Smoke and Storms
871 Words
Alina had always been good at pretending. Pretending to care in meetings. Pretending not to hear the whispers behind her back. Pretending she didn’t notice how Dominic Romano’s presence felt like a live wire in her veins.
But tonight… pretending felt impossible.
The bar was dimly lit, full of music and laughter, but all she could focus on was him—Dominic, leaning against the far wall like he owned every breath in the room. His shirt was black, crisp, a little too perfect for this casual dive bar, but it suited him. He didn’t look like he belonged here. Or maybe he did—because power never looks out of place.
Their eyes met across the crowd. Just a flicker.
Her stomach flipped.
He pushed off the wall and walked toward her slowly, like a storm that knew it didn’t have to rush. People moved out of his way without realizing it. Her pulse kicked up.
She turned toward the bar, trying to act like she didn’t see him coming. Like her whole body wasn’t tensing with anticipation.
“You following me now?” she said without turning as he reached her side.
He chuckled low. “You’re not that hard to find, prof.”
“I’m not your professor.”
“Yet.”
Alina rolled her eyes, hiding the smile tugging at her lips. “You think you’re charming, but you’re really just annoying.”
He leaned in a little, his voice dropping. “I don’t think I’m charming. I know I am.”
She finally looked at him, and her breath caught. That close, he was worse. His eyes were like velvet shadows—warm and dangerous. She had the sudden urge to touch the scar near his brow.
“How do you do that?” she asked.
“Do what?”
“Act like nothing in the world can touch you.”
He smirked. “Maybe nothing can.”
They were too close now. She could smell his cologne—dark and clean, expensive. Her throat went dry.
“I came here to drink, not to get harassed by a student.”
Dominic shrugged. “Then let me buy you a drink. Consider it an apology. For existing.”
She narrowed her eyes. “That’s a terrible apology.”
“It’s the best you’ll get.”
Alina sighed dramatically but let him flag the bartender. “Fine. One drink. Then you disappear.”
“Deal.”
They sat at the end of the bar, away from the noise. He ordered whiskey. She asked for something sweet, needing the sugar to keep her nerves steady.
“So,” she said after a moment, “what’s your story, Romano?”
He raised a brow. “You want the real version or the charming lie?”
“The real one. Lies are boring.”
He took a sip of his drink. “Alright. My dad’s a powerful asshole. I’m expected to be a powerful asshole, too. I’m trying to avoid becoming exactly like him, but it’s not that easy.”
Her lips parted. “That’s more honest than I expected.”
“Don’t get used to it.”
Silence fell between them, not uncomfortable. She studied his profile. Sharp jaw, dangerous mouth. A face made for secrets.
“You’re not what I expected either,” he said finally.
“Let me guess. You expected someone older. Scarier.”
“I expected someone who wouldn’t make me forget my own name when she walks into a room.”
Alina’s breath hitched. “You really shouldn’t say things like that.”
“Why not?”
“Because I might believe you.”
He smiled slowly, eyes flicking to her lips. “Would that be so bad?”
She didn’t answer. Couldn’t. Her heart was pounding too hard, and her mind was screaming all the reasons why this was wrong. Dangerous. Forbidden.
But when his hand brushed hers on the bar, she didn’t pull away.
⸻
The rain started sometime after midnight.
They walked outside under the overhang, close but not touching. The air smelled like wet pavement and heat.
“I’ll walk you to your car,” Dominic said, like he hadn’t already decided that the moment they stood up.
Alina nodded, arms wrapped around herself. “It’s just around the corner.”
They walked in silence for a few steps before she asked, “Do you like being dangerous?”
He glanced at her. “Do I seem dangerous?”
“Like a lit match in a room full of gasoline.”
He laughed. “That’s a new one.”
“Doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”
They reached her car. The rain had softened into a drizzle, tapping lightly on the roof.
She turned to face him. “You shouldn’t be talking to me like this.”
“Then why are you letting me?”
Alina hesitated, then opened her door. “Good night, Mr. Romano.”
Dominic smirked, stepping back just slightly. “Sweet dreams, Professor.”
She closed the door before she could say something reckless. Before she could lean in and let him kiss her.
Because she wanted to. And that was the most dangerous thing of all.
- Writer
