Chapter 1Men Are Just Toys

I saw a post on Instagram about a bar hiring staff.

The place was pretty far from my apartment, but I went anyway.

Because the bar was owned by Lucas Boone.

My latest goal was to sleep with him.

* * *

I DM’d Lucas about the job posting for his bar, “Knights’ Tavern.”

[Hey Lucas, your bar needs help—think I’d fit in?]

Lucas replied quickly.

[Having a gorgeous girl like you would be an honor. Come by tomorrow and check it out.]

I met Lucas at a bar—he’s incredibly handsome, different from the usual drunk losers around him. He has this intellectual vibe that hooked me right away.

The next afternoon, I stopped by his bar, but it was a total mess inside.

When he saw me, he didn’t hold back.

“Sorry about this, Emma. We’re finishing up renovations. Since you’re here, mind helping me put this privacy film on the windows?”

“Bars work better when people can’t quite see inside—it makes them curious enough to come in, and even if they don’t love it, they might stay out of politeness. It’s all marketing.”

I didn’t care what he was saying. My eyes were glued to his thighs and waist. He’s slim but works out regularly, and just looking at them made it clear how strong he is.

After a few hours of work, we finally finished. Lucas told me to rest while he mixed a couple of new drinks for me to try.

The dim amber lights inside made his face look even softer and more attractive as he walked over with two glasses.

Lucas slid one drink in front of me. “Try this! My original creation—‘Addiction.’”

I took a sip. The liquor slid smoothly down my throat—not too harsh, but it made me want another right away.

“It’s really good!” I said honestly.

Lucas looked thrilled, like he’d just won something, and downed his own drink in one go.

He’s genuinely talented at mixing drinks—everyone who’s tried them agrees.

But Lucas has zero tolerance for alcohol. He gets tipsy after just one.

Sure enough, after that single drink, his eyes started to glaze over.

What a perfect chance.

I stood up, walked over to the hazy-eyed Lucas, lifted his chin, and pressed my lips to his.

My tongue slipped into his mouth, tangling with his.

Lucas quickly took control, breathing heavily as he held my head, pulling me in like he wanted to devour me.

I pinched the soft spot on his waist, and he let go with a wince.

“You’re drunk.”

I grabbed my bag and left Knights’ Tavern.

To me, men are like toys. I love watching them get seduced by me, going crazy over me.

If I jump straight into bed, what’s the difference from a hookup?

I thrive on that intense, teasing push-and-pull.