Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

Zoe

Present Day…

Las Vegas is a kaleidoscope of neon lights and blaring music, but tonight it feels like my playground.

I weave through the throngs of tourists and performers with my best friend, Mandy, by my side, our laughter rising above the chaos.

My heart races—not from anxiety or heartbreak, but from pure, unfiltered freedom.

It took me a while to accept Jacob's betrayal, but now I can officially say I'm over him and I'm enjoying my life.

Mandy points to a chic storefront bathed in soft, inviting light. "Let's check out that new boutique."

I smirk at her, "Awesome. I've been wanting to go into that place since it opened."

Inside, the boutique smells of fresh linen and high-end perfume.

Racks of clothes line the walls, each piece more stunning than the last.

I glide my fingers over silks and satins, reveling in their coolness against my skin.

This is what life should feel like—effortless and exhilarating.

"So," Mandy calls from the next rack over, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Seeing anyone special these days?"

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Nope. Not looking to commit to anyone right now."

She presses me, raising an eyebrow. "Not even a certain someone who rocked your world three months ago?"

I laugh, tossing a sheer blouse over my shoulder. "Definitely not."

The memory of Spark's touch flickers in my mind, but I push it aside.

I was in a relationship for years and I just want a little bit of freedom.

Mandy teases me, and I can't help but grin. "You sure about that?"

I shrug nonchalantly. "Pretty sure."

Inside, though, my thoughts swirl like the lights outside.

For once, I'm not tangled up in someone else's expectations.

I'm almost twenty-two, and I've finally shed the weight of my past with Jacob.

Now, it's just me figuring out life, one day at a time.

"Come on, live a little," Mandy urges. "You deserve it."

"Maybe," I concede, holding up a daring crop top and pair of shorts. "What do you think? Would this look good?"

"Hell yeah," she says, her eyes lighting up. And just like that, we're back to the fun, the freedom, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

"Okay, but seriously," Mandy lowers her voice, leaning closer. "Have you slept with Spark again?"

I shake my head, trying to keep my expression neutral. "Nope."

Her eyebrows arch in disbelief. "Really?"

I insist, my lips curving into a half-smile. "Really."

"All right, if you say so," Mandy grins, clearly not buying it but letting it slide. "Let's go try these on."

"Sure thing," I agree, following her to the fitting rooms.

"Okay, I have to ask this," Mandy's voice cuts through the air like a blade, sharp and insistent. "I get you haven't slept with him again Zoe, but do you want to?"

I laugh, the sound bouncing off the walls. "What kind of question is that?" I dodge, giving her a shrug.

"Don't play coy," she presses. "Details, I need pure, raw, unfiltered details."

"Fine, fine." I roll my eyes, leaning against the dressing room door. "He was the best sex I've ever had in my life, okay? But he's part of the club. It's complicated."

"Girl, complicated or not, you have to live your life!" Mandy exclaims, eyes wide with excitement. "Go back for seconds if that's what you want. Thirds, fourths, whatever."

"Yeah, but it's a bad idea. The fact he's in the club complicates things," I murmur, biting my lip.

The thought of Spark sends a shiver down my spine, but it's more than just the physical attraction.

It's everything that comes with him, or pursuing a man in the club—the danger, the worrying about if he's okay, the acceptance that he'll have to go on a run at a moment's notice.

If I did end up with him, it wouldn't be like any other relationship I've been in, but maybe that's a good thing.

"Just think about it," Mandy says softly, her gaze locking onto mine. "It's your life, Zoe. No one else's. I know underneath all of the ‘wanting to stay single' bullshit, you're thinking about how complicated it would be simply because of your father."

I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah, well, you're not wrong."

Internally, I feel a pang of guilt.

Mandy and I tell each other everything—or almost everything.

She doesn't know about the nights I've spent tangled up with Spark, my body humming with electricity under his touch.

It's not that I don't trust her—it's just... complicated.

Mandy tends to let things slip accidentally, and if my dad found out he'd lose his fucking mind.

He's fiercely protective, and the club has rules—unspoken, but ironclad.

I mean, other charters have been known to get with club member's daughters.

