Page 12 of Marked for Obsession

Minutes later, she was parked along the curb directly in front of Sin. Turning off the ignition, she unbuckled her belt but didn’t yet open the door.

She stared at the club’s heavily tinted glass door. Remembered the utter terror she’d felt as she’d rushed through it that night. And later, as she’d lay in her bed alone and afraid, how she’d silently sworn to never to return.

So what are you doing here now?

The right thing. That’s what she was doing.

Poppy stared at that door again. Having worked last night’s mid-shift, it wasn’t quite one-thirty in the afternoon. She wasn’t even sure the owner would be inside but had to at least try.

Grabbing her purse and keys, she got out of the car and stepped onto the curb. Her reflection appeared in the glass in front of her, sparking the thought that she should’ve gone home and changed first.

Or at least brushed her hair.

After making sure the car was locked, she approached the club’s entrance. Poppy attempted to tame some stray strands that had come loose from her ponytail but quickly gave up the useless fight.

She reached for the handle to enter Sin, relieved to find it unlocked. Stepping inside, she took a moment to soak in the expansive space.

When she was here Thursday night, she hadn’t had the chance to appreciate the club’s high-class set-up. But now…

Wow!

Black walls rose high above the wide-open area. To her right was a long, impressive bar lined with evenly spaced swivel stools. Running the length of the wall behind it were several large, rectangular mirrors, and sitting beneath those was a shiny, black marble countertop lined with high ball glasses and every bottled liquor imaginable.

Looking to her left, Poppy spotted several high-top tables with matching chairs. In the center of the wide-open space was an enormous, tiled dance floor. And hanging high above the center of the checkered tile was the biggest, most elaborate disco ball she’d ever seen.

Her gaze shifted, landing on the stage located at the far end of the club. Above that was a giant circular window that reminded her of an all-seeing eye. One that would allow whoever stood behind it to watch everything happening down below without being seen, themselves.

She looked around again, this time with purpose. Between the people, the swirling blades of multi-colored lights, and the immense fear she’d been feeling the other night, the short time she’d spent here had been overwhelming to say the least.

Now that a few days had passed, her thoughts were crystal clear. That same fear she’d felt before had turned into determination to prove that what she’d witnessed that night was real.

Starting with an impromptu meeting with the best P.I. in town.

Poppy shifted her purse higher onto her shoulder as she walked farther into the club. There looked to be a hallway to the left of the stage, making her wonder if that was where the owner’s office was located.

Or maybe he’s up there…

She glanced back up at the big round window. Wondered if he was in there right now. Walking past the shiny bar with the fancy bar stools, Poppy moved almost silently toward the hallway in front of her.

As she got closer, a set of black stairs came into view. A sudden rush of nerves struck, but she forged on. Kyle said this guy was the best, and right now, that was exactly what she needed.

She got to the staircase. Put her foot on that very first step. Reaching for the silver railing on her right, Poppy was wrapping her fingers around the cool metal when she heard—

“You lost?”

Every muscle in her body jerked, her lungs seizing with a sharp gasp. Spinning around, Poppy nearly lost her balance as she came face-to-face with the same bouncer she’d literally bumped into the other night.

It’s him.“It’s you.” She stared back at him.

The intimidating man towered over her. The black leather jacket and t-shirt were gone, replaced by a stark white tank that allowed her to see more of the ink covering his chest, broad shoulders, and encasing both arms down to his fingers.

“Can I help you?” His dark gaze searched hers, and if he recognized her, he didn’t let on.

Oh, she could think of all sorts of ways this man could be of service.

Between his deep, throaty voice, the multitude of tattoos, and his ruggedly handsome appearance, he was like sex personified. Dipped in chocolate. Topped with a dollop of danger.

Focus, Pop. Remember why you’re here.

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