Tangled Temptations

Ravenna stormed out of the room.

It was Veronica who spoke first, her voice laced with concern. "How on earth did Ravenna end up here?"

Ravenna was an outsider, from a modest background, and the club they were in was a place where the average Joe couldn't foot the bill.

Veronica suspected Ravenna was keeping company with some dubious characters. After all, Ravenna was a classmate, and even if they weren't close, Veronica couldn't just stand by and watch her go down a slippery slope.

Gunner was visibly uncomfortable. He wanted to mumble an excuse, but Riley commented lightly, "Oh, was that Ravenna? She's quite a looker. Hope she doesn't take a wrong turn. Hey Gunner, why don't you play the knight in shining armor here?"

Gunner was seething inside. Riley fancied Veronica, and this must've been some sort of twisted joke. He was about to decline when the crisp sound of a lighter broke the tension. It was Harvey, flicking his Zippo.

The flame sparked to life. His chiseled face was inscrutable.

For some reason, Gunner felt a shiver run down his spine. It was odd; he suddenly had the feeling that Harvey seemed more formidable than before, even though he was only a year older. That aura was just different now.

"Go check on her, Gunner," Harvey said, breaking the silence. "After all, she's a classmate of Veronica's. It wouldn't be good if something happened to her."

Gunner wanted to see for himself what Ravenna was up to. As he rose, Veronica held him back. "Should I come with you?"

Gunner chuckled, "Nah, stay and have fun. I've got this."

...

Stepping out of the lounge, Gunner paused in the hallway and dialed Ravenna's number. "Where are you?"

Ravenna was fuming on the other end. Gunner had invited her, but Veronica was there too. It was as if he was mocking her.

She snapped, "What's it to you?"

Gunner's voice was firm. "Meet me by the restrooms."

He thought it was time to break things off with Ravenna. Whether today's situation was someone else's scheme or Ravenna's ambition, he couldn't keep her around. He cared for Veronica and intended to make her his wife.

Leaning against the restroom wall, Gunner lit a cigarette.

Five minutes later, Ravenna arrived, dolled up and looking seductive. Despite her anger, she nestled against his shoulder and said, "When will you take me out in the open, to socialize properly?"

Gunner extinguished his cigarette. He pulled out a check from his wallet and laid it on the line. "Let's end this. There's half a million in here, and consider it compensation for your time."

Ravenna was stunned. Was he eager to dump her just because she had bumped into Veronica?noveldrama

She was a good actress and knew how to seduce. She didn't take the check, instead, she asked, "Are you sure you can let me go? Don't you remember how good it feels when we're together?"

As she spoke, her arms snaked around his neck, her lips brushing the nape of his ear. It had been a few days since Gunner and Veronica had sex, and Ravenna's advances were getting to him. Overcome by desire, he pulled her into a restroom stall.

Soon, the sounds of sex filled the small space.

...

Back in the lounge, Gunner hadn't returned for quite some time. Veronica was clearly distracted.

Riley was trying to console her, and Harvey spoke up with deliberate slowness, "Riley, why don't you take Veronica and check on them?"

Riley hesitated. Since when was Harvey so helpful?

However, he was willing, and escorted Veronica outside. She tried calling Gunner, but he didn't answer, and she grew anxious. "I hope he hasn't gotten into a conflict with someone in another private room."

Riley gave a small smile.

They checked each lounge, finding no one. Just as they were about to give up, they heard intense sounds from the restroom. Riley frowned at first, then chuckled under his breath, "Veronica, wait here for a second."

Veronica heard it, too. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Who would do such a thing in a restroom?

However, the man's heavy breathing sounded all too familiar. Her face drained of color, and she gripped Riley's arm, her voice shaking, "Riley, don't go."

Riley looked down at her. Veronica's delicate fingers had turned pale. After a moment, Riley softly asked her, "Are you sure you don't want to see? If the man you're about to marry is involved with another woman, can you really just let it go?"

Twenty-year-old Veronica loved Gunner deeply, but she was too proud. In the end, she leaned against the wall and whispered, "Go ahead, Riley. If it's him with Ravenna, don't take pictures or make a scene. Let's keep some dignity."

Riley's gaze darkened. He hesitated before gently touching her hair.

Veronica looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears.

Riley agreed. When he kicked open the restroom stall door, Gunner and Ravenna were in the throes of passion, both slick with sweat.

The door banged open. Gunner was so startled he nearly passed out.

