Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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The Immersion nightclub was similar to many I saw in movies.

From the street, I could see a big line of scarcely dressed women and dapper men, bouncers at the entrance deciding who can go in, some people skipping the line… and we were among them.

Duke said something I didn't catch to the biggest guy at the door, and the bouncer nodded before gesturing for us to enter.

I was embarrassed to say that I've never been to a nightclub before, and I tried to act like I know what I'm doing.

The first thing to assault my senses was deafening music.

Darkness was pierced by strobe lights and colorful beams from the ceiling.

The nightclub was not packed with patrons, so I could observe the space.

Red and white leather booths virtually created several areas while leaving ample room for dancing.

There was a massive U-shaped white marble bar with lights under the rounded counter, and four bartenders were ready to serve thirsty customers.

"It will be more crowded later. The club opened only half an hour ago.", Duke told me, almost as if he is apologizing.

There were already many people present, even though the place could accommodate much more.

"Let's start with a drink.", Duke offered and when I nodded in agreement, he asked, "Do you want to sit here, or should I ask for a private room?"

"Don't you need to book those rooms in advance?"

"Yes. But Sergio is a regular, something like a VIP here, so I can use his name.", Duke boasted.

"No need. Here is fine."

I wanted people to see us together, and I feared that if we have privacy, I will jump on him. As much as I gazed into his endlessly blue eyes, I was painfully aware of how hot he was in that sharp suit.

Duke led the way to an empty space in one of the booths and waved at the waitress to come and take our orders.

It didn't take long for the space to fill with patrons, and Duke and I were sitting with a bottle of wine and two glasses in front of us.

I observed the crowd with interest. Men were standing at the bar or on the side, chatting among themselves while their hot gazes were directed at the women who were dancing. The dance area had only a few guys, and women shook their assets at the beat of the music.

I saw a number of women looking at Duke and trying to get his attention, but his eyes were on me.

"Are you pleased with what happened at Magda's party?", Duke asked.

"I don't want to talk about her. She already occupied too much of our evening."

Duke agreed. "What do you want to talk about?"

"Let's celebrate."

"What are we celebrating?"

I raised my glass and waited for him to do the same. "Us."

Duke nodded in approval and clinked his glass with mine. "For us."

The joy in his expression was contagious. I downed my drink and leaned on him, soaking in the moment, and allowing his scent to seep into me.

I could describe my current state as: happy.

I lifted my head and met his gaze directed at me. My eyes darted to his lips, and he understood my silent plea for a kiss.

Duke leaned closer and pecked my lips once, twice, and then his arms wrapped around me and he pulled me closer while devouring my lips in slow deliberate movements that made all my nerves tingle in pleasure as familiar arousal washed over me.

I clutched the shirt under Duke's suit jacket and returned his kisses eagerly. I was starving for him.

"I think someone took photos of us. At least two.", Duke said breathily when he leaned his forehead on mine.

I had no idea how he could distinguish a flash from a camera with so many strobe lights in this club, but it didn't matter.

"Do you mind?", I asked.

"Absolutely not." He gave me a sly smile. "Why don't we give them more material? Maybe something worth of a video?"

I stifled a laugh. "Sure. How about dancing?"

He pouted. "I'm losing my touch."

I didn't get it. "Explain, please."

"This is the second time tonight you asked me to dance. Actually, even at Luca's party you asked me to dance."

I narrowed my eyes at him as I felt jealousy swelling from the pit of my stomach. "Are you saying that normally you are the one inviting girls to dance? Who are they?"

"No, no!", he denied it quickly. "Nothing like that. It's just that as a gentleman, I should be the one asking you to dance."

His panicked expression melted my hostility in an instant. He was adorable.

"A gentleman wouldn't kiss me like that in public."

He made a face. "Ay! I'm failing on so many levels! Please, forgive my indiscretion."

I thought he will bring up the point that I was the one asking to be kissed and I was a willing participant, but he took it all on him.

"Let me fulfill your desire for dancing, my lady…", Duke said in a low voice and pulled me up with him toward the dance area.

We found a spot among the dancing crowd, and I felt butterflies in my stomach when Duke stood in front of me and smiled. Flashing lights cast various shadows over his face, each making him more handsome, and I was dazed by his beauty.

Duke's hands were on my waist, and my forearms rested on his shoulders as my fingers played with the hair at the back of his head.

We moved to the tune of our own, and compared to the energetic people around us, we were slow-dancing.

"I always wanted to come to a club and dance with you.", I admitted one of my fantasies.

I was not sure if he can hear me over the blaring music, but his smile told me that he did.

Duke leaned closer and his lips touched my ear as he spoke, "I have so many things I want to do with you, Serina. We have our whole lives ahead of us."

Duke's deep voice made my insides tremble and his scent made me dizzy.

As he inched away, Duke pecked my cheek, and I turned my head to meet his lips with mine.

He was surprised for a moment, but then he responded enthusiastically, taking the control of the kiss instantly.

I melded with Duke as he overtook my senses with every movement of his lips and the world around us faded into the scent of pine trees mixed with the ocean and that kiss that stirred my soul.

I felt his fingers caressing my hair, his body pressing against mine, and the softness of his lips was absolutely perfect.

The faint music coming from somewhere reminded me that we are in a nightclub, yet I didn't care if anyone was watching or taking photos.

We were in the middle of the crowd, but it seemed like it's just the two of us in the world and it was wonderful.

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