Ribbons of fate

Chapter 7: Ignition

Tracy's POV

​I ordered my martini, letting the word feel like a dare. “And two shots of whiskey first,” I added, needing to scorch away the day—the adrenaline, the confusion, the humiliation.

The whiskey burned hot, fire rolling down my throat. The martini that followed was cool, seductive, almost innocent—but it did nothing to soften the ache of recklessness in my chest. Already, the world blurred around me, the edges melting into the rhythm, the lights, the heat.

Then the song I lived for—Despacito—exploded over the speakers. I left the bar, letting my body surrender to the music. Hips swaying, shoulders rolling, I melted into the crowd, faceless, free, untouchable… almost.

A firm, precise grip landed on my waist, and my body froze. Confidence. Authority. A touch that spoke of ownership without asking. My pulse jumped.

I turned slowly. The man was stunning—tall, dark, angular. Handsome and dangerous in the way that made your stomach ache and your mind scream, be careful. Every movement was deliberate, every glance charged, as if he had stepped out of some dangerous dream.

He leaned close, voice low, cutting through the beat:

“Are you okay?”

I nodded, pretending control.

Then, a whisper against my ear, almost silk, almost threat:

“Let’s grab one more shot at the bar. Then… Room 19. Elevator’s there. We’ll be waiting.”

Electricity sparked in my chest, and my legs shook with anticipation. Direct. Forbidden. And absolutely thrilling.

We returned to the bar. He gave the bartender a rapid instruction in Italian, and two shots were placed before us. He downed his in a single motion, flashing a predatory wink before disappearing toward the elevator.

I knocked mine back. Heat flared through my veins, fire from chest to hips, igniting every nerve ending. My mind screamed caution—this isn’t just alcohol, Tracy!—but desire drowned reason. Every beat of the bass, every flicker of neon, pulled me closer to the edge, to him… to whatever this night had in store.

The game had begun. And I was already losing.