Susan smoothed down her dress, taking a final look in the mirror. The short, sky-blue gown hugged her figure elegantly, giving her a polished look that she hadn’t felt in a long time. Tonight, she’d left her hair loose, letting soft waves fall over her shoulders, and had put a little more effort into her makeup. She wanted to feel like herself again—something she hadn't been able to do since getting involved with Leo.She shook her head, pushing those thoughts aside. Tonight was about Jeremy, the charming guy she’d met at the gym. He seemed nice, normal even, and she desperately needed that kind of stability in her life. As she got ready, she thought about how different Jeremy was from Leo. Where Leo was intense and unpredictable, Jeremy felt safe and grounded.With a final glance in the mirror, she grabbed her purse and stepped out, trying to ignore the nervous flutter in her stomach. The drive to the restaurant was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension, but she told herse
A look of disappointment crossed his face, but he nodded. “Of course. I hope everything’s alright.”“Yes, it’s fine,” she assured him, but couldn't ignore the disappointment on his face. “I'm so sorry, Jeremy. Believe me, I was really having a great time with you. How about we do this again sometime,” Jeremy nodded, “Sure, I'd be delighted to,” he said. Susan grabbed her purse as she stood. “I’ll…call you soon.”As she walked out of the restaurant, her mind raced with questions. Leo’s message had been short—straight to the point, and she couldn’t help but wonder what he wanted from her now. All she knew was that any chance of a simple, normal night was gone, and once again, she was being pulled back into Leo’s world._________The Summit was open when Susan got there, unlike the last time. Susan found her way upstairs to the lounge with a swirl of irritation and intrigue buzzing in her chest, where she met Connor who then led her to Leo's private room without question. Guess he'd b
Susan blinked, her anger momentarily displaced by confusion. “What?”He gave a slight, almost teasing smile. “You said I interrupted your date. And I have to say, you look... breathtaking. It’d be a shame to let all that effort go to waste, wouldn't it?”Susan opened her mouth to respond, but no words came. The intensity of his stare was overwhelming, clouding her thoughts, and she felt herself wavering.“Let’s make a deal,” Leo murmured, his voice dropping. “You let me take you to dinner, and I’ll consider your proposal. How does that sound?”Her mind was a whirl. His closeness, his scent, the magnetic pull she couldn’t escape—it was all too much. She took a deep breath, feeling her resolve falter as his words sank in.“You will?” she whispered, her voice barely audible, but she couldn’t look away.“Cross my heart,” he said, smiling, his gaze steady and unwavering.After a moment, Susan nodded, barely trusting herself as she answered. “Fine.”_________Susan sat in Leo's sleek black
When the food arrived, Leo watched her closely as she tried each dish, his attention unwavering. She felt herself gradually relaxing, the rich flavors and ambiance drawing her into the moment.After they’d finished the main course, Leo surprised her by ordering a rich, dark chocolate mousse. "A reward," he said with a grin, “for taking a risk with me tonight.”She couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, this is a risk?" she teased.His eyes darkened slightly as he leaned forward, his voice a quiet murmur. "For someone like you, I’d say so."The air between them was charged with an unspoken tension, and the world seemed to slip away until all that was left was the space between them. She felt the familiar shiver race down her spine as he held her gaze, his hand just barely brushing hers on the table. It was both an invitation and a warning, one that she wasn’t sure she was ready for but couldn’t resist.Once they’d finished dessert, Leo took care of the bill without so
Susan took it all in, her heart pounding slightly as she moved to drop her bag on the table. When she turned back, Leo was still by the door, watching her with an intensity that sent a thrill up her spine. He hadn’t moved, nor had he said a word, but his gaze was full of something unspoken, a magnetic pull that made her want to close the distance between them. The silence was becoming too much to bear. Someone had to say something, but for a moment, they just stood and stared at each other. She took a few steps forward. She couldn't tell what it was, but she was drawn to him like a moth to a flame, and slowly the urge to fight her attraction to him was dying. Her voice was softer than she intended when she finally broke the silence. "So… are you just going to go home and leave me here? All alone?”Leo gave a small chuckle, “Is that an invitation?” he teased, “Leo…” Damn, even the way she said his name was a turn on. He shook his head and tried to control his thoughts. A smile tug
Her breath caught, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. There it was again, that magnetism between them—charged and unspoken, pulling them closer even when words failed. She cleared her throat, forcing herself to refocus. “Well, thank you,” she said again, her voice quieter this time.Leo’s gaze softened, and he took a small step toward her, still keeping a respectful distance. “Anytime,” he murmured. “But tell me—are you really leaving now? We could grab breakfast downstairs if you’re not in a hurry.”Susan hesitated, caught off guard by the invitation, but she knew she needed to return home. There were errands to run, laundry to tackle, and the lingering memory of the date she’d just left behind. Besides, a quiet voice in her mind warned her against spending too much time with him, as if each second lowered her guard just a bit more.“Thank you, but I should head home,” she replied gently, offering him a small smile. “I’ve got a few things to take care of today.”Leo’s expressi
