Chapter 57

Sienna heaved a sigh, gulping down her wine as she took in the lively atmosphere of the club that Anne had built for her business. The pulsating music filled the room, but a nagging feeling lingered—one member of their group was still missing, and Sienna wasn't sure if she would even show up.

"I'm sorry for being late!" Riley's voice called from behind, breathless as she leaned on her knees to catch her breath.

"Wow, finally, you showed up!" Mia exclaimed, pointing to the empty seat beside Sienna. "Sorry, no other seats left, so sit next to Sienna."

Sienna secretly rolled her eyes, well aware that everyone around her had conspired to keep her isolated. Most of them had avoided sitting next to her, and Riley glanced at Sienna, hesitating. "May I?"

Sienna nodded and took another sip of her wine. She glanced sideways to take in Riley's appearance. Dressed in a navy-blue Ralph Lauren polo, designer white trousers, and white sneakers, Riley looked put together, though the black mask she wore suggested she might still be unwell.

Riley sighed, running her fingers through her hair and tying it into a messy bun. Her eyeglasses accentuated her features, making her look even more attractive. Sienna felt a jolt when their skin brushed lightly against each other.

"I thought you'd bring Zoey along?" Harriet asked, looking over Riley's shoulder.

Riley furrowed her brow, glancing around the room. "Isn't she here yet? I thought she'd arrive before me."

Sienna picked up a piece of pork barbecue, recalling, "She was here a while ago, but I think she saw some friends and excused herself." Maybe that was why Harriet hadn't noticed.

"Really?" Harriet shrugged, her eyes still scanning the crowd. Riley raised an eyebrow, clearing her throat.

"You're checking on Zoey like she's your girlfriend," Riley teased, calling for a waiter. Harriet nearly choked on her drink at the remark.

"Oh, there's Zoey, and... isn't that her ex?" Riley tilted her head, spotting Zoey walking toward them.

"There you are!" Riley said playfully, glancing back at Harriet.

Zoey let out a frustrated sigh. "You know, I think I messed up. I need help—can someone act like they're dating me?" she asked, positioning herself beside Riley.

Riley looked up at Zoey while sipping her water. "Of course, except this grown-up child right here who hasn't moved on from her ex of three years," Zoey said casually, ruffling Riley's hair.

Riley nearly spat her drink out, choking in surprise. Realizing what she had just said, Zoey quickly turned to Riley. "It's... just a slip of the tongue."

"What the hell, Zoey!" Riley's face flushed with embarrassment. Sienna felt a jolt of shock—had Riley really not moved on yet?

Riley gulped and awkwardly glanced at Sienna, who was sitting next to her. Laughter erupted around the table as both Riley and Sienna sat in stunned silence.

"Guys, come on, I really need help," Zoey pleaded again. Riley cleared her throat, her gaze darting as she spotted Zoey's ex approaching.

"Harriet, come help this creature right here," Riley said, taking another sip of her water while narrowing her eyes at Zoey, who wore a sly smile, clearly unrepentant.

Harriet stood next to Zoey, her expression curious. "What help should I—"

Before she could finish, Zoey cupped Harriet's face and leaned in, prompting gasps from the table.

"Just act like you're kissing me," Zoey whispered, trying to maintain a reasonable distance between their lips.

Harriet rolled her eyes but pulled Zoey closer by the waist, pretending to kiss her. "He's walking near, he's walking near..." Zoey mumbled, her nerves evident.

"You're so noisy," Harriet said irritably, then pulled Zoey in, making the pretend kiss genuine. Zoey's eyes widened as she heard her ex's voice nearby.

"Whoa, so it's true you're already dating someone else?" the voice said, laced with surprise.

Harriet pulled back from the kiss and turned to face him, her expression fierce. "And what if she is?"

The atmosphere shifted, tension crackling in the air as Sienna watched the exchange, wondering how this night would unfold and what hidden truths would surface amidst the laughter and music.

Sienna stepped out of the washroom with a heavy sigh, ready to return to their table. As she walked, a man suddenly blocked her path, a sheepish grin spreading across his face, his breath reeking of alcohol.

"Look who I got here," he said, his gaze hungry. Sienna rolled her eyes, covering her nose and waving the air as if trying to dispel an unpleasant odor.

"Wow, what a beautiful lady you are," he said, reaching out to touch her. She quickly shoved his hand away.

"Fuck off," Sienna shot back, irritation bubbling to the surface as she attempted to sidestep him. But the man was quicker, grabbing her arm and pinning her against the wall.

"Not that fast, missy," he said, leaning in closer, invading her personal space.

At that moment, Riley was on her way to the washroom when she spotted the familiar figure. "Sienna?" she gasped, her heart racing as she took in the scene before her—a man pinning Sienna against the wall.

Without a second thought, Riley rushed forward. "I think I heard her say you should fuck off, dude," she said, her voice steady and firm, her expression darkening with protective anger.

Sienna swallowed hard. "Riley..." she uttered, acutely aware that Riley had had a few drinks, while the man appeared completely wasted.

The man laughed, a twisted grin on his face. "Wow, it must be my lucky day," he sang out. "Look, I have two beautiful ladies here!" He reached out, fingers brushing against Riley's cheek. Though she didn't flinch, Sienna could see the tension in Riley's jaw.

"You should come with me, and let's make something fun, what do you think?" he said, leaning in toward Riley, his breath hot and heavy.

Sienna clutched the hem of Riley's shirt, desperation creeping in. "Riley, let's just leave."

"Stay. Let me handle this," Riley replied, her focus shifting back to the man, her expression now fierce.

Sienna's heart raced as she observed Riley's aura darken.

"Sure, let's have something fun today," Riley said, her voice deceptively sweet as she reached for the man's necktie, loosening it slightly. "I hope you remember this day as you taste this something fun," she added, abruptly yanking the tie, bringing her head down to collide with the man's forehead.

He groaned in pain, stumbling back, but Riley wasn't finished. "How dare you lay your fucking hands off her?" she growled, moving to throw a punch when the man instinctively raised his arms to shield himself.

"Riley, that's... that's enough!" Sienna exclaimed, grabbing Riley's arm and pulling her away just as the man scrambled to his feet and fled.

Riley turned to Sienna, concern etched on her face. "Are you alright?" she asked, checking for any signs of injury.

Sienna bit her lower lip, fighting back tears. "I'm fine, I'm fine," she insisted, reaching up to rub the back of Riley's cheek. But then she noticed the dark red trickle at the corner of Riley's left eyebrow. "But Riley, you're bleeding."

Riley touched her brow, wincing slightly at the realization. "It's nothing," she said dismissively, but Sienna could see the anger still boiling beneath her calm exterior.

"Let's get you cleaned up," Sienna said softly, leading Riley away from the chaos, grateful that she was okay but worried about the storm brewing in Riley's eyes.