” she called to the bartender.
Both Gilles and Fanny stared at her.
“One martini for me too,” Fanny added quickly.
Now Gilles looked betrayed. “Fine. Do whatever you want. Just don’t blame me later.”
They both laughed.
When the drinks arrived, they clinked glasses lightly before taking tentative sips. The taste was unfamiliar, sharp but warmth soon began to spread through Jacqueline’s chest. She wasn’t sure about her tolerance. This was her first time drinking, after all. But she could already feel herself growing lighter.
“Hey, Jacqueline.”
She jumped at the sound of her name and turned to find Charles leaning casually against the bar, drink in hand, smiling down at her.
“Oh hi,” she replied softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“You look beautiful tonight.”
Her lips curved shyly. “Thank you.”
“Is this your usual spot?” he asked, trying to keep the conversation flowing.
He looked good white button-up shirt, sleeves rolled slightly, blue jeans. Effortlessly handsome.
“Actually,” she admitted awkwardly, “this is my first time at a club. I don’t really go out much.”
A flicker of surprise crossed his face before he smiled again. “That’s unexpected. But I like that about you.”
She glanced away, unsure how to respond. Her cheeks warmed. Was he flirting?
The only men she truly knew were Gilles, Laurent… and Julien. If not for Gilles and Laurent, her faith in men might have been destroyed entirely.
“Come on!” Thérèse squealed, rushing toward them. “They’re playing my song!”
The DJ had just dropped one of her favorite pop tracks.
Jacqueline had already finished two drinks. A pleasant buzz wrapped around her thoughts, softening everything. She felt light almost carefree.
Thérèse grabbed her hand, ready to drag her to the dance floor. Jacqueline handed her half-finished drink to Charles, who chuckled and set both glasses on the bar before following.
On the floor, Fanny was already laughing, dancing with Gilles. They looked so natural together. If only Gilles would finally admit how hopelessly smitten he was.
Laurent joined them soon after, pairing up with Thérèse, who danced like she owned the room.
Jacqueline swayed tentatively at first, letting the rhythm guide her. She sensed someone step in behind her.
Charles.
He danced close but not touching respectful.
Soon Thérèse drifted away with Laurent, throwing Jacqueline a mischievous wink that made her realize she’d been deliberately left with Charles.
Jacqueline turned to face him.
He was already smiling.
If her life were simple if it were ordinary Charles would have been the obvious choice. Handsome, tall, athletic, charming. And clearly interested in her.
He rested one hand gently on her waist. She didn’t pull away. Instead, she slid her arms loosely around his neck and stepped closer.
His grin widened as he placed both hands at her waist, guiding their movements.
For just a moment, she allowed herself to pretend.
That her life was normal.
That she was normal.
That she could be free even if only for one night.
Suddenly, the lights cut out.
The crowd roared as the beat dropped harder than before.
And in the darkness, a rough, calloused hand clamped around her arm.
She was yanked away from Charles with startling force.