Poison Rose of Avalon

After the adrenaline-fueled bike race, the trio headed to the Athena Club for the next event of the night. The club was on the open terrace within the luxurious Rihana Ritz—her family's renowned seven-star hotel 'Seasons'—hosting Rihana's extravagant birthday celebration. It was the event where the elite came to flaunt their wealth, connections, and a hint of exclusivity and craziness.

Rihana had planned everything, hoping to impress not just her friends but, most importantly, her boyfriend of three months, Donovan Magnum. They are in their trial relationship as her ticket to finally dating her dream guy—an exclusive man whose name turned heads in their world.

The group arrived together, parking their vehicles in the underground garage. Rihana's sleek black Mercedes gleamed beside Kai's, Logan and Donovan's Ducati. Dressed to perfection, they moved toward the elevator, the sound of their heels clicking against the polished floor reverberating through the space. Rihana led the way with Donovan close behind, while Harper and Elena paired off with Kai and Logan, their laughter filling the otherwise silent elevator ride to the 26th floor.

"I'm really looking forward to the party. Thanks, Rihana, for inviting us to celebrate with you," Harper exclaimed enthusiastically.

"Yes, I appreciate it, Rihana. I assumed you would celebrate on your private boat with Don." Kai said, winking at Donivan, who glanced at Kai momentarily before facing forward again.

Rihana bit her lower lip, her cheeks flushed as she tucked strands of hair behind her ear. "You're welcome. How could I possibly leave you all behind? We're basically the same... group," Rihana replied in a soft, smooth voice.

Although she wished to describe them as the same family, she refrained from doing so, at least for now. She longed to be alone with Donovan in her yard, but knowing Donovan, she hesitated because she knew he tended to take things at a snail's pace, and they hadn't even shared their first kiss yet. Being her birthday, she was hopeful that it would mark the beginning of their physical intimacy.

When the elevator doors slid open, the deep bass of music greeted them, almost vibrating through their bodies. The entrance to the Athena Club was highlighted by flashing lights that contributed to the lively atmosphere of the space. The air carried luxurious perfumes and the faint, intoxicating aroma of cocktails being prepared at the bar.

Harper was the first to exit, wrapping her arm around Kai's to show her claim. Once they reached the dancing floor, her radiant smile shone beneath the changing lights. Logan and Elena followed closely, moving in perfect unison, their well-groomed looks attracting attention.

From the back of the group, Rihana and Donovan exchanged a glance. Donovan took a step closer, offering his hand like a gentleman, and Rihana's lips curved into a soft smile before she placed her hand in his.

"Shall we?" Donovan asked, his voice smooth and low, a tone meant only for her ears.

The dance floor had already drawn a sea of elegantly dressed partygoers. They navigated through the dance floor and then ascended the stairs to the upper level, which was a lounge area for private members to relax, enjoy beverages, and observe the vibrant dancing of the people below.

"May I take your order, please?" A woman in a crisp black-and-white uniform, her ponytail neat and efficient, approached their table. Her tone was polite and professional, and her notepad was poised to jot down the group's requests.

"Three Boulevardiers for the gentlemen," Donovan said smoothly, not even glancing up as he gestured to the waitress to proceed. He leaned back, giving the women the floor.

Harper was the first to speak, her voice playful. "Sex on the Beach for me."

"Boss Babe Bellini," Rihana added with a hint of sass, glancing sideways at Donovan, hoping for his approval.

Elena took her time. "Lady Lavender," she finally decided, her smile small but pleasant.

"Your order will be served shortly," the waitress replied, bowing slightly before disappearing into the crowd.

As the ambient music pulsed softly in the background, Elena turned toward Donovan. "Donovan," she started, her tone casual but edged with curiosity, "why don't you ever let Rihana ride on your bike? I mean, look at Kai and Logan—they've got Harper and me riding behind them. It's weird that she's always stuck driving the car."

Rihana straightened her posture, her hopeful eyes darting toward Donovan.

Donovan didn't look at Elena at first. His focus stayed on the dancing candlelight at the table's centre. Then, with measured slowness, he shifted his cold, unblinking eyes to her.

"Elena," he began, his voice was not less than a blade, "do I ever bother to knock on the hotel door when you and Logan are occupied behind the door?"

The words struck her like a sudden blow. Elena froze, her cheeks draining of colour before flushing a deep crimson. "W-What?" she stammered, taken entirely off guard.

Donovan's gaze didn't waver, his face an unreadable mask. The dim lighting of the club cast sharp shadows across his chiseled features, but there was no mistaking the intensity in his expression.

"Do. I. Tap?" he repeated, each word measured and laced with a calm venom.

Elena's throat bobbed as she swallowed hard. She darted a desperate glance at Logan, hoping for support, but he remained impassive as if Donovan hadn't just verbally dismantled her in public. After a moment of silence, she turned to Donovan, who was sitting next to Rihana.

"N-No, you haven't," she admitted finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

Donovan leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. The faintest flicker of a smirk danced at the corner of his lips, though his eyes remained sharp. "When I don't interfere in your life, don't interfere in mine. Clear?"

Elena nodded, her gaze falling to the table, her face burning. The music did little to ease the awkward silence that followed.

Rihana shifted uncomfortably, glancing between Elena and Donovan, unsure of whether to feel vindicated or mortified.

Meanwhile, the waitress approached with a drink on the tray, wearing a lovely smile on her face.

Elena grabbed and downed her glass, quickly finishing the drink in one shot. "Another one," she called out to the waitress, her voice sharper than intended. She placed the empty glass down with a loud clink, and her forehead creased as she looked at Logan, who was seated next to her, as composed as always.

