CAMIL.
I glanced at Elsie, my roommate, and let out a little laugh at the way she’s staring at me. She’s been begging me to go out for the past hour and a half, but I had other plans for tonight.
“Come on, Camil, tomorrow’s the weekend, and it’s your day off, right? Let’s go! It’s been a month since we’ve gone out.”
“I was hoping for a chill night—ice cream, popcorn, and a movie.”
“We can do that later. Look, you need to shake things up a bit!”
“Fine! You win. I’ll get ready, and we’ll go.” Elsie jumps with excitement.
I take a quick shower and get dressed to head out…
We arrive at the club we picked for tonight. It’s an exclusive spot, not just anyone can get in, but we’ve got our ways—girl charm, you know.
We head to one of the sections and blend in with the crowd. Since we came to have fun, that’s exactly what we do.
“This club is amazing, don’t you think?” Elsie shouts over the music.
“Yeah, I think it might become one of my favorites,” I say, sipping my Martini.
“Cheers to that!” Elsie exclaims.
After dancing a bit more, we head to the bar for another drink.
“You’re not gonna believe this, but two guys are heading our way,” Elsie whispers.
“Of course they are, Elsie. We’re at the bar.”
“No, I mean the same guys who couldn’t take their eyes off us while we were dancing. Don’t say anything—they’re here.”
“Evening, ladies. Can we buy you a drink?” one of them asks.
“As long as you’re not slipping anything weird into it, I’m fine with that,” I say without hesitation.
“Camil!” Elsie scolds.
“What? I don’t want to end up in bed with some random guy,” I whisper to her.
“Don’t be a buzzkill. Let them buy us a few drinks, and we’ll ditch them later.”
“You handle it,” I say. Elsie grins, pleased.
“What are you drinking?” one of the guys asks.
“Martini,” Elsie replies.
“Two Martinis, please,” he orders. Then he turns to me. “Are you here alone, or do you have company? I’m asking because I don’t want any trouble.” I smile at him.
“For now, I’m on my own,” I reply politely.
We start chatting, though it feels a bit awkward at first. I’m not looking for any complications with guys. But the conversation turns pleasant. We dance, have a few more Martinis, until he starts getting too forward. I’m not sure if it’s the drinks, but he’s trying to cross lines without my consent.
“Wanna get out of here?” he whispers in my ear, making me raise an eyebrow.
“I need some fresh air,” I tell him.
“I’ll come with you. I could use some too,” he says flirtatiously.
“I mean I’m going to the restroom.”
“A lot can happen in a restroom. I could show you if you’d like,” he suggests. I shake my head.
“I’ll be right back,” I announce, grabbing my purse and escaping from this creep’s clutches.
Elsie looks thrilled with the other guy. At least she didn’t end up with someone as disrespectful as mine. I breathe a sigh of relief.
I wash my hands and splash water on my face, then step out of the restroom and stop short when I see the guy waiting in the hallway. There’s no way I’m leaving with him—not a chance. I might be a little tipsy, but I’m not going anywhere with him.
I glance down the other end of the hallway and notice it leads to another area. Without overthinking, I head that way, eventually reaching a corridor marked as the VIP section.
I walk cautiously, hoping no one notices me. I look back to check if anyone’s following, then turn forward again—only to crash into a broad back. Before I can hit the floor, a pair of strong hands catches me. My eyes lock onto the man staring at me with an intensity that burns right through me. His gaze is piercing, or at least it feels that way.
“I’m sor—”
That’s all I manage to say before the lips of the tower of a man I just bumped into crash into mine. Well, towers don’t have lips, but this guy might as well be one.
I’m caught off guard by his tongue, gasping at the force of his kiss. It feels like I’m kissing one of those giant Greek gods. His arms wrap around me, pulling me along with him. He breaks away, and my chest heaves from the impact of it all.
I try to make out his face, but the dim lighting makes it impossible.
“You’re with me now,” he says in a commanding tone.
“If you kiss me like that, I’ll be whatever you want,” I blurt out. Oh no, the Martinis are definitely kicking in!
I smile at him.
He dives in again, attacking my lips. My body trembles with every movement of his mouth on mine. His bold hands touch places no one has ever touched—except myself in the shower. He grabs my backside, and my legs turn to jelly.
He leaves my lips and starts kissing my neck. At this point, I don’t think I can resist anymore. The sensation clouds my thoughts, and desire takes over my body.
