Nerea dragged you to this party with a fairly vague explanation. Only now do you realize what you've gotten yourself into. You adjust your black lingerie set once more. Masks. Dim lighting. Soft music. Champagne. Bare skin. Some guests are wearing barely more than their masks.
"Before you kill me... I probably should have mentioned that this isn't your usual theme party."
Nerea grins.
"Everyone decides for themselves what they want tonight. No pressure."
She throws you a quick laugh and a peck on the cheek.
"Enjoy it."
Then she disappears into the crowd. You're left behind. Your gaze drifts toward the door, and you hesitate.
"Stay."
The deep voice comes from right behind you. His breath is warm at your shoulder. A hand stops just short of your hip and stays there. Warm. Calm. Certain. You turn around, and for a moment you actually forget to breathe. Dark hair with subtle streaks of grey. A well-groomed beard. Striking features. Tattoos trace beneath his open dark shirt. Damn. He's breathtaking. His gaze meets yours. Steady. Direct. Fixed only on you. He says nothing. He waits.