Y/N's POV
"HEY, BEAUTIFUL!"
A voice called out over the loud music. I turned around, my eyes widening as I saw Kayden standing there in a sleek black shirt and fitted black pants. The dim club lights cast a soft glow on his sharp features, making him look even more breathtaking than usual.
"Hii!" I greeted him with a smile, feeling an unexpected flutter in my chest.
Without warning, he leaned in close—so close that I could feel his warm breath against my ear.
"Let's go to the VIP room," he whispered, his voice smooth yet commanding.
I blinked in surprise. "My friends are here… Let me ask them first," I said, looking around for Emma and Max.
Kayden nodded, seeming to understand. Just then, Emma and Max approached us, drinks in their hands.
"Y/N! Here, try this!" Emma grinned, handing me a drink. But before I could take it, her gaze landed on Kayden, and her jaw dropped slightly.
"Mr. Scott?!" she gasped. "We meet again?"
Kayden chuckled. "Yes. Can I take Y/N with me?" he asked, his voice polite but firm.
Emma's eyebrows shot up, clearly surprised by his request.
Max, however, turned to me, his expression calm but observant. "Y/N, are you okay with that?" he asked.
I hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, it's fine."
Emma smirked knowingly while Max simply sighed.
Kayden wasted no time. He took my hand in his, his grip warm and firm, and led me through the crowd.
"Let's go," he said, his voice laced with something unreadable.
We made our way up a set of stairs, passing through a more private section of the club. The energy shifted—it was quieter, more exclusive. When we reached a door, Kayden pushed it open, revealing a lavish VIP lounge.
"Aah, finally! Now we can talk without shouting," he sighed, running a hand through his hair before sinking into a plush, black leather couch.
The room was impressive. Deep red and black tones filled the space, giving it an air of sophistication. Dim chandeliers cast soft golden light over the glossy marble floor, and the scent of expensive cologne lingered in the air.
Kayden patted the spot beside him. "Sit," he said, his gaze steady on me.
I hesitated for a moment before walking over and sitting down.
His eyes roamed over me, taking in my outfit before he finally spoke again.
"You look gorgeous, Y/N. I wouldn't have recognized you if I hadn't seen your face," he admitted, his voice quieter now, almost as if he didn't mean to say it out loud.
My breath hitched slightly at his words.
"Yeah… I was also shocked when I saw myself," I admitted honestly, letting out a small laugh.
Kayden smirked. "Do you want something to drink?"
"Umm… I don't drink," I said quickly, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
He nodded in understanding. "That's okay. You can have a soft drink instead."
"Okay then..." I smiled.
Kayden pressed a button on the table, and within seconds, a waiter arrived. He ordered soft drinks for both of us before turning his attention back to me.
"You came here alone?" I asked, curious.
He shook his head. "No, my friends are on the other side of the club," he said casually.
Something about his tone made me feel uneasy, but I brushed it off.
"You can go back to them if you want. I don't want to—"
"No, no," he cut in quickly. "I was about to leave when I saw you sitting there."
I swallowed, suddenly aware of how close he was sitting. His cologne—musky, warm, and intoxicating—filled my senses.
After chatting for a bit, I stood up. "Kayden, I'll be right back. I need to use the washroom."
He immediately straightened. "Do you know where it is?"
I waved my hand dismissively. "Yeah, I'll find it. I'll be back in a minute."
He hesitated before nodding. "Okay, be careful."
I stepped out of the VIP room and walked down the dimly lit corridor, looking for the restroom. The air felt different here—heavier, quieter.
Just as I reached for a door handle, a strong hand grabbed me from behind.
Before I could scream, I was yanked into a dark area. My back hit a cold wall, and the shadowy figure in front of me pinned me down.
I gasped, struggling against his grip.
"WHO ARE YOU?! LET ME GO!" I shouted, but my voice was muffled when he clamped a hand over my mouth.
His body pressed closer, and I felt his breath against my ear.
"Stop struggling… no one's going to hear you," he whispered.
A shiver ran down my spine. His voice was low, deep, and terrifyingly familiar.
Tears pricked my eyes. My heartbeat pounded in my chest. I tried to kick him, but he anticipated my move and pressed me harder against the wall.
"You look so beautiful in this dress, my little angel," he murmured.
My breath hitched.
His voice… I know this voice.
Panic and confusion flooded me as his lips brushed against my neck. I shut my eyes, and a single tear escaped.
He must've noticed, because his fingers gently wiped it away. His touch was surprisingly soft, gentle even.
'What am I thinking?!' I scolded myself.
"Please… if you want money, I'll give it to you. Just let me go," I whispered, my voice shaking.
He chuckled. "If I wanted your money, why would I have returned yours?"
I froze.
"You… you're—"
"Yes, baby. It's me… your idiot thief," he whispered, his voice dripping with amusement.
My eyes widened in shock. Before I could respond, he leaned in closer.
"What do you want from me?" I asked, trying to steady my voice.
He pretended to think. "Hmm… for now, I just want your number."
I let out a disbelieving laugh. "What? And why would you need my number?"
"Because I want to hear your voice," he said smoothly.
I narrowed my eyes. "Fine. Let me go so I can give it to you."
He smirked but didn't loosen his grip entirely. Instead, he pulled out his phone.
"I'm going to call you right now to check if you're giving me your real number. So don't try anything," he warned.
I sighed, rolling my eyes. "Fine," I muttered, giving him my number.
A moment later, my phone buzzed. He smiled in satisfaction.
Just as I was about to scream for help, he suddenly leaned in and kissed my cheek before dashing off into the darkness.
I stood there, frozen, unable to process what had just happened.
My phone rang again. This time, it was Emma.
"Y/N?! Are you okay?!" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
"I-I... yeah," I stammered, still shaken. Then I took a deep breath and spoke louder.
"Yeah, Emma! I'm alright! Where are you?"
"I'm leaving with Max. Can you ask Mr. Scott to drop you off?" she teased.
I sighed. "Don't worry, Emma. You go ahead. I'll call you later."
After ending the call, I stood there for a moment, gathering my thoughts. Then, taking a deep breath, I turned on my heel and walked back toward Kayden.
Oh God… help me.