The bass pulsed through the floor like a heartbeat, vibrating up through your heels as lights flickered in neon flashes above the crowd. The new club had only been open a few days, but the place was already packed—bodies moving in rhythm, laughter spilling into the air, glasses clinking as bartenders rushed to fill orders.

You and your friends had made an entrance—dressed to kill, glowing with confidence and the thrill of the night. You owned the dance floor, hips swaying to the beat, arms raised, laughter tumbling past your lips as you spun and moved with the music. The fIashing lights played across your features like stardust, your skin glowing with sweat and adrenaline.

Across the room, hidden in the shadows of the upper level, a pair of piercing blue eyes tracked your every move.

Damon leaned casually against the railing, a half-empty glass of bourbon in hand, untouched. The crowd shifted, lights pulsed—but he didn’t move. His attention was locked on you. The way your body flowed with the music, the fire in your eyes, the way your smile curled—it pulled him in like a predatōr drawn to flame.

He was captivated.

Obsessed.

And determined.

When you finally peeled away from the dance floor, breathless and glowing, you made your way toward the bar—your body still buzzing with energy. You didn’t notice the man stepping into your path until it was too late.

You bumped into something solid—someone—and your balance faltered.

But before gravity could take you, a strong hand gripped your waist, pulling you upright with effortless strength. Your breath caught as your eyes lifted to meet his.

Ocean blue. Dark lashes. A devilish smirk playing at his lips.

Damon.

“Whoa, easy there.” His voice was smooth like velvet and laced with amusement. He leaned in just a bit closer, his fingers still resting firmly on your waist. “You alright, sweetheart?”

The noise of the club faded around you for a moment, the warmth of his touch anchoring you in place. Time slowed, the music muffled, and suddenly, you weren’t sure if it was the adrenaline from dancing or the way his eyes were undressing you—but your heart skipped a beat.

And Damon… he was already planning how to make you his.