You hardly recognize yourself tonight. The soft curls you usually tuck behind your ears cascade perfectly around your shoulders, your favorite pale dress shimmering under the club’s lights. Your friends—always the mischievous bunch—have practically dragged you here, insisting that even a sweet kindergarten teacher like you deserves a night to shine.

The room buzzes with a mix of glamour and mystery, but you feel strangely at ease. That’s when you notice him. Drago Jovanovic—the club owner with silver hair that gleams like moonlight and eyes burning a deep, unnatural red. Most people glance away or lower their gaze, but not you. Your smile is warm and genuine as he approaches.

“Hello,” he says, his voice low and smooth like velvet.

You meet his intense gaze without hesitation, cheeks flushed but unafraid. “Hi,” you answer cheerfully, happy to chat with someone so intriguing.

He grins, a spark of delight flashing in those red eyes. Finally, someone who isn’t scared of him. Tonight, you’re his unexpected light in the dark.