Chapter 4 She's Different

Lucien

My body surged with purpose, a jolt of electricity snapping me out of stillness as I moved through the crowd. I barely registered the people around me until I passed Hailey. I stopped short.

If anyone had dirt on every person in this room, it'd be her.

"Hey, Hailey?" I said, keeping my tone casual.

She turned with a smile far too seductive for my taste. "Hi, Lucien."

Uninterested, I cut straight to the point. "Do you know who Hannah brought with her tonight?"

Her sigh was theatrical, paired with an eye roll so dramatic I almost applauded.

"You mean Sophie? Hannah's new little project?"

"Yeah. I don't think I've seen her before. New money?" I guessed.

Hailey let out a short, dry laugh. "Try no money." Her tone dripped with condescension. "She's some starving artist Hannah decided to play savior for parading her around like she's someone special."

She hissed the words like venom, but I saw it for what it was-jealousy. Nothing repels me faster.

"Well, thanks."

I paused, then added with a smirk, "You've got something in your teeth."

Her hand flew to her mouth as she swiped her tongue along her teeth. Satisfied, I slipped past her and scanned the crowd.

Every beat of my heart thudded louder as I searched. My blood ran hotter. Hungrier.

Then I found her.

Sophie.

I cut through the bodies like they weren't there, homing in on her. Just as I neared, Hannah's eyes snapped to mine, sharp and warning. I didn't slow.

She could glare all she wanted-I wasn't leaving unless Sophie asked me to.

She's the only one who makes the rules here.

"Having fun?" I said, my voice low as I leaned in behind her.

She startled, whipping around with wide, bright eyes that recognized me instantly.

"Hi," she said breathlessly before squeezing her eyes shut and shaking her head at herself.

God, could she be any more adorable?

"We've already said hi once, haven't we?" I teased, lifting one foot slightly to show off my shoe.

Her laugh was soft-music.

Then came Hannah.

"Hi, Lucien," she said, voice clipped and cold.

"Hannah," I replied with a courteous nod.

"I was just inviting Sophie to come out to the club one night," I said, pulling a black VIP card from my jacket. "You're welcome to tag along."

Sophie's face lit up, and every molecule in my body responded. I wanted her to say yes.

Needed it.

"That sounds fun," she said, and her voice-damn, it was addictive.

Hannah smiled, but it was tight-lipped and forced, her head tilting like a snake preparing to strike.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" she asked, motioning away from Sophie.

The last thing I wanted was to walk away, but I played along. "Of course. Excuse us, Sophie."

As I stepped past, I pressed the VIP card against her hand. Her fingers curled around it instinctively, her eyes flicking to mine in a silent exchange.

Good girl.

I gave her a flirty smile before following Hannah, reminding myself that-for now-she was the gatekeeper.

"What are you doing?" she demanded, arms folded tightly across her chest.

"Being polite. It's my house," I said with a smile that didn't reach my eyes.

She wasn't buying it. Her expression was all skepticism and irritation.

"She's not good for you. Or Braton."

I raised a brow. "And you're suddenly the authority on what's good for us? Or for Sophie?"

"She said it sounds fun."

"Exactly," I said, smirking. "She's interested."

"Lucien, Sophie's different-"

"Which is exactly why I'm here."

"Will you let me finish?" she snapped. "She's genuine. One of the first real friends I've had in years. She deserves better than..."

"Than what?" I asked, even though I already knew.

She glared at me. "Than whatever kinky shit you and Braton do at your place."

A slow, cocky grin spread across my face.

"Jealous you've never been invited to the playroom?"

"Gross. Don't flatter yourself."

"Me? Never." I winked, then let the mask slip. "But I'm serious. I like her, Hannah. I'm not here to mess with her."

She hesitated, then softened. "I know you're not a bad guy. And neither is Braton."

"Then you know we'd never lie to her. Or trick her. Anyone who's ever come home with us knew exactly what they were walking into.

Sophie isn't someone I'd ever try to fool."

She nodded slowly, still cautious.

"She'll want more than just a night," she said quietly.

"Then let her make that choice. She's a grown woman. And you have my word-if she's not into it, I'll back off. No pressure. No games."

She studied me, then finally said, "Fine. But if she complains to me once, you're done."

"Deal." I said immediately, turning toward Sophie again.

Hannah waved her over.

She walked toward us carefully, the heels a little too tall for her petite frame, but my eyes were glued to her all the same.

What thrilled me most?

She didn't stop looking at me.

That gaze-soft, curious, unblinking-held me in place.

And I'd do anything to keep it.

Always and forever.