Page 3 of Vow to Hate You

“If you don’t want to go?—”

“I do.” I shot her a smile. “It sounds fun.”

I’d spent most of my time overseas in the club scene, so this kind of place was perfect. Plus, Char was excited. I was still uncomfortable we were so close to Connecticut, but if we were all wearing masks, then I wouldn’t worry too much about being recognized. I hadn’t been around our circle of wealth in almost five years, and I didn’t look or dress anything like I did back then.

Char continued to chat about our plans for the next couple of days as I leaned back in the seat, trying to relax. I was happy to be here for my sister to celebrate her birthday. But if anyone else found out I was in town, I would be so screwed.

CHAPTER 2

talie

“So, is Talie a nickname or what?”

I stared at Charlotte’s friend, irritation bubbling through me. She hadn’t stopped asking questions since she and another friend got into the car. The other girl, Ana, seemed nice enough, but I was seriously questioning my sister’s judgment about the one who wouldn’t stop talking.

“It’s the name she goes by, Hayley,” Charlotte answered, giving me an apologetic grin.

I never went by Natalia. It reminded me of a childhood and the life I never wanted to live again.

We were in Hayley’s car and had been stuck in traffic for nearly an hour. Char and I were in the backseat while Ana sat in the front with Hayley. Both had been to this club before, and their excitement was contagious. My stomach was fluttering as I readjusted my tight top. Ana warned us not to wear skirts if we wanted to go on the stage, but other than that, they kept their lips sealed, wanting us to experience the club for ourselves.

“Finally,” Ana breathed out after turning down the radio. “We’re here.”

I peered through the windshield, seeing the underground parking entrance. Hayley pulled forward, stopping when a manin a security uniform stepped out of a small booth. He leaned down, his eyes landing on each of us before holding out his hand.

“Cards.”

When my sister and her two friends passed over black cards, the guy scanned each of them before returning his gaze to me. A frown settled on his lips, and I ignored the nerves, keeping eye contact with him.

“She’s my guest,” Char spoke up from beside me. “Her info should be under my account.”

“Name?” he asked me.

“Talie.”

“Legal name.”

I tore my eyes from him to look at my sister. I had no intention of using my real name while I was so close to home.

“It’s fine,” Char whispered. “They pride themselves on being confidential. They need names to vet the people who want to come. Everything stays with the club. I had to give them your info when I put you down as my guest on their website.”

Hayley and Ana were sneaking glances at me, impatience lining their faces. I had a feeling if I was the reason they didn’t get into the club, they would be less than happy.

“Natalia Rutherford,” I muttered just loud enough for the security guard to hear.

“I need to see your ID.”

I scowled. “Are you serious?”

“There’re cars behind us,” Hayley said pointedly, staring at me. “We had to do it when we first got our cards. They do it with everyone.”

I bit my tongue while fishing my license out of my clutch purse. Hayley grabbed it when I passed it to the front, and the guy glanced at her before stepping back.

The guard looked at Char. “As your guest, you are responsible for her. If there are any problems, your membership will be revoked. She knows the rules?”

“Of course,” Char said nervously. “I told her.”

“Perfect. Have a good night, ladies.” He waved at the car behind us.

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