The cab rolled to a stop in front of the club, neon spilling across the dark street like liquid fire. My chest filled with nervous excitement.

Kira leaned forward, eyes glinting mischievously. “Trust me, Lilith, you’re going to love it… or hate yourself for missing it.”

Kate frowned, skeptical as ever, arms crossed. “Are you sure this isn’t one of your reckless ideas, like the group tattoo?”

Kira only smirked, paying the driver before tugging us into the night. The air smelled of smoke and dew, music thumping even from outside. I thought we were here to drink and dance, to distract me from the mess Nathan had carved in my chest. What I didn’t know was that Kira had planned something else entirely.

Inside, the club throbbed with bass. Lights fractured across the ceiling like shattered diamonds. Bodies swayed, perfume and sweat mixing in the humid air.

Kira pushed us through the crowd, her heels clicking like she owned the place, until we reached the velvet ropes at the side. To my shock, the bouncer unhooked them without question, ushering us into the VIP section like we belonged there.

My breath hitched when I saw it: a private table covered in soft gold lining, and right there, a chocolate cake.

“Happy birthday, Lil,” Kira announced proudly, spinning me toward it like she was unveiling a prize.

“You… you did this? How? It’s impossible to get a VIP reservation,” I whispered, stunned.

Kate smiled softly. “Kira’s idea. The manager is head over heels in love with her, so giving us a table was the only way he could prove his pathetic love.”

I laughed, the heaviness in my chest loosening just a little. “Thanks, Kira. Thanks, Kate. I love you guys… you don’t know how much this means.”

“Enough tears and thanks, Lilith. Let’s continue with your birthday.”

“You’re right. Let’s cut the cake. And since it’s my birthday, I get the biggest slice.”

“Of course. But have you both forgotten our old tradition as kids?” Kira teased, pulling out sparklers like magic. She winked. “Everyone in the club, sing happy birthday!”

The entire club joined in, and for the first time in weeks, my laughter wasn’t forced. The music, the sparklers, the flicker of the candles… all of it drowned out Nathan’s betrayal. As I blew out the flames, I let myself believe, just for a moment, that life could still be sweet.

Then, before the warmth could settle, a man in black approached. His presence cut through the air like a blade. Without a word, he set two sleek gift boxes, one containing a bouquet of flowers and the other with designer bags and jewelry.

“From VVIP table one,” he barked before disappearing into the shadows.

“Who’s that?” I asked, heart skipping.

Kira’s grin widened like a cat’s. “I think I know who it was. The man who’s been watching you.”

I followed her gaze and froze.

There he was, reclining in a leather chair, a dark suit sculpted to perfection. Silver chains hung around his neck, etched with strange symbols that looked less like fashion and more like secrets.

Tattoos sprawled down his neck and arms, curling in patterns too deliberate to be random.

His icy-blue eyes caught the strobe light and trapped it, glowing almost unnaturally. They weren’t eyes that simply looked at you; they hunted you.

He issued orders to the grown men around him, his tousled hair falling in wild strands, liked they were raked back by claws instead of a comb.

“Go thank him personally,” Kira winked, nudging me forward.

“No.” Kate’s voice was sharp. “Let’s leave. What other way could you thank a billionaire? By giving him a piece of our five hundred dollar cake?”

“Kate’s right,” I agreed, though my pulse betrayed me. “He’s hot, but he feels just like another Casanova, looking for someone to have fun with.”

Kira smirked, unbothered. “Fine. Then give him a ‘Gen-Z’ lap dance. Don’t just leave the hottie waiting. He gifted you.”

My breath caught. Nathan hadn’t even remembered my birthday, let alone given me a gift. Yet this stranger had marked it within minutes. Maybe that was why, instead of turning away, my feet carried me toward him.

Two guards at the front moved to block me, but the man flicked his fingers—casual, commanding. Instantly, the wall of muscle stepped aside.

His eyes locked on mine as I stepped in front of him. “What made you come?” His voice was low, smoky, curling into my bones. “You clearly said you weren’t interested in a Casanova.”

My heart jolted. How did he hear me? Over the pounding music, the chaos? It spooked me. Still, I found myself leaning in.

“I… came to ask if the Casanova was interested in a lap dance,” I requested, forcing a smile that trembled with nerves and defiance.

His lips curved, slow and dangerous. “Who am I to refuse a beautiful girl like you?”

Those words were enough to weaken my knees. Still, I managed to walk, taking my position on his lap. I couldn’t help but notice how good it felt walking into danger… but his danger didn’t feel bad. It felt alluring.

The song changed to a slower one, my favorite. I rocked my hips against his body, my ass brushing his chest, which rose and fell irregularly fast. Was he nervous, or was it just me?

Heat coiled in my belly, reckless and dangerous, as I felt his hands slide along my waist, firm and unyielding. Trouble—Kate’s warning screamed in my head—but before I could pull away, his grip tightened, seating me firmly on his lap.

His mouth brushed my ear, voice a molten whisper, curling around my spine like fire. “Can I host this beauty at my place? And does she have a name I could moan all night?”

My lips parted before I could think. “Lilith. The name’s Lilith.”

“So, Lilith,” he drawled, his hands sliding up the inside of my thighs, igniting a fire I hadn’t felt in a year. “Are you down?”

A shiver ran through me, a moan threatening to escape. His touch was intoxicating, dangerous so I was only able to respond with a nod.

He let me rise slowly, like even that movement belonged to him. Then, with unexpected gentleness, he draped his black jacket over my shoulders, shielding me from the hungry eyes circling us. His scent, cedar, smoke, something darker, wrapped around me like a promise.

“Let me get you away from these wild dogs,” he murmured.

Without another word he held my hands with quiet authority and led me out through the club, past the music, into the cool, moonlit street, the air tasting like freedom and danger.

Behind us, I caught one last glimpse: Kira’s grin blazing with excitement, Kate’s wide eyes screaming fear.

I didn’t know his name.

But some crazy, reckless part of me already did.