Temptation (NEW)

Chapter Thirty

Usually Saturday mornings were greeted with open arms, especially now that I have a hectic work schedule during the week. Even for a split second, I cozied myself deeper in the bed like I always would on Saturday. Drowsiness and the warmth of the blankets were consuming me. I almost fell back asleep until my mind drifted into thoughts of the night before. It came slowly and then all at once. Dread and fear were now consuming me from head to toe. Within seconds, I threw off my blanket and scrambled to get my phone.

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

My heart sank. I could have guessed that this would happen but it still hurt nonetheless. I did receive a text from Sakura from last night. She was checking in on me to see if I was alright. It was considerate of her, but it only made me feel more anxious. Obviously, I lied and said I was fine. The last thing I needed was her and Ino meddling into this situation. If I were to tell anyone about this, it would be Shikamaru. He doesn't care enough about other people's lives to say anything.

I went about my day and periodically checked my phone throughout. If I actually had plans, maybe I wouldn't be so consumed with thoughts about Sasuke. My curiosity was eating me alive. I couldn't even enjoy Netflix or instant ramen without thinking about him. For once I wish I could have a distraction on my day off. I had so many questions that I wanted answered. I prayed that he would just text me. I'd even settle for a "Never talk to me again" text. At least I'd know something from that. But then again, maybe I didn't deserve it all. It's been so long since we last saw each other, so why should I be allowed to pry into his life? If he wanted me around, we'd still be together. For the last year, I've pondered our last conversation. He wanted to leave to get better. So, what if he did get better and realized he was better off without me?

I guess we'll see about that.

By about 7 o'clock, I couldn't take it anymore. I felt absolutely insane for doing this. The streets were just as busy as the night before. Drunken people were weaving in and out of the bars and restaurants. Loud laughter and conversations were blended together in a jumbled mess. It was all a little disorienting but I tried to stay focused. I could see the shady club with men in suits entering it and my heart began to pound. It was a shot in the dark to do this. There was no guarantee that I'd even get past the doors. But for Sasuke, I'd try. I'd let him know I gave it one last attempt to prove myself. That has to count for something, right?

As I approached the entrance, another crowd of suited men were entering the club. I managed to blend in with them and gain easy access into the club. Clearly they were regulars and didn't have to pay their way. I got lucky this time. Ducking low, I stayed close to the walls of the club to not bring attention to myself. I had never seen the inside of this place until now. It was filled with the town's elite—CEO's, doctors, lawyers, and more. These people were soliciting women and men, downing alcoholic drinks like it was water, and conducting obscene and shady acts left and right. It was jarring to watch, but I couldn't dwell on that. I kept my eyes peeled for Sasuke, examining every dancer. I didn't necessarily prepare myself for the possibility of seeing him grinding on some dirty old man for tips. Let's hope my temper is in check.

"Interested in a dance?" a sultry voice spoke to me, catching me completely off guard.

My breath hitched once my eyes fell on a half-naked woman standing beside me. Under different circumstances, I would have said yes. She was gorgeous and striking, and it was obvious she had the attention of most of the people in the room. If I wasn't dick-whipped by Sasuke, I'd be all over this opportunity.

"I'm actually looking for someone," I confessed, still anxiously looking from dancer to dancer. It was also a good way to keep from gawking at her barely covered breasts. "I was hoping to get some time with them."

A grin peeled onto her dark purple lips. "Who's the lucky dancer that has your interest...and wallet?"

"Sasuke," I answered sheepishly. It felt weird to say his name in this place.

A giggle escaped her as she shook her head. "Sasuke? You won't be able to get a dance out of him."

I felt my heart sink down to my stomach. "Why not?"

"He's not a dancer." I watched her hand raise up and I followed her finger in the direction that it pointed towards. It led my eyes over to the bar. "He's a bartender. However, I'm sure if you showed enough cash, you might have a chance to get something out of him."

Oh thank God. Once my eyes finally found him, I felt nothing but relief. He was still somewhat provocatively dressed, but at least he had pants on. I can handle that. No fighting dirty old men tonight.

"Are you his boyfriend or something?" she interrogated teasingly. "I didn't think he was capable of showing affection."

I shook my head. "It's complicated."

I walked away before she could ask anymore questions. My focus was only on him again and nothing was going to get in the way. There was a seat at the end of the bar and I made quick strides to get to it. I definitely felt a little out of place taking a seat next to CEO's and business owners. They were chatting away with Sasuke and the redheaded girl that worked with him behind the bar. It was obvious flirting, yet it almost came off as pervasive and degrading. These men had an ego and it amazed me that Sasuke was feeding into it. The Sasuke I knew would have knocked them down a peg.

"How can I help you?" spoke the redhead as she approached my side of the bar. She was obviously faking a chipper attitude to just please the customers. These men were too drunk to notice.

"Oh, uh, just an old fashioned is fine," I answered in a panic. I was too busy gawking at an oblivious Sasuke to even think about ordering a drink.

The redhead leaned back and looked towards Sasuke. "Hey, Sasuke, can you hand me the bourbon?"

This is it. The moment his head turned to answer, he caught sight of me. His fake smile wavered into shock. I didn't rehearse what I'd actually do when I got to this point. All I could think to do is awkwardly give a small wave. Stupid, I know. I wish I had been a lot smoother, too. Another second passed and he snapped back into reality. His fake persona came back and he grabbed the bourbon for the redhead.

"Karin, why don't you take care of the gentlemen over there and I'll make his drink," he suggested with this disgustingly fake voice.

She let her guard down for a split second and almost grimaced. "Really?"

He basically gave her no choice by immediately starting my drink and made her switch places with him. She looked less than thrilled to entertain the perverts at the other end. It had been a long time since I was this close to him. Everything about him physically seemed the same. Yet, something was still off about him.

"What are you doing here?" This was his real voice now. Intimidating and sharp. It sent a chill down my spine.

"I had a few questions that I wanted answers to," I admitted with my voice low enough for just the two of us. "I was hoping you would have texted me back last night."

"You'd think that me walking away from you would have been enough," he snapped, furrowing his eyes at me. "I really thought you would have moved on by now."

I raised an eyebrow. "Have you moved on?"

He bit his lip to stop himself from answering. I think he almost said no.

"I think you should finish this drink and then leave," he replied, ignoring my question altogether.

"I want to talk to you, Sasuke."

"If I wanted to talk to you then I would have called, Naruto."

He placed the old fashioned in front of me and walked away. It seemed so easy for him to do so, just like the first time he left. I felt like I had been slapped in the face. Honestly, I think I would have preferred an actual slap. It would have hurt way less. The sting would have been temporary and gone within a few minutes. This pain I felt was going to sit with me for a while. At least I knew something finally. No more wondering. No more daydreaming. I pulled out my wallet and left a wad of cash on the counter. There was no point in sticking around.

Time to move on, right? Surely this will be the last time we see each other.