Turning to the bar, I order another drink, finding there’s already a sparkling gin and tonic sitting on the bar behind me. My mouth opens and I shut it, pointing down to the drink. The bartender is cute as well, and it’s getting steamy in this club with all the hotness here.

“You’re welcome,” he says with a wink and a bright smile as he hands Stacy and Kiara there drinks as well.

“Are these on the house?” I ask, about to graciously thank him, but he points upward to the hot, shaggy-haired guy.

“Actually, he bought them for you. Are they the right drinks, ladies?” the bartender asks.

“Yes,” Kiara says slowly with a laugh. “They sure are. Ooo, he is observant. Emily, if you don’t go talk to that man right now, I will.”

“Okay, okay, sheesh! I couldn’t go up there empty-handed.”

“Alright, you’ve got your drink. Go on up.” And I don’t know who said it because I’m already walking in a trance to the stairs, dodging other clubgoers and heading up the stairs towards him.

I take each step easily, and by the time I get to the top, a hand is outstretched to guide me to the last step. Up close he’s worth being close too. His aura is undeniable, but the smile he gives me is show-stopping.

“Having a nice night?” is his opening line, and it’s said easily with unflinching confidence.

“I’m having a great time tonight. How about you?” I ask, sincerely wondering what he’s doing at the club by himself.

“Not too bad. It’s definitely looking up now that you’re here.”

“Thank you. And thank you for the round of drinks,” I reply to him flirtatiously as his eyes openly scan me from head to toe.

“I love your dress; you’re stunning,” he confesses, leaning towards me, the scent of his strong cologne driving my cells intoa wild frenzy of tingles. I look up at him, the hypnotic green glint in his eyes almost causing me to choke on my drink.

“Thank you. We’re twining tonight,” I say, flipping out the bottom of my black scoop neck dress with a twist.

He laughs low and deep, his eyes sinking into mine as his hand rests on the small of my back. He dips to my ear again, this time his mouth a little closer. “What’s your name?”

“Emily. And yours? Wait—my friends want to know if you’re a hockey player.” I giggle, finding my feet in the flirt, enjoying myself as I sip on my drink.

The handsome stranger’s eyebrow cocks up under his muss of hair, and he strokes a hand through it. Fuck me. Hot. “A hockey player? That’s funny. Nope. I don’t play hockey, but I do other things,” he says in a rich, low voice that has my pussy responding by way of tingles.

“Okay, so you’re not a hockey player. That settles that, but you didn’t tell me your name,” I say in an assertive tone.

“It’s Ryurik. I like your fire.” He doesn’t draw back this time, and in fact his hand does magic tricks sliding up my spine to the back of my neck where his strong hands knead there. God. I never knew I needed him to touch me like this, but I do. I want him to keep going. To take me to one of the bathrooms and do all kinds of things—

“Thank you. That’s nice,” I tell him over the music, finished with my drink.

“I can tell, you were moaning,” he replies silkily as he slides behind me, the hardness of his cock hard in the small of my back as his body covers the back of me like a shield.

“Sorry. Sore neck,” I croak out as I take a glimpse of my girlfriends’ fist-pumping. I’m trapped in front of Ryurik near the rail, but I don’t have a problem with it, but God, do I want tofind out more about what he’s got jammed into my back. The heavenly scent of wood, spice, and cigars envelops me, and I feel as if I’m about to pass out.

“Don’t be sorry about moaning. I loved hearing it. If you want a night of pleasure with me, I’m happy to offer it. You’re fucking sexy and watching you dancing all night has been enjoyable.”

The cocksure question and the way he delivers it sends me into a tailspin, along with the imprint of Ryurik’s hands down my back.

“A night of pleasure,” I reply, feeling wild and hella bold. “That sounds like just what I need.”

Ryurik flips my hair to the side, kissing the top of my neck as my friends watch on.

“Then let me lead the way.” With my heart beating, I mouth goodbye to my friends, and they clap as I follow Ryurik’s lead. He takes my hand, guiding me through the dance floor, all eyes on us. He leads me down a narrow passageway of the club that has me discombobulated.

“It’s okay. This is the back way out. You can relax. I promised you a night of pleasure, not torture or death.” He winks as I swallow down my hesitation and my inhibitions, following him outside to an alleyway. The chill of the Chicago night air doesn’t make me shiver but thrills me, like this stranger.

He pulls up a corrugated garage door revealing a sleek silver sportscar, surprising me.Who the fuck is this guy?

He whips out his keys, his shaggy blond hair, a stark contrast to the violet streaked skyline. “This is your own private garage, right outside the club?” Impressed, I stand outside the passenger door as he grins in the night, his white teeth shining.