Crimson vows

danger was measured in heartbeats. Yet there she stood, shoulders squared beneath the glare of electric blue tubes tracing geometric patterns along mirrored walls. It was her first night

th the weight of golden bubbles. Music drifted from hidden speakers-an intoxicating blend of sultry jazz and synthesizer thrum that felt like a heartbeat i

light in waves. On the dance floor, bodies swayed in tight embraces, each movement an unspoken seduction. At the far end, the

st a world she barely trusted. Her phone, tucked in her clutch, vibrated with an incoming message: "Boardroom in 10. Don

er. A barkeep with a silver chain draped from his vest flashed her a prac

ned," she s

raised it in a silent toast-to the deal, to survival, to keeping her heart locked away. She hadn't meant to come here alone. But

hen she fi

pensive fabric. Dark hair fell in a controlled wave across his forehead, and his eyes glinted like obsidian. He drank from a lowball glass, amber liquid swirling

danger and promise in equal measure. Her pulse quickened. She told herself it was absurd-she was here for

not

only the two of them. The band's sultry saxophone riff dimmed behind a rush of adrenaline. She felt warmth unfurl beneath her ski

etween reason and surrender. As she drew near, the scent of his cologne reached her: cedarwood an

s curved into a faint, knowing smile. "You look

augh. "I was told this

ting his head. "I prefer somet

n eyebrow. "

nearby table, steely eyes nev

self with her own nerve. His fingers closed arou

is voice was

n crimson velvet. A heavy curtain slid shut behind them. The din of the club faded to a m

s. Yet she found herself simply watching him: the way his jaw tensed as he studied her, the slow rise an

e heat of his breath. "Why did you come here

learned about self-control scattered in the hush. "I nee

gentleness that surprised her. "Dangerous can be thrilling," he

and on his chest, feeling the strength

allowing his hand to slide around her waist, drawing her flush against him. She tasted faint traces of whiskey and spice as he deepened

o's hands traced the curve of her back, pulling her closer until every nerve sang. She arched into him, forgetting

zer to the floor, his jacket draped on a nearby chair-until they stood bare beneath the dim glow. Raw passion ignited, unbridled. Their bodies

still echoing the intensity of their encounter. Isabella traced Marco's collarbone with a fingertip, marvel

rise," she whisp

s. "Too soon," he said,

le's meeting, her obligations, the life waiting beyond these walls. She brushed a kiss ac

darkene

to him. "I can't," she replied. "I have a life out there." She placed her palm against his chest, feeling the st

t before-its petals still fresh, a deep crimson echoing the velvet around them

ssing her lips to his in a lingering farewell. In that moment, the club's neon blaze and the city's h

pt beneath a hush of early dawn. She gathered her belongings-her phone, her notes, the single rose tucked close-and paused at th

brushed the side of her thigh-a quiet reminder of what had passed moments ago. Sh

mise sealed with a single rose burned bright. Whatever dangers lay ahead-contracts, negotiations, the unforgiving business world-she carr