Chapter 37

As I dance with Jared, our bodies moving to the rhythm, I steal another glance at Vincent. Our eyes lock for a moment, the intensity of his gaze sending a shiver down my spine.

It's a silent battle of wills, the charged atmosphere crackling between us like an electric current. I refuse to be the first one to look away, and I can feel the satisfaction swelling within me when he breaks eye contact first.

Jared twirls me around, laughing as I stumble into his arms. "You're really going all out tonight, aren't you?" he teases.

"Damn right," I retort, my heart racing with adrenaline and anticipation. "It's my birthday, after all." But that's not the only reason I'm pushing the boundaries tonight. No, it's more than that – it's about winning this power struggle against Vincent, the man who's been holding me captive.

I know seeing me this close to Jared is making him angry – I'm getting under his skin, throwing him off balance.

I know it's dangerous, this game I'm playing. But the rush of p