Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Finally seen the light, huh?" York sprang up from the couch. "Done playing the devoted boyfriend?"

Murray didn't even blink an eye at York's teasing, his face expressionless. "It was just a show, nothing we haven't done before." York clapped his hands, relieved his buddy was back to his old self. "Okay, I'll set you up right away. Clean and hassle-free."

No sooner had he hung up the phone than York sent over an address.

[Eclipse Lounge1080.]

[I've been eyeing this chick for a while, still a virgin. She's all yours.]

Murray's lips twitched into a smirk as he grabbed his jacket and headed out. Under the deep night sky, it was time to release himself.

The following morning, clad in a bathrobe, York emerged from the neighboring room. After a night of heavy drinking, he woke up midday.

Murray stayed in a luxury suite reserved for him in Eclipse Lounge, owned by the Gibson family, which was more spacious than a typical three-bedroom apartment.

Yawning, he ruffled his hair, feeling parched. Deciding against water, he poured himself a red wine and headed to the living room.

of a woman, bare shoulders marked with tantalizing red spots. Her eyes were filled with sorrow and pity as she looked at Murray, but he was unmoved, simply paying her

York's amused gaze, lazily

"That puppy dog look, even I'm almost swayed, and you're as cold as ice. Have you

"I paid her service.

York raised

shook his

think of drinking this early in the

rings of smoke that filled the air with a hazy veil. Despite

eyes darted around, leaning in. "Aren't

"Why would she? Just an ex. She doesn't have the

back together is out of

But

Why would you rather have me find you a call

confused. "What e Lounge than sleep

her?"