Chapter 228
The moment Harrison stepped onto the stage, the entire Velvet Lounge exploded with cheers.
The bass dropped hard. Her body instantly responded, moving with liquid grace to the pounding rhythm.
She launched into a gravity-defying leap, her slender frame twisting like silk around the pole. Every spin, every arch of her back synchronized perfectly with the music. The crowd went wild as she folded her body into impossible shapes, their screams nearly drowning out the track.
In the VIP section, Sebastian grabbed Nathaniel's arm excitedly. "Damn, when did this place get such a firecracker? You've been holding out on us!"
Nathaniel's gaze remained fixed on the stage, equally stunned. A performer like this should've been headlining every club in Willowbrook. How had she flown under his radar?
Who was this mesmerizing woman?
At that exact moment, Nathaniel froze. His drink hovered halfway to his lips as his eyes locked onto the dancer. He couldn't look away if he tried.
Harrison felt his intense stare burning into her. Right on cue.
A wicked smile curved her lips as she executed a flawless aerial split without breaking a sweat.
Holy hell.
The crowd lost their collective minds.
One guy elbowed his friend. "Did you see that? She's like a damn contortionist!"
"Whoever gets with her is one lucky bastard."
"You think a girl like that would ever settle down?"
"Funny you mention that. Isabella's the lead ballerina at the National, but she can't move like this."
The comments kept coming. Nathaniel's usually impassive expression darkened, storm clouds gathering in his piercing gaze.
The performance ended with Harrison landing gracefully on her feet. Thunderous applause shook the entire lounge.
The energy was electric. The manager bounded onto the stage, grinning. "Ladies and gents, the night's just getting started! Our star is about to choose one lucky guest for a private dance!"
The crowd erupted again, men shouting and waving to get her attention.
"Over here, gorgeous!"
"Pick me! I'll make it worth your while!"
"Come dance with me, sweetheart!"
Every man in the place wanted to be chosen.
Harrison's smoldering gaze swept the room, pausing briefly on several faces before finally landing on Nathaniel.
She stepped off the stage and began walking directly toward him.
The manager's voice boomed through the speakers. "Looks like our lady's made her choice! Who's the lucky guy?"
A hush fell over the crowd as all eyes followed Harrison's every move.
Nathaniel watched her approach, his expression unreadable.
Harrison stopped inches from him, that same teasing smile playing on her lips. "Mr. Falcon... I choose you."
She'd picked Nathaniel.
Daphne, seated beside him, turned sheet-white. She'd planned this whole night to get closer to Nathaniel, and now some random dancer was stealing her thunder? To make matters worse, the woman had the audacity to choose Nathaniel right in front of her.
Daphne didn't recognize Harrison, but mentally cursed her to hell and back.
The manager grinned. "Our star has chosen Mr. Falcon! Seems the ladies can't resist him. Let's give them some space for their dance!"
The music kicked up again, neon lights pulsing through the haze. Nathaniel leaned back on the plush sofa, his dark gaze never leaving the woman standing before him...