Page 22 of Dangerous Seduction

I made my way over, my jaw clenched tight as I prepared for the inevitable confrontation. Javier Cruz lounged in a plush booth like he owned the damn place.

“If it isn’t the great Dante Reyes himself, gracing us with his presence,” he drawled, his voice loaded with contempt as his gaze met mine.

I came to a halt before his table, my eyes narrowing as I took in the assembled members of his crew. They were an ugly bunch, all sharp edges and predatory stares, their hands never straying far from the weapons concealed beneath their jackets.

“Cruz,” I acknowledged, my tone clipped. “To what do I owe the... pleasure?”

Cruz’s lips pulled back in a taunting sneer, his eyes glinting with malice. “Can’t a man enjoy a night out on the town without being interrogated?” he countered, spreading his hands in a show of innocence that fooled no one.

I felt my jaw tighten as I fought back the urge to wipe that smug look off his face. “Cut the bullshit, Cruz,” I growled. “You know damn well this is my club. What’s your game here?”

Cruz leaned back in his seat, his gaze raking over me with a casual disdain that set my teeth on edge. “It’s just funny, Reyes,” he said, his voice mocking. “Seeing you, strutting around like you own South Beach, this entire city. News flash, pendejo – your reign is coming to an end.”

I barked out a harsh laugh, shaking my head in disbelief. “Is that what you think, Cruz? That you can waltz in here and take what’s mine? This club?”

Cruz’s lips twisted into a cruel smirk, his eyes glinting maliciously. “Maybe not today, but trust me, Dante,” he drawled, leaning back in his seat with smug arrogance. “You’ll see soon enough.”

Anger rose within me, my hands clenching into fists. Every instinct in my body screamed at me to wipe that condescending look off his face, to put this upstart in his place once and for all. But before I could act, Cruz rose from his seat, his crew falling into step behind him like a pack of mangy dogs.

“We’re leaving to find a more welcoming place,” he announced, his gaze sweeping over me with utter disdain. “But this isn’t over, Reyes. Not by a long shot.”

With those parting words, he turned on his heel and strode out of the club, his men trailing behind him like a dark cloud of menace.

My blood boiled, my fists clenching at my sides. I couldn’t believe the nerve of that puto.

“Dante,” Marco whispered. “Let it go for now.”

I whirled on him, my eyes blazing with fury. “Let it go? Didn’t you hear what he just said?”

Marco held up his hands in a placating gesture. “I did, but your father was clear – Javier Cruz is off-limits.”

“He thinks he can just waltz into my place and threaten me?” I spat, gesturing towards the empty VIP booth where Cruz and his lackeys had been seated moments ago. “This is bullshit, Marco!”

Marco sighed and steered me towards the backstage area, away from prying eyes and curious ears. Once we were behind closed doors, he turned to face me. “I don’t like it any more than you do,” he growled through gritted teeth. “But until we know what’s going on... Dante, you know we can’t risk it.”

I slammed my fist against the nearest wall, wincing as pain shot up my arm but welcoming the brief distraction from my boiling rage. “You think I don’t know that? But this is bullshit! Why won’t Papi tell me what the hell is going on?”

Marco shook his head, gripping his cropped hair in frustration. “I don’t have a fucking clue, Dante.”

ELEVEN

NATALIA

I sipped my wine, savoring the rich, fruity notes as they danced across my tongue. The dim lighting of the restaurant bar cast an intimate glow, the soft murmurs of conversation swirling around me. Being Eva, I wore my most seductive outfit, an emerald green dress that hugged my curves. The color was deliberate, meant to catch the eye and hold it. And I was hoping it would catch one eye in particular.

It had been days since my steamy encounter with Dante Reyes, and despite my best efforts, our paths hadn’t crossed again. Going straight back to Club Diablo was out of the question. It would make me seem too eager. Meeting Dante again had to look like a coincidence. So, I’d been frequenting all the usual haunts, the exclusive clubs and upscale restaurants that were known playgrounds for Miami’s elite, hoping to glimpse those piercing blue eyes and that devilish smirk.

But so far, no luck.

I was just about to signal the bartender for another glass of wine when I felt a presence at my elbow. Turning, I faced a stunning woman, her dark hair falling in glossy waves around a face that was all high cheekbones and full lips.

Recognition hit me straight on: Sofia Reyes, Dante’s younger sister.

“Eva, right?” she said, her voice warm and inviting. “I remember you from the other night with my brother.”

I forced a smile, my head abuzz, trying to think on my feet. I hadn’t expected to run into any of the other family besides Dante, let alone be approached by one of them.

“That’s right,” I said, extending my hand. “And you’re Sofia, if I’m not mistaken.”

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