Chapter 3  Caught in the Web

Naomi should have left the club the moment he walked away. She should have taken it as a warning, as a sign that Julian Saint Clair was a danger she couldn't afford to entertain. Instead, she lingered. Not because she wanted to, but because her body refused to move, still trapped in the heat of his presence, the ghost of his touch lingering on her skin. She hated it. Hated that some part of her craved the way he looked at her, the way his voice slid down her spine like velvet and chains. No. She shook off the thought and pushed through the crowd, ignoring the way her legs still felt weak.

She needed to leave. She needed to forget him. But deep down, she already knew it was too late. The Predator Returns Naomi reached the exit of The Velvet Cage, slipping past bodies that still pulsed in a haze of lust and liquor. The air outside was crisp, a stark contrast to the heat of the club, and she took a deep breath, steadying herself. Her driver was waiting, the sleek black car parked under a flickering streetlamp. She had made it. But just as she reached for the door- A hand clamped around her wrist. Not rough. Not violent. But unyielding. She turned sharply, already knowing who it was before her eyes met his. Julian. Still in his mask. Still looking like he had all the time in the world. "You're running again," he murmured. "Disappointing." Naomi yanked her wrist free, forcing a smirk. "And you're still stalking me. Obsessive much?" His lips curved, dark amusement flickering in his gaze. "You don't understand, do you?" He took a step closer. Too close. "You walked into my world tonight, little liar," he whispered. "And now you expect to leave without consequences?" Her pulse slammed against her ribs. "Newsflash, Saint Clair-I don't belong to you." Julian chuckled, slow and knowing. "Not yet." The worst part? Some twisted part of her wanted to see how far he'd go. A Dangerous Proposition Julian reached into his jacket and pulled out a sleek black card, holding it between his fingers. "Tomorrow night," he said smoothly. "Come to this address." Naomi stared at the card, unmoving. "Why the hell would I do that?" she asked. His smirk deepened. "Because you want to." Her nails dug into her palms, frustration bubbling to the surface. He was so damn sure of himself. So goddamn arrogant. But the worst part? He wasn't wrong. She wanted to rip the card from his fingers just to prove a point. But instead, she snatched it and shoved it into her purse, acting like it meant nothing. Julian leaned in, his lips nearly brushing her ear. "Don't keep me waiting, Naomi." Then, just like that, he was gone. Naomi stood there, heart racing, hands trembling. She should throw the card away. She should forget him. She should run. Instead, she opened her purse and traced her fingers over the embossed address. God help her. She was already too far gone.