The seating arrangement didn't help. Three couches, each meant for two people, surrounded the low table. They were close, yet not close enough to escape the blizzard situation in the air.

Elena leaned in, her voice low but heated. "Why didn't you speak up?" she hissed, her eyes drilling into him. "Isn't it part of a boyfriend's duty to defend his girlfriend? Or perhaps to back her up when someone is being disrespected?"

Logan didn't rush to respond. Taking his time to enjoy a sip of his beverage as if he weren't facing an accusation of carelessness. When he chose to speak, his voice was infuriatingly nonchalant.

"Who instructed you to put your hand in a shark's mouth? You're aware of Donovan's nature. His reputation isn't exactly unknown."

His words made her wince, but he wasn't done. "If you're going to throw yourself in front of a gator and expect it not to bite, that's on you—not me."

Elena's lips parted, ready to snap back, but Logan had already set his glass down and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He gave her a light squeeze, a small attempt at comfort. "Don't be upset, darling," he murmured, his voice softer now. "You've had a taste of it, just like me and Kai and many others. It stings, sure, but trust me—you won't get burnt again. Not like this. Welcome to the club."

He placed a gentle kiss on her temple, the act tender and quick, yet it didn't alleviate the ache of her embarrassment. Elena quietly agreed, her head leaning a bit against his shoulder. She said nothing more, allowing the conversation to fade into the music that thumped steadily in the background.

On the other hand, Rihana couldn't comprehend Donovan's emotional distance. It's not like they're living in the '70s or '80s, where taking things slowly was the norm. Nowadays, people often end up in bed on their first or, at most, second date to enjoy intense, passionate experiences. So why is he acting so exclusive, as if he's waiting for something exceptional? Rihana is the first girl who has surpassed Donovan's typical three-month trial period and has another three months to go; he usually breaks up with others before they even reach the two-month mark, and some even end things the very next day.

Donovan lifted his glass to offer a toast, saying, "To Rihana." The rest of the group chimed in, clinking their glasses together in celebration.

"Let's hit the dance floor. I can't just sit here doing nothing any longer," Harper said, already standing, holding Kai's hand.

While the rest of the group headed to the dance floor, Donovan chose to remain behind, enjoying his own company. Dancing wasn't his thing—it never had been. He preferred to stay on the outskirts, where he could watch without the hassle of engaging in casual conversation.

He swirled his Boulevardier before taking another sip and his gaze drifting over the crowd. His cousins moved effortlessly with their partners. They shared laughter and smiles like currency on the dance floor. In her element, Rihana flitted between conversations and dances, her bright energy drawing people in like moths to a flame.

Donovan leaned back slightly, a faint flicker of relief crossing his features. Rihana seemed at ease, surrounded by friends and admirers. It meant he didn't have to hover or play the role of the affectionate boyfriend—not that he ever envisioned himself in that role.

His thoughts wandered back to the racetrack, to the fleeting vision of a girl with golden-blond hair. Her flowing black dress swayed just above her knees as she took each reflected step in a rhythm.

She didn't walk—she glided as though the earth beneath her feet welcomed her touch.

If she had been barefoot, Donovan was certain her steps would have been so light, so reverent, that even the tender blades of grass would remain unbroken, unbent. There was a grace in her walk that belonged to another time, another world, where femininity was revered as an art form and movement itself was a melody just like Liora walked.

"Liora," he whispered her name as if saying it any louder would shatter the moment, the singular name that had chosen to remain with him. It was a name that clung to him until this moment. And anything that reminded him of Liora, he hated it.

Donovan's thoughts fractured when a waitress approached, balancing a tray on top of a neatly wrapped gift box.

"Sir, the present you requested has arrived," her voice was laced with nervousness as she placed the tray in front of him, her hands slightly trembling under Donovan's gaze, feeling flutters in her heart.

Donovan's deep gaze shifted to her briefly before looking at the gift box.

"Thank you." The kindness in his voice caused her to turn red with embarrassment, and she agreed before pulling back.

He rotated the box in his hands, reflecting on it intently before shifting his eyes to the dance floor. Noticing Rihana in the midst of the crowd. When their eyes met, he offered a faint smile. With a discrete motion of his finger, he signalled for her to join him.

She noticed immediately, her eyes growing a bit wider. Logan and Kai, watching the interaction, exchanged knowing looks. Donovan rarely initiated anything; typically, others pursued him, either by phone call, text message, or even standing out in his classroom corridors, waiting for him. But now, he was summoning Rihana, turning the situation around for the first time.

The two cousins trailed after Rihana like mischievous spectators, excited to see what a unique moment would unfold. They returned to the lounge and took their seats again.

"Rihana," Donovan spoke her name in a low, rich, velvety timbre that seemed to pour directly into her chest. How could his voice flutter her heart wildly, sending ripples through her composure? Rihana asked in her mind. His tone wasn't just smooth but irresistibly seductive.

"Yes, Donovan," she answered softly, her tone revealing the quick pace of her heartbeat. She felt grateful for the booming music, her heartbeat blending with the sounds of the club.

She clutched the cocktail glass tightly. She was sure this was the moment she had been yearning for—their defining moment. Her heart raced with a mix of excitement and a hint of anxiety. Would this evening be the moment he solidified her role in his life with a kiss?

From the corner of her eye, she caught Harper and Elena exchanging sly glances. Their presence didn't bother her; if anything, it added weight to what was about to unfold. They'd spread the word—Harper and Elena, the gossip queens—that Donovan had finally shown his commitment.