er'

ration bubbling inside of me. I needed to get my mind off everything off t

s before landing on one. *Ruby.* She was always available, always

me like a dark cloud. He insisted that I get married before my birthday-something that felt imp

er voice was wa

f exhaustion. "I need to forget about ever

she replied with a chuckle. "Wh

back of my mind. What if I didn't find someone before my birthday? What if I was for

y knocked. I got up, already kno

eath as I rushed to open the door.

," the guard said

with a playful smile, dressed in something a little too revealing,

ie'

the concert tomorrow. I had promised her I'd go, but part of me was still unsure. It wasn't really my thing, and I didn't exactly understand w

freshen up in my room. The soft hum of the shower helped clear my mind. I tried not to think about the concert too much

s on me as I tried to unwind in my room. I was about to

work?" she asked, pee

ying to hide my exhaustion behind

ed to check on you before bed. You know y

offering a tired smil

rt. Clara's obsession with Tyler Dalton was one thing, but I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to see him per

curled up in bed, hoping th

er'

already at the bar when I walked in, nursing a drink with a half-smile on his face. He didn't even need

as I walked over to him. "I thought you'd be here s

d. I didn't want to get into it. I didn't want anyone to know what was really g

the bar, sizing me up. "So, what was it you were talking about on the ph

knew everything about me. He knew my past, my struggles, and he knew how much pressure my family put

married before my birthday. And I don't even have a girlfriend, let alone someone I could marry. You k

ys you need to get married, he won't let it slide. But... you don't eve

low. "I don't know. I need to figure something out, fast.

dancing on the floor. "Well, if you need to take your mind off thin

up. She was beautiful, sexy in a way that made it impossible to look away. I didn't even kno

the shoulder. "I see that look, man. You've

d smiled, her eyes sparkling with recognition, but I kept my face partially hidden behind a mask, t

ve movement that made the air between us crackle. I glanced ba

grabbed her hand and led her through the

contin