Trial And Error

Chapter Twenty

Kian's POV

Kian stood outside Madison's front door, mentally bracing herself for whatever night out the girls had planned. Eight hours earlier, Olivia had called insisting Kian come over with some excuse that they all needed a night out. But Kian knew the real motive was getting her and Madison in the same room again.

The door swung open, "Oh good, my date is here!"

Kian rolled her eyes. "Ha ha. I know I'm better-looking, but I'd never do that to Lucas. And I don't go for married women."

"Oh shush, just get in here," Olivia laughed, playfully swatting Kian's arm. Then her expression turned serious. "But fair warning: Nathan is here too, so please be civil."

Kian visibly winced, turning back towards the door. But Olivia grasped her arm to stop her.

"I was mentally prepared for a night with Madison, not him. I need more time to mentally prepare for that. Plus I thought they broke up." Kian complained.

"She's giving him another chance tonight. I don't like it either, trust me. But at least I get to brag you're the hotter date,"

"Now's not the time for jokes, Liv," Kian grumbled.

Olivia squeezed her arm reassuringly. "It'll be fine, and you'll be with me all night, I promise."

They walked further into the house finding Nathan perched on the couch, and Madison still missing. Kian greeted the YouTuber with a nod and sat at the island.

"Would you like a drink?"

"If I'm going to survive this night, I'll need several," Kian replied dryly.

Olivia just rolled her eyes and headed to the bar, returning with a bottle of vodka and two shot glasses. Kian's eyes lit up at the sight.

Just as Olivia started pouring, they heard the click of heels announcing Madison's entrance. Kian's gaze was immediately drawn to the musician as she descended the stairs. Dressed in a black dress that hugged her curves perfectly, paired with black heels to add to her height. Her makeup was flawlessly done, making her captivating hazel eyes stand out, hair curled to perfection.

Kian found herself unable to look away, utterly enthralled by Madison's beauty and commanding presence. This was going to be a long night if she had to spend it so close to Madison looking like that. Kian grabbed one of the shots from Olivia and tossed it back swiftly.

The stunning brunette brunette stood before her. "Kian, good to see you're still alive," she greeted bluntly, her eyes raking over Kian's body from head to toe.

"Same"

"Ride's here!" Nathan's grating voice called out.

"We're not done here. Don't think you're off the hook," Madison told Kian,

Kian just tucked her hands into her leather jacket pockets and nodded, following the two girls out of the house. It was shaping up to be a long night.

...

The club was massive having two floors one being a balcony where the VIP section was located. The booth Kian was sitting in overlooked the floor, her eyes scanning the sea of sweaty people as they danced together. The setup was typical of LA clubs: pulsing lights, a huge dance floor, DJ station, and speakers lining the walls to ensure hearing damage by night's end.

Kian leaned her back up against the solid surface of the poorly padded booth, sipping on her drink. Olivia sat in front of her doing the same, instead of watching people like Kian the blonde scrolled through her phone aimlessly probably missing her husband. The Marine didn't know why the manager was up here, usually, she'd be on the dance floor with her employer.