Page 4 of Forbidden Desire

Zack bites his lip. “Bet it’s a tie.”

His vocal tone is smooth like velvet, but I try to push past it.

I shoot a look at him. “Can you be quiet, please?”

“And the award for Best Nightclub in Vegas goes to…” The anticipation in the room swells to a crescendo, mirroring the storm inside me as we await the final verdict.

“Fitzgerald’s and Pulse Club Downtown!” The declaration hits like a thunderclap, reverberating through the crowd.

Zack flaunts a victorious smirk. “It’s a tie.”

My pride battles the irritation at sharing the top spot with him. But as our gazes lock, everything else blurs, and all I can see is the fire in his eyes, a mirror to the blaze he ignites within me.

The pop of another champagne bottle cuts through the applause. Zack’s grin is as sharp as the crystal flute he hands me. Why does he stir so much turmoil within me?

I sip the drink, letting the coolness settle my nerves. “Looks like we need a tiebreaker.”

“Agreed.” He leans in, the aroma of his cologne a threatening undertow. “Any ideas, Miss Fitzgerald?”

A corner of my mouth drags downward. “None that involve you winning.”

He laughs, his seductive eyes alight with the thrill of competition. “Ouch.”

I tilt my head, appraising him. “Perhaps a dance-off? Or we could let the numbers do the talking. Revenue from tonight?”

My suggestion lingers, wrapped in silk and edged with steel.

Zack shakes his head before waving over a waiter. “Too predictable. Let’s up the stakes.”

The server stands before us with a notepad in his hand.

Zack looks up and gives his order. “Two tequilas.” He gestures toward my sister but keeps his attention on me. “Is she having any?”

Olivia’s nervous eyes flick between me and Zack before she shakes her head. “I’m good. Nothing for me. Thanks.”

The waiter nods and retreats.

Zack leans in and penetrates my eyes. “The truth serum will reveal all our secrets, Bianca.”

I lick my lips and deliver a good retort. “Or just your poor judgment.”

His laughter wraps around me, warm and infectious. “Touché.”

Shots arrive, lined up like soldiers on the table. Zack slides a tequila over to me before picking one up for himself. It’s reckless. It’s madness. And I can’t look away.

He raises his glass, the liquid gold almost spilling over the edge. “Here’s to a game-changing tiebreaker.”

“To the last person standing.” I clink my shot against his and throw it back. The tequila burns like smooth fire down my throat, and I welcome the heat. I like the way the alcohol dulls the edge of his presence, even though it’s only halfway. Even through the haze, he’s sharp.

He signals the waiter again. “Another round.”

The surrounding room seems to tilt and spin, the lights blurred into hazy orbs. I swallow and regain composure. “Confident, but confidence doesn’t equal victory.”

“Caution doesn’t either.” He downs his next shot, eyes never leaving mine. There’s a promise in that gaze—a silent vow that this game is not done.

The warmth spreads through me as I chuck my tequila shot too. “Maybe not, but I’m not the one who will lose.”

“Keep telling yourself that.” Zack’s smile is pure sin as he orders yet another round.

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