Intro. The music pulsed too loudly, lights cut through the room like blades, and the smell of alcohol and expensive perfume mingled in the air. She shouldn't be there. She knew it the moment she walked through the party—and saw him. Alex Romanov. Leaning against the bar as if he owned the world, arrogant smile on his face, a different woman glued to him as if she were just another one. As always. Womanizer. Provocative. Untouchable. Her heart missed the beat. Hatred came soon after. "You never waste time, do you?" Her voice came out low, venomous, when she bumped into him "unintentionally". Alex turned slowly, his dark eyes shining with recognition and contempt mixed together. The crooked smile emerged, the one she knew all too well. "Haven't jealousy killed you yet?" He teased, looking her up and down. It was enough. The slap echoed too loudly, cutting the music and drawing the attention of those nearby. Her hand burned, but her anger burned more. For a second, the silence was absolute. Then Alex laughed. A laugh fr