Chapter 2: Seducing The Sexy Older Man

Clairessa’s POV

The club was everything Jessica had described and more—a hidden world of luxury, desire, and danger. The dark, dreamy atmosphere pulsed with music and whispered conversations. It radiated exclusivity, the kind of place where rules didn’t apply.

The moment we walked in, I felt dozens of eyes on me. Instead of shying away, I embraced it. Tonight, I wanted to be seen. I needed to feel alive.

At the bar, I downed a few shots of something strong. The alcohol burned as it slid down my throat, giving me the confidence I desperately needed.

I glanced around, absorbing the chaos and passion in the room. Men and women kissed without shame, their bodies pressed together as they moved in hypnotic rhythms. It was intoxicating to watch.

The women looked so confident, so free, as though they held all the power in the world. I couldn’t look away. Deep down, I craved that kind of confidence—the kind that drew people in without a word.

As my gaze swept over the crowd, I wondered what—or who—could make me feel that way. Then I saw him.

Upstairs, in the VIP section, he leaned casually against the railing. He looked like he belonged to another world entirely. His dark curls framed a sharp, chiseled face, and his navy-blue suit fit him perfectly, like it had been tailored just for him. He didn’t move much, but his presence filled the room.

He was watching the crowd, but he wasn’t like the other men here. He wasn’t chasing anyone or trying to impress. He didn’t need to. The way he stood, the way he carried himself—it was like he owned the place. Like he could own me if he wanted to.

My pulse quickened as my eyes locked onto him. He looked older, but I didn’t care. He was incredibly handsome, radiating power and control in a way I couldn’t resist.

“That’s Gabriel,” Jessica whispered in my ear, her voice barely cutting through the music. “Don’t even think about it. He’s completely off-limits. No one gets near him unless he allows it.”

Gabriel. The name alone sent a shiver down my spine.

I barely heard Jessica’s warning. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him. His dark gaze swept over the crowd like a predator searching for prey, and for a fleeting moment, it landed on me.

My breath caught.

He held my gaze longer than necessary, as though he was assessing me, deciding if I was worth his time. Then, just as quickly, he looked away, dismissing me like everyone else.

But that single glance lit a fire in me. I felt it in my chest, my stomach—everywhere.

I wanted him to look at me again, to really see me this time.

“He’s not for you, Clairessa,” Jessica said firmly, leaning closer. But her words didn’t matter. I couldn’t look away. I wanted him to notice me again.

Grabbing another shot, I tossed it back and set the glass down, giving Jess a mischievous smile.

“You’re not seriously thinking about going up there, are you?” she asked, wide-eyed.

“He’ll be mine before the night is over,” I replied with a playful wink.

Jessica shook her head, but I didn’t wait for her response. My heart beat faster with every step I took as I walked away.

As I made my way through the crowd toward the VIP section, fear tried to creep in, but I shoved it aside. The alcohol in my veins gave me courage, and tonight wasn’t about playing it safe. If I was going to live on the edge, I couldn’t back down now.

I had never done anything like this before, but everything was about to change. Tonight was about revenge.

The VIP section was guarded by two men who looked like they could crush me with one hand without breaking a sweat. I didn’t let that stop me. I lifted my chin and kept walking until one of them stepped in front of me.

“Gabriel sent for me,” I lied, keeping my voice steady despite the nerves swirling inside me.

One of the guards raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. He turned toward Gabriel, who glanced back at him. Gabriel’s dark eyes locked onto mine. His stare was intense, almost sinister, and it sparked something deep inside me.

With a single nod from him, the guards stepped aside. I flashed a soft smile and stepped past them.

The VIP area was quieter, the music a muffled pulse in the background. My heels clicked softly against the sleek floor as I made my way toward him.

A group of men standing nearby let their eyes roam over my body, their interest obvious, but I didn’t care. My focus was entirely on Gabriel.

He stood by the railing, relaxed yet commanding, surrounded by women vying for his attention. He didn’t seem to notice them—or didn’t care.

I let my hips sway seductively, just like Jess had taught me, every step intentional to capture his attention.

As I got closer, I pretended to trip and spilled my drink on his crisp white shirt.

“Oh no, I’m so sorry!” I gasped, my voice soft and breathless.

He looked down at the stain, then up at me, his dark eyes locking onto mine. The intensity of his gaze made my knees weak.

“It’s fine,” he said, his deep voice smooth and controlled.

I reached for his shirt, dabbing at the stain with shaky hands. “I didn’t mean to—”

Before I could finish, his hand gently caught my wrist, stopping me. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through me.

“But I—” I started, but his slight shake of the head stopped me.

“I’ll handle it,” he added, letting go of my wrist.

I stepped back, feeling lightheaded. My heart raced as his dark eyes stayed on mine, as though he was trying to figure me out.

A man who looked much younger than Gabriel approached me, asking for a dance.

I gave him a polite smile. “I’ll pass,” I said, brushing him off without a second thought.

Gabriel tilted his head slightly, studying me like I was something unexpected.

“Do you always spill drinks on strangers?” he asked, his tone light but his gaze intense.

“Only when I’m nervous,” I admitted, surprising myself with honesty.

“And what made you nervous?”

I hesitated. How could I explain the way he made me feel? How his presence pulled me in and made me forget everything else?

“Maybe it’s your reputation,” I said finally.

His lips twitched, almost forming a smile. “And what do you know about my reputation?”

“That you don’t let anyone close,” I replied, echoing Jessica’s warning.

He tilted his head, studying me as if trying to decide if I was worth his time. Then, leaning forward slightly, his face was so close I could feel his breath on my skin. 

The heat from him was intoxicating. “Most people aren’t worth letting close,” he whispered in my ear, his breath hot and heavy on my skin, sending little sparks of electricity through me.

I swallowed hard and forced myself to meet his gaze. “And how did you decide that? Did someone ever hurt you?”

His face changed, his smile fading. It was like I’d said something I wasn’t supposed to.

“I don’t talk about my personal life with strangers,” he cautioned firmly. Without another word, he turned and walked away.

I stood there, stunned, watching him disappear into the crowd. Women surrounded him as he passed, trying to get his attention, but he didn’t even glance at them. Jessica had been right—he wasn’t impressed by anyone and that only made me want him more.

Tonight was supposed to be about forgetting Adrian, proving to myself that I wasn’t the weak, broken girl he left behind. I was going to do something tonight that I had never done before—I was going to go after what I wanted without hesitation. By the end of the night, Gabriel would be mine.