ora'

died halfway in my throat the

Go

re bright, sharp, and way too piercing, held mine like they had every right to. His lips curved in the faintest smile, perfectly shaped, dangerous i

eeves casually rolled, and dark jeans. Simple, yet on him,

ithout even trying. He reached over and slid the beer from my hand, se

thing smart. Instead, my tongue felt glued to the r

y cheeks. Perfect. I never stutter, but appa

using. And then-without hesitation-he took my drink and

o words came out. For som

ng into the stool beside me as if the seat had always been waiting for him. Hi

g back and crossing my arms. "I

raised a hand and signaled the bartender for his own

d this wasn't his first time. My eyes followed the way his wrist flexed as he lifted the glass, ve

p, his voice low and steady. "Do you alwa

loudest hiccup-gulp. My eyes widened, a

sound, then quickly shook his

l burning. "Don't worry, I'm

e reason that made me rel

g the rim of my glass. "Ton

ifted slightly, like he

?" he

elf. "Do you always ask strangers questi

swirled his drink lazily before taking ano

his voice dipping just enough to m

as the alcohol, or maybe it was just him. Either w

g on me," I muttered, my throat

softly, like the words genuinely landed. Then he leaned b

at it felt like. For him to sound so sure, he must have lived throu

You must be the head secretar

ss, and tapped it against mi

ng above the bar but it was useless. His presence tugged at me like gravity, pulling my ga

ll me your name,

lied before I co

like he was tasting it. Then he leaned

fectly. Strong, smooth, dangerous

sed. "Well, Seb, if you don't mind me c

swering. "Sometimes I get bored after work

. His words slid under my skin, and suddenly the air b

way he looked at me like I was the only person in the room. But

you home?" he asked, drai

st a little. "I wanna stay here till morning.

rious, but there was som

muttered, lettin

e, eyes holding that same flicker of c

my hand. His touch was warm, soft, and

with me,

asked, but I was already slidin

steady, certain, pulling me along