Chapter 71

While Evelyn was busy with Derek, Rayna navigated the crowded club on her way back from the restroom. She swayed to the music, feeling the pulsating beat vibrate through her.

Her thoughts drifted to Evelyn, who seemed unusually preoccupied. Rayna wished she could convince her friend to relax and enjoy herself, but it felt like a lost cause.

Approaching the corner leading back to their table, she passed a boisterous group of men near the bar. Ignoring them, she kept her eyes forward until she felt a sudden tap on her buttocks. The impact shocked her, leaving her momentarily frozen.

Heat flushed her face as anger surged. She spun around, scanning the faces of those nearby, searching for the culprit. Everyone affected feigned innocence, smirking and nudging each other.

Her gaze finally landed on a retreating man—the same man she recalled passing her just before the incident.

Assuming the worst, Rayna narrowed her eyes and stormed toward him, her heels clicking sharply on the floor. She planted herself before him, arms crossed, her expression a mixture of fury and disbelief.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the club's noise.

Ethan blinked, clearly startled by her outburst. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

"Don't play dumb! I felt it!" she accused, jabbing a finger toward him. "You slapped my ass!"

Ethan's eyes widened in shock. "What? No, I didn't!" he protested, raising his hands defensively. "I didn't touch you! I don't even know you."

Rayna's temper flared. "Don't lie! I know what I felt!" she retorted, her voice rising. "What kind of pervert does that to a woman he barely knows? Do you think it's funny?"

Ethan looked around, noticing the curious glances. He stepped closer, lowering his voice to calm her.

"Listen, I didn't touch you. I swear," he said earnestly.

Rayna remained unconvinced. "Do you think I'm stupid?" she hissed, her eyes blazing. "You walk past me, and then I'm slapped on the ass! Who else could it have been?"

Ethan ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "I don't know, maybe one of those jerks by the bar? But it wasn't me!" he insisted, gesturing toward the group, who were now trying to stifle their laughter.

Rayna turned to look at them; their laughter and sly grins fueled her anger. She turned back to Ethan, her eyes still filled with suspicion. "You expect me to believe that?" she asked sarcastically.

Ethan nodded seriously. "Yes, because it's the truth. I wouldn't do something like that. You have to believe me," he said firmly.

"You look like the type," she said, and his eyes darkened.

Ethan took a deep breath, "Don't call me that." His voice was low, a warning in his tone.

"Then don't act like one," she retorted.

Ethan's jaw tightened as he glanced back at the group, who were still snickering. One gave him a mocking salute. He clenched his fists, but forced himself to breathe. He knew confronting them wouldn't help.

He turned back to Rayna. "I didn't touch you. I have no reason to. Frankly, you're not attractive enough to get my attention," Ethan said bluntly, "and you're not very smart either if you can't tell when a man is being honest. Simply put, you're not my type." Rayna paused, stung by his words.

For a moment, Rayna hesitated, her anger wavering as she looked into his eyes. There was no deceit, no smirk. Only annoyance. But her pride prevented her from backing down. She shook her head stubbornly.

"I don't care whether I'm your type or not. You're not mine either," she said, her voice less confident, but still laced with distrust. "But if I find out you're lying, you'll regret it."

Ethan watched her, feeling angry and frustrated.

"Listen, I'm sorry someone touched you. But it wasn't me. I hope you find them."

They held each other's gaze for a moment. Rayna huffed, turned on her heel, and stalked back to Evelyn, her heart pounding with anger and confusion.

Reaching the table, she ignored Derek, grabbed her purse, and motioned for Evelyn to follow. "Let's go," she said, and left.

"Are you okay?" Evelyn asked with concern, grabbing her own purse.

Derek watched them, wishing Rayna hadn't returned so soon; he'd been enjoying his time with Evelyn despite her aloofness.

"Let's just go," Rayna repeated, leaving without waiting.

"I have to go with her," Evelyn told Derek, who nodded and smiled.

"It was nice seeing you," Derek called after them as they hurried away.