Page 139 of Crown of Lies

Killian is there, waiting. He’s changed too, wearing an outfit similar to what he used to wear to the club.

I follow Killian downstairs, my heart racing with anticipation. The familiar outfit feels like a second skin, bringing back memories of nights spent losing myself in the pulsing beat of the club.

He leads me outside to where his bike is parked. The cool night air hits my skin, raising goosebumps along my arms. Killian swings his leg over the seat, then turns to me with an outstretched hand.

I take it, climbing on behind him. As I settle onto the seat, I can’t help but shiver at the feel of his muscled body in front of mine. I wrap my arms around his waist, pressing close.

The engine roars to life beneath us. As we take off into the night, I’m struck by how different this feels from all those nights I rode to the club alone. Back then, I was always hoping, always searching for something—or someone—to take me out of myself for a while.

I used to go to the club hoping to get fucked by The Phantom. But tonight, I know I will.

41

QUINN

As we pullinto the parking lot, the neon sign of the club comes into view, pulsing with an electric energy that seems to match my racing heartbeat. Killian cuts the engine and swings his leg over the bike.

I take his hand, allowing him to help me off the bike. His touch lingers, sending a shiver down my spine.

We approach the entrance, and Killian produces two masks from his jacket pocket. Mine is familiar—the same one I’ve worn so many times before. As I slip it on, I feel a sense of transformation wash over me. I’m no longer just Quinn. I’m whoever I want to be tonight.

Killian puts on his own mask, and for a moment, I’m struck by how different he looks. He’s suddenly mysterious and anonymous and… dangerous now.

We step inside, and I’m immediately enveloped by the pulsing beat of the music. The club is different tonight—the lights are cycling through various hues, bathing the crowd in ever-changing colors. One moment we’re illuminated in an otherworldly purple glow, the next we’re plunged into a deep, sensual red.

As my eyes adjust to the shifting light, I notice the crowd around us. It’s a typical night at the club—bodies moving to the rhythm, most of the faces obscured by masks, the air thick with desire and possibility and sex.

A man nearby catches sight of me, his gaze lingering a bit too long. Before I can react, Killian’s arm snakes around my waist, pulling me close. His body tenses, and I can feel the possessive energy radiating off him. He shoots a glare at the man, who quickly averts his eyes.

I lean into Killian’s embrace, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. The music pulses around us, and a sudden thought strikes me.

“Hey,” I say, raising my voice to be heard over the music. “Did you ever come to places like this before… you know, before you saw me here that first time?”

His eyes meet mine from behind his mask. “No,” he replies simply.

His answer catches me off guard. “Really? That surprises me,” I admit. “I mean, you clearly have a lot of… interests. I would’ve thought this would be the perfect place to explore them.”

Killian’s hand tightens on my waist, pulling me closer. “I’ve always had darker tastes,” he says. “More violent cravings. But I never felt a strong need to explore them.”

I tilt my head, studying him. “Never?”

He shakes his head. “Just like I’d never felt the need to kiss anyone. Until you.”

His words send a jolt of heat straight to my core. I remember our first kiss, how it felt like pure electricity coursing through my body.

The memory and his words spark a realization that hits me like a tidal wave. I’m not just another woman to him. I’m theexception. The only one who’s ever made him want to explore this side of himself.

This dark, dangerous man, with all his violent cravings and darker tastes, wants me. Only me.

Without thinking, I grab Killian’s hand and pull him through the crowd. We stumble past writhing bodies until we reach a shadowy corner. I push him against the wall, my body flush against his.

“Quinn, what?—”

I cut him off, lifting my mask just enough to press my lips against his. For a moment, he’s still, surprised. Then he responds with a hunger that takes my breath away. His hands grip my waist, pulling me closer as if he can’t bear any space between us.

When we finally break apart, both breathless, Killian’s eyes are dark with desire. “What was that for?” he asks.

I lean in close, my lips brushing his ear. “You made it clear I was spoken for,” I whisper. “I’m just returning the favor. Making sure every woman here knows there’s only one pussy you’ll be inside tonight.”

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