Chapter 17

Claire's POV The club pulsed with energy, music vibrating through the floor and up into my bones as I stood by the bar. I'd chosen a silver low-cut dress from my wardrobe—something I rarely wore but tonight felt appropriate. After the humiliation with Theo, I needed to feel desirable again, to remind myself that his rejection wasn't a reflection of my worth. Jennifer leaned close to my ear, raising her voice to be heard over the music. "Don't look now, but everyone is staring at you." I followed her gaze discreetly and noticed several men watching me from different points in the club. Their eyes traced the silver fabric that clung to my curves, the neckline that revealed more than I typically showed. We exchanged a knowing smile. While I didn't particularly enjoy the predatory nature of some of those stares, there was something validating about the attention. At least I was attractive to someone, even if that someone wasn't Theo Valmont. "I'll take a margarita," I told the bartender, d