Chapter 1
Luna
My lips trembled as he pulled me close and delicately kissed my neck with his soft lips. His scent drove me into ecstasy. His scent was intoxicating, a blend of smoky leather and rich amber, laced with a hint of something dark and wild—like the deep woods after rain. It wrapped around me, pulling me in, making every breath feel like a sinful indulgence. Beneath the warmth of his skin lingered a tantalizing spice, a whisper of danger that made my pulse quicken and my thoughts blur with desire. Each inhale was a seductive caress, a promise of the raw power and primal hunger that lay just beneath his surface. It was a scent that consumed me, making me crave every inch of him, desperate to lose myself in the allure of his presence.
All I wanted at that moment was to have him inside of me.
His eyes were a piercing, hypnotic shade of blue, like the deepest part of the ocean, where secrets and desire lingered just beneath the surface. They held an intensity that made me feel bothvulnerable and desired, as if he could see right through me, past all my defenses, to the raw longing beneath. When he looked at me, his gaze burned with an almost predatory hunger, pulling me into a world where only we existed. His eyes were a seductive invitation, full of unspoken promises that left me breathless, yearning to drown in the depths of his passionate stare.
He passionately kissed my lips till they were numb. It was crazy how he knew exactly how to kiss me. I simply followed his lead, giving him the same pleasure he gave me.
Our world had narrowed to this stolen moment of passion, until the shrill, insistent ringing of his phone sliced through the haze.
Immediately, as he stopped to check his phone, I got a reality check.
What am I doing? I don’t even know him,I thought.
Nine hours earlier…
The doorbell rang, and I opened it to find Miranda practically buzzing with excitement.
“Luna! You won’t believe it! I’m here to drag you out for the day,” she announced, eyes gleaming.
“Uh … why?” I asked, confused.
“My dad’s throwing a huge party for his business associates and friends. That includes you! But first, we’re going shopping!”
“That sounds fun, but you might have to go without me.”
“Absolutely not! We’re going together. Get dressed. Now!”
Knowing Miranda, resistance was pointless. I quickly changed, and we headed out into the crisp afternoon.
“I’ve mapped out all the best boutiques,” she said, grinning. “It’s not every day you get to dress up like this!”
As we drove, Miranda chattered about the party. “It’s going to be huge—Dad loves to show off. A mix of businesspeople and our friends. I need to stand out.”
Despite being best friends, I’d never met her dad. Her mom passed away when she was young, and her dad was always busy with work.
“Any particular look you’re aiming for?” I asked.
“Glamorous. I want to turn heads. And I trust your style!”
We arrived at a chic boutique, and Miranda instantly dove into the racks. The afternoon flew by in a blur of laughter, fashion, and countless outfit changes. By the time we were done, we both had our outfits ready, and were buzzing with excitement for the party.
Back at my house, Miranda handed me a neatly folded piece of paper. “Here is the address—Blackwood Estate. Party starts at seven.”
“You’re not coming in?” I asked.
“Gotta be home early to get everything in order. But don’t look for me at the party—I'll be too busy being a pain in the ass!” she teased.
We both laughed before she hugged me tightly and drove off, leaving me with the invitation to what promised to be a memorable night.
Later that evening, I stood before the mirror, my heart racing. I slipped into a deep midnight blue gown that hugged my curves, the plunging neckline and subtle beadwork adding just the right touch of glamour. My jet-black hair, styled in soft waves, was pinned back on one side, revealing sparkling diamond earrings. A bold red lip and dark blue eye shadow made my green eyes pop, and after a final spritz of perfume, I was ready for the night.
Arriving fashionably late at the Blackwood estate, I took in the opulent mansion, lit with lanterns and festive lights. The lively sounds of the party filled the air, and I felt a rush of excitement as I stepped inside.
I spotted Miranda in the crowd, her eyes lighting up when she saw me. “Luna! Finally! What took you so long? I was starting to worry!”