Forbidden Love | Jude Bellingham

003. Night Out

Chapter 3

~ Ava Barton ~

Night Out

"Well then, let's fix that. More drinks?"

As the night drew to a close and the dinner wound down, the three of us—Jobe, Jude, and I—stepped outside into the crisp night air. The chill bit at our skin, and I instinctively pulled my coat tighter around me, exhaling as my breath fogged in the cold. Mark and Denise lingered inside, waiting in line to settle the bill.

Jobe glanced at Jude, noticing how his eyes were glued to his phone. With a teasing grin, he nudged his brother. "So, which girl has you glued to your phone tonight?" he asked, his tone playful.

Jude chuckled, looking up from his screen to meet Jobe's eyes. "No girl, man. It's just Trent," he replied, the corners of his lips twitching into a smirk. "He's asking if I want to go out with him and Saka tonight."

Jobe raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh yeah? Are you going?"

"Yeah, why not?" Jude shrugged, slipping his phone back into his pocket. "I've got nothing better to do, and it's been a while since I've seen those guys."

Then, with a spark of mischief in his eyes, he added, "You two should come with me. It'll be fun—a little adventure to spice up the night and to celebrate your win a little longer."

Jobe seemed to consider it for a moment before glancing at me, waiting for my reaction. I felt Jude's eyes on me, his expression warm and inviting. "What do you say, Ava?" Jude asked, his voice dropping to a softer, more flirtatious tone. "Care to join us? I promise to keep you entertained."

Jobe rolled his eyes, his irritation evident. "Bro, stop flirting with her. She doesn't want you," he said, his voice carrying a sharper edge than usual. It wasn't just a casual warning; there was something deeper behind it. Jobe hated how Jude flirted with you, especially because Ava was the one thing he had that Jude didn't. In a world where Jude seemed to have everything—talent, fame, charm—Ava was the one person Jobe felt he could call his own. Years ago, he and Ava had made a promise that she would never be with Jude, and Jobe intended to keep that promise.

Jude raised his hands in mock defense, his grin fading slightly. "Okay, okay, sorry," he said, trying to diffuse the tension. But there was still that glint in his eye, the one that always made Jobe uneasy. "But are you guys coming or not?" he added, redirecting the conversation.

"I'm in," Jobe replied, though his tone was less enthusiastic than before. He turned to you, his expression softening. "Ava?"

You hesitated for a moment, glancing between the two brothers. Despite Jobe's irritation, you could see the excitement in Jude's eyes, and a part of you wanted to see where the night would lead. You gave Jobe a reassuring smile. "Alright, count me in too."

Jude's grin returned, broader than before. "Great! It'll be a night to remember," he said, his gaze lingering on you just a bit too long. You felt a thrill run through you, but you quickly pushed it aside, focusing instead on the night ahead.

Jude pulled out his phone to check the time. "Okay, so Saka is on his way, and Trent is also on his way to the club with Hannah," he said casually.

"Hannah?" you asked, curiosity piqued.

"Trent's girl," Jude explained with a shrug, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Before the conversation could go any further, Mark and Denise joined you outside, their breaths visible in the cold night air. You quickly filled them in on the change of plans. They didn't seem surprised, just amused, as they exchanged knowing glances. "Stay safe and have fun," Denise said, pulling you all in for a quick hug.