Susan couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. It was one thing to admit to herself that Leo had affected her, but it was another thing entirely to say it out loud, and poor Jeremy was really hoping for something more. She liked him, and she enjoyed spending time with him. She really did, and she had only gone on more dates with him to see if her feelings for him would grow, but it was becoming clear now that they wouldn't and she had to tell him.Caroline was still talking, and Susan forced herself to focus on what she was saying. “Are you even listening to me?” asked Caroline. Susan shook her head, “Yeah, sure,” she said, but Caroline narrowed her eyes and leaned back in her chair. “Thinking about your mystery man?” she asked with a smirk. Susan decided to ignore the comment because she couldn't exactly deny it. Caroline dropped the topic of Jeremy, but a mischievous grin soon crept onto her face. “Alright, fine. Let’s move on,” she said. “So… have you thought about your birthda
The hum of cheerful voices filled Susan’s apartment as she moved through the crowded living room, trying to soak in the details. It wasn’t a huge party—just a handful of friends from the gym, a couple of coworkers, Samuel, and, of course, Caroline, who had insisted on planning the whole thing. Soft jazz played from the speaker, setting a relaxed tone as people mingled and chatted, balancing small plates of snacks and glasses of wine.“Happy birthday, Susan!” someone called from across the room, holding up a glass. She smiled, giving a small wave in return, warmth flooding her cheeks. She hadn’t had a party in so long, and while she’d felt hesitant about the whole idea, she was kinda glad now Caroline had pushed her into it.“You’re smiling. Finally,” Caroline teased, coming up beside her with a mischievous grin and handing her a glass of champagne. “I told you this would be fun, didn’t I?”Susan took the glass, letting herself chuckle. “You did. And… alright, you were right. I didn’t
Leo guided her over to the bed, and together they sank into its softness, their arms tangled as he leaned in to kiss her again. Leo fought to understand what the hell was going on with him when it came to this woman, but he couldn’t pull himself away and he didn't want to. Their lips made a soft smooching sound in the room. Their tongues met and dueled. He noticed she was more confident and much more passionate, willing to meet him halfway and demand her due. “You're wearing way too many clothes. Maybe I need to get you out of them.” He said. Her smile lit up the entire room. Then her eyes glinted and her smile turned mischievous. She put her hands to his shoulders and pushed until he reclined on the bed. “Yes I agree, but so are you. Granted you have more experience with these matters than I do, but maybe I should be in charge this time. You never know what I'm capable of when I put my mind to it.”He lifted an eyebrow but his eyes gleamed devilishly. “That’s an arrogant statem
After hours of driving, Susan’s eyes were growing heavy, and her head occasionally leaned against the seat as the warmth from the coffee began to wear off. Leo noticed, his voice softer as he said, “Close your eyes if you want. We’ll be there soon.”Susan hesitated but eventually let herself relax, lulled by the steady rhythm of the car, Leo’s presence beside her, and the distant lights that grew brighter as they neared their destination.When she woke, the sun was beginning to rise, casting a pale orange glow across the Atlantic City skyline. The glittering lights of the casinos and high-rise hotels lit up the early morning sky, and Leo’s steady voice brought her fully back to reality. “We’re here,” he said, a hint of amusement in his tone as he glanced at her sleepy expression.Susan sat up, rubbing her eyes. The vibrant city stretched before them, promising all the glitz and glamour she’d heard about. She felt a surge of excitement mixed with trepidation as Leo navigated the car in
Susan stayed quiet for a moment, hesitating. Keeping secrets had become second nature to her lately—a habit she didn’t even recognize in herself anymore. She glanced up to find Caroline studying her, curiosity and concern both visible on her face. “You can’t tell Samuel,” Susan said finally, a hint of pleading in her voice.“Why not?” Caroline’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Well… he doesn’t exactly like Leo,” Susan replied, choosing her words carefully. It wasn’t the whole truth, but it wasn’t a lie, either. She was sure Caroline wouldn't like him either if she knew everything about him. Leo’s world and everything it touched wasn’t something she could easily explain, even to her closest friend.Caroline sighed, clearly not thrilled with the secrecy but nodding nonetheless. “Alright, so what am I supposed to tell him if he asks where you are?”“Just say it’s a work trip,” Susan replied smoothly. “I’ll tell him the same.”She realized, with a mixture of pride and dismay, that she was
