Page 1 of Forbidden Desire

Chapter 1

Zack

Thegranddoorsofthe Oasis Hotel ballroom swing open before me, revealing the luxurious lobby adorned with sparkling chandeliers and marble floors. I stride towards the center of the room, the booming beat of the music from the awards ceremony filling my ears. My expensive Italian suit clings to my toned body, and every step I take exudes power and authority.

The bouncer bows his head with deep respect as he unclips the velvet rope for me. “Mr. Wolfe.”

As I enter the main hall, all eyes turn towards me. I am Zack Wolfe, master of this domain, and everyone here knows it. Women gaze at me with hunger, while men look on with envy and admiration. I make my way through the sea of guests, commanding their attention with my mere presence.

At the bar, I order a glass of top-shelf scotch and raise it in a toast to my success. An impulsive idea strikes me, and I climb onto the bar’s polished mahogany surface. Grabbing a bottle of Dom Pérignon, I ceremoniously pop the cork and spray champagne over the cheering crowd below. They eagerly reach out to catch the golden droplets, caught up in the excitement of being in my presence.

In this moment, surrounded by wealth and adoration, I am untouchable. This is my world, and every single person here is well aware of it.

I’m riding high on the energy of the crowd when a flash of honey-colored hair catches my eye. There, across the dance floor, is Bianca Fitzgerald, my biggest rival in the Vegas nightlife scene. Even from a distance, her elegance and poise stand out in the thudding disarray of the crowd. She’s a vision in her sleek black dress, hair swept back to reveal jewelry that sparkles even in the dim glow. The lights glint off her lustrous skin, accentuating the curves of her toned body. Her honey-colored hair is swept into a graceful bun, showing off the elegant line of her neck.

A competitive fire ignites within me. Bianca thinks she’s untouchable, with her “exclusive” club and hoity-toity reputation, but I’m about to show her that nobody out-parties Zack Wolfe on his own turf.

I saunter over, shouldering my way through the mass of lively bodies. Bianca’s back is to me as I come up behind her.

“Well, if it isn’t the Ice Queen herself.” My voice carries over the music. “Slumming it at the awards ceremony tonight?”

She whirls around, surprise flashing across her elegant features before her expression smooths into cool indifference. Diamond earrings dangle from her ears, catching the light and sparkling with every confident movement she makes.

“Zack.” She says my name as if poisoned honey drips from her glossy lips. “Charming as always.”

The thumping bass from the music dissolves into the backdrop as I focus on her, unable to resist her allure.

I flash her my most roguish grin. “You know me, just bringing a little energy wherever I go. Whereas you…” I look her up and down slowly. “Seem determined to suck the life out of everything.”

Her eyes narrow, irritation breaking through that polished facade. “Yes, well, some of us prefer class over crass.”

I laugh, leaning in close as her perfume fills my senses. Her aroma is a tantalizing blend of flowers and a hint of spice, forcing me to imagine the sweet taste of her lips before I finally exhale and focus on winning this little verbal game of ours. “Class is overrated, princess. Sometimes you gotta get down and dirty to really live.”

She steps back, distancing herself again. “Well, as enticing as that sounds, I think I’ll pass.” Her voice drips with sarcasm.

“Your loss.” I shrug, then tip an imaginary hat. “See you around, Ice Queen.”

I don’t wait for her response before turning and plunging back into the crowd. Bianca has obviously thrown down the gauntlet, and this town’s not big enough for the both of us. From now on, it’s war.

I stride to the restroom to splash some cold water on my face and stare at myself in the bathroom mirror.

Bianca’s poised visage flashes through my mind, those caramel eyes sparking with defiance. A worthy adversary.

Vegas has gotten too boring, with me running the hottest clubs in town while having no actual competition. But now Little Miss High Society wants to play with the big boys.

A slow grin spreads across my face. Maybe it’s time to shake things up a bit and remind people why they call me the King of Vegas Nightlife. I’ve gotten too complacent on my throne. Time to reclaim my crown as the undisputed ruler of the entire scene.

My pulse quickens at the thought—the rush of conquering fresh territory. It’s exactly what I need to reignite that spark inside me. Ever since I took over the first Pulse, I’ve lived for that next big rush, and competing with Bianca will give me the highest high yet.

I straighten my cuffs and view that familiar predatory glint in my eyes in my reflection again. By the time I’m through with her, that Ice Queen facade will have melted away. I’ll charm my way into her exclusive inner circle and leave her precious club in ashes. Then, Fitzgerald’s will be yesterday’s news, and the only name on everyone’s lips will be Pulse, and its daredevil King—me.

Las Vegas is my kingdom, and I’m not about to give up my crown without a fight. Game on, princess. Let’s see if you can handle playing with fire.

Bianca

Themurmurofconversationwashes over me as I take my seat at the table, smoothing my silk dress underneath me.

My sister Olivia sits across from me, her green eyes sparkling with excitement. She bounces in her chair, her curly blonde hair falling into her face as she talks. “Ooh, I’d love to see who they picked for the entertainment this year. I heard it’s someone really famous.”

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