Chapter 3

Amy

I glance toward Blair, searching for her in the crowd. I spot her easily—lost in the embrace of both a man and a woman, their bodies swaying together in a slow, teasing rhythm. She laughs, tilting her head back, but even as she does, her sharp gaze darts to me.

The moment our eyes lock, she takes in my dance partner with a slow, knowing once-over. Then, with a playful smirk, she lifts her hand and gives me an exaggerated thumbs-up.

Go for it.

His lips graze my ear, his voice as smooth as silk. "Should I ask for your name, or just call you Kitten?"

A shiver runs down my spine. I don’t think twice. "Kitten works. What should I call you?"

His grip tightens just a bit, a smirk playing on his lips. "Daddy."

A laugh escapes me before I can hold it back. It’s absurd—so ridiculously cheesy—but somehow, in this moment, under these lights, it doesn’t feel so bad.

I turn in his embrace, my breath hitching as his hands slide over my waist, pulling me closer. My pulse pounds in my ears, a dizzying mix of nerves and something darker, something exciting.

I’ve never done this before—never let a stranger touch me like this, never given in so easily. A one-night stand was already pushing my boundaries, but here? In a place like this? The thought both unsettles and excites me.

His lips find their way to my jaw, then drift lower, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin of my throat. I shudder, gripping his shoulders as his hands explore, fingertips tracing the bare skin of my thighs.

The heat between us coils tighter, sharper.

He shifts, pulling me closer, the undeniable hardness of his body pressing against me. A sound escapes my lips before I can catch it.

His smirk brushes against my skin. "You sound even better than I imagined, Kitten."

The way he says it sends a thrill through my stomach, anticipation buzzing just beneath the surface. His hands slide higher, gripping my hips as he guides me against him, ensuring I feel every bit of him. I gasp, my fingers tangling in his hair as his mouth captures mine, deep and consuming.

I barely notice we’re moving until the cool leather of a couch meets my back. Somewhere in the haze of it all, I wonder if he’s planning to take me right here. The thought should shock me—but it doesn’t. Not in this moment. Not with the way he touches me, as if he’s already decided I’m his for the night. Heat flares between us.

My skin tingles, my mind blissfully empty.

For the first time since Jake, I’m not lost in thought—I’m just feeling. Then, suddenly— A firm grip yanks at my arm, pulling me away.

The spell is broken.

Blair’s voice cuts through the moment, urgent in my ear. “Your brother is here.”

Blair’s grip tightens around my wrist as she yanks me away from the guy I’d just been kissing. I’m gasping for air, my lips still tingling and swollen from that intoxicating moment. My body is buzzing, still caught up in the heat of it all.

“Sorry, handsome,” Blair calls back, throwing him a cheeky wink. “Birthday girl’s gotta bounce.”

He looks utterly confused, watching as I stumble after her, dazed. I barely manage to shoot him an apologetic glance before she drags me deeper into the crowd.

"What the hell, Blair?" I hiss, shaking her off as soon as we’re clear the far side of the dance floor.

“I swear I just saw Dan “I swear I just spotted Dan,” she says.

I blink. “What?” The words barely register before a wave of panic slams into me. “Why the hell would my brother be here?”

“Probably for the same reason we are, but honestly, I don’t care. The important thing is we need to get you out of here before he sees you,” she replies, scanning the room.

My heart races as I turn, peering through the shifting crowd. And there he is. Dan. Standing by the bar, drink in hand, his head tilted slightly as he listens to someone.

But… he’s not looking for me. He’s not storming through the club, demanding answers. He’s just… here. The realization hits me like a bucket of cold water. Of course he wouldn’t be searching for me—he has no clue I’m around. He’s just out enjoying himself, just like I am.

Still, I can’t risk him spotting me.

"I’ll run interference. You just head for the exit."

Blair is already on the move, weaving through the crowd with ease before grabbing onto Dan’s arm, her smile bright and inviting. I watch as she starts chatting, gesturing animatedly, keeping his attention completely on her.

I keep my head down, making my way across the dance floor, aiming for the coatroom. If I can just grab my phone and slip out of here, I can pretend none of this ever happened. No reckless decisions. No close calls. Just a stupid idea I left behind before it got out of hand.

But just as I take another step, Dan shifts—his head turning, his gaze sweeping dangerously close to where I stand.

Shit.

There’s no way I can make it to the front exit without him spotting me. Not unless I want to explain why I’m here, dressed like this, in a place like this. I pivot on my heel, my heart racing, and dash toward the back hallways, desperate to disappear.

And run straight into a wall of muscle.

A startled yelp escapes me as strong hands grip my arms, steadying me before I can stumble back. The warmth of his touch seeps through my skin, unyielding.

I look up—and my stomach drops.

Kenny.

One of Dan’s best friends.