I could hear the music in the distance, the bass pulsating in the skeevy restroom, practically shaking the mirror I was staring in. Sweat glistened on my brow, causing my bangs to stick to my forehead. I did my best to make them look more attractive, but quickly gave up with a huff. I leaned closer to inspect my makeup, and decided to reapply my lipstick. _Dude Killer_ this shade was called, a darkish scarlet red. _How fitting_ I thought to myself with a smirk.

As I felt around in my purse for the lipstick, my fingers brushed against cold metal, as they did I met my eyes in the mirror briefly. Not a second later, I found the lipstick, brushed it across my lips, and with one more satisfied glance at my reflection, I turned around and opened the door to the dance floor, where little did I know, I was about to meet my past and perhaps, my fate.

I effortlessly slipped back into the crowd, swaying my hips, running my fingers through my hair, pretending to be lost in the music. In all honesty, I was half tempted to let go for the briefest of moments. I made a mental note to come back to this club on my night off. It was a hole-in-the-wall type of place. One of those places that you only come across by word of mouth. It was sweaty, dingey. The walls were covered in graffiti and the furniture was falling apart, but the drinks were cheap and the DJ on point.

I subtlety glanced around the room in search of my target. Cillian Phoenix, son of Kelsey Phoenix, underworld queen and rival of my current employer. Not one to keep a low profile, I quickly spotted him in one of the “VIP” sections, if you could call it that. I made my way to the bar.

I met Cillian’s eyes from my seat at the bar. I had a bottle of champagne sent over to him with my regards. I watched as he poured himself a glass and raised it in my direction with a smirk. I raised my own glass in return and winked. _Now walk over here you cute bastard _I thought to myself as I took a sip, not once dropping his gaze. He raised his free hand in a gesture for me to join him and his posse. Scrunching my nose in a way that I might hope was cute or sultry and shook my head.

“Come on.” He mouthed to me and made a big show of pouting. I wiggled my index finger in response. Cillian dramatically rolled his eyes and stood up, champagne in hand and walked over to me, leaving his posse behind. _Gotcha._

What else can I say but that he was tall and handsome? His jet-black hair was slicked back, with the exception of a couple of locks that had escaped and hung aesthetically in front of his face. His white dress shirt was halfway undone, exposing a chiseled chest and a sparkling gold chain. He wore a gold Rolex on his right wrist, and perfectly tailored black slacks that I imagine were produced by some famous designer. It was a shame to kill someone this beautiful, but hey, the bills gotta get paid.

“I just came over to say thanks for the bottle. I’m Cillian Phoenix. And you are?” He spoke with confidence, smoothing out his words like a snake charmer.

“Eden.” I replied simply. Cillian raised his eyebrows.

“Biblical. I love it. Why don’t you come join me and my friends, Eden?” He asked, taking a step closer to me. I had to admit, scent was intoxicating. Whatever the cologne was that he was wearing was worth every pretty penny.

“Why would I do that when I could have you all to myself?” I asked grinning devilishly and leaning in towards him. As I leaned forward, I quickly and subtley put one poison-laced fingernail in his champagne glass and took it out again. Cillian smiled broadly and took another step closer to me, completely closing the gap between us. He slipped a hand onto the small of my back and lowered his head towards my face. I smiled back at him and then pulled away. I took a hold of my drink and raised it. Cillian took his and clinked it together.

I then heard the unmistakable click of a gun ready to fire behind me.

“Nice try. Get away from him and get out of here before I decorate this bar with your brain matter.”

The voice was familiar. It couldn’t be.

My heart started racing, I suddenly felt sick to my stomach. I watched Cillian quickly turn around and duck out of the club. I felt frozen to my spot.

“It’s you.” I said simply.

“It’s you.” I repeated after me, clearly remembering who I was. I closed my eyes for a moment and imagined him as I last remembered him. Young, bright, smiling at me in the sunlight. Kissing me under the bleachers. I took a quick breath, reached into my bag, and taking hold of my gun. I whipped around and aimed it right between his eyes. I heard screaming as the other patrons of the club noticed to people pointing guns at each other and began running for the exits. It all began to sound muffled as I continued staring into his eyes. My first love’s eyes.

“Take your shot, stranger.” He said. “You‘ll only get one.”