99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 53

It was just after nine at night, and The Elite was the nightclub the group collectively decided on.

For passers–by, it was a dingy dive, but that was the front of the business called The Underground, through the back alley exit, which led to the club we attended.

This definitely wasn’t a place Liyah or I would go back to, but the understanding was that there weren’t many options in Langely, as it was either family, farm, or wine here.

Liyah and I joined the corner booth with a few of the other riders listed for the events.

We may be enemies on the saddles, but a lot of these riders were actually charming people. There’s a few snobs, that’s to be expected, but overall, it was fun, and the guys kept the curious local cowboys away from us dainty ladies.

It’d been a while since I’d racked up a table and hussled a few games of pool, but once I knocked the dust off, I was having a great time.

It felt incredible to unwind and not have to maintain appearances for other people’s image.

The bar made sure to limit the number of locals attending, as we had booked the bar in advance, reserving most of the booths and tables.

Liyah mingled with a few familiar faces from past competitions, leaving me to continue my games of pool while I waited for Lucien’s arrival quietly.

However, to my surprise, I didn’t see Lucien, but I spotted Liam walking in with several Langley dignitaries, laughing and chatting.

I hadn’t expected to run into him here.

He was also invited to the international equestrian competition. That must have been the trip he had mentioned in the earlier text messages.

He wore a well–tailored dark gray suit. His handsome features were perfectly groomed, and his hair was meticulously styled, embodying the image of a refined upper–class gentleman.

It made him look even more of a pompous ass dressed as he was in a local pub.

Yet, as per Liam fashion, he was oblivious to this fact.

Not wanting to confront him directly, I quickly turned and headed down a corridor away from Liam. Having never been here before, I turned off the one hall and headed down another, unaware of where this corridor led.

The corridor was eerily silent, devoid of any people.

I had intended to find a restroom to wash my hands, but after wandering for a while, I couldn’t find any signs indicating where it was.

I turned to head back when, suddenly, I heard a faint rustling sound coming from a nearby room.

Curiosity piqued, I turned my head toward the sound.

The noise came from a slightly ajar door.

I stepped closer and peered through the narrow opening.

The room was dimly lit, with no overhead lights on. Only a dim bulb lit the room from the wall. It had a pull cord, showing just how old and unrenovated this build was in these back rooms.

In that light, a tall figure stood with his back to the door, seemingly changing clothes.

His black pants hugged his long, toned legs, and as he raised his arms, the collar of his shirt flared open, revealing a well–defined collarbone and hints of muscle along his sides.

He was seductive!

I couldn’t think of a better word to describe it.

Liam was my mate, and yes, I found him attractive, but this was something entirely different. I didn’t know if it was the hint of danger from the man’s aura, or of being caught spying, but I wanted more.

As if sensing my desire for more, the sexy man fastened the last button on his shirt. His gaze inadvertently flicked to the wall mirror.

Our eyes locked, and while mine widened in surprise, his expression momentarily froze.

I quickly averted my gaze, like a startled rabbit, and bolted down the corridor.

I berated myself the entire time I frantically struggled to find my way to the restroom, after what felt like an eternity.

Splashing cold water on my face helped clear my mind, and I felt more composed.

I still couldn’t believe that had just happened.

Not only was I openly and one might suggest hungrily checking Lucien out, but I got caught doing it–by Lucien! How could this possibly get any worse?

It felt as if the Goddess heard my panic and rose to the challenge, because as I dried my face with a paper towel and turned to leave, a tall figure unexpectedly blocked my path.

A Chance Encounter

My heart raced, and my feet felt glued to the floor.

Curse my horrible luck, or the Goddess’s nasty sense of humour!

It was Lucien!

I had hoped he hadn’t seen me, but now I realized that was wishful thinking.

“Hey, Lucien! What a coincidence!” Taking a deep breath, I forced a smile, trying to sound nonchalant.

I paused, and then panic took over, and the rambling began.

“Look, I wasn’t trying to peek. I was trying to hide from someone out in the bar, and then I realized I had to pee anyway, maybe wash my face or something. Really, just about anything that could delay my return out there? I got a bit turned out because I wasn’t really paying attention, and I just heard some noise from that room. When I looked, I saw it was someone dressing. I was just about to leave, but you–uhhh,”

“Oh, really?” Lucien’s lips parted slightly.

“Yeah, don’t worry. You were already in your clothing. I didn’t get to see anything. I swear.” I blinked at him, trying to lighten the mood.

“Oh, what a shame. Did you want to see anything particular, Claire?” Lucien’s gaze flicked over my revealing dress, his eyes darkening further.

“Not at all! It’s no big deal. Besides, we grew up together, so it’d be like family. Even if I saw something, I wouldn’t think anything of it. Right?” I awkwardly waved my hands.

“Oh? So you did see something?” Lucien narrowed his eyes, moving closer.

I could feel my literal heart race faster than the stallion I rode earlier, as I realized I was digging myself a deeper hole of lies.

Suddenly, Lucien pushed me against the wall, gripping my chin tightly.

“It’s been years, Claire. You’ve picked up so many new skills from the Sterlings,” he mocked, “You just had the competition, didn’t you? You’ve become accustomed to lies so fluently, I see.”

My heart sank, It was clear he recognized my riding style, yet he didn’t tell the officials that it wasn’t Liyah riding under her banner.

“Lucien, I haven’t forgotten everything you taught me about riding. I remember all of it.”

1 instinctively launched into my rehearsed lines, ignoring his baiting in the other direction.

I hoped to rekindle his memories of our childhood. The sooner I got into the pack!

“Oh, really? What do you remember?” Lucien’s eyes narrowed, his fingers brushing my lips as if savouring the moment.

I thought my performance had rekindled something in him, so I decided to capitalize on the moment and feigned innocence with a sweet smile.

“A lot! Besides riding, you taught me how to solve a Rubik’s Cube and play the piano. You also cooked for me. I still recall the scrambled eggs you made for the first time. It was so salty! But you made me say it was delicious!”

I covered my mouth, laughing until tears streamed down my cheeks. I missed the sweet boy

Lucien used to be.

Lucien, however, remained cold and unresponsive. “Is that funny?”

The sudden shift in atmosphere made my laughter die on my lips. “No, I just wanted to make you happy. You held a lot of pride making the eggs; it made me happy to see you like that.”

I bravely reached out to smooth the frown on his brow. “You used to smile so much as a kid, but now you’re always frowning.”

In an instant, he seized my wrist, his grip so tight it nearly made me cry out in pain.

Then, with a swift motion, he flipped me around and pinned me against the wall, his icy voice whispering in my ear, “I know what you’re trying to do. Using childhood memories to get close to me is really pathetic!”