Page 1 of The Pakhan’s Accidental Bride

1

KIERA

Istare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, smoothing down the black dress that hugs my curves. My breasts look fantastic, and my legs seem to go on for miles in these heels. But none of it matters if I'm too terrified to leave my apartment.

"Kiera! Come on, we're going to be late!" Sarah calls from the living room.

I grip the edge of the sink, the cool porcelain grounding me. I can do this. It's just one night. One night of pretending to be normal again.

"Just a minute!" I call back, my voice steadier than I feel.

My hands shake slightly as I apply another coat of mascara. I hate this. Hate that Arnie still has this power over me, even though I ended things months ago. The thought of going to a club makes my heart race and my palms sweat, which is ridiculous. I used to love going out.

Breaking up with him should've been the end of it. Four months ago, I finally walked away after he cracked my rib and I admitted the truth I'd been avoiding. He wasn't going to change, and I deserved better than living in fear. But with Arnie, nothing's ever that simple.

He showed up at my apartment at two in the morning, pounding on the door until my neighbors complained. He called from different numbers after I changed mine, his voice alternating between pleading and threatening. He waited outside my office building until security had to escort him away. For weeks, he made sure I knew he wasn't going anywhere.

But it's been a month now. A whole month without a single sign of him. Maybe he finally got the message. Maybe I can actually have a life again.

Maybe.

"Kiera Walker, if you don't get your ass out here right now, we're coming in there!" That's Jess, and she absolutely means it.

I grab my clutch and head out before they can make good on the threat. Sarah and Jess are waiting by the door, both dressed to kill and grinning at me like they've just won the lottery.

"Finally," Sarah says, looking me up and down with approval. "You look hot."

"I look like I'm trying too hard," I mutter.

"You look like a woman who's ready to have a good time," Jess corrects, linking her arm through mine. "Which is exactly what you're going to do tonight. No arguments."

I want to argue anyway. Going out feels dangerous, even though I haven't seen any sign of Arnie in weeks. I can't shake the feeling that he's still out there somewhere, watching and waiting.

"I don't know," I start.

"Nope. No backing out now. You promised." Sarah grabs her purse and heads for the door.

"I didn't actually promise. You two ambushed me at work yesterday and wouldn't leave until I agreed."

"Exactly. You agreed. That's basically a promise." Jess squeezes my arm, her expression softening. "Look, I know you're scared. But you can't let him win, Kiera. You can't let him take your whole life away."

The words hit harder than I expect. She's right. Arnie has taken everything. My confidence, my freedom, my ability to enjoy a simple night out with my friends. I've been hiding since we split, and what has it gotten me? Nothing but more fear and more isolation.

"It's been a while since you've seen him," Sarah says gently, reading my mind like she always does. "That's a good sign, right? Maybe he finally got the message."

I nod, though I'm not sure I believe it. Arnie's never been good at taking no for an answer. That's how we ended up together in the first place. He pursued me relentlessly until I finally agreed to go out with him. Back then, I thought it was romantic. Now I know better. Now I know someone who can't respect your boundaries from the beginning will never respect them at all.

"Come on," Jess says, tugging me toward the door. "We're going to dance. We're going to drink. We're going to remind you what it feels like to have fun. Remember fun?"

I manage a smile. "Vaguely."

"That's the spirit. Sort of." Sarah opens the door with a flourish. "Our Uber's probably already here."

The ride feels like an eternity even though it's only fifteen minutes. I sit in the back seat between my friends, hands clasped tightly in my lap, trying to breathe through the anxiety. Sarah and Jess keep up a steady stream of chatter about work, dating lives, and everything except the elephant in the car. I'm grateful for it, even though I can barely focus on what they're saying.

The driver drops us off in front of the club, and the bass is so loud, I can feel it vibrating through the sidewalk. There's a line of people waiting to get in, all of them dressed up and excited. For a moment, I consider bolting, just turning around and walking away, calling another Uber, going home where it's safe.

But Jess has my arm, and Sarah's already talking to the bouncer. Before I can make a decision, we're being waved inside.