Seducing The Uncle

The heavy bass of Elysium Lounge thumped against Cora’s chest the moment she stepped inside. Known as the city’s most notorious playground, the club buzzed with bodies grinding under flashing neon lights. It was the perfect place to ruin a marriage.

Cora claimed a stool at the sleek marble bar. She slammed a shot glass down. The amber whiskey burned down her throat, fueling the reckless fire igniting in her veins. She signaled the bartender for another pour. The insidious plan crystallized in her mind. Her mother-in-law had called her a cheap incubator. Declan had defiled their bed. She would return the favor tenfold. If she was going to use a stranger to breed a revenge baby, she might as well aim high. The father’s identity did not matter, but the child would be stunning if she found herself a genetically blessed specimen.

She swiveled on her stool, her gaze sweeping the crowded dancefloor. Seconds later, she locked onto a towering silhouette.

Even through the chaotic strobe lights, the man’s imposing build commanded the room. He stood near the VIP section, flanked by a rigid wall of sharply dressed men and glamorous women. Though shadows obscured his features, the raw power radiating from him was magnetic.

*He will do.*

Cora threw back her second shot, the alcohol buzzing in her brain. She took a steadying breath, flipped her hair over her shoulder, and adjusted the neckline of her dress. Strutting forward in her stilettos, she wove through the writhing crowd toward her target.

As she closed the distance, Cora feigned a misstep. "Oh, I'm so dizzy..."

She pitched forward, intentionally throwing her weight right into the stranger's solid chest.

Instantly, a pair of large, powerful hands clamped around her waist. He caught her with effortless strength. Pressed against his unfamiliar embrace, Cora’s throat went dry. A wave of rich, masculine pheromones washed over her. Cedar, musk, and pure dominance. The scent scrambled her senses, stripping away her rationality faster than the cheap whiskey.

"You smell amazing..." she murmured, intoxicated by his proximity.

Around them, a collective gasp rang out. His dressed-up entourage and burly bodyguards stared at her in shock. Who dared to accost this man in a public venue?

"Miss, please mind yourself."

The voice was a frozen blade.

Cora froze. The icy, familiar baritone sent a violent jolt down her spine. She tipped her head back, her dazed expression crashing into sheer panic.

She stared into a pair of chilling, fathomless eyes set in a chiseled face. Her heart stopped beating. She blinked, her lips parting in horror.

"U-Uncle Gideon?" she stammered, the words barely squeaking past her lips.

*Oh my God. What is going on?* Out of every man in the city, she had practically assaulted Declan’s uncle.

Everyone knew Gideon Lockwood. He was Wallace Lockwood’s adopted son and the undisputed heir to the Lockwood Group empire. He was the most powerful, eligible bachelor in the city. Her mother-in-law constantly schemed to get into Gideon’s good graces for Declan’s career, but the man was ruthless and untouchable. He never gave them the time of day. Because of that, Cora had only ever seen him in passing.

Up close, his male model features were staggering, but his aloof aura was terrifying. His cold gaze felt like it was ripping right through her skull, reading her dirty little scheme.

"Uncle Gideon... I-I'm sorry," she whispered, her cheeks burning.

Hearing the familiar title, Gideon’s sharp brows knitted together. Recognition flashed in his dark eyes. Disgust quickly followed. He released her waist and took a step back. He had zero tolerance for manipulative women throwing themselves at him. Without another word, he turned his broad shoulders, ready to leave her standing there in the crowd.

Cora’s panic spiked, but a new, desperate determination seized her. *Wait.* If she needed revenge, what better way than hitching herself to the true king of the Lockwood family? Hooking a gold mine like him would destroy Declan.

"Uncle Gideon, wait!"

She lunged forward. Gideon paused, glancing down at her with glacial indifference.

Cora bit her lower lip, forcing tears to well in her eyes. She channeled every ounce of vulnerability she possessed. "I... I'm feeling so depressed today. I had way too much to drink." She blinked up at him, her voice trembling. "Aren't you worried about leaving me all alone in a sleazy bar? It's not safe for me."

Gideon’s face remained a mask of stone.

Seeing his lack of reaction, Cora doubled down on her act. She hissed, shifting her weight and reaching down to rub her ankle. "Besides, I think I sprained my ankle when I tripped... It really hurts."

Gideon curled his lips into a smirk, his eyes glistening.