Riley leaned against the opposite wall, lighting a cigarette and taking a drag with a smirk. "Veronica said if it was you with Ravenna, I shouldn't take pictures or start a fight. She wanted to spare you some dignity. But Gunner, you've given her none."

Gunner turned ghostly pale. He buckled his belt, ready to leave, but Riley blocked his way. "What's the rush, Gunner? You haven't finished your business. Or do you want to carry on?"

Gunner's ears burned with urgency. "Let me explain to Veronica."

Riley's anger flared. He tossed his cigarette to the ground, stamping it out with a sneer, "Explain what? That you love her in your mind but can let your body roam free? That you can do this in a restroom with her classmate. Gunner, aren't you disgusted with yourself? You're despicable."

"It's none of your damn business." Gunner swung first.

Riley wasn't afraid of him. His heart ached for Veronica, and he wished he could beat Gunner senseless.

Punch for punch, kick for kick, neither gave an inch.

Meanwhile, Ravenna, still flushed, had straightened her dress. She initially intended to leave, but then she realized this was her chance, her opportunity to usurp the throne.

Veronica wouldn't chase after Gunner anymore. If Ravenna swallowed her pride and approached him with humility, she knew he'd eventually come around. Ravenna walked away, her demeanor calm even after the confrontation that had drawn blood.

Outside, Veronica was a ghostly shade of pale, redness tinging the corners of her eyes. Just moments ago, she had texted Eloise in a frenzy. [Gunner was messing around with Ravenna.]

Now, Ravenna emerged. The two girls faced each other, and it was clear Veronica was in agony. She didn't like Ravenna, yet she empathized with the hardships her parents had faced, which was why she'd always supported Ravenna from the shadows.

But Ravenna-Ravenna had crossed a line with Gunner.

Trembling, Veronica asked, "When did this start between you two?"

Ravenna smiled faintly, a touch of coldness in her voice. "Oh, it's been over six months. Gunner's been good to me. He's been covering my tuition and my living expenses. He even shops with me for my dresses and lingerie."

Veronica felt sick to her stomach. She had thought her relationship with Gunner was the envy of others, but it was all a facade.

Gunner was keeping a woman on the side, right under Veronica's nose.

The room's dim lighting only accentuated Veronica's pallor. Veronica knew Ravenna's ambition well enough. She just wanted to be Gunner's official girlfriend. But Veronica couldn't care less. She had no desire to compete.

Without another word, Veronica turned to leave. "Riley, let it go." she exclaimed, breaking the silence.

Gunner, taken aback, was then struck hard by Riley's fist. Ignoring his own bruised face, Gunner rushed over and gripped Veronica's shoulders, his voice laced with urgency. "Veronica, let me explain."

She shoved him away. Calmly, she declared, "There's nothing to explain. We're done," and with that, she walked away. Riley followed her out.

Gunner, refusing to let go, grabbed her arm. His tone sounded angry. "Veronica, you'll regret this. Think you can find another boyfriend like me?"

With a swift motion, Veronica freed herself. Her voice quivered with a fierce edge. "Gunner, you think I'm with you for the money, don't you? Let me tell you something. I don't give a damn."

As she spoke, she removed the expensive watch from her wrist-a pair to the one on Gunner's hand, worth over a million dollars—and dropped it. The watch shattered on the ground.

Veronica seemed drained of all strength as she whispered, "Gunner, it's over. I will never forgive you."

“Because of him?" Gunner suddenly spat out, pointing at Riley. “Got a decent backup, so you're cutting ties with me? Congratulations, you've moved on so quickly. What's next, are you rushing off to a hotel tonight?" Veronica's slap landed across Gunner's face. Her whole body shook with rage. "Gunner, I'm not like you. I have feelings."

Gunner opened his mouth to retaliate, but Riley stepped in, draping his jacket around Veronica, and whispered, "You need a peaceful night's sleep." Veronica was at her breaking point. She was fortunate that Eloise arrived just then. Eloise, still in her loungewear, had somehow made her way in. Upon seeing Veronica, she immediately took her under her wing. "Come to my place. Michelle will make you some soup."

It was late, and Veronica felt like an imposition. Then Harvey emerged from a private room, his expression softening when he saw Eloise. Tossing his car keys,

he instructed, "Wait for me in the car."

Eloise couldn't help but look up at him.

Harvey was different tonight, a bit more wild, yet she detected no scent of alcohol or women's perfume on him. She was content with that.

Harvey affectionately tousled Eloise's hair, a tender gesture amidst the chaos.