In a flash, he spins me around, pressing me against the wall. He grabs my hair, tilts my head toward him, and kisses me again while his hands continue to explore. He parts my legs, and now I’m really done for. I whimper at the sensation of every touch…
“I want to hear my name,” he demands in a deep, vibrating voice.
“I don’t know who you are,” I gasp.
“I demand to hear my name, or we don’t finish,” he insists again.
“If I knew it, I’d say it,” I reply. He grips my waist tighter and bites my shoulder. I push against him, but it’s useless—he only holds me firmer.
“I want you to scream Gabriel.”
“Gabriel!” I whimper.
GABRIEL.
“Good morning, sir. I’ve already contacted the Swedes. They’ll be arriving in a few hours. I’ve sent a car to pick them up.”
“Good. Make sure they arrive comfortably and are well taken care of.”
“Sir, they have a request,” I look up from my documents and focus on my assistant.
“What’s their request?”
“They want to go to a nightclub.” I frown.
“Book them a private area and arrange for someone to escort and look after them,” I say, returning my attention to the papers.
“Sir, they want you to join them,” he says cautiously. “They insist they won’t discuss business unless you come along.” I remove my glasses and fix my gaze on Daniel.
I’m not a fan of the nightlife scene. I’m not that kind of man. I’d much rather enjoy a quiet dinner with a fine glass of wine than be in a place like a nightclub. What’s wrong with a restaurant to talk business? A club is nothing but a distraction.
“What?”
“I told them you’re not fond of that kind of environment, but they were very clear. There was nothing I could do, sir.” I rub my face with my hands.
“What time?”
“Nine o’clock tonight, sir.” I nod.
I continue with my work and attend the scheduled meetings for the day. Meanwhile, I mentally prepare myself for tonight. It’s all for the sake of sealing this deal with the Swedes. It’s a bit impulsive on my part since I could easily refuse, but I’m deeply invested in making this new project happen.
“Sir, would you like me to accompany you tonight?”
“No, just make sure everything is ready for tomorrow.”
“Understood, sir.” I leave my office to mentally gear up for the evening.
I drive to my apartment, take a shower, and dress casually. I have dinner and review some documents before heading out.
I grab the keys to my sports car and make my way to the club.
I let out a sigh. One way or another, I have to step into this blasted club. I’m the one eager to close this deal, and I suppose a couple of hours here won’t hurt anyone.
“All for keeping the Swedes happy so they sign the contract tomorrow,” I mutter to myself before stepping out of the car.
My phone lights up, and I see my assistant’s name on the screen.
“Sir, are you at the club?” he asks.
“Yes.”
“I’ve already sent for them at the hotel.”
“Good. Get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yes, sir.”
I enter the club, give my name, and am directed to one of the VIP areas. I sit down to wait for the Swedes.
Twenty minutes later, they arrive.
“Where are the ladies?” one of them asks. “Where’s the fun?”
“You can head to the other area. You’ll find plenty of company there,” I tell them.
Both men stand, looking at me. I get up and lead them to the other section… After they find what they’re looking for, we return to our area.
“How about we discuss what really matters?” I suggest.
“We’ll talk about that tomorrow. Tonight, we just want to enjoy ourselves, Mr. Jeams.” I down my whiskey in one gulp.
“Enjoy,” I mutter under my breath.
“Yes, enjoy. Cheers, Mr. Jeams.” I take another sip.
This outing was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I glance at my watch, practically counting the hours until this night is over.
The two men continue with their so-called fun, inviting four women into our private area. They don’t stop dancing and drinking.
I stand up, ready to leave, but pause as I remember I need to stay. I turn to head back in when I feel something—or someone—bump into me. I turn to see who or what it is, instinctively reaching out to prevent them from falling.
Her eyes lock onto mine. She opens her mouth and murmurs something—I’m not sure what. I’m a bit drunk, and all I want in this moment is to take this woman and ease my tension.
I kiss her and pull her into the private area, leading her to a separate room away from the others.
“You’re with me now,” I say, losing control.
I keep kissing her lips until I decide to claim every part of her. I ask her to say my name, but she claims she doesn’t know it.
“Say my name,” I whisper in her ear, biting her shoulder to urge her to speak it.
She repeats that she doesn’t know it. With no other choice, I tell her my name so she can say it.
“Gabriel!” she whimpers, igniting a fire within me…