Forbidden Desire (Wolfe Family Rivals #4)

1. Zack

Chapter 1

Zack

T he grand doors of the Oasis Hotel ballroom swing open before me, revealing the luxurious lobby adorned with sparkling chandeliers and marble floors. I stride towards the center of the room, the booming beat of the music from the awards ceremony filling my ears. My expensive Italian suit clings to my toned body, and every step I take exudes power and authority.

The bouncer bows his head with deep respect as he unclips the velvet rope for me. “Mr. Wolfe.”

As I enter the main hall, all eyes turn towards me. I am Zack Wolfe, master of this domain, and everyone here knows it. Women gaze at me with hunger, while men look on with envy and admiration. I make my way through the sea of guests, commanding their attention with my mere presence.

At the bar, I order a glass of top-shelf scotch and raise it in a toast to my success. An impulsive idea strikes me, and I climb onto the bar’s polished mahogany surface. Grabbing a bottle of Dom Pérignon, I ceremoniously pop the cork and spray champagne over the cheering crowd below. They eagerly reach out to catch the golden droplets, caught up in the excitement of being in my presence.

In this moment, surrounded by wealth and adoration, I am untouchable. This is my world, and every single person here is well aware of it.

I’m riding high on the energy of the crowd when a flash of honey-colored hair catches my eye. There, across the dance floor, is Bianca Fitzgerald, my biggest rival in the Vegas nightlife scene. Even from a distance, her elegance and poise stand out in the thudding disarray of the crowd. She’s a vision in her sleek black dress, hair swept back to reveal jewelry that sparkles even in the dim glow. The lights glint off her lustrous skin, accentuating the curves of her toned body. Her honey-colored hair is swept into a graceful bun, showing off the elegant line of her neck.

A competitive fire ignites within me. Bianca thinks she’s untouchable, with her “exclusive” club and hoity-toity reputation, but I’m about to show her that nobody out-parties Zack Wolfe on his own turf.

I saunter over, shouldering my way through the mass of lively bodies. Bianca’s back is to me as I come up behind her.

“Well, if it isn’t the Ice Queen herself.” My voice carries over the music. “Slumming it at the awards ceremony tonight?”

She whirls around, surprise flashing across her elegant features before her expression smooths into cool indifference. Diamond earrings dangle from her ears, catching the light and sparkling with every confident movement she makes.

“Zack.” She says my name as if poisoned honey drips from her glossy lips. “Charming as always.”

The thumping bass from the music dissolves into the backdrop as I focus on her, unable to resist her allure.

I flash her my most roguish grin. “You know me, just bringing a little energy wherever I go. Whereas you…” I look her up and down slowly. “Seem determined to suck the life out of everything.”

Her eyes narrow, irritation breaking through that polished facade. “Yes, well, some of us prefer class over crass.”

I laugh, leaning in close as her perfume fills my senses. Her aroma is a tantalizing blend of flowers and a hint of spice, forcing me to imagine the sweet taste of her lips before I finally exhale and focus on winning this little verbal game of ours. “Class is overrated, princess. Sometimes you gotta get down and dirty to really live.”

She steps back, distancing herself again. “Well, as enticing as that sounds, I think I’ll pass.” Her voice drips with sarcasm.

“Your loss.” I shrug, then tip an imaginary hat. “See you around, Ice Queen.”

I don’t wait for her response before turning and plunging back into the crowd. Bianca has obviously thrown down the gauntlet, and this town’s not big enough for the both of us. From now on, it’s war.

I stride to the restroom to splash some cold water on my face and stare at myself in the bathroom mirror.

Bianca’s poised visage flashes through my mind, those caramel eyes sparking with defiance. A worthy adversary.

Vegas has gotten too boring, with me running the hottest clubs in town while having no actual competition. But now Little Miss High Society wants to play with the big boys.

A slow grin spreads across my face. Maybe it’s time to shake things up a bit and remind people why they call me the King of Vegas Nightlife. I’ve gotten too complacent on my throne. Time to reclaim my crown as the undisputed ruler of the entire scene.

My pulse quickens at the thought—the rush of conquering fresh territory. It’s exactly what I need to reignite that spark inside me. Ever since I took over the first Pulse, I’ve lived for that next big rush, and competing with Bianca will give me the highest high yet.

I straighten my cuffs and view that familiar predatory glint in my eyes in my reflection again. By the time I’m through with her, that Ice Queen facade will have melted away. I’ll charm my way into her exclusive inner circle and leave her precious club in ashes. Then, Fitzgerald’s will be yesterday’s news, and the only name on everyone’s lips will be Pulse, and its daredevil King—me.

Las Vegas is my kingdom, and I’m not about to give up my crown without a fight. Game on, princess. Let’s see if you can handle playing with fire.

Bianca

T he murmur of conversation washes over me as I take my seat at the table, smoothing my silk dress underneath me.

My sister Olivia sits across from me, her green eyes sparkling with excitement. She bounces in her chair, her curly blonde hair falling into her face as she talks. “Ooh, I’d love to see who they picked for the entertainment this year. I heard it’s someone really famous.”

