Arin barely made it a few steps before she stumbled—hard—into someone's chest.
Two hands caught her waist, firm and unyielding.
She blinked up through the haze of alcohol, her vision swimming. The scent of clean cologne hit her first. Then came the voice—low, cold, and far too familiar.
"So, it's you."
She squinted. The room spun. But that voice, that tone—she didn't need clarity to know who it belonged to.
"You are…" she slurred.
The man's lips curved into a smirk. Her heart sank.
"Drinking because you finally got what you deserved?" he said, tilting his head. "For opening your big mouth about things you don't understand?"
She staggered back, pushing him with both hands. It wasn't much—more of a wobble than a shove—but it was all she had in her.
"Zane," she spat. His name tasted bitter.
"Right here," he said simply.
Anger rose in her chest, sharp and wild. "Fuck you!"
She lunged, grabbing his collar, her fists trembling. Rage blurred with alcohol until she could barely see straight.
He didn't move. Didn't flinch. Just looked at her like she was pathetic.
"Are you sure you want to fuck me?" he whispered in her ear. His breath was warm. Disgustingly steady. "I thought you hated me."
"You're such a fucking bastard—"
"I know." He cut her off with maddening calm, fingers brushing hers away from his shirt like she was nothing but lint on a suit. "Say something I haven't heard."
Then, without another word, he turned his back and walked away.
And left her standing there with clenched fists and heart racing, like she hadn't just hurled her pride at his feet.
Arin stared after him, fury boiling inside her. Her eyes stung, but she refused to cry. Not here. Not because of him.
With a shaky breath, she turned and stumbled back to the bar. The stool felt too tall, the lights too bright. Her fingers curled around her glass, but the drink was warm now, untouched since her last outburst.
"Ma'am… would you like me to call someone?" the bartender asked again, voice hesitant.
She shook her head, biting her tongue to keep the tears from spilling out.
She wasn't going to give Zane Kim the satisfaction.
Her eyes drifted across the room.
And there he was—already settled on a plush leather couch like he hadn't just gutted her. A woman perched beside him, laughing too loudly, her hand trailing up his chest.
He didn't smile.
Didn't lean in.
If anything, he looked… annoyed.
The woman leaned in closer, trying to kiss his cheek. He turned his face away.
When she tried again, he shoved her off. Not gently. She tumbled to the ground with a squeak of surprise, her skirt riding up as she hit the floor.
Arin let out a small, breathy laugh. She didn't mean to—but god, it was satisfying to see him annoyed.
Still, the sight left a sour taste in her mouth. She slid off the stool and made her way toward the restroom. She needed a mirror. A splash of water. Anything to erase the fire in her chest and the chaos in her head.
But just as she reached the hallway, something yanked her off-course.
A hand grabbed her wrist and dragged her backward into the shadows.
"Hey—!"
Her back hit the wall. She winced, dizzy, startled. Her breath caught in her throat as Zane loomed in front of her, no longer calm and smug—but breathless, sweat beading on his brow.
His pupils were blown. His hands trembled.
"Help me," he choked out, voice raw. "I think someone spiked my drink."
Arin's heart stuttered. "What?"
"I'll pay you anything—just—just help me—"
And then his lips were on hers.
Her eyes widened. He kissed her like he was drowning, like she was the only thing keeping him tethered to earth.
And she… she didn't move.
She was frozen. Stunned.
His grip on her waist tightened. His breath came in sharp gasps. And just before she could shove him off, he broke the kiss and pressed his forehead to hers.
"I'm not okay," he whispered. "Please. Just for a second… stay."
Then he kissed her again.
And this time—clouded by shock, by alcohol, by the weight of everything she'd lost—Arin let herself kiss him back.
Not because she wanted to.
But because for one terrifying second, she wasn't sure who needed saving more.