Well, it's not one of our charters.

Hammer, the regent for our club who lives in Los Angeles at the Satan's Raiders MC. He has a daughter named Oakleigh and she got shacked up with Razor, who's at the Mexico charter.

Hammer's sister, Jada, also got married to Armor, who's part of the Satan's Raiders MC.

The National charter's Prez, Zane, his daughter is even with one of the prospects.

I think his name is Gears.

Maybe we're destined to be with someone in a club in some way or another.

As I hold up the crop top and shorts again, inspecting them under the boutique's harsh lighting, I can't help but feel the weight of all these choices pressing down on me.

Who knew figuring out life could be this complicated?

Mandy breaks the heavy silence. "After we try these on do you want to grab some lunch?"

"Totally," I say, forcing a smile.

Maybe a meal will help clear my head.

"By the way," Mandy leans closer, conspiratorially, "I found this new lingerie set online. We should totally use it for our next video for OneEye. What do you think?"

"That would be fun."

Mandy says, excitedly. "Awesome! I'll order it tonight."

"Cool," I reply, smiling at her enthusiasm.

Our work with OneEye is something we never really talk about outside of planning shoots, but it's a part of our bond.

The masks protect us, giving us the freedom to explore without judgment.

My bunny mask is tall and elegant, while Mandy's cat mask has a sexy, mysterious vibe.

Together, we create magic that our subscribers can't get enough of.

We go up to the register and both purchase a couple of things from the boutique.

Mandy suggests as we step out of the boutique, bags in hand. "Let's find a place with good cocktails."

The hot Vegas sun beats down on us, but it doesn't bother me. Not today.

"How about that new rooftop bar?" I say, pointing to the neon sign a few blocks away. "I heard their mojitos are amazing."

"Perfect!" Mandy beams, tightening her grip on my arm as we weave through the dense crowd on the strip.

As we walk, I let myself get lost in the rhythm of the city.

The flashing lights and blaring music blend together into a chaotic symphony, matching the whirlwind inside my head.

Spark's face flashes before my eyes, his rough hands and intense gaze sending shivers down my spine.

"Zoe, you okay?" Mandy's voice pulls me back to reality.

She's looking at me with concern, her brows furrowed.

"Yeah, just thinking," I reply, forcing a smile. "About everything, you know?"

"Well, stop thinking and start drinking," she says with a laugh, nudging me playfully. "It's time to relax."

We reach the rooftop bar and take a seat at a table overlooking the strip.

The view is breathtaking, the city sprawling out beneath us like a glittering ocean.

A waiter comes by, and we order our drinks—two mojitos, extra mint.

"To us," Mandy says when our drinks arrive, raising her glass. "And to figuring things out."

"Cheers," I say, clinking my glass against hers.

The cool liquid slides down my throat, refreshing and sweet.

For a moment, I allow myself to relax, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the company of my best friend.

But the reprieve is short-lived.

My mind starts to wander, picking apart every detail of my life.

How do I balance my feelings for Spark with the complications of being involved with someone in the club?

And what about Mandy?

Our friendship is already complicated enough without adding more layers to it.

"You're quiet again," Mandy observes, sipping her drink. "What's really on your mind?"

"Just... everything," I admit, stirring my mojito absently. "Work, relationships, family. It's a lot."

"Hey, you're strong. There's nothing you can't handle," she says, placing a comforting hand on mine. "You'll figure it out. And remember, I'm here for you. Always."

"Thanks, Mandy," I say, squeezing her hand. Her support means the world to me, but it also adds another layer of complexity to our relationship. She knows about Spark, but not the whole truth. And keeping secrets from her feels wrong.

"Why don't we plan a shoot for next week?" Mandy suggests, changing the subject. "Something fun and different. It might help take your mind off things."

I agree, grateful for the distraction. "Yeah, that sounds good."

Planning shoots always gives me a sense of control, something solid to hold onto amidst the chaos.

"Great! We'll brainstorm ideas later," she says with a grin. "For now, let's enjoy our drinks and this beautiful view."

"Deal," I say, taking another sip of my mojito.