Page 19 of Abundance of Obsession

“The bartender has great intuition,” I say. The sound volume here pales compared to the dance floor’s levels. “He knows what he’s doing. He has great instincts.”

“How can I test his instincts then?”

“I doubt you’re his type.”

A smirk plays on his lips. Glancing at me from under half-closed lids, he replies, “No problem. That works out well.”

A waitress appears again, sets our drinks down, and turns to me. “Jax sends his regards. He asked me to tell you that he’s heartbroken.”

Before I can come up with a witty response, she’s gone again.

“I believe him. About that broken heart.” Damien raises his glass in a toast and waits for me to do the same. I take a sip of the mystical drink, which tastes exactly the same as the last one. “I have to confess something to you, Lily.”

My name rolls off his tongue slowly. He savors it.

“Go ahead,” I encourage.

“I’ve seen you before.”

“Before?”

My heart skips a beat for a second before the answer appears on his lips. “I noticed you long before you stepped onto the dance floor. I’ve been watching you from this very spot.”

I let out the breath I’d been holding. “It’s this red dress, isn’t it?”

“No. It’s you…” A broad smile doesn’t leave his handsome face. His eyes twinkle with interest. “A dress is just a dress.”

“Does that line work?”

“Sometimes,” he admits. “Are you here alone?”

“Yes, and you?”

“I was with friends, but they called it a night. And I was about to leave too, when my eyes found you. Without exchanging even a few words with you, I couldn’t leave this place.”

I take the bait. Aware. “Why?”

“Undeniably, you’re the most stunning woman here. Fuck, I’d even say in this city.”

This time I’m the one laughing. He’s smooth, I have to give him that.

It could be his appearance, or perhaps that grin, but I’m prepared to overlook it. I have no intention of planning a wedding or having kids; I came here for one purpose only: to get rid of this fucking virginity. So, it’s a win-win for both of us.

I don’t expect him to court me.

“Our meeting isn’t a coincidence then. What would you have done if I hadn’t lost my balance?”

“Don’t doubt the coincidence of this meeting, but I’m grateful I saw you anyway. The music swept you away, and I stood there on the side, completely captivated. Every move you make… you’re beautiful and sexy. I think you know that. Perhaps it’s precisely because you weren’t aware of my interest that you captured it so uncompromisingly.”

Damien leans closer to me. His cheek is right next to mine, lips near my sensitive ear. That scent envelops my senses. “There existed other paths for me to reach you. It was inevitable.”

The warmth coming from him disappears as he pulls back.

He’s good. Really good. He knows what weapons to use to win a woman over, and he doesn’t hesitate to use them.

Pull yourself together, Zoe.

To do that, I grab my drink and take another sip. The sweetness mixed with alcohol slides down my throat, spreading warmth through my stomach. Or maybe it’s because of him?