10x Cashback: Your Wealth Is Mine

149  And So The Night Continued

There's just a certain kind of atmosphere one projects that just makes sure things work out for you. Which was why I dressed my best in a suit.

I know what you're thinking. Suit in a nightclub? Don't worry. One day, you'll understand.

I was welcomed by the sound of the deep bass of music as I pulled up to Nocturne, one of the most exclusive nightclubs in the city, and one of Astoria's. The valet gave me a respectful nod as he opened my door, and I stepped out, adjusting my cuffs. The line of hopefuls trying to talk their way past the bouncers stretched down the block, but for me, there was no waiting. A quick glance from the head of security was all it took before the velvet rope lifted, and I walked inside like I owned the place.

If my Koenigsegg Regerra and expensive suit wasn't enough to tell them just who I was, the devil himself wouldn't have been able to get in.

Inside, I took in the sight. The club was just like other clubs except more spacious and… expensive?

Either way, all I could see was movement and energy, flashing lights and bodies swaying to the rhythm of the music. I scanned the room and my eyes immediately found her.

Astoria Way. She was seated at the bar, drink in hand and legs crossed. She had the aura of one with power and even if this was a clubber's first time, they'd be able to tell that she wasn't ordinary.

She looked up and her eyes met mine, a slow smile forming on her lips. She was waiting for me.

"Right on time." She said as I approached the bar. "I was beginning to think you stood me up."

I smirked, sliding into the seat beside her. "Wouldn't dream of it."

She signaled to the bartender, and a fresh glass appeared before me. Whiskey, neat. A good start. We clinked glasses, the ice in hers rattling as she took a sip, watching me over the rim.

"So, Nico Voss." She said in the tone of someone who wanted me to know that they knew who I was. "What exactly do you want from me?"

Straight to the point. I liked that.

"Depends." I said, mirroring her posture. "What do you think I want?"

She tilted her head, considering. "I think you're not just some playboy looking for a good time. Men like you don't approach women like me without a reason. You move like someone who plays the long game. So tell me, Nico, what's your play?"

I chuckled at her words. She wasn't exactly wrong. It wasn't as if I'd approach her on an ordinary day just to have a good time. The only reason I was here was the $3 billion I stand to gain.

Well, why not just play along with the half truths. It wasn't like I didn't have a business plan to go along with the seduction.

"Let's just say I'm in the business of collecting rare things." I grinned. "And I have an eye for value."

She arched a brow. "And you think I'm valuable?"

"I know you are."

She leaned in slightly, an intrigued smile on her face. "Flattery will get you nowhere, but keep talking."

I took a sip of my drink, savoring the burn before setting it down. "You're not just the 'Nightclub Baby.' You're an empire builder."

"No one buys into the club scene for longevity, yet you've turned it into a multi-city network worth three hundred million. You understand branding, exclusivity, and, most importantly, control."

Her eyes gleamed at my words. "And what does a man like you want with a woman like me?"

"A partnership." I said simply. "You understand power, Astoria. But even power can grow."

She studied me for a long moment, then laughed softly. "You're dangerous, Nico."

"Only to my enemies."

She took another sip, never breaking eye contact. "And what if I decide I don't need your kind of power?"

I smiled. "Then I'll have to convince you otherwise."

She seemed to enjoy that answer. If things go according to plan, I'd get $3 billion and an exclusive nightclub partner for Sunset Inn. We continued our conversation and as the night played out, I worked my magic. It wasn't long before there were touches that were longer than necessary, and a chemistry that neither of us could deny between us. The drinks flowed, and at some point, she took my hand and led me to the dance floor.

The music blasted around us and we danced. She moved like water, her body syncing with mine as if we had done this a thousand times before. Her hands traced down my arms, and I pulled her close, my breath brushing against her ear.

"You dance like you own the room." I murmured, my lips barely grazing her skin. @@novelbin@@

She smirked, swaying her hips in perfect rhythm to the beat. "I usually do."

My hand found the small of her back, guiding her as we moved. "And yet, tonight, you let me lead."

She tilted her head back slightly, her eyes shining with amusement. "Letting someone think they have control is sometimes the best way to keep it."

I chuckled, tightening my grip just a little. "You enjoy the game, don't you?"

She leaned in, her lips a whisper away from my ear. "I do. But only when I have a worthy opponent."

Our bodies moved in sync, lost in the music, lost in each other. Her fingers traced along my collar, her breath warm against my skin. "Tell me, Nico," she murmured, "are you here for business or pleasure?"

I ran a hand through her hair, letting my fingers come to a stop at the nape of her neck. "Why not both?"

She exhaled a soft laugh, tilting her head to meet my gaze. "I think I like you."

"That's the first step." I said, brushing my lips against the shell of her ear. "The second is seeing just how much."

And so the night continued.

By the time we left the club, there was no hesitation between us. My car was waiting, but she pulled me toward hers instead. A dark Bugatti.

"I'll drive." She said with a smirk.

I let her. Some battles are won by yielding and this was one of them.

When we arrived at her penthouse, she poured two more drinks, but they sat forgotten on the counter.

Instead, she pushed me against the wall, her lips brushing mine. "I don't let men think they have power over me, Nico." She whispered.

I smirked, tracing a finger along her jaw. "Good thing I don't need to."

Her eyes narrowed, and she kissed me. Hard.

And so the night continued.