I smile. My sister’s enthusiasm always lifts my spirits. “I’m sure the organizers have arranged something spectacular, as always.”

Olivia leans forward. “So, any updates on your new rival I should know about?”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. She’s watched Zack Wolfe like a hawk ever since the news broke of his latest club opening down the block from Fitzgerald’s.

Olivia’s interest doesn’t surprise me, though. Every woman in this city seems obsessed with him.

Shaking my head, I wrinkle my nose. “Nothing worth gossiping about. I’m keeping my focus where it should be—on my venue.”

She pouts her lips. “You’re no fun. I bet he’s already plotting some crazy stunt to steal your spotlight tonight.”

I elevate my chin. “Mr. Wolfe can do as he pleases. Fitzgerald’s will continue being the pinnacle of class and sophistication, regardless of his antics.”

As if on cue, the man himself strolls into the ceremony ballroom with a small entourage trailing behind him.

The fabric of his tailored tuxedo clings perfectly to his toned and defined muscles, accentuating them with every move. His arms bulge slightly as he adjusts his cuffs, making it clear that he is no stranger to working out. He holds himself with confidence, exuding an aura of strength and command. His intense stare lands on me for a moment before sliding away.

A hot annoyance engages inside me, but I maintain my poise.

Zack Wolfe does not intimidate me, and I’d never let him get to me. I built my empire through sheer will and determination, and no reckless playboy is going to threaten that.

Game on indeed, Mr. Wolfe. We’ll see if you can deal with someone who doesn’t fall for your charms.

Tucking her chin, my sister leans toward my ear. “Speak of the devil.”

I fight against the impulse to turn and continue watching Zack’s elaborate entrance, keeping my focus on Olivia instead. “We have more important matters to discuss than Mr. Wolfe’s attention-seeking tactics.”

My sister smiles and shakes her head. “You’re allowed to admit he’s hot, you know. I won’t tell.”

As I straighten my posture, I clear my throat. “Perhaps we should go over the vendor arrangements for next month.”

Before Olivia can respond, a tall, slender host arrives at our table. “So sorry to interrupt, ladies, but we seem to have a seating issue.” He gestures behind him, guiding Zack towards us. “Mr. Wolfe, your table is right this way.”

“Ladies,” Zack greets as he slides into the empty seat beside me while flashing his infuriatingly perfect grin. “What a lovely coincidence.”

I level the host with an icy look. “There must be some mistake. Mr. Wolfe has no seat at this table.”

A visible bob goes down the host’s neck as he swallows. “Terribly sorry, Ms. Fitzgerald, but we’re at full capacity now. I’m afraid Mr. Wolfe will have to sit here.”

Zack leans back and props his elbow on the empty chair next to him, his wolfish grin wide. The black tuxedo he’s wearing fits him like a glove, highlighting his muscular frame and broad shoulders. “Don’t worry, I don’t bite.”

Clenching my jaw, I turn to fully face him for the first time tonight. “Let’s get one thing clear. Just because you muscled your way into the seat next to mine doesn’t mean I have any interest in engaging with you, Mr. Wolfe. Don’t mistake my poise for weakness.”

His eyes glint. “Duly noted.”

The game is on, indeed. And I have no intention of letting this cunning Wolfe gain the upper hand.

He flags down a waiter, orders a bottle of Dom Pérignon, and then turns back to me. “What are we celebrating?”

Dragging my manicured index finger back and forth between us, I arch an eyebrow. “ We are not celebrating anything, Mr. Wolfe.”

“Ouch. No need to be so formal, Bianca. Call me Zack.” He leans in slightly and sandalwood cologne drifts to my nostrils, causing a slight twinge of hunger in my stomach. He smiles. “I’d say this serendipitous seating mishap is as good a reason as any to pop some bubbly, wouldn’t you?”

Before I can retort, the waiter returns with an ice bucket and three champagne flutes. He pops the cork and fills our glasses.

Zack clinks his glass against mine and Olivia’s. “To new acquaintances.”

My composure slips for just a moment as irritation rolls through my brain.

His antics do nothing but solidify my initial impression of him as an arrogant playboy. As he makes a show of drinking the pricey champagne, I resist the urge to grind my teeth.

Instead, I keep my expression neutral and take a small sip, more to be polite than anything else. The bubbly liquid slides down my throat, leaving a crisp aftertaste on my tongue.

Zack angles his body toward mine, exuding a masculine and alluring scent that makes my heart race. “Tell me, Bianca. How does a woman like you get into the club business?”

I bristle at his thinly veiled condescension. “Hard work. Late nights. Sacrifice.” I pause, holding his unwavering gaze. “Clearly nothing you would understand.”

His jawline is sharp and defined, accentuating his strong facial features. He has the audacity to grin. “Sassy. I like it.”

“Let’s clarify something. You and I are not friends. The only thing we have in common is this city. Beyond that, you’re wasting your time trying to charm me.”

Zack raises an eyebrow, his smile wide. “Is that a challenge?”

I open my mouth to retort, but stop as the master of ceremony’s voice booms through the ballroom, signaling the start of the awards ceremony.

Saved by the bell for now, Wolfe. But this is far from over.