Tell Me Lies

A Dangerous Game

The moment we step inside the club, I'm hit with the energy of the place—the heavy bass thumping through my chest, lights flashing in every direction, and the crowd moving like one body, flowing to the rhythm. Aiyana grabs my hand and pulls me toward the bar, her eyes glowing with excitement.

"It's been way too long, Zaire," she shouts over the music, a huge grin on her face. "We *have* to make up for lost time!"

I can't help but laugh. I'd almost forgotten what it felt like to be this free, this untethered. I nod, feeling the same spark of excitement flicker inside me. "You're right. Tonight, let's just have fun."

We order drinks—something fruity with a kick—and before I know it, the alcohol is warming me from the inside out. The stress and tension I've been holding onto for so long dissolve with every sip. My body feels lighter, my mind clearer. Aiyana's already swaying to the beat, and her joy is infectious.

"Come on!" she tugs me toward the dance floor, her hand firm in mine. "Let's dance!"

---

The lights swirl and pulse in sync with the music, casting everything in shades of neon. Aiyana moves like she owns the place, and for a moment, I just stand there, watching her, feeling a small sense of awe. She's always been this way—fearless, radiant, completely in her element.

I let the music take over, swaying to the beat, my movements slow at first, hesitant. But as the song picks up and Aiyana cheers me on, I give in. My body moves with the rhythm, my arms lifting, my hips swaying. I feel... free. Like I can just forget. Everything that's been weighing on me, everything with Omari, fades into the background.

I don't even realize how much time has passed, only that my head feels light, my heart pounding, and there's this reckless sense of abandon thrumming through me.

A hand brushes my arm, and I turn to see a guy standing beside me. He's tall, handsome, with an easy smile that tells me he's been watching me for a while.

"You've got some moves," he says, leaning in close so I can hear him over the music.

I laugh, feeling bolder than usual. "You too, apparently."

Before I know it, we're dancing together, our movements in sync, his hands lingering near my waist. I let it happen. Why not? It's just fun, right?

---

The drinks keep coming, and my head gets lighter. At some point, I feel a heat rising in me that I haven't felt in a long time, and it pushes me to do something completely out of character. I lean in, whispering something flirtatious in his ear—something I'd never have the courage to say sober. He laughs, his hand brushing my back, and suddenly, the space between us shrinks even more.

It's all just fun. Harmless, I tell myself.

But in the back of my mind, Omari's face flashes, and the guilt comes creeping back, a shadow at the edge of all this reckless joy. I shove it away, determined to enjoy this night, determined to forget about him. I lean into the guy again, giving in to the moment.

"We should get out of here," he says, his voice low, his eyes on mine.

I nod, feeling dizzy but exhilarated, and we make our way through the crowd, heading for the door. As we step outside, the cool air hits me, but it doesn't do much to sober me up. My head spins, but I laugh, not caring about anything except the thrill of the night.

---

Suddenly, I hear my name being called. I turn, and my heart sinks. It's Omari, storming out of the club behind us, his eyes blazing.