Chapter Three: Caught in the Web
529 Words
Naomi should have left the club the moment he turned away.
She should have taken it as a warning, as a sign that Julian Saint Clair was a danger she couldn't afford to take.
Instead, she remained.
Not because of desire, but because her body refused to move, still trapped in the heat of his presence, the ghost of his touch still on her skin.
She hated it.
Hated that a part of her yearned for the way he looked at her, the way his voice slid down her spine like chains and velvet.
No.
She shook her head and fought through the crowd, attempting to disregard the way her legs were still shaking.
She needed to get out.
She needed to attempt to forget him.
But inwardly, she already knew it was too late.
The Predator Returns
Naomi reached the door of The Velvet Cage, pushing past bodies that still pulsed in a haze of alcohol and desire. The air was cool at night, a stark contrast to the heat of the club, and she took a deep breath, steadying herself.
Her driver stood waiting, the sleek black car parked under a streetlight that buzzed.
She'd done it.
But just as she was about to open the door—
A hand clamped around her wrist.
Not rough. Not violent. But unyielding.
She turned sharply, already knowing who it was before her eyes met his.
Julian.
Still in his mask. Still looking like he had all the time in the world.
“You’re running again,” he murmured. “Disappointing.”
Naomi yanked her wrist free, forcing a smirk. “And you’re still stalking me. Obsessive much?”
His lips curved, dark amusement flickering in his gaze. “You don’t understand, do you?”
He took another step closer. Too close.
"You breached my universe tonight, little liar," he breathed. "And now you imagine to leave without consequences?"
Her heart hammered at her rib cage.
"Newsflash, Saint Clair—I don't answer to you."
Julian chuckled, low and conscious. "Not yet."
The worst part?
Some warped corner of her was curious as to how far he'd go.
A Dangerous Proposition
Julian reached into his jacket and pulled out a thin black card, holding it between his fingers.
"Tomorrow night," he whispered. "Go to this address."
Naomi stared at the card, paralyzed.
"Why the hell would I do that?" she asked.
His grin widened. "Because you want to."
Her nails dug into her palms, annoyance bubbling to the surface.
He was so damn sure of himself.
So goddamn arrogant.
But the worst part?
He wasn't wrong.
She wanted to rip the card out of his hand just to prove a point. She took it instead and shoved it into her purse, acting as if nothing was wrong.
Julian leaned in, his lips nearly brushing against her ear.
"Don't keep me waiting, Naomi."
And then he was gone.
Naomi stood there, heart racing, hands trembling.
She should throw away the card.
She should forget him.
She should run.
Instead, she opened her handbag and felt across the raised address with her fingers.
God help her.
She was already too far gone.
- Writer
