Page 15 of Turmoil's Target

Seraphina turns to face me, her slate gray eyes narrowing as she takes me in.

I can practically feel her gaze raking over me, from the top of my carefully mussed hair to the tips of my expensive leather shoes.

“No harm done,” she says finally, her accent crisp and posh. “Though perhaps you should be more careful in the future.”

I flash her my most disarming grin, letting just a hint of heat seep into my expression. “I’ll keep that in mind. Can I buy you a drink to make up for my clumsiness?”

She hesitates for a moment, her friend leaning in to whisper something in her ear.

But then she nods, a slow smile curving her red-painted lips.

“Why not? I could use a bit of...excitement in my life.”

Oh, if she only knew.

I offer her my arm, my skin prickling with anticipation as she takes it.

Let the games begin.

Seraphina's fingers are cool against my skin as I lead her toward the bar, her friend trailing behind us.

I can feel the weight of her gaze on me, curious and assessing.

It makes my blood sing with the thrill of the hunt.

“I’m Abe, by the way,” I say, leaning in close so she can hear me over the pulsing beat of the music. “And you are?”

“Seraphina,” she replies, her lips brushing the shell of my ear and sending a shiver down my spine. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Abe.”

We reach the bar and I signal the bartender, ordering us both a drink.

As we wait, I let my eyes roam over her, taking in the way her dress clings to her curves, the delicate line of her collarbone.

She’s even more stunning up close.

“So, Seraphina,” I drawl, savoring the way her name rolls off my tongue. “What brings a girl like you to a place like this?”

She arches one perfect brow, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. “A girl like me? And what kind of girl is that, exactly?”

I grin, leaning in closer. “The kind of girl who’s used to getting what she wants. The kind of girl who’s not afraid to take a few risks.”

Her eyes flash with something dark and dangerous, and I feel a thrill of anticipation dance up my spine.

Oh, I have her hooked now.

“Well, Abe,” she purrs, her fingers trailing down my arm. “You’re not wrong. I do like a bit of...excitement now and then.”

The bartender slides our drinks across to us and I grab them, handing one to Seraphina.

Our fingers brush and I swear I can feel the crackle of electricity between us.

“In that case,” I say, my voice low and rough, “what do you say we hit the dance floor? I promise I can show you a good time.”

She downs her drink in one smooth motion, setting the glass back on the bar with a decisive clink.

“Lead the way,” she says, her voice a silken purr.

Finishing off my own drink, I place my hand on the small of her back, feeling the heat of her skin through the thin fabric of her dress.

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