Chapter one: The one night

The blaring music of Club Eden pulsed through the walls, making the floor tremble with every bass drop. Luna clutched her drink tighter, her hands trembling slightly. She hadn’t been out in years—not since her mother passed away and life forced her to take up three jobs to survive. But tonight, her best friend Kira had dragged her out, saying she needed to let loose for once.“You’re not going to just sit there looking miserable, are you?” Kira teased, her red lips curling into a smile as she swayed to the music.Luna sighed, brushing a strand of her long black hair behind her ear. “I don’t know, Kira. This isn’t really my scene.”“Please.” Kira waved a dismissive hand. “You’re twenty-four, stunning, and single. You’ve spent the last two years either working or crying over your bills. Tonight is about you.”Luna smiled faintly and nodded. She did need a break. Maybe just this once.“Fine. One dance.”“That’s the spirit!” Kira cheered before disappearing into the crowd, already twirling with a stranger.Luna stood and made her way toward the edge of the dance floor. The music vibrated through her bones as bodies moved together, lost in the rhythm. She was about to turn back when her gaze collided with him.He was leaning against the bar, a whiskey glass in hand, but it wasn’t his expensive-looking suit or perfectly styled dark hair that caught her attention—it was his eyes. Piercing, golden eyes that seemed to glow faintly under the club lights. They locked onto hers with a heat that made her knees weak.Luna’s heart raced. She quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the dance floor, but it was no use. She could feel him staring.Suddenly, a low, velvety voice cut through the noise. “Not enjoying the party?”She turned to see him standing right in front of her. Up close, he was even more breathtaking. Tall, broad-shouldered, and radiating confidence. His tailored suit fit perfectly, and the faint smell of expensive cologne mixed with something more primal—something wild.“I… I don’t really party much,” Luna admitted, cursing herself for how timid she sounded.His lips curled into a smirk. “Then let me guess—you’re here because of a friend?”She blinked in surprise. “How’d you know?”He chuckled softly, the sound deep and rich. “You don’t look like the typical clubgoer.” His gaze swept over her simple black dress and flats. “You’re… different.”Luna swallowed hard, her pulse quickening. “Different isn’t always a good thing.”He tilted his head slightly, those golden eyes never leaving hers. “It is to me.”Luna’s cheeks heated, and she felt a flutter in her chest. She didn’t even know this man, yet his presence was intoxicating. He held out his hand suddenly, his eyes dancing with challenge. “One dance. If you hate it, I’ll leave you alone.”Something about the way he looked at her—like he could see into her soul—made her say yes. “Okay. One dance.”He smiled, and as his fingers wrapped around hers, a spark shot through her body, leaving her breathless. It wasn’t normal—nothing about this moment was normal.He pulled her onto the dance floor, guiding her effortlessly. Luna didn’t even notice when the song changed to something slower and more sensual. All she could focus on was him—the way his hands held her waist, the way his body pressed against hers, the way his golden eyes burned into hers.“What’s your name?” she whispered.“Dante.” His voice was low, almost a growl.“I’m Luna.”“Luna.” He said her name like it was something sacred, something precious. It sent shivers down her spine.She didn’t know how long they danced. Minutes? Hours? It didn’t matter. All she knew was that when the music stopped, and he pulled her closer, she didn’t resist.“Come with me,” Dante murmured against her ear. “I want to know you… all of you.”Every warning bell in Luna’s mind screamed at her to say no. She wasn’t the type to follow a stranger, no matter how handsome he was. But her body didn’t listen. Her heart didn’t listen. Something about him—something unexplainable—called to her. Like she’d known him forever.“Okay,” she whispered.The drive to his penthouse was a blur. Luna sat in the backseat of his sleek black car, trying to process what she was doing. Was this crazy? Yes. Did she care? No. For the first time in years, she felt alive.When they arrived, Dante led her into a sprawling penthouse that overlooked the entire city. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the glittering skyline, but Luna barely noticed. All she could see was him.Dante removed his jacket and turned to face her, his golden eyes glowing faintly. “You can leave if you want to, Luna. I won’t stop you.”Luna hesitated. She knew this was reckless. She barely knew him. But something about him made her feel safe—protected.“I don’t want to leave,” she said softly.That was all he needed.Dante closed the distance between them in two strides, capturing her lips with his. His kiss was fire and passion and desperation all at once, as though he’d been waiting for her his entire life. Luna melted into him, her arms wrapping around his neck as he deepened the kiss.He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to his room. Everything after that was a whirlwind of heat, desire, and longing. For one night, Luna forgot about her struggles, her worries, and her past. For one night, she belonged to him completely.When Luna woke up the next morning, sunlight streamed through the massive windows. She sat up slowly, her heart sinking when she realized she was alone. Dante was gone.A single note rested on the pillow beside her: “I had to leave. Take care, Luna.”She clutched the note in her trembling hand, fighting back tears. What had she expected? That he’d stay? That he’d care? It was one night. That’s all it was ever supposed to be.But as Luna walked out of the penthouse that morning, a strange feeling settled in her chest. Something had changed—something she couldn’t explain.And she was right.Because two months later, Luna would discover the truth.

She was pregnant!