Chapter 8 Attraction

He struck a match, its faint glow dancing in his eyes. With a flick, he extinguished it and said, with a hint of arrogance, "Aren't I treating everyone tonight? Let's get going, I won't wait forever." He left with the same air of pride that always defined him. For a moment, Lily thought his lingering glance was meant for her, and she chided herself for being so fanciful.

In the VIP lounge on the second floor of the nightclub, Lucas Hartley, Dylan Hayes, and others were flirtatiously chatting up their dates. Ethan pulled Lily into a corner, whispering sweet nothings into her ear, with her soft laughter occasionally filling the room. Isabella seemed lost in thought, sipping her drink. Lucas teased Julian, "Do you want me to find you some company tonight? You look a bit out of sorts."

Julian, inexplicably irritated, shot back with a punch, "Get lost! Don't act like I'm as shallow as you. I prefer my own company. Just go cool off and stop bothering me."

Rubbing his nose, Lucas returned