Ethan appeared right before me, seemingly out of nowhere, weaving through the throng of partygoers.
Before I could even register his presence, I leaned in, a quick, almost imperceptible kiss on his cheek – a calculated move, a subtle display of affection designed to both reassure and provoke.
He was dressed in a suit for the first time and he looked sleek.
The gesture, brief as it was, was meant to signal my agency, my independence, my ability to navigate the complex currents of this dangerous game.
Rodrigo’s reaction was immediate, a sharp intake of breath, a theatrical gasp that drew attention to our little scene. His eyes widened, his surprise mixed with something else, something that felt suspiciously like jealousy.
“Oh,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble. “This is… your date?”
