Chapter 0390

Hannah

I wiped the sweat from my face and neck with a towel, gulping down water. My muscles pleasantly ached from the intense workout; my limbs felt delightfully loose and limber.

“Great session today, Hannah,” Drake said, clapping me on the shoulder. He might have been even more breathless than I was. “You really gave me a run for my money.”

“I’m glad to know I’ve finally put you in your place, Drake.”

Drake grinned roguishly and guzzled his own water.

Viona cooed, leaning against the ropes surrounding the sparring ring. “Speaking of putting men in their place, how was your date the other night? Was Alpha David just as much of a bastard as he seems?”

I groaned, remembering the disastrous date. “It was awful,” I grunted, grabbing my towel and slipping beneath the ropes. “A complete waste of time, actually. I should have stayed home.”

“That bad, huh?” Drake asked, raising an eyebrow.

I sighed, shoving my things into my bag. “David was arrogant the entire time, barely listening to anything I said. Then, at the end of the night, he got mad that I wouldn’t sleep with him on the first date. He even kissed me without permission, saying something about me owing him for the expensive dinner.”

“Ew,” Viona shook her head, her short hair bobbing. “I’m sorry, Hannah. Men are disgusting.” She glanced at Drake, who was hopping down from the sparring ring. “No offense.”

Drake smirked. “None taken. Men are indeed disgusting.”

I shrugged. “It’s whatever. I just don’t think I’m ready to get back into the dating scene, that’s all.”

“Hey, don’t let one bad experience put you off,” Drake said gently. “In all seriousness, there are some good guys out there.”

“I know,” I replied. “It’s just… it was kind of scary. I forgot how vulnerable dating can make you feel.”

Viona nodded sympathetically. “I get it. Take your time, Hannah. There’s no rush.”

After a moment of silence, Viona spoke again. “But… are you bringing a plus-one to the wedding?”

I shook my head. “No, I’m going alone. At first, I thought about bringing someone just to shove it in Noah’s face, but… I’ve decided I’d rather go by myself than with someone I don’t even like.”

Drake and Viona exchanged glances. “Are you sure?” Drake asked. “I can go with you, if you—”

“No,” I said quickly, glancing at Viona. Her face was impassive, and I knew she wouldn’t care, but still. It felt wrong now that they were a thing. “I can handle it on my own.”

The parking garage was dimly lit as I made my way to my car a little while later, the fluorescent lights flickering ominously. Despite my earlier bravado about handling myself, one thing was certain: this parking garage always freaked me out, especially this late.

As I reached for my car keys, digging through my purse, I shivered. Maybe it was just the eerie atmosphere, but I felt like I was being watched. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and I quickened my pace.

Fumbling with my keys, I dropped them on the ground next to my car. “Shit,” I muttered, bending to pick them up.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. My heart rate spiked as I recognized David; his eyes were glazed over.

“Well, well,” he slurred, stumbling toward me. “If it isn’t the little tease herself.”

I backed up against my car, my hand instinctively reaching for my phone. “David, what are you doing here?”

He closed the distance between us, and this close, I could smell whiskey on his breath. He’d been drinking. A lot.

“I’ve been thinking about our date,” he said, his words blurring. “You’re quite the little playgirl, aren’t you?”

“What are you talking about?”

Before I could slip away, David leaned in, pressing me against the car. “Don’t play dumb, Hannah. I saw the way you were looking at me during dinner. Your body language… I know you wanted me, and you’re just getting off on the chase.”