UR

g and filled with the pulse of raucous music, my h

nconsciously twisted together as my eyes cautiously scan

of handsome men, their movements fluid

p but feel out of p

osed to take t

sleep with me? My cheeks grew warm at the mere thought. How would the people ar

usly to the untouched drink in front of

whispered to myself, trying

ook a seat two stools away at the bar. He ordered a drink with

't deny he was undeniably attractive. Could he be my "choices

side? Could he be a dangerous criminal-or worse, a deranged

Why not take a look at me

voice jolted me out o

faint smile that danced at the corners of his lips. His gaze was sharp, as

nked rapidly, fumbling for a response, my voice trem

eyebrow arched slightly, his smile widening with a confident cer

softly. He didn't nee

ing nonchalantly, as if discussing something entirely

bold, entirely devoid of subtlety

a, you've always been so cautious. But is

with a stranger before parting ways,

*

ses, I realized I was in a ho

over the room, but the silence pressed

own weary reflection. My heart was in turmoi

rning white, I tried to calm the chaos in my mind. Bu

athroom. Damon stood with his back to me, his broad shoulders ri

race wildly in my chest. The rustling sound of a drawer opening cut t

fear twisted with uncertainty in my ches

any excuse to escape, no matter how flimsy. Anything to

teps deliberate as he approached. Each footfall se

gnetic voice carried a teasing edge, like a lit

arms pulled me against him, his

swirling in my mind. How could he speak

y sign of hesitation, some indication t

closed the gap between us, press

e. The world faded away, leaving onl

agined, warm and tantalizing, wi

e, magical pull. And as I parted my lips slightly, offering the barest of respo

d past my lips, tangling with mine in a dan

g to life, igniting a fire that spread through my body. I felt ligh

e sharp, abrupt ring of a phone, shattering the fr

startled fawn. Scrambling for my bag, I felt an overwhelm

w the name "Lucien" flashing, an icy chil