Black Swan

VIPTemptation

Temptation pulsed with a thumping bass from a sensual song that seemed to have people's bodies grinding against each other. It was vibrating like a heartbeat, moving through the very Selene's body as neon lights sliced through the darkness in hues of violet, crimson, and electric red. Selene and Zara's body rolled to the sounds of a woman crooning on the dance floor, immediately swallowed by heat, perfume, and the scent of sweat from the other dancers. The dance floor throbbed with bodies—grinding, laughing, letting go. Zara squealed and grabbed Selene's hand, dragging her toward the bar after dancing.

Two shots of tequila later, they were dancing again. Zara, ever the wild and free friend, threw her head back and moved with a rhythm that earned the attention of half the floor. Men watched her swing her slim body, showing off her long legs in the process. She wrapped her arms around Selene's neck, mouthing the words to the song while dipping her body low. Selene was slower to loosen up, swaying slower but still keeping up. The shots were slowly taking effect on her body. Her hair clung to her neck from sweat, but she laughed for the first time in days, feeling alive.

Then a buff, stone-faced security guard tapped Selene on the shoulder. "Ms. Brooks? You and your friend are wanted in the VIP section."

Zara blinked, surprised as they followed the security guard. "VIP? Girl, how did you manage to get us into VIP?"

Selene, suddenly feeling self-conscious in her tight black dress, looked up at the roped staircase leading to the elevated lounge. "I didn't... do anything."

"Oh, honey, you did something," Zara teased, smacking Selene's ass. "Let's go!"

The guard led them past curious stares and whispers, unhooking the velvet rope. Selene ascended into an atmosphere more secluded than downstairs. Plush velvet couches, champagne towers, and candlelight dripping golden warmth into every dark corner. The music from downstairs was starting to fade as they could barely hear the distant house beats. It was elegant and strange.

At the center of it all, two men commanded attention without trying.

Lucas sat on the elegant velvet-looking couch, clad in all black: an open-collared shirt that showcased his chest, tailored trousers, and boots that glinted under the strobe lights. His blondish-brown hair was fluffed and coiffed , his eyes tracking her like prey. Beside him lounged Liam, his younger brother, with tousled hair, a devil-may-care smirk. Their table held half-finished glasses of what looked like thick Bloody Marys. They had beautiful women dancing slowly and sensually around them, begging for the two men's attention. But they were just an afterthought to them.

Lucas stood.

He sent off the dancers, and they scattered around him like they were leaves, leaving the four of them alone. "Selene."

Her name fell from his lips like silk, his British lilt catching the edges and wrapping them in velvet. He extended a hand, palm up.

Selene hesitated, then slowly walked up to him.

Something in his eyes, some familiarity in his stillness, compelled her. She took his hand. It was cold, but not unpleasant. Firm, not gripping her small hand. Warmth seemed to bloom in her belly despite the chill of his hand.

"Sit with me," Lucas said, guiding her onto the couch. His posture was regal but relaxed. She found herself leaning in without meaning to.

"I didn't know you were going to be here," she murmured.

"I do a lot of business deals here," he said with a smirk. "If I'd known you'd be here, I would've properly asked you to accompany me."

Across the room, Liam's eyes narrowed in on Zara. He stood smoothly, gliding toward her like a shark through dark water. Zara, clearly flattered and intrigued, smiled shyly up at him. Selene watched, concern prickling the edge of her thoughts.

"Your friend is safe," Lucas said softly, following her gaze. "For now," muttering the last part under his breath. He didn't need distractions, he had her where he wanted her now. She was like a sheep in a lion's den.

"That doesn't make me feel better," she replied, seeming to have heard him.

Lucas let out a small laugh, not unkind. "I assure you, if my brother meant her harm, there would be no need for pretense."

Selene's brow furrowed. She was about to ask what he meant when he changed the subject.

"Tell me about yourself."

Caught off guard, she stumbled over her words. "Uh...as you know, I give tours at the Hartland Hotel. I have an older brother, and he's the only family I have."

Lucas sipped from his glass—the thick red liquid made her stomach turn. "And are there other things you do or like to do, Selene?"

"Not really, I mostly keep to myself if I'm not with Zara or my brother," she said.

"Ah...so no boyfriend in the picture?" He asked slyly. There'd be no man in her life, other than her brother, that would try to protect her or look for her. Her friend was a different story, he'd need Liam to get rid of her swiftly.

Her voice faltered. "N–No." Cursing herself for stammering.

He smiled, slow and knowing. "Shame...you look too beautiful to be alone." And he had to admit to himself, she looked downright tasty in her dress. Showing off those thick and creamy thighs that he wouldn't mind biting into before ending her. She may be a traitor to their kind, but she was a delicious traitor that could be a useful snack for him.

She tucked a curl behind her ear, suddenly self-conscious. "Thanks."

"You don't have to be shy around me, you're one of the best tour guides in this city," Lucas said. His voice dropped to a gentle murmur as he got close to whisper in her ear. "I'd love if you'd give me that personal tour at my place."

Her pulse raced. The noise of the club dulled more and more around them, and she could only hear her heart pounding. He leaned back, fingers tracing the rim of his glass, and smirking at her nervousness.

"That estate you refuse to tour," he continued, "is mine. The Harrison Estate. It belonged to my father. He's returned to England. But I'm very much here...for business."

Selene blinked. "Wait. You live there?"

He nodded. "Liam and I maintain it. We're very private. You understand."

Across the room, Zara giggled. Liam whispered into her ear, fingers tracing her arm. Selene tensed.

"You sure she's okay?"

Lucas looked over. "Let me check."

He stood. One second, he was across the lounge. The next, he was beside Selene again, a whisper against her ear. "She says not to wait up."

Selene turned. Zara was now pressed against Liam, his mouth on her neck. Her friend looked dreamy—drunk or high or something else. There was something wrong in her eyes: emptiness where spark had once lived.

"Zara?" Selene called.

Zara waved lazily. "Text you later, babe."

Lucas offered Selene his arm. "Allow me to escort you."

His voice was husky, the accent felt like it was wrapping around her body and pulling closer to him. His chest rose, as if he was breathing her in, and Selene found herself doing the same. He smelled of cedar and amber.

Her heartbeat quickened. The surrounding air grew thick.

Lucas looked into her eyes, and for a moment, she couldn't remember what she'd been worried about. His gaze could unravel her.

He guided her from the VIP area, hand resting lightly at her back. As they passed the dancers and flashing lights, Selene cast one last glance at Zara. Liam caught her look and winked, his fangs just barely visible as his lips curved in triumph. A chill ghosted up her spine. She didn't know what she was stepping into, but it was the beginning of something far more dangerous.