It's been almost four days since the last time Spencer Wright directly spoke to me.

I've still been attending his workshop, but he made a clear point of ignoring me. But now that I know he's attracted to me; my moves are more assured. I openly flirt with Brian in front of him and each time I see him going rigid, I count it as my win.

Life is going well. Except for the part, I'm still running away from my family. The events of my days fill up enough of my head that leaves no space for mulling over Dad leaving us.

At nights, where I reflect on my daily routine and recall the times if he was here, I would have checked in on them tears me up, but other than that, I believe I've been holding up really well.

I'm proud of myself. That's the sole reason I'm treating myself tonight with a little fun. Nathan offered, and I gladly agreed to go out. With the purpose of introducing me to some important people, we arrive at one of the well-known nightclubs in New York.

The car stops in front of the entrance and the driver jumps out of the car and opens the door for me. With his help I climb out of the vehicle, taking a few unsteady steps on the uneven pavement thanks to my needle stilettos. Nathan rounds the car and places his hand on the small of my back and leads me inside.

We don't spare a glance at the long queue as Nathan gives his name to the bouncer and he steps aside for us.

The blasting music embraces us as we enter, from the corner of the club we head to the VIP section.

Nathan leans down and whispers next to my ear, "Please don't create drama."

I roll my eyes and he gives me a pointed look making me huff.

"It's a miracle William still wants to work with you, stop pushing your luck."

This asshole didn't shut up about this matter during the entire ride, so much of letting go and having fun. Just to get rid of his gaze fixated on me, I nod.

He sighs and we climb a few steps up, reaching the dark corner specified for VIP guests. The music is fainter but still loud.

I survey the area. My eyes widen and with shock and I turn to Nathan. No way. He pleadingly gazes at me and I roll my eyes. I shouldn't have come.

At the other end, Olivia's long tan legs, slender figure and silky hair along with her golden sequined dress make her impossible to miss out in the semi-darkness of the place.

To my utmost surprise, Everly is standing next to her, with no sign of a baby, although her sparkling black jumpsuit is loose, from this distance the few pounds she has put on are noticeable. Must have had the delivery recently.

But what makes me want to turn and dash away is one of the guys I instantly recognize. Light brown hair and a sharp jawline, with his usual leather jacket and black jeans, is no other than Kristian Wright... Spencer Wright's stepbrother.

Too late to do anything and with Nathan's persistent pressure on the small of my back forcing me ahead, I'm left with no other options except plastering the fakest smile and approach them.

This is going to be one long night.

Olivia is the first to notice me and soon Everly follows her train of gaze and her mouth hangs open.

"Looks like we won't be going anywhere without you showing up out of the blue," Olivia starts, instead of greeting.

"What can I say? I'm the star of every gathering," with a hard smile I sneer back.

She glares at me.

"Didn't expect to see you here," Everly offers her hand, her pink acrylic nails look like claws, but I ignore it by busying myself with removing my coat. She curls her fingers into a ball as her hand retreats to her side.

"Honestly, the award of the most responsible mother should go to you." I chuckle and hand my coat to one of the servers.

She opens her mouth to argue but Kristian Wright walks to us and opens his arms.

"Is it really Gracie Stewart?"

I offer a tight-lipped smile as he hugs me and I awkwardly pat his back. He laughs and steps back. "The heartbreaker's in town and no one even told me. Sorry couldn't come that day, by the way." He drapes his arm around my shoulder and pulls me to himself, making me stumble over my own feet, but putting the distance he wanted between me and Nathan.

Even a blind man can spot the death glare Nathan throws at him as the transmission happens. But Kristian doesn't seem to care.

"Drinks babe?"

Before I can decline, Kristian leans behind me and shouts an order, the same drink I usually get, at one of the bartenders. I arch an eyebrow with surprise but stay quiet.

"Pa moved us here; at first I was furious, but if only I knew I'd meet you here, it would have saved me from a good load of trouble."

I shake my head. "You haven't changed one bit," I point out and he grins at me. The same usual flirt. Only less of an ass he was four years ago.

"Did I tell you how ravishingly hot you look tonight?"

"No need, I already know, but thanks."

He laughs again. "You haven't changed one bit either." He leads me to the same group of guys he was talking to. "I wanna introduce you to a few of my friends, Pa said you're going to work with him, gotta say I look forward to seeing you around the office." He winks and I smile.

It's a surprise he's being nice. I wonder what changed? Or maybe he's just putting up an act.

Kristian introduces me to the four guys. Some time in between, a man brings my drink and I can't be more grateful. I try to act interested in the nonsense they cook up, either talking about their family businesses or shoving their money into each other's faces.

The alcohol in my drink helps me not to think about my old lifestyle... and Dad. It's unbelievable how the most irrelevant of things remind me of him sometimes.

By the time I'm bored out of my mind and my drink is finished, leaving me itching for more, Nathan shows up and I can't help but smile brightly at him.

He leans to me, bringing his mouth next to my ear. "I want you to meet two special guests." And grabs my hand.

Kristian sends a confused look at us as I excuse myself and we set off in the opposite direction. Olivia and Everly's heads block the view.

I really don't understand what's it with these people and not wanting to sit. There are plush black sofas just a few paces away, but no, everyone wants to stand. Maybe I should have worn shoes with shorter heels.

A warm hand snakes around my waist and I turn with surprise, meeting Kristian's dark eyes. "Don't think you can run away from me like last time," he darkly whispers to me and Nathan once more sends an irritable glare in his way.

Chills run down my spine, this side of him was inevitable, but I didn't expect it to come out so soon. After all, I wrecked his ego in front of his buddies, revenge is a sure thing, it's just a matter of time.

Perhaps he wants to sleep with me and then toss me aside... just like what I did to him exactly three days before Alex asked me to be his prom date... and the three weeks Alex and I were on break.

We near the special guests and I halt in my track the moment they come into view.

No flipping way.

∞ ∞ ∞

Comment your thoughts (especially on Kristina =)  what's your first impression?)

Thanks for reading this chapter hope you enjoyed and hopefully by the time you are done the second chapter should be up to =)