The neon lights of The Velvet Rose glimmered in front of me, a surreal contrast against the darkening sky. My friends had dared me to go inside and find Lena, and even though my heart raced with a mix of fear and anticipation, I found myself standing at the entrance, gripping the door handle like it was a lifeline.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open, the heavy bass of music hitting me like a wave. The interior was dimly lit, filled with shadows and flickering lights that danced across the faces of the patrons. A whirlwind of laughter, chatter, and the clinking of glasses surrounded me, making my heart race even faster.

"Okay, Harper. Just look for Lena and get out," I whispered to myself, trying to build my courage. But as I stepped further inside, the atmosphere began to weigh down on me.

"First time here, sweetheart?" a voice purred from beside me. I turned to see a striking woman leaning against the bar, her eyes glimmering with a playful curiosity.

"Uh, yeah... I mean, sort of," I stammered, unsure of how to respond. She wore a form-fitting dress that accentuated her curves, and the way she tilted her head made her look inviting and a little dangerous.

"Perfect! Let me show you the menu," she said, flashing a smile that seemed to promise all sorts of temptations. She pulled out a sleek tablet and turned it toward me, displaying a selection of women, their images partially obscured but undeniably enticing.

My breath caught in my throat as I scrolled through the options, feeling both drawn in and overwhelmed. The women were gorgeous, each one looking like they could be the star of their own wild fantasy. "I... I don't know if I'm ready for this," I murmured, hesitating.

"Don't be shy! It's just for fun," the woman encouraged, leaning closer. "And I can assure you, it's not anything illegal. Trust me, you won't regret it."

With a few more hesitant tugs, the tablet was handed over me and I managed to scroll up the "menu" that the woman offered, I felt a thrill of excitement. What would it be like to be with people like these? I could feel the blush creeping up my cheeks as the curiosity battled with my nerves.

But just as I was about to make a decision, a familiar figure entered the bar. My heart dropped as I recognized Lena, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit that clung to her figure perfectly. The fabric was a deep navy blue, contrasting beautifully with her pale skin. Her wolf-cut hair framed her face, accentuating her sharp jawline, and the rolled-up sleeves revealed glimpses of her intricate tattoos.

I felt myself flush, mesmerized by how stunning she looked. She embodied a kind of confident allure that made my heart race, and I could hardly breathe as I took in the sight. Internally, I was screaming, admitting to myself that I might indeed be gay for the way she made my heart flutter.

But just as I was about to call out to her, I hesitated. What if she recognized me? My stomach twisted in knots as I grappled with the realization that I was in a vulnerable position—alone in a place like this, and there was Lena, looking as perfect as ever.

Lena scanned the room, her expression focused and determined. I held my breath, hoping she wouldn't see me. Would she connect the dots? Did she know I had followed her?

"Hey there," the woman next to me said, breaking me out of my daze. "Are you going to make a choice, or are you too busy staring at the pretty lady?"

I felt my cheeks flush hotter, torn between my desire to hide and the overwhelming urge to approach Lena. "I... I need to think," I finally managed to say, trying to regain some composure, I chickened out and ran out of the door.