Chapter 4

I arrive at Diego’s club just after ten. The line outside snakes down the block, pulsing with anticipation and the heavy throb of bass that vibrates through the pavement like a heartbeat. Neon lights flicker overhead, casting flashes of red and violet across the crowd, painting faces in momentary masks of desire and danger.

I shift my weight from foot to foot, fidgeting with nerves. My palms are damp. My heart’s racing. I know what I’m walking into—but I don’t know how I’ll walk out. That uncertainty coils in my gut, sharp and electric.

When I finally reach the front, I flash my ID to the bouncer. He barely glances at it before his hands sweep down my sides and legs—firm, practiced, impersonal. Still, the touch sends a shiver through me. He nods me in.

I step inside, and the music hits me like a wave—deep, pulsing, primal. It wraps around me like a second skin. The air is thick with sweat, perfume, and lust. Bodies move in sync with the beat, grinding, swaying, losing themselves in rhythm and anonymity.

The lighting is low and moody, strobes slicing through the haze like blades. I saunter toward the bar, hips loose, letting the music guide my steps. The bartender catches my eye, and I lean in, voice low. “Jack and Coke.”

They slide the drink across the bar. I toss it back in one gulp. The burn is sharp, but I welcome it. I ordered another and downed it just as fast. Liquid courage. I need it.

I turn toward the dance floor, scanning the crowd. And then I see him.

Diego.

He’s perched on the raised second level, close to the rail, surveying the crowd like a king watching his court. His posture is relaxed—legs spread, one arm draped over the arm of the velvet chair he's seated in—but his eyes are sharp. Calculating. Predatory. I feel the heat of his gaze before it even lands on me.

I move through the crowd until I reach the side of the dance floor closest to him. I turn my back to him and start swaying to the music, letting my body do the talking. My hips roll, my ass jiggles, and I peek over my shoulder.

He’s watching me.

I amp up my movements, letting the beat take over. My body becomes a weapon, a lure. I want Diego to want me. I need him to.

Someone wraps their arms around my waist. I glance back and see a man who looks like he belongs to Diego’s crew—sharp suit, confident smile, eyes that say he’s used to getting what he wants. I smile shyly, then turn around and press my ass to his front. It’s a calculated move. This position brings me face-to-face with Diego across the short distance that separates us.

I smirk as I see Diego’s eyes narrow at the man behind me. Possessive already? I love it.

I bend over, grinding my ass on the growing erection behind me, keeping my eyes locked on Diego. He leans toward someone behind him and speaks. A moment later, that man walks to the railing and signals to the guy dancing with me. The guy hesitates, reluctant to let me go, but the message is clear. He unwraps his arms slowly, then disappears into the crowd.

I smirk at Diego, bemused, then turn away and continue dancing. I need him to be very interested before I make a move. I don’t want to die before I get the chance to see him naked.

I gyrate to the music, then drift back toward the bar. I feel Diego’s eyes on me the whole way. I smile to myself. Seems I’ve definitely gotten his attention. I order another Jack and Coke and swallow it quickly. I glance across the bar and catch Diego’s eyes. He’s watching me assessingly, like he’s trying to decide what I am—prey or bait.

I tilt the corner of my mouth up in a smile and wink. He tilts his head slightly, still watching.

I down a couple more drinks and head back to the dance floor. The alcohol is hitting me now, softening my edges, making my movements looser, hazier. I sway to the music, lost in it. I notice the bar bunnies lining up at the VIP section and stumble my way over, joining the line.

The bouncer at the top of the steps pats everyone down before letting them through. When it’s my turn, I realize it’s the guy who danced with me earlier. I smile crookedly, and he hesitates for a moment before brushing his hands up and down my body, lingering at my chest and hips.

Diego clears his throat.

I turn and see him watching our exchange, brow furrowed, eyes narrowed. I smirk through the haze of alcohol and walk past his table, intentionally tripping over my feet.

I fall sideways—right into Diego’s lap.

I moan quietly at the feel of his body against mine. His thighs are firm, his chest solid. I open my eyes and stare into his dilated pupils. Either he’s under the influence, or he’s highly attracted to

me.

Since I know he doesn’t drink much, I assume it’s the latter.

His eyes rake down my body, stopping at my chest. My nipples tighten under his gaze. He snaps his eyes back up to mine and groans quietly.

The security guy from before approaches, reaching for me. Before he can touch me, Diego’s hand shoots out and grips his wrist. I shiver at the possessive dominance Diego displays. He shakes his head at the guard, who backs off with a frown.

Diego puts his hands on my waist and maneuvers me until my ass is settled directly on his growing erection. I gasp.

He’s huge.

That was something the pictures couldn’t tell me. I’ve always wondered. Now I know.

I wiggle in his lap, and he grunts, then grabs my waist and holds me still. His hands slide under my shirt, gripping my bare skin. I tremble violently. He smirks, then pulls me closer and whispers in my ear, “What’s your name, beautiful?”

I shudder. “Landon.”

Diego licks the shell of my ear, and I tremble again. He’s already making a mess of me, and he hasn’t even done anything yet.

“My name is Diego,” he murmurs, voice like velvet over steel. “But I’m sure you already know who I am.”

“What do you say to playing with me tonight? Dancing only with me when you want to dance?” His lips brush my ear, his breath ghosting over my neck.

I nod slowly, lost in his light brown eyes.

Diego stands, setting me on my feet. He leads me to the small dance floor on the second level. I saunter up to him and rub my chest against his before turning around and pressing my ass into his groin. His hard dick presses against me as I grind. I moan lowly.

He presses his hand to my back, bending me over. Then he grabs my waist and moves my ass against his dick in a way that would make you think we were fucking if we didn’t have clothes on.

I grind harder, wishing I could feel him naked. He groans and holds me still. He jerks slightly and says over the music, “Fuck, you almost made me nut.”

I blush and glance back at him. “I want to. I want to make you nut,” I murmur.

He narrows his eyes and tightens his grip on my hips. “Oooh boy, you don’t know what you’re asking for,” he growls. He places a hand on my chest and pulls me upright, pressing my back flush against his chest.

He turns my head with that hand and kisses me—hot, deep, possessive. He sucks my moans straight from my mouth, devouring me.

When he pulls back, I’m breathless, trembling, and completely undone.