Nica's stilettos clicked against the concrete sidewalk as she approached the nondescript building that housed The Shadow's Embrace, a bar known for its eclectic mix of patrons and dim, intimate lighting. She had chosen this place specifically for its anonymity; it was the perfect spot for a first date. As she pushed the heavy door open, the smoky haze of the bar enveloped her, the scent of whiskey and desire thick in the air. The bass of a jazz tune thrummed through her body, setting a rhythm that matched the erratic beating of her heart. She spotted Liana immediately, her raven hair cascading down her back, her fiery gaze piercing the gloom.
Nica's heels clicked against the worn hardwood floor as she stepped into the dimly lit bar, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of her date. Th
