Bad Teacher

My father’s rules won’t stop me from chasing my needs, though. On the contrary, they only push me further into the limelight and further away from him and all the responsibilities that come with being the son of the king.

I’m trying to blend in when I finally spot the place I’m looking for. River NightClub. One of the few places in this city where men and women flock together without shame. It’s normally chock-full of tourists, and I sneak inside, pretending to be one of them.

The music is blaring, and I’m already in love with what I see. People dancing, drinking, fondling each other, or even kissing in full view. If Father saw this, he’d be out of his mind. Not that he’d ever come into a place like this.

He considers it forbidden. Out of the question. He only tolerates these businesses because they make him a lot of money, which is hypocritical, if you ask me, but I don’t mind. It allows me to have a fun night out without being tied to any royal obligations.

And boy, am I enjoying myself thoroughly … watching that girl dancing on her own in the far corner of the club. Her blond hair waving back and forth as she sways her voluptuous hips. Her skintight black dress a stark contrast to her pearly white skin, but mesmerizing nonetheless. And those pristine blue eyes that latch onto mine as I approach her seal the deal.

A smirk spreads on my lips. I wonder if she’s here for a purpose too. If she’s looking at me because she finds it just as hard to look away. If she likes what she sees.

Because I sure do.

I didn’t just come here to dance or drink or mingle.

I came here to find someone to spend the night with.

And I think I just found the perfect girl to play pretend with.

Lord, have mercy on my soul, because I’m about to sin.

Chapter 2

Maya

I tiptoe around on the music, trying to find my bearings, but the longer I do, the more I’m beginning to question why I even came to this club. Or why I even listened to my cousin Lesley when she told me to step outside my comfort zone and take a leap of faith. God, this is so unlike me. Questioning everything as though I’m in the middle of some sort of fucking identity crisis.

I’m not. I came to this country of my own free will.

I came because I wanted to do something different.

Because I dared to apply for a job halfway across the world, thinking I wouldn’t get it. But I did it anyway, with a tiny push from Lesley. She always has the best ideas. It’s true, because this whole place is magical.

I shouldn’t waste time feeling sad because I’m alone and literally know no one here. I should have fun, for crying out loud. That’s why I came here tonight anyway. I can sip drinks at the hotel too, but this place actually plays good music.

So fuck this emotional bullshit. Fuck this insecurity. I’m gonna do it.

In a bout of energetic enthusiasm, I walk away from the bar and find a small place to myself in the corner of the club where I can dance to my heart’s content. I close my eyes and let my body do what it does best. I turn off my brain and focus on the here and now. The sound of the beat drops so low I can feel it in my toes. I love it so much that I can’t help but let go in the moment, ignoring anyone and everything around me. I don’t give a shit what anyone thinks of the way I’m dancing, or that I’m alone in a foreign country, dancing in some strange club with people who don’t speak the same language as I do.

I dared myself to do this, and now I’m going for it.

With my drink still in my hand, I sway to the music, ignoring the voice in my head telling me it could be dangerous. Because who knows what could happen when you’re abroad and all alone. But I refuse to live in fear. Instead, I’ll enjoy every second of my time here while it lasts.

And when I open my eyes … I come face to face with heaven.

Well, that’s what it feels like anyway when two pristine blue eyes stare right back at me and take my breath away. A guy in an all-white outfit in the far corner of this club has caught my attention, and I can’t look away. Part of his face is hidden behind a scarf, but it doesn’t make him any less mesmerizing. I’m completely frozen to the ground as he walks in my direction.

Is he really coming toward me? Or am I dreaming?