The world around me seemed to blur, the heavy bass of the music fading into the background as I stared into his dark, piercing eyes. There was something about the way he looked at me—like he knew me, yet didn’t.
His grip on my waist was firm but not forceful, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine. I wasn’t sure if it was from the alcohol buzzing through my veins or something else entirely.
I swallowed hard, suddenly aware of how dangerously close we were. The heat between us was almost suffocating, and for some reason, I didn’t step away.
"What am I doing?" A voice in my head whispered, but I ignored it.
"Just one night."
"Just fun."
"You're quite the dancer," he murmured, his deep voice cutting through the loud music.
I blinked, forcing myself to focus. His voice was smooth like silk, but there was an edge to it—one that made my stomach tighten.
"Thanks," I managed to say, my voice coming out softer than I intended.
He smirked, his hand pressing a little firmer against the small of my back as he pulled me into the rhythm of the music. I let him lead, my body moving instinctively, matching his effortless movements.
It felt… right.
I continued to grind my waist against him, feeling the way his body responded to mine. A deep, low groan rumbled from his chest, sending an unfamiliar thrill through me.
I gasped softly when I felt his lips brush against my neck, his breath warm and teasing against my skin. My pulse raced.
"What is happening to me?"
"Let's take this somewhere else, beautiful," he whispered, his voice husky and filled with promise.
I didn't even hesitate. I nodded.
By this time, I had lost all rational thinking.
He took my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine, leading me up the stairs to the VIP section. Through the corner of my eye, I saw Nikki watching me with a knowing smirk, winking in approval.
I didn't care.
I didn’t stop.
We didn’t exchange names. We didn’t need to.
As soon as the door closed behind us, I barely had time to take in my surroundings when I felt his lips crash against mine—hungry, demanding, and filled with a passion that made my knees weak.
That was the last thing I remembered before my world spiraled into heat, pleasure, and complete surrender.
The Morning After
A soft ray of sunlight peeked through the curtains, hitting my face. I groaned, shifting slightly in bed.
My body ached in the most delicious way possible, but as I turned to my side, my heart nearly stopped.
There he was.
The mysterious man from last night, lying beside me, his face relaxed in sleep. His dark hair was slightly messy, and his broad chest rose and fell steadily.
"Oh, shit."
Panic set in.
I needed to leave. Now.
Quietly, I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him. My hands fumbled around the room, gathering my dress, shoes, and clutch. I grabbed my phone from my bag and quickly ordered an Uber.
Taking one last look at him, I forced myself to turn away and slipped out of the room.
By the time I arrived home, I was beyond exhausted. My head throbbed slightly from the night before, and all I wanted was to collapse into bed and sleep the day away.
But of course, Nikki had other plans.
I barely pushed open my front door before I spotted her sitting on the counter, sipping coffee with a smug look on her face.
I groaned. "Nikki, please. Not now."
"About time you got home, missy," she said, eying me from head to toe. "Girl, you look worn out. Was he that good?"
I shot her a tired glare. "Nikki, I need to get to work."
"It's Saturday," she pointed out, raising an eyebrow.
I cursed under my breath. Damn. No work excuse.
"No escaping this one," she sang, hopping off the counter and dragging me toward the couch. "Now, spill. I want details."
I sighed, throwing myself onto the cushions. "You are so annoying."
"And you love me for it. Now talk."
I hesitated for a moment, but there was no point fighting her off. So I told her everything.
By the time I was done, Nikki was squealing like a child on Christmas morning.
"Oh my God, Catherine! I am so proud of you."
I rolled my eyes at her dramatics but couldn’t hide my small smile.
Because truth be told…
"That was the best night of my life."
Nikki calmed down after a moment, then turned to me, eyes filled with curiosity. "Tell me you got his number."
I blinked. "What?"
"His. Number." She repeated slowly, like I was a child.
I stared at her like she had lost her mind. "No."
Nikki gasped dramatically. "Catherine! Why the hell not?!"
"Because, Nikki, that was the plan," I reminded her. "Go out, have fun, let loose for one night. That’s it."
"But what if—"
"I don’t want anything serious right now, Nikki," I cut her off, firm but gentle. "I just started my business, and my focus needs to be on that."
Nikki sighed, defeated, but nodded. "Fine, fine. You’re right. But damn, girl, that man was fine."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Yeah… he was."
I wasn’t going to lie. I had never felt that kind of connection with anyone before. The way he touched me, the way he devoured me with his gaze…
It was like he had claimed me.
But it didn’t matter now.
That night was over. A memory.
"Alright, well, what are we doing today?" Nikki asked, stretching.
"I just want to sleep," I groaned. "I’m so tired."
Nikki smirked. "Fine, I’ll let you rest. But only because you actually came out last night."
I opened one eye as she stood up. "You’re leaving?"
"Yep. Got a meeting with a client at noon," she said, grabbing her bag.
I nodded. "Okay, see you Monday."
"Love you!" Nikki called, heading for the door.
"Love you too," I murmured.
As soon as the door shut, I let out a long sigh, closing my eyes.
But one thing wouldn’t leave my mind.
His eyes.
Those deep, dark blue-gray eyes staring into mine.
"Catherine, stop that. You shouldn’t be thinking about him."
Shaking my head, I forced myself to stand. A cold shower.
That would fix this.
Or so I thought.