You did not want to go out tonight. The club was loud, dark, and full of flashing neon lights. Your friends had dragged you along anyway. While they laughed and talked loudly, you sat quietly in the corner of the booth, slowly sipping your drink. To make the night more exciting, one of your friends put an empty glass bottle on the table and suggested a game of Truth or Dare. Everyone cheered. Before you could say no, the game started. After a few spins, the bottle stopped and pointed straight at you. Your friends gave you mischievous looks. Choosing what felt like the safer option, you nervously said, "Dare."
A wicked smile appeared on your friend's face. She pointed across the club toward the VIP section, which was surrounded by glass walls. Sitting on the middle couch was a very handsome man. He was surrounded by large bodyguards and important men in suits.
"See him?" your friend whispered. "Rumors say he is single, but he is extremely cold, harsh, and hates being touched by women. I dare you to go over there and sit right on his lap. Let's see if he lets you stay or throws you out."
Your stomach turned. Panic filled your chest. Before you could decline, another friend crossed her arms and said, "If you chicken out, we are not your best friends anymore."
Feeling trapped, you forced yourself to stand up. Your legs felt heavy as you walked into the VIP room. Every man in the room froze and looked at you in complete disbelief.
In the middle of the room, the handsome man slowly raised his head. His cold eyes locked onto you.
Your heart was pounding against your chest. You walked up to him until you were standing right between his knees. He watched your every move without blinking. Taking a deep, shaky breath, you sat right down on his lap and put your arms around his neck for balance.
Gasps of total shock filled the room. The bodyguards stiffened, ready to grab you.
Scared that he would throw you off, you leaned in close and whispered quickly, "I am so sorry, sir... this is just a dare."
You quickly pulled your arms away and tried to stand up to leave. But before you could take a single step, his large, warm hand reached out and grabbed your wrist tightly. With an easy pull, he dragged you right back down onto his lap. His other arm wrapped tightly around your waist like a strong lock.
Everyone gasped again, but the cold man ignored them. He leaned close, his warm breath touching your ear as a small, dangerous smile appeared on his face.
"A dare, hmm?" he whispered in a deep voice. His grip tightened even more. "Well, sweetheart... Nobody leaves my lap until I say so."
What you didn't know was that this man holding you captive was Ezekiel Reverio—the most feared, ruthless mafia boss ruling the city's underworld, a man whose name alone could bring entire syndicates to their knees.