Eight years ago

"Spill it! Who's the mysterious dream tutor you've been talking about?" Chloe caught Lisa's eye in the mirror while fixing her shoulder-length hair for the Halloween party.

"Oh, you'll meet him tonight. Make room, superstar." Lisa playfully nudged Chloe aside, reaching for her lipstick.

Chloe watch her friend brush her dark tresses, highlighted with pastel pink. "He's coming to the Halloween party?"

"Mm-hmm, and he's as smokin' as they get." Lisa's wide eyes sparkled.

Since becoming roommates at the start of university, Chloe and Lisa Patel shared everything from secrets to study sessions. Their dorm room was a cluttered 'home away from home' against the backdrop of student life. Textbooks and laptops were scattered with clothes on their beds like a messy experiment.

"What's his name?" Chloe asked, putting on black cat earrings to match her tight-fitting feline costume.

Lisa laughed. "You'll get the full introduction tonight. And yes, he's loaded, but that's not the point."

Chloe shrugged, more interested in a man's character than his bank account. "Has he made a move yet?"

"Nope. And it's driving me crazy. But tonight, I have a feeling..." Lisa's voice trailed off, full of hope and nerves. She adjusted her purple disco diva costume, the fabric catching the light with every movement.

"I hope he's worth it." Chloe sighed, highlighting the edges of her eyes with a kohl eyeliner.

"I hope I don't embarrass myself," Lisa responded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You won't. Are you ready to make an unforgettable entrance at the party? Amir and Tomas will pick us up at the entrance in ten minutes."

***

The Halloween event was a feverish dream of costumes and chaos. Chloe coughed through the haze of smoke, her senses assaulted by the scent of cheap booze and the sound of booming bass.

"You good?" Amir turned to Chloe, his warm brown eyes contrasting his pale ghoul makeup.

"I'm fine." She shrugged off her trepidation. At five feet and three inches, her presence was not imposing, but she radiated toughness. Her adoptive parents, Glenn and Ida, taught her to be strong and resilient, no matter the challenges.

"Amir, let's join forces with those fine ladies over there," Tomas grinned, nodding toward a group of beautiful vampires calling his name.

"Ciao, then," Chloe pushed Amir toward the direction of the admirers when a hard nudge etched her ribs.

"That's him!" Lisa pointed to a group of gladiators, strong, tall, and drop-dead gorgeous.

One of the athletic figures caught Chloe's attention. Tall, blond, and undeniably well-built, his handsome features captured the light in the crowded room. Chloe watched him laugh with a friend, the ease in his demeanor making him more attractive.

"Come on," Lisa urged, tugging at Chloe's arm. "Let's go say hi."

"Damn, gurl. This dream guy of yours? He's beautiful. The blond, right?" Chloe pointed out.

The man's gaze shifted as if drawn by an invisible thread, locking onto Chloe's eyes as Lisa led them to the group. Chloe's ears tingled, and her cheeks burned under the heat of his stare. He was indeed handsome, his features striking.

"Not him, Chloe. That one to the right," Lisa corrected with a laugh, her eyes on the blond's friend, a square-jawed gladiator with curly hair and a lopsided smile.

Chloe blew out a massive gust of wind. Thank God. For a moment, she thought she'd have to sacrifice the blond eye candy for the sake of her bond with Lisa. Their golden rule was clear: friendship over flings.

"Hey, nice costume," the curly-haired gladiator greeted warmly, his attention on Lisa.

"Chloe, this is Theo," Lisa introduced, her cheeks pink with excitement.

"And you're the finance wizard," Chloe quipped, shaking his hand.

Lisa jumped in before Chloe could say more, rattling a nervous energy about her. "Theo, wasn't there a game you played today? How did your team do in the..."

Their conversation faded when the handsome blond stepped closer. "I'm Damian, by the way."

"I'm Chloe. Chloe Carter."

"Pretty name." He tilted his head and half-smiled.

Chloe cleared her throat. Bright red streaks brushed across her freckled cheeks as her knees wobbled. She wiped her sweaty palms on her sides, hoping Damian didn't think she was a hot mess beneath her costume. Was her makeup intact? Was her hair behaving? She hadn't touched any alcohol, but she felt drunk.

Drunk in lust.

"How did you and Theo cross paths?" Chloe shouted over the thumping bass, leaning closer to Damian.

"What's that?" The broad-shouldered gladiator leaned in, a puzzled look on his face.

She caught a whiff of his delicious cologne as he closed the distance—a heady mix of spice and sweetness. His scent whispered midnight secrets and unexplored passions, compelling her closer with an irresistible pull. Every breath she took was laced with desire in that charged space between them, her heart racing for more.

Yet, the thunderous music thwarted her efforts to hear him. Frustrated by the noise, Chloe raised her voice. "You and Theo—how did you guys meet?"

Damian shook his head, his lips close to her ear. "It's a story worth hearing, but not here. How about we grab a drink and head to the backyard? It's quieter."

Chloe hesitated, her eyes drifting to the garden, its lanterns casting a soft glow over cozy seating arrangements.

Damian flashed a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I'm harmless. Plus, it's a beautiful night. What do you say?"

Lisa, who sat with Theo on an old sofa, caught her eye. She gave an excited thumbs-up and quickly dived into her phone.

A message appeared on Chloe's screen.

> Damian's into you. 😘

Chloe's reply was swift.

> Too loud in here. 😒 We're stepping out to the garden.

> Have fun!  Text me if you need anything.

"Everything okay?" Damian's voice pulled her back to the moment.

Chloe nodded, her attention caught by the intriguing shade of his eyes—vivid, like freshly cut emeralds.

With a daring touch, Damian's hand settled on her waist, his fingers grazing her catsuit's fabric as he guided her through the pulsing crowd. Approaching the bar, he leaned in, his breath warm against her ear, "I'm getting a beer. What can I get you?"

Chloe's heart danced to the rhythm of his proximity. She barely whispered, "A soda."

He flashed her a knowing smile as he ordered, the strength in his back drawing her eyes. His fingers brushed against hers as he handed her the soda, sending a jolt of ravenous energy through her. Their eyes locked, wordless but speaking volumes as they edged toward the garden.

She wanted to share this night with him. 

A sudden, sharp blackout plunged the entire party into darkness as they reached the garden's edge, frightening Chloe. She dropped her soda cup and clutched onto Damian, letting out a tiny scream. In the blind chaos, she could feel the solid warmth of his muscles beneath her hands.

"It's going to be okay," he whispered, caressing her. "Trust me."

A shiver ran down her spine, not from fear but from the unknown. Could she really trust him, or was she stepping into a danger she hadn't anticipated?

***

A/N: What do you think will happen next?