Velvet nights

ing came in l

through the sheer curtains, and everything smelled faintly of sex and candle smoke. She stretc

the kitchen and the low hum of music again - soft jazz now

ear on the back of a velvet armchair, th

sleeves rolled, sipping an espresso and scrolling

the guest sheets,"

invit

nd I'm no

er wa

, eyes on Sophia. Her friend looked smug, satisfied - but there

ights like that?"

up. "Not always. But w

ughed.

d. "You like

estion. It did

rved. "I liked

ng with your shoulders up around your ears for years. Michael nev

d, a little breathle

ou're

s brushed Lena'

how l

g as it

d the spare bedroom as hers. Sophia handed he

noon, Fred

dri

ftop. 9pm. Bri

he message. No p

her shoulder and s

n't sai

her head. "But

idn't

ooftop was a

e and glowing lights. The sky was a deep violet, an

and a glass of something golde

art. About wanting things you're not supposed to want. His voice was

, "You're no

phi

he performs.

thing twist

ur act, Lena. I want the part you k

iss her yet

nk. "And what if I wa

miled. "Th

e

ulled her tight, hand on her back, the other in her

s hiked up, his belt undone. The city below, the sky above, Fredrick in her mouth - sm

r thighs trembling, he helped her dr

the door: "Next

nthouse, Alfre

Not invited.

whiskey in his hand, legs s

t the window. She di

ed. "What'

hia said, casually. "Thou

d, eyes loc

mean to

aid, though her voic

touching. Just close

like him,

osed. But she didn't.

you c

turn," he s

ut in, soft. "Th

pped even closer, and this

take you

. No words.

p, reverent. His fingers stroked her wrist, her jaw, her throat. He treated her like something

undone slowly. No rush. No comm

, his breath caught - and that,

een them - Alfred on one side, Sophia on the other,

spoke. They d

ation had

ad ac

al game wa