A Dangerous Favour

The nightclub pulsed with heavy bass, the air thick with smoke and expensive cologne. The VIP section was more secluded, away from prying eyes, wrapped in dim lighting that cast deep shadows over leather booths and sleek marble tables.

Valentino was already waiting.

He leaned back against the plush couch, legs spread in easy arrogance, a glass of whiskey cradled in one hand. His suit—impeccably tailored—hugged his frame, the top few buttons of his dress shirt undone just enough to hint at the sharp lines of his collarbone.

And his eyes…

Dark. Devouring.

Locked onto Antonia the second she walked in.

A slow smirk curved his lips as he rose smoothly to his feet. “Well, well,” he murmured, his voice like silk and smoke. “Look what the night has brought me.”

Antonia didn’t slow her steps, but Andrew tensed beside her, his presence solid and protective.

Valentino’s gaze flickered to him for the briefest second before returning to her—because Andrew didn’t matter.