The club was loud too loud with heavy bass thrumming through the air like a heartbeat. Lucas's grip on Mia's waist was firm as they pushed through the crowd, his body a shield against prying eyes.
At the far end of the VIP lounge, Sofia sat draped across a leather booth, a crystal glass dangling from her fingers. She was stunning dark hair falling in loose waves, blood-red lips curved into a smirk.
Mia hated her immediately.
Lucas didn't hesitate. He slid into the booth beside Sofia, pulling Mia onto his lap. A clear message Mia was his.
Sofia arched an eyebrow, her voice smooth. "Well, well. I never thought I'd see you crawl back here."
Lucas's tone was cold. "I'm not here to play games. Where is he?"
A slow smile crept across her lips. "You're going to have to be more specific, darling. I know a lot of 'he's.'"
Mia leaned forward, her voice razor-sharp. "Cut the act. Victor's watching us I want to know how."
Sofia's eyes sparkled with amusement as she took a slow sip of her drink. "Ah, Victor." She sighed, tilting her head. "He never did take rejection well."
Lucas's patience snapped. His hand shot out, fingers curling around Sofia's throat. Not enough to hurt yet but enough to make her eyes darken with something twisted.
"Talk," he ordered, his voice rough.
Sofia let out a breathless laugh, her gaze flicking to Mia. "Does he handle you like this too?"
Mia didn't flinch. "You're stalling. Why?"
For the first time, Sofia's mask slipped. A flicker of fear passed through her eyes.
"He's obsessed," she admitted quietly. "And not just with you."
Lucas released her, leaning back. "Explain."
Sofia rubbed her neck, her voice tight. "He's not watching you… he's inside your world. People you trust? They're already working for him."
Mia's blood ran cold. "Who?"
A bitter laugh escaped Sofia's lips. "Figure it out, sweetheart. But when you do don't be surprised when it's someone sleeping in your bed."
Lucas's muscles tensed beneath her. Someone close to them was a traitor.
And if Victor had his claws inside their circle…
No one was safe.