It was one in the morning, and I found myself sitting at the hotel bar. I knew I was breaking the rules— but what's life without a little fun?

For once, I felt elated. My thoughts were rid of Vinnie. I could finally focus on myself... and maybe anyone I had yet to meet at the bar.

Being rebellious sent a wave of mischief down my spine. Right now, I just wanted to get back at Vinnie to show him I was much more than just a few rendezvous to him.

I sipped on my mauve-ish-colored cosmopolitan, savoring the exquisite flavor.

"What's a pretty girl like you sitting here all alone for?" A young, extremely handsome man with a silky Italian accent said he sat in the vacant chair next to me.

I licked my lips, biting them a bit to show him I was interested.

"Waiting for a man like you to sweep me off my feet," I replied, a smirk playing on my lips. It felt nice flirting with someone new.

He signaled the bartender, holding up a finger. The bartender tensed up, nodding at the young man, scrambling to get his drink order done. He seemed powerful, like everyone around here knew him.

That would explain all the whispers and stares.

"That's one powerful New York accent." He remarked, sipping on his whiskey, licking his lips.

Fuck, I thought to myself, barely being able to control my thoughts with this whole five-course meal sitting in front of me.

I already knew he was a ride that I most likely wouldn't survive, but I was more than ready to explore the option of it.

"Only the best," I said, lifting my glass to toast, taking a swig of what was left.

He smirked, biting his lip.

I got up, placing my hand on his thigh, tracing around in a circle with my pointer finger.

"So are we gonna get out of here or what?" I whispered seductively in his here, sending chills down his spine.

He placed his hand on my back, setting down a fifth dollar bill on the bar.

Standing up, he led me out of the bar area and into the main hotel area. I could feel him eyeing me up and down, admiring the tight-fitted red dress that hugged my curves perfectly.

He stepped closer to me, pulling me into his chest. I stared up into his chocolate brown eyes, feeling myself become captivated by his trance.

I was into him.

So into him.

"I would kiss you right now, but there seems to be another man staring at you." The man said, nodded his head in a different direction.

I turned around, my cheeks becoming hot at the sight of Vinnie. He leaned against a lone wall, smoking a cigarette as he stared directly at me. To say I felt insecure wasn't even half of it.

I'm in so much fucking trouble, I thought to myself.

I knew this decision would leave me in a rocky place, but I didn't know if it was worth losing my job over.

"Just give me a second." I pleaded, stroking his arm to let him know I was attracted to him. He nodded, gesturing for me to do whatever it was that I needed to.

I walked in Vinnie's direction, already regretting this choice. I knew I was going to hear it from him, and I wasn't ready.

"Do you need anything?" I regrettably said, crossing my arms.

He didn't say a word.

Instead, he stood there, cigarette in hand, giving me a death stare. I couldn't tell whether I found this hot or completely terrifying.

"Well, if you're just going to stand here and not speak, I'll just go on and enjoy my night." I sneered, turning around, only to be forced back by a hand on my wrist.

His cigarette was now left to burn on the floor, and I was faced with a very angry-looking Vinnie.

"Are you even remotely aware of what you're getting yourself into right now?" He commanded, sending chills down my spine.

I chuckled. "You mean finding myself a decent guy who will treat me, right?"

He let go of my wrist in annoyance, running his hand through his hair.

Words couldn't describe the anger that riddled through my body at the moment. Suddenly he sees me with another and becomes defensive? It's as though he doesn't even consider what I have to deal with when it comes to him and Michelle every day.

"You know Vinnie— as smart as you may think you are, sometimes you are so dull-minded." I spit, a slight ache erupting in my heart.

"Dull minded? How? Enlighten me, Luna."

What amazed me was that after all of this time— the constant fighting, the love reveals, the sex, the utter jealousy— he still doesn't realize the effect he has on me.

"I can't keep explaining it to you. This time, figure it out yourself." I angrily replied, feeling the frustration seethe into my bones.

He stood there, gazing off into the distance, looking as though he did not worry about sight. Clearly, he didn't care, and that was okay. I wasn't going to make him care anymore.

"What are you trying to do? Make me jealous? Don't even try. It won't work." He said, nonchalantly:

I chuckled, rolling my eyes. "Might as well get from someone else what I can't from you."

________

There were no words to describe the utter regret that stung through my body when I saw Luna pressing herself up against another man.

I know she isn't and will probably never be mine, but it riled up my anger like no other.

The cigarette that, normally, calms my nerves was only making things worse at the moment. The hot, burning smoke-- something I normally crave-- seared my throat, causing me to drop it before I even had the chance to finish.

I looked at the beautiful girl standing before me. The way that dashing red dress fit her curves made me want to press her up against the wall behind me and fuck her senseless.

But I couldn't let my inner feelings captivate my outer ones. I couldn't show her that I was weak at my knees for her.

"What are you trying to do? Make me jealous? Don't even try. It won't work." I said, knowing I was damn-well already jealous enough to kill the man.

I chuckled, rolling my eyes. "Might as well get from someone else what I can't from you."

My heart stung, being able to tell she meant every word that just came out of her mouth. I was hurt, but I knew I deserved it.

A part of me wanted to let her go— to be free with another man and realize that no man except me will ever be enough. The other part of me wants her to be rid of this drama free life— a Michelle free life— and just be happy.

The thought of another man touching her, making love to her, made me sick to my stomach.

Whether or not I showed it, I cared all too much for her.

And the biggest problem sitting on my shoulders, making the weight I already have to carry so much more challenging, was the fact that she chose the one man I hoped she wouldn't.

Standing on the other side of the hotel lobby was no other than

The man I was sent here to kill.