He nodded, relief flickering in his eyes before closing the barrier again.
We moved into the main lounge. Private booths hid behind red velvet curtains. The hall itself was vast, ceiling high, the bar curved along one wall, lit in soft blue. The dance floor spread wide at the center, surrounded by seating. Everywhere, bodies moved—men in tailored suits, women in gowns. The air carried perfume, money, and the faintest trace of cigar smoke.
The DJ booth loomed on a raised platform. Music pounded, loud but not deafening. The atmosphere gripped me. Exclusive. Intoxicating. A nervous edge tightened anyway. Luxury dripped from every corner. In this place, anything felt possible. For a moment, I let the glamour drag me under.
“You really have an interesting job, Daisy,” Jenn said. “Who would’ve thought you’d meet Damian Miller and end up here?”
“Does your boss maybe have another opening at his company?”
“You’re studying veterinary medicine. What would you do in an office?”
“I’m only in my first semester. I can always switch,” she joked.
I laughed, raising my glass before taking a sip of my cocktail.
“I think if we order more than three drinks here, we’ll be broke by the end of the month.”
“One has to treat herself now and then,” Jenn grinned, knocking back the rest of her drink in one go.
“Hey, ladies. Enjoying the evening?” A man leaned against the counter beside Jenn—good-looking, confident.
She laughed. “What gave us away?”
“Maybe the fact that you’re having more fun than the rest of the room combined. That kind of thing stands out.”
Jenn winked. “Then we’ve done everything right.”
“Absolutely. Though I have to admit—I overheard you outside with the doorman. First time here for me too.” He offered his hand to Jenn. “Richard.”
“Jenn.” She shook his hand. Then he turned to me.
“Daisy.”
“I’m here with cousins, some friends, a few colleagues. Why don’t you join us in the lounge? Best seats in the place. And tonight, our table has access to the club’s new signature cocktails—only served tonight, and they’re worth it. Don’t worry, we’re a relaxed bunch. What do you think?”
“I don’t know…” I murmured.
“Come on, Daisy. That sounds like fun.” Jenn’s eyes begged me to agree.
“All right.”
Richard led us to a wide, semi-circular sofa already filled with people.
“Everyone—this is Jenn and Daisy. Met them at the bar. First time here, so they should get the best spot.”
Polite nods. A few smiles. A man with dark blond hair stood, hand out, charm practiced but not forced.
“Mark. Nice to meet you.”
“My cousin,” Richard added.
A blonde woman beside him lifted her glass, smile warm. “Sit. We always welcome company. Tried the special cocktails yet? They’re fantastic. I’m Satina.”
“Jenn.”
“Daisy.”
Several drinks later, we were sunk into conversation with Satina, Mark, and Richard. We spoke about our work, though I kept my own vague. The mood turned easy, light. For once, I let myself relax. Still, Damian Miller pressed into my thoughts. What would he think if he saw me here, in his club? He’d probably shrug.
