Page 3 of Forbidden Desire

His antics do nothing but solidify my initial impression of him as an arrogant playboy. As he makes a show of drinking the pricey champagne, I resist the urge to grind my teeth.

Instead, I keep my expression neutral and take a small sip, more to be polite than anything else. The bubbly liquid slides down my throat, leaving a crisp aftertaste on my tongue.

Zack angles his body toward mine, exuding a masculine and alluring scent that makes my heart race. “Tell me, Bianca. How does a woman like you get into the club business?”

I bristle at his thinly veiled condescension. “Hard work. Late nights. Sacrifice.” I pause, holding his unwavering gaze. “Clearly nothing you would understand.”

His jawline is sharp and defined, accentuating his strong facial features. He has the audacity to grin. “Sassy. I like it.”

“Let’s clarify something. You and I are not friends. The only thing we have in common is this city. Beyond that, you’re wasting your time trying to charm me.”

Zack raises an eyebrow, his smile wide. “Is that a challenge?”

I open my mouth to retort, but stop as the master of ceremony’s voice booms through the ballroom, signaling the start of the awards ceremony.

Saved by the bell for now, Wolfe. But this is far from over.

Chapter 2

Bianca

Theclinkofglassesfades as the master of ceremony places a hand around the microphone, his smile as polished as the gilded fixtures surrounding us at The Oasis ballroom. The dim lights showcase his perfectly coiffed hair, along with the glimmering gold decor of the atmosphere.

I smooth the silk fabric of my dress, each thread a testament to the empire I’ve built.

“Welcome, esteemed guests.” The announcer’s vocal timbre is the perfect pitch to slice through the murmur of the audience. “Tonight, we celebrate the luminaries of Vegas nightlife.”

Zack’s amber eyes glint as he leans into my ear. “Good luck.”

A hint of stubble accents Zack’s chiseled jawline, adding to his rugged charm. He’s a wildfire in my controlled world. His closeness makes my belly flip flop.

Heat stirs inside me as I feign a smile. “Likewise.”

The presenter’s gaze moves between me and Zack. ”We’re all eager to see who will emerge as this year’s Best Nightclub in Vegas. Among our distinguished nominees are Pulse Club Downtown and Fitzgerald’s.”

A surge of pride for Fitzgerald’s shoots through me. It’s my creation, and I’ve worked damn hard on making it a huge Vegas success since opening last year.

Zack’s success mirrors mine, but his relentless energy runs all over my ironclad composure.

Without looking, I sense his savage grin. I inhale a deep breath, hoping it’ll relax some of my anticipation. “Quite the lineup.”

“May the best club win.” His voice is a low thrum that resonates deep within me.

“Indeed.” My reply is light and poised, yet the flutter in my stomach betrays my calm exterior.

This is more than business. The two of us are like flames and ice—total opposites, but Zack Wolfe is the only one who has ever come close to melting the barriers around my heart.

Zack leans in again, his warm breath tickling my ear. His mouth carries the faint scent of mint toothpaste, blended with a spicy cologne that makes my mind spin. “So, Bianca, ready to surrender to the nightlife king?”

I try to focus on the announcer’s voice, but Zack is an enhanced distraction, his sparkling eyes fixed on me with that playful arrogance I find infuriating—and intoxicating. The air simmers with the energy of our unspoken war, and every nerve in my body awakens to the challenge. I flash a quick glance at him. “Never.”

The master of ceremony clears his throat. “Attention everyone. We have an unprecedented situation.”

Zack leans into me again and his warm lips brush against my temple while his soft exhale of air resonates in my ears. “Sounds serious.”

I shiver, cursing myself for letting him breach my defense wall. Zack’s sharp jawline takes up my entire visual field and sends a tingle through me, like the taste of something sweet and forbidden.

The master of ceremony continues, his announcements muffled by the rapid beating of my heart. “Both clubs exemplified excellence in nightlife entertainment.”

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