Her mind was afire with naughty, delicious thoughts of him touching her even more intimately with his tongue. She tingled from head to toe, and the room was so hazy around her that it felt as though she were swimming in waters heated by the sun. “Oh,” she gasped when his fingers gently parted the delicate folds between her legs. His thumb brushed over the sensitive little nub, and he trailed a single fingertip to her opening where he continued to tease. When he touched his tongue to where his thumb had rested, the most peculiar, spectacular sensation thrilled through her pelvis and into her limbs. Her belly tightened with unbearable pleasure. It flooded her, tightening every muscle until her body quivered with the strain. He continued a slow, decadent dance over feminine flesh, lapping and licking like she was a sweet treat. Her legs shook uncontrollably. Her senses spiraled out of control. She reached down and thrust her fingers into his hair. Her breaths came in ragged, painfu
“So soon?” he asked, voice smooth as velvet, though there was a hint of challenge in it. His gaze held hers, searching, testing.She met his stare head-on. “Yes,” she replied, keeping her tone light yet firm. “Since it's clear that you have nothing else to say,” He raised an eyebrow, the smirk deepening, and for a moment it seemed as though he might try to stop her, to coax her into staying, to weave more of that spell he cast so effortlessly. But instead, he merely gave a slow, approving nod, his eyes gleaming as he took a step back.“Alright,” he said, as if conceding, though she could feel the weight of his gaze lingering on her.Susan made to move past him, but she didn't get to take more than two steps. She should have known that Leo, being the man he was, wouldn't have let her go just like that. In an instant he had reached out to haul her into his body, his hands tight around her upper arms. Susan opened her mouth in shock, and had the split-second realization that Leo was goi
Leo’s gaze held her captive, his dark eyes glinting with an edge of amusement. “You don’t look very happy to hear that,” he murmured, studying her closely through hooded eyes when she said nothing, “I thought you’d be thrilled. Haven’t you hated every second of this?”Susan’s eyes narrowed. “I do,” she said stubbornly, but her own words rang hollow in her mind.Did she really hate it? The question lingered in her head. Did she despise everything about the danger, the thrill, the forbidden rush that had started to seep into her bones? The question gnawed at her, twisting her gut. She didn't want to admit to herself that a part of her was starting to enjoy it. Maybe, just maybe, she liked the money she was getting from it. Maybe she liked the danger. The adrenaline that coursed through her veins as she did what had to be done. She hated to admit it, but there was something exhilarating about it all—about Leo, about the risk, about the way her heart raced in his presence. He was dangerou
Susan took her time getting dressed that evening, convincing herself that she wasn't putting in extra effort for Leo. Yet, deep down, she knew that he was exactly the reason she was doing it. If he thought he could just walk away from her after their night together without so much as a phone call, then she would make sure he didn’t get the satisfaction of seeing her flustered. She was determined to keep her emotions locked away, hidden beneath her polished exterior. She'd told herself repeatedly that she didn't care, but the truth was that she did. She chose a sleek black crop top and a mini jean skirt, paired with black, short-heeled sandals that clicked with confidence when she walked. Her hair cascaded in loose, shiny blonde curls over her shoulders, giving her an effortlessly bold look. For makeup, she kept it simple—powder, a touch of gloss, and smoky eyes that made her look fierce. Her reflection showed her someone who didn’t care, or at least someone who could pretend she didn
Detectives Justin Beck and Collins Hallman pushed through the large glass doors of The Summit, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors as they moved into the low-lit luxury of Leo’s club. The place was practically empty this early in the day, the lights dim and the tables neatly arranged, as if waiting for nightfall to wake it up. Beck scanned the room, taking in the opulence—the leather couches, the gleam of polished wood, the subtle scent of expensive cologne lingering in the air. It was a place that spoke of quiet wealth and darker dealings beneath its classy veneer.At the far end, Leo was waiting for them. Dressed in a charcoal suit and standing by the bar, he looked entirely at ease, an air of confidence in the way he held himself. His gaze met theirs as they approached, and he offered a polite but guarded smile.“Detectives,” Leo greeted, his voice smooth as he extended a hand to each of them. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”Hallman exchanged a quick gl
She didn’t. It was impossible to lie in the face of the desire that had brought them both to this bed. “I’m not sure it’s ever that simple,” she said ruefully. “There are always…other considerations.”“We’re both adults,” he argued with arrogant confidence. “We don’t have to answer to anyone except ourselves for what we do.” He grinned again. “And don’t tell me this wasn’t good. It was great! No reason to beat yourself up about it.”He was right, Susan thought. It was great, but she still felt like she'd done something wrong. Like she'd betrayed her brother… And herself somehow. But she didn't want to think about it right now. She didn't want to ruin the moment. Maybe she could let herself be selfish today. She refused to think about anything else… She could do that tomorrow. All she knew was that right now, she was satisfied, sated and too tired to think. She was still in Leo's arms and he was holding her so close and so tenderly that all she wanted to do was remain there. It was we