In this book within a book, plunge into the escapades of Satine Fontaine, who's on the run from her tumultuous past. The vibrant streets of New York beckon her, and fate conspires as she stumbles into Brooklyn's dingiest bar, encountering the enigma...
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STAR: BITE BACK HARDER
Nestled in their booth at Freddie's, a few blocks away from Dynaco, everybody was rather merry for what had previously been such a grey day. The rain hit the windows with such ferocity that it almost drowned out the Queen tribute band playing in the corner, but still the mood remained the brightest it had ever been.
"Here's to getting a fucking record deal!" They all cheered, their glasses clinking together and conveniently ignoring the ones that smashed.
Mingyu and Satine had come downstairs to a man in a fine grey suit passing them a crisp business card. Not even a minute later and they were sprinting down the street to Freddie's: Diana on Wonwoo's back, Mingyu and DK with their arms wrapped around each other's shoulders, and Satine close behind, being checked up on every five seconds by Hoshi.
"I can't believe it," Wonwoo shook his head, "almost five years we've been playing in these shitty bars, and now we're making it to the big leagues!"
The entire bar broke into a roar.
All seemingly happy, Satine sat beside Mingyu with his hand rested on her thigh. She was beyond proud of them, but the heartbreak still lingered in her chest. Her best friend sat between Wonwoo and DK, laughing sweetly along with them chanting 'We Are the Champions'. She was glowing from head to toe with her chestnut hair waved and glossy, her hazel eyes a deep green in the dimmed light, and her bright pearly smile that was always way too fabricated.
Beautiful. Satine thought, trying to work out what she was doing wrong. If she dyed her hair, would Mingyu love her more? If she ignored him like Diana did, would he find her that bit more intriguing?
There was no becoming Diana though, she was already taken and already one of a kind.
"Are you okay?" Mingyu turned to her, squeezing her thigh. "You're uncharacteristically quiet?"
Satine just smiled and pecked his cheek. "I'm okay, gorgeous, just letting the news settle in. I've been dreaming of this moment for you guys."
"Well, it's all thanks to you and your fine ass." Mingyu was acting crazed and so completely out of character that Satine felt tiny next to him. "You know what, you're gonna have a drink tonight, I don't care what you say." He waved his hand over at the bartender for another two rounds.
"I'm okay, sweets, honestly-"
He covered her mouth before she could say another word.
"For me, Red?" His dark eyes tore into hers and soon there was nothing but irrational thoughts swimming around her head.
They carried on drinking for a bit; Satine hesitantly giving in and chugging down a few pints of disgustingly bitter beer to please Mingyu. The reason she was so dubious was because she hated the effects alcohol had on her; she hated the way they lulled her into a false sense of security. She hated that anything could happen if you went one sip past your limit. But the truth was, she would have done anything for Mingyu, and he said he wouldn't stop ordering her beers until she caught up and downed them all. Four pints later and she was a completely different person. It felt good being able to forget everything, even if it was only for a little bit.
