Chapter 4: A Memorable Evening.

As Sophia entered the club, she could feel the electrifying excitement pulsing through her veins. The whispers of doubt that had been her constant companion for days were drowned out by the bass that echoed in her chest. Grace had nearly dragged her to the upscale Manhattan restaurant and demanded that she come out.

Grace had said in a tone that left no space for debate, "You need this." "One night to have fun, forget about everything, and remind yourself of who you are."

Sophia wasn't so sure now as she swerved through the throng, the air heavy with perspiration and scent. Her makeup was carefully done to cover up the tiredness on her face, and she felt uncomfortable in her little black dress and high heels.

Over the music, Grace said, "Come on," and dragged her over to the bar.

Sophia gave a nod and allowed herself to be guided. She just intended to drink enough to ease the pain in her chest and to silence the thoughts of Jacob and Camille, but not too much.

Grace ordered two cocktails at the bar, attracting the bartender's attention with her contagious enthusiasm. Sophia looked about, attempting to absorb her surroundings while they waited. The space was a swirl of flashing lights and people dressed in fancy clothing that moved in time with the DJ's music.

She spotted him at that point.

He had a tumbler of amber drink in his hand as he sat at the far end of the bar. He had a strong presence, even in the low light. Jet-black hair that glistened in the club's neon lights framed his sharp, angular features, and his fitted suit suited him like a second skin. However, it was his steely blue, penetrating, and unapologetic eyes that captured her interest.

They looked at one other, and Sophia froze. An unsaid challenge that sent a chill down her spine appeared to flow between them. Her cheeks flushed, and she hastily averted her gaze.

Grace handed her a drink and said, "Here."

Sophia sipped, allowing the alcohol's warmth to permeate her. "I believe I need something more powerful."

Grace chuckled. That's the spirit, girl! Let's dance.

Grace was already dragging Sophia toward the dance floor while she hesitated. The audience moved in one when the music changed to a sensuous tempo, with bodies swaying in perfect time. Sophia closed her eyes and lost herself in the moment, allowing herself to be carried away by it.

She felt liberated for the first time in days.

He was there when she opened her eyes.

The bartender had stepped forward, staring at her intently, like a predator examining its victim. His calm but dominating stance was evident as he stood on the edge of the dance floor. As if even strangers knew he was there, the throng seemed to divide around him.

As he drew closer, his movements measured and controlled, Sophia's pulse raced. Her pulse pounded so loudly that she could hardly hear her own thoughts as he halted in front of her.

His voice was silky and low as he remarked, "You don't look like you belong here."

Astonished, Sophia blinked. "Pardon me?"

She felt her tummy turn over as he grinned, the corner of his lips rising. "You're unique. I can tell.

Grace was by her side before she could reply, her gaze flitting between them. "Who is this?"

Sophia said in an almost audible voice, "I don't know."

He extended his hand and said, "Alexander."

Grace arched an eyebrow without saying anything. After hesitating, Sophia shook his hand, which was warm and solid.

"Sophia," she said.

"Hi Sophia, nice to meet you." He stared at her as if he was memorizing her name.

The tension was released as Grace cleared her throat. "I'll go get another drink. Are you doing well here?

Sophia gave a nod, although she wasn't really certain.

Alexander moved closer as Grace vanished into the throng. "So, why have you come here tonight?"

With a shrug, Sophia's vulnerability returned. "I simply needed a diversion."

His eyes were still wary, but his face softened. "Avoidance of something?"

She surprised herself by being honest when she said, "Someone."

After examining her for a while, Alexander held out his hand once again. "Come along with me."

With her senses telling her to say no, Sophia hesitated. She wanted to follow him, however, for some reason—his calm focus, his confidence. She put her hand in his, against her better judgment.

He guided her past the bar, through the throng, and into a private VIP room that was secured by velvet rope. The club's cacophony gradually diminished and was replaced with a calmer ambiance. Alexander ignored the other customers as they sipped pricey drinks while lounging on comfortable sofas.

She sank into the plush leather as he motioned for her to sit. He sat next to her, his presence overpowering in the small room, after ordering two drinks from a passing waiter.

"Are you this forward all the time?" Sophia inquired, using sarcasm to cover her nervousness.

Alexander's mouth quirked. "Only when I see what I want."

Sophia turned aside hastily as her heart quickened and her breath caught. This type of direct, unreserved, and completely disarming attention was not something she was used to.

Alexander gave her a glass as their drinks came. The powerful brandy burned her throat as she took a drink.

Alexander abruptly responded, "Tell me about him."

Sophia scowled. "Who?"

"The man you're trying to avoid."

Uncertain of why she felt obliged to respond, she paused. "My former spouse. He had an affair with my cousin.

Alexander's eyes darkened and his jaw tensed. "He is a moron."

Sophia chuckled bitterly. "That's one way of saying it."

"Did you love him?"

She was surprised by the question. She started to respond, but the words would not come. Did she? Or had she just adored the thought of him?

"I believed I did," she eventually said.

With an inscrutable face, Alexander nodded. "You weren't worthy of him."

His eyes caused Sophia's cheeks to flush. "What makes you concerned?"

His voice lowered to a near whisper as he moved slightly closer. "Because I understand the pain of losing something you didn't deserve."

For a brief time, Sophia felt an unexplainable connection with this stranger as the weight of his words hovered between them. He seemed to be able to see right through her barriers to the injured areas of her that she had made such an effort to conceal.

Alexander put down his glass and got up before she could reply. His gaze was fixed on hers as he held out his hand again.

He said, "One dance."

After hesitating, Sophia put her hand in his and let him drag her to her feet. The music swept over them like a wave as he escorted her back to the dance floor.

The outside world vanished as they moved in unison. Sophia felt herself letting go as something she couldn't quite put her finger on took the place of the anguish and dread.

Alexander bent over and touched her ear as the song came to an end. "Let me take you to a more peaceful place."

Sophia looked into his eyes, her pulse racing. Every rational part of her cried for her not to go because she knew where this was going. But this was not the time for rationality.

She gave a nod.

As Alexander grabbed her hand and escorted her out of the club, a contented grin curled his lips