Chapter 72
# Elowen's POV
The DJ switched to a faster, more upbeat song, and Casper immediately transformed. Where Cassian's dancing had been controlled and sensual, Casper was pure energy and showmanship. He moved with fluid grace, his body perfectly in sync with the beat, occasionally throwing in moves that had nearby women gasping.
"You're showing off," I accused, laughing as he twirled me.
"Damn right I am," he confirmed, sliding his palms down his chest to his hips in a move so provocative that several women nearby actually screamed. "Got the most beautiful woman in the club as my partner. Gotta earn it."
"How's our plan going?" I whispered as he pulled me close again. "Is this enough to get Sarah's attention before you approach her?"
His eyes lit with excitement as he dipped his head closer. "Even better than we hoped. Cassian just signaled that she's already getting wasted at the bar, mumbling to herself. The bug Jake planted on the counter is picking up everything. Let's keep dancing—we're gathering intel before I make my move."
The pulsing lights caught the definition in his arms as he moved, highlighting every flex of muscle beneath his rolled-up sleeves. When he raked his fingers through his deep red-brown hair, pushing it back from his forehead, I swear I heard someone behind us whimper.
I matched his energy, letting Juno's natural confidence guide my movements. We moved together like we'd been dancing all our lives, drawing more and more attention.
"Sarah's watching us," Casper murmured, his voice a sensual growl against the shell of my ear that sent electricity racing down my spine. His grip tightened on my hips, pulling me against him in a way that was pure sin. "And so is Drake. Let's give them something to be jealous about."
He dropped low, then rose slowly, his body moving against mine like liquid fire. His eyes never left mine, the playful intensity in them making him look simultaneously dangerous and irresistible despite the raw sexuality of his movements.
God, he's like a sexy golden retriever, Juno said as his expression brightened with that distinctive enthusiasm. All energy and charm wrapped in a package that makes me want to howl.
I caught sight of Cassian watching from our reserved booth, a glass of whiskey in hand and an appreciative smile playing on his lips.
Fuck, I want Casper right now, Juno moaned as his touch skimmed my waist. Can we drag him to the bathroom? Those stalls looked sturdy enough...
"We're drawing too much attention," I said to Casper, even as I enjoyed the feeling of his warmth against me. "I can feel eyes on us from every direction."
Casper's expression turned predatory as he dipped his head, his hot breath fanning across my collarbone. "Let them look, baby. You're ours." The possessiveness in his tone made my knees weak. He punctuated his words by whirling me around, then pulling me back against his chest, his fingers splaying possessively across my stomach.
The music shifted to something darker and more sensual. The bass pulsed through the floor like a heartbeat as Casper pulled me flush against him. His palms traced a heated path along my exposed thigh where the slit revealed skin.
As the lights dimmed with the music's transition, Casper suddenly pulled me into the shadowy corner of the dance floor. In one fluid motion, he backed me against the wall and crashed his lips against mine. The kiss was hungry and desperate, his tongue sliding past my lips to claim me completely. His touch cradled my face with surprising gentleness that contrasted with the raw passion of his mouth.
Heat pooled between my legs, and my heart raced wildly in my chest like a frightened deer, pulse thundering in my ears as his tongue teased mine. The world disappeared around us—no mission, no Sarah, no Drake—just Casper's intoxicating taste and the delicious pressure of his hard body pressed against mine.
When he finally pulled back, his amber eyes were glowing with barely controlled desire.
"Casper!" I gasped, my voice breathy and shocked, fingers unconsciously touching my tingling lips.
His confidence remained, but I could see the struggle for control in his eyes, feel the tension in his muscles as he fought to rein himself in.
He leaned close, his breath tickling my ear. "Now that I've marked our territory for everyone to see, including Sarah, let's see what she's been saying."
He tapped his ear discreetly. A second later, Sarah's slightly slurred voice crackled through our earpieces.
"Fucking Drake," she muttered to herself, downing another shot. "Getting all cozy with that Irene bitch. What does she have that I don't?"
Casper raised an eyebrow at me, his lips twitching with amusement.
"I wore my best dress tonight," Sarah continued to nobody in particular, "and not a single goddamn drink offer. This is bullshit."
The bartender approached her with a concerned look, but she waved him off.
"Casper's just trying to humiliate me, bringing that... that nobody here." Her voice dripped with venom as she glanced our way. "And Drake... is he screwing Irene? God, I'm so sick of this."
From the edge of the dance floor, I caught Jake's amused expression. "Boss," he called to Casper over the music, "maybe save some for after hours? You're making half the club jealous!"
Casper just laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners in that way that made him look both devilish and adorable at once. He looked back to me, his expression growing more focused.
"Cassian confirms what you saw," he whispered, his thumb brushing over my lower lip. "Drake is acting weirdly submissive to Irene, and he keeps glancing at his phone like he's waiting for a signal."
"Free drinks, my ass!" Sarah's voice came through our earpieces again. "I'm gonna drink this place dry! Another round!" She slapped the bar top. "Give me your top shelf! The BEST you've got!"
The bartender looked increasingly uncomfortable as he poured her another drink.
"Ready to move to phase two?" Casper whispered, his voice rough with desire. "I think she's primed for me to buy her that drink now. She'll spill everything to make you jealous."
I nodded, still struggling to catch my breath after that kiss. "Let's go," I agreed, following his lead as he guided me through the crowd toward the bar where Sarah was creating a scene.