Page 16

Don’t be stupid. You don’t know him. This is exactly how women end up on true crime podcasts.

But look at him. Feel that energy. When was the last time anyone made you feel this alive?

“I—” I hesitate, almost stuttering, my hand halfway to his. “I don’t even know your name.”

He doesn’t answer; he just continues to hold my gaze, his hand unwavering. The silence should be awkward, but it feels charged.

“Seriously?” I glance at Jenna, who shrugs, equally confused by his silence.

His confidence both unsettles and enthralls me. In a world of men who hide behind screens and never show up, here’s someone so present, so physically real, it’s almost overwhelming.

“One dance,” I say finally, placing my hand in his. “Just one.”

His fingers close around mine, warm and strong. As he leads me toward the dance floor, I glance back at Jenna, mouthing, “Keep an eye on my drink,” and holding up one finger to signal I’ll be back soon.

The silence should be weird, but he’s so alluring. He pulls me close as the music shifts to a slower, more sensual song. His hands find my hips, and mine naturally rest on his chest. God, he’s solid muscle under that shirt.

The bass thrums through us as we move together. He leans down, his breath hot against my ear. “You move beautifully,”he purrs. His lips brush my earlobe, eliciting a gasp from me.

That voice tugs at my memory, but the alcohol, the music, and his proximity make it hard to focus.

His hands slide lower, guiding my hips in time with his.

“I’ve been watching you.”

My body freezes momentarily. Those words—the exact phrasing—set off alarm bells. Watching me? Like the hacker from earlier? Like someone who’s been stalking me?

I try to pull back slightly to see his face clearly, but his grip tightens just enough to keep me close. One hand slides up my back to tangle in my hair.

“What do you mean?” I manage to ask, my voice barely audible over the music.

Instead of answering, he continues moving, guiding my body with his. He speaks in a hushed voice between songs, each word making my skin tingle despite my growing unease: “So beautiful. You feel amazing.”

I should walk away. Every instinct for self-preservation tells me this is dangerous territory. Still, I respond to his touch, melting against him as we move together in the crowd.

His fingers draw patterns on my lower back, making it hard to focus when Jenna appears beside us.

“Hey! Sorry to interrupt, but we’ve got that other place lined up.” She glances between us, eyebrows raised. “Unless you’re... occupied?”

I look up at my mysterious stranger, his blue eyes still holding that intensity that makes my stomach flip. Part of me wants to stay here, to keep dancing until the club closes and find out where this connection between us leads. The rational voice in my head finally breaks through the fog of attraction, breaking the spell.

He hasn’t said more than a few words other than he’s been “watching” you. He won’t even tell you his name. These are not the actions of someone safe.

“I should probably head out,” I state, pulling away from him more firmly this time. The momentary flash in his eyes confirms I’m making the right choice. “Thanks for the dance.”

Jenna loops her arm through mine, and we weave through the crowd toward the exit. The cool night air hits my flushed skin, clearing my head somewhat.

“Okay, spill. What was that?” Jenna flags down a passing cab.

“I don’t know.” I slide into the backseat, my skin still tingling where his hands had been. “He was... different. Barely said anything except whispering in my ear.”

“Yeah, that was kind of weird. Like,hot,weird, but still weird.” Jenna tells the driver the name of the next club. “Did you at least get his name?”

I shake my head, feeling a mixture of relief and disappointment. “He just... danced. And whispered. Wouldn’t really answer questions.”

“Major red flag.” Jenna squeezes my hand. “Though I get it. The mysterious, intense thing can be hot. But also potentially serial killer territory.”

“I know.” I sigh, leaning back against the seat. “That’s why I left with you. But...”