My Beauty System: Seducing the Best in My Universe

Evangeline didn't recognize herself.

Her body glided and twisted smoothly around the pole in soft and sensual movements like she'd been doing this her whole life. She moved as if the music was running through her veins, her limbs bending and twisting in ways that made her feel in full control of the men there.

The crowd couldn't take their eyes off her. She could feel it— their hunger, their fascination.

And Giovanni.

His eyes didn't just watch her. They devoured her.

Evangeline slid down the pole slowly, her movements deliberate, teasing. Her fingers grazed her skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps, making the men wish that they were the ones giving her goosebumps instead.

The stage lights reflected off her costume, making her look like she was dripping in rubies and sin.

Her gaze stayed locked with Giovanni's, she dared him to look away.

He didn't even blink. His lips curved into the faintest smirk, but his eyes burned with a dangerous darkness.

The air between them felt heavy with so much tension.

Her fingers traced the outline of her perfect waistline and her hands trailed down while she rotated her hips sensually.

Her allure finally made his eyes leave hers to devour her body with a heated gaze that set her skin on fire.

Her lips tilted in a smile of victory.

Evangeline slowly dropped to her knees and crawled slowly towards him. The cold stage under her palms barely registered as all her focus was on only him.

When she reached the edge of the stage, she grabbed his tie that was hanging low with her lips, and pulled it playfully between her teeth. Her lips curled around the silk as she tilted her head, her eyes so innocent as she teased him with her tongue.

His body tensed, his chest rising and falling faster now.

Evangeline's heart was pounding, but she didn't stop… she had no reason to stop after all.

She let the tie slip from her mouth slowly, her lips brushing it like a promise to him… telling him other things she could do with her lips.

What the fuck am I doing?

She slid off the stage and moved toward him. Her hands rested on his shoulders as she straddled his lap. His scent was spicy, musky and intoxicating as it wrapped around her.

Giovanni leaned back further to give her more room as his eyes raked her body.

His hand rested casually on her thigh and his fingers were rough against her soft skin. His other hand brought a glass of whiskey to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers as he took a slow sip.

He set the glass down, his deep voice cutting through the music like velvet. "I like this one," he said, nodding toward the man beside him. "Bring her to me after the show."

Evangeline's lips twitched into a sly smile. Her fingers brushed over his tie again, straightening it as she leaned closer, her lips grazing his ear.

"You'll only have me…" she whispered, her voice low and breathy, "…if you can catch me."

She pulled back, her eyes glittering with mischief. The way his jaw tightened sent a thrill through her.

He liked the game.

Evangeline stepped away from him, slow and teasing, her hips swaying with each step. She had barely turned when—

BAM!

The doors to the club slammed open, and chaos erupted.

Uniformed men wearing black from head to toe stormed in, their massive rifles raised and pointed at the crowd. Shouts filled the air as people dove for cover.

Evangeline froze, her pulse skyrocketing as her eyes locked on the man leading them. Orion.

He was here.

His eyes burned with fury as they landed on her. For a moment, time seemed to stop. His gaze traveled over her slowly, taking in her outfit, her position near Giovanni.

Disgust. Pure, seething disgust… and hurt.

Her stomach twisted as the shame came crawling up her spine. She wasn't even sure why she as feeling ashamed, it wasn't like she owed him anything. But that look in his eyes? It cut deep.

"This is private property!" the club manager shouted, storming toward Orion's men. "There's no dancer here named Evangeline!"

Before she could say another word, a gunshot rang out.

Evangeline flinched as the manager's body crumpled to the floor. Blood pooled around her, dark and horrifying.

Her breath came in short gasps as the confidence the system had given her drained away as though she had just been drenched by a bucket of ice cold water.

Panic rose on her chest, sheer and blinding.

The sound of gunfire exploded around her as Orion's men and Giovanni's men clashed. Shouts, screams, and the metallic scent of blood filled the air.

Evangeline turned, her instinct screaming at her to run. She headed for the backstage area, but before she could make it, a hand like steel grabbed around her wrist.

"Not so fast."

The voice was deep, accented, and laced with authority… Giovanni.

He pulled her toward him, his grip was firm and cruel. His expression was calm, his green eyes assessing her even as bullets flew past.

She opened her mouth to say something—anything—but before she could, she saw it.

Giovanni raised his gun.

Her eyes widened as she followed the line of his aim.

Orion.

"No!" The word tore out of her throat, but it was too late.

The shot rang out, loud and final.

Evangeline's heart stopped as she saw Orion stagger, his hand clutching his chest where blood was already soaking through his shirt.

He fell to his knees, his eyes meeting hers one last time.

And then he collapsed.

Evangeline couldn't breathe.

Giovanni's hand tightened around her wrist, his voice calm and steady. "Time to go, bella."

She couldn't even resist as he led her through the chaos with her legs moving on autopilot.

All she could see was Orion's lifeless body.