Teaser
Almost every man in the club was shouting as Celina took to the dance floor. Her hips swayed seductively to the wild rhythm of the music. She loved the nightlife, the disco scene, and tonight, she was dancing with her friend Hercules.
Hercules shook his head at her antics and pulled her back to their spot, knowing she had had too much to drink. It wasn’t surprising why he had invited her out—he had seen her behavior before. Secretly, he clenched his fists, frustrated.
Damn Lucas, for hurting Celina.
“S-stay… with… me…” Celina slurred drunkenly. She leaned against the couch, closed her eyes, and tears welled up.
Suddenly, she grabbed a bottle of Shipwrecked wine and tried to take a swig, but Hercules snatched it away.
“Enough! How long are you going to let yourself be foolish over that Lucas? Damn it, Celina! You’re beautiful, and he isn’t the only man in the world. Why chase someone who doesn’t want you? Are you out of your mind? Wake up!” Hercules shook her shoulders, exasperated.
Celina shoved his hands away and stood, striding confidently toward Lucas, who was seated at a table with staff and employees celebrating Montenegro Industries’ success. She didn’t care if he insulted her—she was used to it.
Celina wore a red satin bodycon dress that hugged her curves and accentuated her figure. Every eye in the club was on her. Some men craned their necks; others got reprimanded by jealous girlfriends.
She smiled, used to the attention. Men often stared, fantasizing about her.
Lucas’s laughter halted as she approached. His jaw dropped. He hated nothing more than a woman who chased him relentlessly.
Celina smiled seductively and, without hesitation, sat on his lap. His colleagues were shocked, and Lucas himself tensed, though he masked his reaction with a piercing glare.
She could hear the whispers and gasps around the table. Male employees whistled, and she responded by biting her lower lip.
“Get off my lap, or I’ll push you!” Lucas hissed, trying to restrain his anger. He gripped her arm tightly, causing her to wince in pain.
The scent of him was intoxicating, sending a shiver through her body. She felt electricity run through her as he held her.
“What if I don’t? Can you stop me? Or are you going to insult me like back in high school? Can you do that to a beautiful woman right in front of you now?” she whispered, teasing.
Lucas gave a subtle signal to his colleagues—he couldn’t make a scene. He was Montenegro Industries’ new CEO and needed to protect his reputation.
He guided Celina out of the club and into a black limousine.
Inside, Lucas pulled her close and kissed her passionately. Celina’s lips were nearly bruised from the intensity, but she couldn’t resist and let out soft moans.
“Hmm,” she groaned as he caressed her. Every touch was electrifying, painful yet thrilling. She couldn’t blame him; she had drawn him in.
Lucas’s grip was possessive, forceful, yet she welcomed it. Heat and desire coursed through her.
When it was over, both were sweating, hearts pounding. Lucas never wanted someone like Celina—so daring, yet so pure. She had captivated him completely.
Afterward, he helped her compose herself and instructed her to change her clothes before leaving. Despite his sternness, he couldn’t ignore her beauty and charm.
“Get out, and never come back. Don’t ever show your face to me again,” he said, opening the limousine door with an unmistakable sharpness.
“You’re unbelievable. You went first with me, yet you’re angry? You know I’ve always thought you were the only man who could claim me… the only one I’d give my heart to… and love till death?” she replied, smiling.
“I said get out!” Lucas shouted.
Celina smirked. “So I’m supposed to leave like this, with my dress torn? And what do you think I’ll tell Hercules?”
Lucas’s face tightened with irritation, almost losing his patience. But Celina stepped out, unharmed.
As the limo drove away, Lucas glimpsed her through the side mirror and felt a pang of guilt. But then panic hit—unknown men were trying to grab her. He pressed the red button and ordered the driver to return immediately.
“Wow, sexy! Damn, so smooth,” one man leered, trying to pull her toward him. Celina struggled, fear surging.
“Let go of me!” she screamed, resisting their grip as they dragged her into the shadows. Her stomach churned at the sight of them.
One of them reached for her thigh. “You’re irresistible,” he growled.
They threw her into a dark shack and punched her. “Ah!” she cried, weak and dizzy. They tore her clothes further.
“Lucas… please, help me,” she whispered before darkness consumed her.
Lucas, furious, commanded his bodyguards to beat the men mercilessly and carried the unconscious Celina to his limo. He covered her with his shirt and rushed her home, noticing the bruises on her stomach. Tears stung his eyes—he wanted to kill those men. Thankfully, he called the police; they were arrested.
At home, his staff were shocked—never had they seen him personally bring a woman in need to his house.
“Change her clothes and take her to the guest room,” he instructed. She complied immediately.
He carefully laid Celina on a soft bed, studying her gentle features—her pointed nose, heart-shaped face, and kissable lips. His eyes lingered on her red lips.
Celina slowly opened her eyes. Lucas turned serious, keeping his distance. She tried to sit up but winced in pain, clutching her stomach.
“Argh!” she cried, then smiled at him. Gratitude filled her heart—he had saved her from those almost-rapists.
Her prince charming had a heart of gold. She felt giddy.
“T-thank you,” she whispered.
“Rest now,” he said simply, leaving her.
Celina wanted to scream in excitement but remembered her mother—she needed chemotherapy. She felt guilty about Hercules, who had always helped her mother.
Digna returned with clothes. After dressing, Celina went to the dining room. Lucas was waiting, seated calmly.
Her heart raced; her knees felt weak. She wanted to flee but didn’t understand why.
“Eat,” Lucas commanded, focusing on the meal.
Celina admired the beauty and size of his home, secretly impressed.
She ate, finally feeling hungry. The food was delicious. Wealth made a difference.
Suddenly, she felt dizzy. Lucas noticed immediately.
“Are you okay?” he asked, concerned. She fainted.
Lucas carried her to his car and rushed her to the hospital. Thankfully, she was only over-fatigued. He purchased all her prescribed vitamins, sparing her from any expense.
When she woke, she saw Lucas sleeping nearby. She smiled, amazed—fate could be playful. The very man who had scowled at her now cared for her. Her heart fluttered; she was falling even harder.
She remembered her mother, grabbed her bag, and called Hercules. He answered immediately.
“Hercules,” she whispered, glancing at Lucas.
He scolded her over the phone, but she knew leaving him at the club was wrong. Still, she didn’t regret it—her prince charming had been with her.
“I’m sorry. Guess who’s with me?” she said softly.
“I don’t have time for games, Celina. Tell me where you are, and I’ll come,” Hercules said, his voice tense.
“I’m heading home. Please, Hercules, I know how much you’ve done for my mother. Can you visit her? Teri is with her. I know you’ll hate me, but please?” she pleaded.
“Fine, and make sure you go see them,” he relented.
“Thank you. Bye!” she said, secretly smiling. If Lucas cared a little, maybe there was hope…