2. Handsome Stranger

I walked into the VIP lounge and quickly set the tray of drinks down on the table in the center. The room was filled with a group of men, some in sharp suits and others rocking leather jackets, lounging like they owned the world. Strippers were all over the place, doing their thing, but I noticed that a lot of eyes kept darting my way. Why? I had no idea, but it was making me uncomfortable.

Every guy there seemed to have a stripper hanging on him, except one. He sat alone in the corner, casually smoking a cigarette, completely detached from the chaos around him.

I kept my head down, trying to mind my business, but curiosity got the best of me. My eyes drifted to the guy in the corner. He looked like he’d just stepped out of some movie: dark brown hair, piercing blue eyes that could cut through steel, a jawline so sharp it could slice bread, pale skin, and lips so red they looked painted on.

Seriously, this guy was ridiculous. Like, unfairly handsome.

And then, of course, he caught me staring. For a moment, our eyes locked, and holy crap, it felt like he could see straight through me. My heart practically stopped, and my knees felt like Jelly. I quickly looked away, hoping he didn’t notice the heat rushing to my face.

“What the hell, Crystal? Get it together,” I muttered under my breath as I practically sprinted out of the lounge.

The second I stepped outside, I let out a shaky breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

“You okay?” Tom’s voice snapped me back to reality. He was looking at me like I’d just grown a second head.

“What? Yeah, I’m fine,” I said, waving him off.

“You sure? You look flustered or something.”

“Flustered? Nah, it’s nothing,” I replied, trying to play it cool as I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans.

Tom gave me a look…part confusion, part suspicion, then shrugged and walked off.

I sighed, relieved he didn’t press any further. But just as I was about to shake it off, I saw him. Derek.

“Holy crap,” I whispered, my stomach flipping. Without thinking, I bolted after him, calling his name over the blaring music. “Derek! Derek!”

He didn’t turn around, probably couldn’t even hear me over the bass thumping through the club. I saw him head upstairs and duck into a room just as I got close, but before I could follow, a giant bouncer stepped in my way.

“This area’s restricted,” he said flatly, crossing his arms.

I stared at him, realizing too late where I’d ended up, the infamous Off-Boundary Room. I’d heard about it before. It was this super-exclusive, off-limits area in the club, and no one really knew what went on inside. Only the manager and a handful of VIPs were allowed back there.

I tried to explain, but the guy wasn’t having it. Defeated, I turned back and trudged down the stairs, my mind racing.

“Where the hell did you disappear to?” Tom asked as soon as I got back to the bar. “I was waiting for you to take those drinks upstairs. Don’t worry, Kate handled it.”

“Sorry,” I muttered. “I was… upstairs.”

Tom raised an eyebrow. “VIP lounge?”

“No,” I said, without thinking. “The Off-Boundary Room.”

He froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. “You what?”

“I didn’t go in!” I quickly clarified. “The bouncer stopped me.”

Tom let out a sigh of relief, but his face was still pale. “Jesus, Crystal. What were you thinking? That place is serious business.”

I shrugged, trying to play it off. “I just saw someone I know go in there, that’s all.”

Tom’s jaw practically hit the floor. “Wait, you know someone who went in there?”

“Yeah. Derek. My best friend—or, well, he was my best friend before he ghosted me a few years ago.”

Tom shook his head, looking even more concerned. “Look, I don’t know much about that room, but I do know this, anyone who goes in there is bad news. You should steer clear.”

I frowned. “Derek isn’t dangerous. He’s just… complicated. I’ve known him my whole life.”

Tom threw up his hands. “Hey, do what you want, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

I slumped into a chair, feeling defeated. “Fine. I’ll just wait here until he comes back out.”

Tom raised an eyebrow. “You do remember what I told you, right? And not everyone who goes into that room comes back downstairs.”

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. He wasn’t wrong. I’d heard about the secret passage inside the room that led… who knows where.

“Well, this is just great,” I mumbled. “Now what?”

Tom patted my shoulder sympathetically. “Sorry, Crystal. Guess you’re gonna have to let this one go.”

“Let it go? Yeah, right.” I glared at the stairs, determination bubbling up inside me. “I’ll find a way in there. Just watch.”