XII

Kelly groaned low in his throat as Lauren ground against him, their bodies moving in rhythm beneath the club's pulsing lights. The music thudded around them, and the alcohol-laced air was thick with heat and movement.

Earlier, when he called her, she'd told him to come pick her up. He hadn't expected much, but when she opened the door in short shorts and a tank top, looking effortlessly sexy with her messy bun and bare feet, he'd known the night was going to take a turn.

They'd chatted for a few minutes—her sitting on the armrest, him lounging back into the cushions—until she announced she was going to get ready. He had protested then, telling her he wasn't dressed for a club. She had only laughed, her gaze sliding over him like velvet before saying he looked hot in the dark jeans and fitted black tee he had on.

She disappeared into her room, and he sat there with the TV playing to no one. When she returned, she was transformed. A skintight black dress hugged every curve of her body, the hem scandalously short, paired with strappy heels that made her legs look endless. He had told her she looked hot—because she did—and she just chuckled, tossing him her keys.

The club was already packed when they arrived. Lauren ordered tequila. Kelly, sticking to his usual, asked for a Mountain Dew. After a round of drinks and some heavily charged banter, Lauren tugged him to the dance floor. That's when the grinding began.

His hands found her waist instinctively, fingers digging into the fabric as he pulled her close, their hips aligning to the rhythm of the bass.

"We're gonna be in the news tomorrow," he murmured against her ear, his peripheral vision catching phones pointed their way, lights blinking as videos were recorded.

"I don't care," Lauren breathed, spinning around to face him. She looped her arms around his neck and pulled him down into a kiss.

He didn't hesitate.

The taste of tequila lingered on her lips, sweet and fiery. His hands slid down her back, grabbing her ass as he deepened the kiss. When his lips moved to her neck, she moaned, her body arching into his.

"Let's get out of here," he whispered.

She nodded immediately, her fingers lacing with his as she led him through the crowd. The heat and music seemed to fade as they made their way toward the exit, but the eyes—and phones—followed them.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, Kelly caught something—or someone.

In the VIP section, surrounded by glinting bottles and velvet ropes, sat his sister. Next to her was a woman who looked... exactly like Emily.

He paused mid-step.

Like she felt his stare, Emily turned her head.

And just like that, time stalled.

Her eyes met his—crystal blue, outlined in smoky black eyeliner that made them pop like fire against ice. Her hair was slicked back into a ponytail, but a few soft tendrils framed her face, brushing against her cheeks with every slight movement. Her makeup was simple, understated, but radiant. She looked elegant, stunning—and unattainably sexy.

He couldn't make out exactly what she was wearing, but the halter neckline of her dress hinted at skin, curves, and a body that was no longer his to touch.

His breath hitched. His already hard dick twitched.

Fuck, she looked beautiful.

"What is it?" Lauren asked, glancing over her shoulder when she felt him stop.

He blinked, eyes dragging away from Emily's, and turned to Lauren. "Nothing. I thought I saw something," he lied, his voice casual.

They continued walking, but the image of Emily stayed burned into his mind like a brand.

Even as they exited the club and headed back to Lauren's house, her eyes haunted him.

***

The way he had stared at her with those honey-colored eyes—dark and molten under the strobe lights—was burned into her mind. It wasn't the usual annoyed or sarcastic look that made her feel stupid or beneath him. No. This one had been different. This one had made her stomach flip and her chest tighten.

This one had made her feel... aroused.

Meanwhile, Dani was still yapping beside her, complaining about the club's service as she nursed her half-empty glass of Don Julio.

"Are you even listening? What are you looking at?" Dani's voice snapped Emily out of her trance.

Emily blinked and turned to her best friend. "Nothing. Just thought I saw something," she said, trying to sound casual.

Dani hummed, clearly unconvinced, and took another sip. Then she pointed toward a man walking past their VIP section—a tall, clean-cut guy in designer sneakers. "What do you think about him?"

Emily rolled her eyes. "If you were actually scouting for me, we'd be at the bar. It's easier for men to approach us there."

"Shhh," Dani slurred, placing a finger to her lips. "When last did you come to a club as rich as Vicious?"

Emily narrowed her eyes. "You're drunk already?"

"I think so," Dani giggled.

"Fucking lightweight," Emily muttered under her breath. She was already reaching for her purse. "We're going home."

"Oh no. We're dancing instead," Dani grinned wickedly.

Before Emily could argue, Dani yanked her from the plush velvet seat and dragged her to the dancefloor. The lights pulsed above them, music blaring as bodies moved all around. Dani wasted no time—swaying her hips and letting loose, eyes closed, mouth singing along to the beat.

Emily just stood there, arms crossed, watching her friend with a faint frown.

"Dance, Em! Dance!" Dani shouted, laughing as she jumped and twirled around.

