Page 2

CHAPTER 2

CILLIAN

I have no idea what possessed me, but the pull of that girl…it’s like nothing I’ve ever felt. There's something about her, something that wraps itself around me, tightening every time I think of her.

The only reason I walked away is because she’s too young for me. I didn’t need to rip off that damn gold-and-black lace mask to see it.

She was a tempting, dangerous distraction…but I wasn’t about to let myself fall for it.

“Who was that?” Fionn breaks through my thoughts, gesturing toward her.

She’s still standing where I left her, her eyes locked on to mine with a slow, knowing smile.

“Someone I don’t need to know,” I mutter, but I can’t tear my gaze away.

My brother’s laugh is rough and mocking. “Then why the hell were you touching her like you had every right to?”

I growl low in my throat, finishing my drink in one long, deliberate swallow. She’s still watching me, that oval diamond in the middle of her mask sparkling, a little flicker of mischief in her gaze. My pulse picks up, a hot, primal need stirring in my gut.

The urge to go back to her is damn near overwhelming. I know exactly what would happen if I did: words would turn into something else.

Maybe it would be only tonight. Just a single, intoxicating night. But I’d be lying to myself if I said I didn’t feel a strange pull in my chest, telling me it could be more.

I continue to stare, unable to resist. Damn, those eyes—those rich, molten chestnut eyes. A man could drown in them.

“If you don’t want her, I’ll take my shot,” Fionn says, his mouth curling.

I shoot him a death glare. “Don’t fucking touch her.”

Because she’s mine.

The thought zaps through my head like it has always belonged there.

Before I can turn back to her, the sound of a low voice behind me sends a ripple of irritation through me.

“Gentlemen…” Konstantin’s Russian accent cuts through the air like a blade.

I stiffen, trying to mask my contempt, but it’s useless. I’ve never been able to shake the hate I feel for this man or his family, and I doubt I ever will. The memory of what his father did to our mother is burned into my bones, a scar I carry with me every single day.

Fionn gives him a curt nod. “Konstantin.”

“How are you two enjoying the evening?” Konstantin’s gaze flicks between us before narrowing, a sly grin pulling at the corner of his mouth. His eyes settle on me with a look that says he knows exactly what’s going on in my head. “See anyone you like?”

“Not particularly,” I mutter.

The only reason I even started coming here is because Fionn forced me to when Konstantin extended free memberships to us. It was his way of expressing that any feuds between our families from before are now over.

“Eventually, we’ll be friends, Cillian Quinn.” Konstantin slaps me on the shoulder, but I shove his hand off roughly. “Maybe even family.”

I scoff. “I doubt that.”

The bastard laughs. I want to punch him in that smug fucking face.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it.” He turns to go. “Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. Anything at all.”

My jaw clenches so tight it aches.

As soon as he’s out of earshot, I mutter under my breath, “I really hate that son of a bitch.”

Fionn chuckles. “No way. I had no idea.”

Grinding my jaw, I turn toward the bar, needing another drink. As I wait for the bartender to pour it, I glance toward where Dinara was, but she’s gone.

Panic claws at my chest. I scour the room, desperate to find her, but there’s no sign of her. I know it’s ridiculous. She’s just a woman I bumped into, but there’s something about her. Something unfinished.

What if she’s already gone? What if I’ll never see her again?

My teeth clench, and I feel Fionn’s eyes on me.

“Where are you going?” he calls, but I ignore him.

The burning need to find her consumes me, and nothing, not even my brother, is going to stop me.

I should’ve gone back to her. Should’ve gotten her full name. Her number. Something.

Now, all I can do is hope it’s not too late.

* * *

DINARA

I could’ve stayed right where we were watching that mysterious man all night, but the girls were eager to keep moving through the club.

The more we explored, the more we realized what really goes on here: anything and everything. Each room we entered seemed to offer a new kind of fantasy. A woman with multiple men. Another tied up from the ceiling with thick rope. A man being flogged by three women while on his hands and knees with a dog collar around his neck.

We move further into the club, passing an open space where women are on display while the crowd bids for their virginities.

My stomach tightens at the thought. There’s no way I could ever do that. The idea of losing my virginity to a stranger, someone I didn’t even choose, is terrifying.

I scan the seats, looking for Cillian. What if he’s into this?

But I don’t spot him. Thank goodness. That would be such a turn-off.

“Oh my God, there’s no way in hell I’d ever do that!” Natalia exclaims, watching as a new contestant steps onto the stage in a sheer white gown.

“Never.” I shake my head. “I want to have a choice in who I’m with for the first time.”

Alisa giggles, nudging me. “I’m sure that hot guy from earlier would be very willing if you asked.”

I roll my eyes. “He left, remember? Whatever he had to do was clearly more important.”

“I’m sure we’ll see him again.”

“Whatever. Not like I’m about to go chasing after him.”

Natalia bumps her shoulder into mine. “You guys had major chemistry. It’s okay to be disappointed.”

“I’m not disappointed.”

Liar.

“Okay.” She shrugs, but there’s a knowing curve to her lips. “Maybe he wasn’t the right guy. I’m sure you’ll lose your V-card eventually…”

“Oh shut up!” I swat her playfully.

“I just can’t believe you’re still a virgin. I really would’ve thought you’d be the first of us to lose it.”

“What the hell does that mean?” I glare at her.

“Nothing!” She raises her hands in mock surrender. “It’s just, you’ve always been so open about stuff like that. I figured…”

“Well, I haven’t found the right guy. That’s all. Nothing wrong with waiting.” I try to sound confident, but it’s harder than I thought.

I didn’t intentionally remain a virgin. It just never happened with anyone else. I either got bored or lost interest. I never felt that spark, that pull.

Until Cillian.

“Let me just say, the first time sucks anyway.” Natalia grimaces. “You don’t need the right guy for that.”

“She’s right.” Alisa nods in agreement.

“I don’t know, girls. But screwing a complete stranger probably wouldn’t be the smartest choice here, especially with Konstantin lurking around.”

“Come on, live a little.” Natalia nudges me playfully. “These are the years we’re allowed to do stupid stuff. Then we’ll turn into our parents and get all responsible.” She pretends to gag dramatically.

“I wouldn’t exactly call my father responsible,” I mutter.

And my mother...

The words fall flat, the air thickens, and my chest tightens. The ache, the hollow feeling, presses in on me.

I can’t escape the memory. I want to, but I can’t stop it.

Tears sting behind my eyes. I try to push them back, but it’s too late. The moment floods me.

I wanted Mom to leave him so badly. But she never did. Well, couldn’t is more like it. You don’t just leave a man like him.

I pinch my eyes shut, my heart hammering in my chest. My hand reaches out, pressing against the wall beside me as I fight to keep it together.

The memory claws at me. That day two years ago. The same nightmare that always haunts me when I close my eyes. I’m unable to escape it even in my subconscious.

It’s like it happened yesterday. And no matter how much I try to move forward, it still drags me back.