A night to remember

The bass from the club’s speakers vibrated through the pavement as they approached the entrance. A long line snaked around the building, but Olivia confidently led the group past it, straight to the bouncer.

“Hey, sweetheart,” she purred, flashing a flirtatious smile. “Think you can let us in?”

The bouncer barely hesitated before unclipping the velvet rope, letting them through.

Glenn swallowed hard. It was really happening.

As soon as they stepped inside, the atmosphere swallowed him whole. The air was thick with perfume, ****, and sweat. Bodies moved in sync with the pounding music, a sea of people grinding against each other under flashing neon lights.

Glenn’s grip tightened on his clutch. He felt exposed.

The tiny black dress clung to him, shorter than anything he’d ever worn. The heels made his legs look longer, thinner, more delicate. And the makeup—Mia’s handiwork—had transformed his face into something pretty.

Too pretty.

It wasn’t long before the attention started.

Men’s eyes lingered on him as they passed. Some were subtle, a quick glance and a smirk. Others were more obvious—slow, hungry looks that made Glenn’s skin prickle.

“Jesus,” Sophie laughed, leaning in. “You’ve got guys drooling already.”

Glenn shivered. “I—”

Before he could respond, a man brushed past him, his hand lightly grazing Glenn’s waist.

“Lookin’ good, sweetheart,” the stranger murmured before disappearing into the crowd.

Glenn’s stomach flipped.

He wasn’t used to this—this kind of attention, this kind of power.

And it only got worse when they reached the bar.

Aaron leaned against the counter, watching with mild amusement as Olivia ordered drinks. Glenn stood stiffly beside him, hyperaware of every set of eyes that landed on him.

Then, a man slid in next to him.

Tall. Well-dressed. A confident smirk on his lips.

“Didn’t think I’d be meeting the most beautiful girl in the club at the bar,” he said smoothly.

Glenn’s throat tightened. “I—”

The man’s eyes flickered with something unreadable. “Shy, huh? That’s cute.”

Glenn opened his mouth to protest, but Olivia suddenly appeared, shoving a drink into his hand.

“Drink up, babe,” she winked. “You’re way too tense.”

Glenn hesitated. But when he glanced back at Aaron, expecting him to step in, his roommate just smirked.

“Go on, princess,” Aaron murmured before walking away. “Wouldn’t want to disappoint your new admirer.”

Glenn flushed. But he took a sip anyway.

The burn of **** spread through his chest, and before he knew it, he’d finished the drink.

The **** hit fast.

The music pulsed through him, the club’s heat making his skin tingle. The overwhelming attention that had made him want to shrink away earlier started to feel… different.

As the girls dragged him onto the dance floor, he felt himself letting go.

Hands on his hips. Bodies pressing against him. Strangers’ gazes drinking him in like he was something to be wanted.

The realization sent a thrill down his spine.

He was desirable.

Men looked at him and wanted him.

And for the first time, that thought didn’t make him want to run—it made his breath catch in excitement.

“Now you’re getting it,” Mia whispered in his ear, grinning as she twirled him.

Glenn let out a breathless laugh. Maybe she was right.

Hours passed in a blur of flashing lights, strong drinks, and lingering touches. Glenn didn’t know when he stopped feeling embarrassed and started feeling good.

But he did know when it hit him—when he truly accepted what he was becoming.

It was when he caught his reflection in a mirrored wall.

His makeup was a little smudged, his lips plump and glossy from sipping cocktails. His dress clung to him, his thighs peeking out as he shifted. His body swayed easily to the music, effortlessly feminine, effortlessly seductive.

He barely recognized himself.

And yet… he did.

This wasn’t a mistake. It wasn’t just a game.

This was him.

And he liked it.

A man’s hands brushed over his waist, pulling him closer. Glenn didn’t resist. He met the stranger’s gaze, heart pounding.

“I knew you’d come around,” Aaron’s voice murmured near his ear before disappearing into the distance leaving him alone with the man.

Glenn turned, finding himself alone with a stranger for the first time all night.

And for the first time, Glenn didn’t argue or try to run. He just smiled.

Because Aaron was right.