Emily sighed, giving in to the moment. She began to sway softly, her movements tame compared to Dani's wild rhythm. She was just starting to feel the music a little when a warm presence appeared behind her—and then, a hand snaked around her waist.

What the fuck?

She wasn't even dancing suggestively. Who the hell did this guy think he was?

Spinning around sharply, her lips parted, ready to lash out—but the words died in her throat.

Liam McCandy.

Professor of Sociology at the University of California. And without a doubt, the hottest male professor on campus.

Tall—maybe 6'1—with tousled dark hair, piercing green eyes, a chiseled jawline, and a well-kept beard, he looked like someone who should be in a motorcycle commercial. Tonight, he was dressed down in a black t-shirt, fitted dark jeans, and a black leather jacket. Effortless. Dangerous. Charming.

His eyes widened in recognition the moment he saw her. His hand dropped away immediately.

"Professor Decker," he said, a slow grin curling on his lips. "Fancy seeing you here."

She blinked. He knows my name? Her heart skipped a beat.

"Uh—hi. Fancy seeing you here too," she stammered, cursing herself internally for sounding like an idiot.

"Let's go to the bar?"

"I—" she started, but Dani had appeared out of nowhere, still dancing beside her.

"Don't worry about me. Go to the bar," Dani said with a wink.

Emily rolled her eyes. How much did she hear? Before she could ask, Dani spun away, dancing solo like she didn't have a care in the world.

Liam gestured with a slight nod. "Come on."

She hesitated for a beat, then said, "We have a section."

He raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Lead the way."

They returned to the VIP area and took seats across from each other on the low couch. He glanced at the half-finished bottles of Don Julio, Hennessy, Azul, and Imperial Blue on the table.

"Wow. You and your friend sure don't play when it comes to drinks," he said with a chuckle.

She laughed softly. "You can help yourself to whatever you want."

"Who am I to say no to a free drink from someone pretty?" he teased, reaching for the Hennessy and pouring a glass.

Emily felt her cheeks flush at the compliment and quickly masked it by reaching for her own glass of Azul, trying to focus on the burn rather than the butterflies in her stomach.

Her eyes drifted to the dancefloor again, where Dani was still dancing solo, expertly waving off any guys who came near her.

"So," Liam said, drawing Emily's attention back to him. His voice had softened a little.

"First off, sorry for holding you like that back on the dancefloor. It was wrong of me. I could tell you were about to put me in my place when you turned around." His eyes held hers, genuine and apologetic.

His directness caught her off guard. She wasn't used to men like Liam owning up to anything so quickly, let alone with sincerity.

She offered a faint smile. "Yeah, I was definitely about to tell you off."

"I figured," he said, his mouth twitching. "I panicked when I saw who it was. Didn't expect to bump into a colleague tonight."

"Neither did I." She tilted her head. "You come here often?"

"First time. Got dragged here by my cousins. What about you?"

"Same," she said. "Dragged here by a drunk best friend."

They both chuckled. The tension slowly eased between them, and Emily leaned back slightly, letting herself breathe.

"Wait, your best friend is the Danielle Kim? CEO of D & D Inc? The hotshot female businesswoman?" Liam asked, brows raised in surprise as the realization hit him.

Emily let out a soft laugh and nodded. "Yeah. That's her."

"Wow. That's really cool. Can't believe I'm just realizing she's right here." He turned to the dancefloor, watching Dani move without a care in the world, her curly weaves bouncing as she swayed.

"You sound like a total fanboy. Are you a fan?" Emily teased, taking a sip of her Azul.

Liam chuckled, his laughter deep and boyish. "Not really. My—my family's obsessed with her. They follow everything she does. They'd lose it if they found out I saw the Danielle Kim at Vicious."

Emily raised a brow, grinning. "So you are a fan."

He laughed again, eyes crinkling. "I guess I am."

His phone buzzed in his pocket, breaking the moment. He frowned slightly as he checked it. The crease in his brow deepened.

"My cousin just texted. I've gotta go," he said, sliding the phone back into his pocket.

"Oh. That's okay." Emily tried not to sound too disappointed.

"Yeah, it was nice running into you, Professor Decker. Thanks for the drinks," he said with a grin.

"No problem, Professor McCandy," she replied with a soft laugh.

Liam stood, adjusting his jacket. "Alright. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah… tomorrow."

He gave her a warm smile. "Goodnight. Be safe."

"You too." She offered a small wave, watching him turn and walk away.

Her eyes followed him until he disappeared through the velvet curtains of the VIP section. Then she sighed, letting her back press into the couch.

The bass thudded, the lights strobed, Dani still danced like the world belonged to her.

For the first time in a while, she wasn't thinking about Kelly.

Well… not as much.

But his stare—the one from earlier—still lingered like a phantom touch on her skin.