The conversation between Emily and Eric flowed effortlessly, their chemistry undeniable. With every word, they inched closer, laughter and smiles exchanged under the dim lights of the club.

“Do you want to dance?” Eric asked, his voice low, his eyes never leaving hers.

Emily’s smile widened, the invitation exactly what she needed to break free from the intensity of their connection. “Yes, that sounds fun!” she agreed, ready to lose herself in the music.

But just as she began to rise from her seat, warm hands slid over her eyes from behind, freezing her in place. Her breath caught, her pulse racing not with excitement, but with dread.

“Guess who?” came the voice, low and teasing, and a chill crept up Emily’s spine. She didn’t need to guess. She knew exactly who it was.

Her voice wavered, barely a whisper. “L... L... Luke?”

The hands fell away, and Emily turned, her worst fears confirmed. There he was—Luke. His grin was sly, his eyes gleaming with an intensity that instantly made her skin crawl.

“Hey, beautiful,” Luke said, his voice dripping with a familiarity that made her stomach churn. “Miss me? Because I’ve missed you.”

Eric watched the exchange, his brow furrowing as he took in the tall, menacing figure standing behind Emily. He didn’t like the look of this guy, and more importantly, he didn’t like the way Emily tensed up in his presence.

Emily swallowed hard, her discomfort obvious. “Wh... what are you doing here?” she stammered, unable to hide her unease.

“I was here with some friends,” Luke said casually, his gaze never leaving her. “Then I saw you across the club. I just had to come say hi to my favorite person.”

Emily forced a smile, her voice steady but strained. “That wasn’t necessary, Luke. I’m here with someone, and we’re going to dance.”

She reached for Eric’s hand, desperate to escape the situation, but before she could take a step, Luke grabbed her wrist, his grip firm.

“This guy?” Luke asked, his tone dripping with condescension as he glanced at Eric. “I’m sure he won’t mind if I talk to you for a few minutes. Right?”

Eric didn’t flinch, his eyes hard as he stared back at Luke. “Maybe you two can catch up some other time. We were just heading out to dance.”

Eric wrapped an arm around Emily’s shoulder, ready to steer her away from the conversation, but Luke wasn’t ready to let her go.

“Aww, come on,” Luke said, his smirk deepening. “Just five minutes. How’s Rachel, by the way?” he added, his voice shifting to something darker, more dangerous.

Emily’s blood ran cold. The mention of Rachel made her uneasy—she knew Luke’s obsession extended beyond just her. He had tried to manipulate and control every aspect of her life before, and she wouldn’t let him drag Rachel into it. She had to play along, at least for now.

“Rachel?” Emily asked, her voice low. “Why would you want to know about her?”

Luke’s smile widened. “Just curious. You know how I like to keep an eye on anything related to you.”

The possessiveness in his voice made Emily’s skin crawl, but she knew what she had to do. “Fine,” she said, letting out a long breath. “I’ll talk to you for a few minutes.”

She shot Eric an apologetic look, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. Eric gave her a reassuring nod, his gaze unwavering as he sat back down beside her.

“Let’s get another drink then,” Luke said, signaling the waitress as if everything were perfectly normal.

“Fine,” Emily muttered, though her heart pounded in her chest. She had to keep calm, even though every instinct screamed for her to run.

Luke leaned back, his smirk ever-present. “So, what’s my pretty girl been up to? How’s school? And your parents’ practice?”

Emily’s jaw tightened, her voice sharp when she replied. “I highly doubt you care about that. And I’m not your pretty girl,” she snapped, her patience wearing thin.

Luke chuckled darkly. “Oh, come on, Em. We’ve got history. Of course, I care.”

“History?” Emily’s voice rose, her anger simmering beneath the surface. “You mean you stalking me and me turning you down?”

Eric stiffened beside her, his eyes narrowing at the word “stalking.” His protective instincts kicked in as he moved closer, ready to intervene if things escalated.

Luke’s smile faltered, a flicker of anger crossing his face, though he quickly suppressed it. “Stalking? You call having lunch with you and asking you out stalking?”

Emily’s voice grew stronger as she stared him down. “You followed me to and from classes, lurked at lunch, and just happened to be outside my apartment more times than I can count.”

Luke’s face twisted with fury. “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. That’s not what happened!” he shouted, his voice rising above the music.

Emily had enough. She stood, eyes blazing with fury. “We’re done here. Leave me alone, and don’t ever talk to me again.”

She turned her back on Luke, facing Eric, who reached out to steady her. They locked eyes, Eric offering her a comforting presence in the storm that had just passed.

Behind them, Luke’s eyes darkened as he watched Emily walk away. A sinister smile crept across his face as he reached into his pocket, pulling out a small pill. With a quick glance to make sure no one was watching, he slipped the pill into Emily’s drink and slinked away into the crowd, his thoughts twisted with revenge.

We’re not done, Emily Leroux, he thought, his heart racing with malicious intent. You think this is over, but it’s only just begun.

Emily, unaware of the danger, turned back to her drink, furious and desperate to shake off the encounter. She chugged down the rest of her cocktail, her body buzzing with adrenaline. Then, grabbing Eric’s hand, she pulled him towards the dance floor.

“I need to dance,” she said, her voice sharp with frustration. “I’m so angry right now.”

Eric smiled, holding her hand tight as he led her into the thrumming crowd. “Let’s go,” he said, hoping the dance would distract them both. But as they danced, neither of them knew that a far greater threat was already in motion, lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.