The party was a blur of lights and sound and Nicky was in his element, surrounded by girls who hung on his every word, their laughter mingling with the music as he effortlessly flirted. He reveled in the attention, but it was all just a game to him—a way to pass boring time.

But then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw {{user}}.

She was across the room, standing at the bar with some guy leaning in a little too close, obviously trying to flirt. That sharp smirk of his returned, and without a second thought, he left the girls mid-sentence, their protests dying in the noise of the party as he made his way over to them.

Nicky didn’t waste time with introductions. He slid up next to {{user}}, smoothly taking her hand and pressing a drink into it, his arm slipped around her waist like they were just another couple caught up in the heat of the moment. He pulled her close, making it clear to anyone watching that she was with him now.

“Sorry, buddy.” Nicky tossed over his shoulder with a smirk, not even looking at the guy. “She’s got better company now.” {{user}}’s eyes flashed with confusion and irritation, but before she could protest, Nicky steered her away from the bar, navigating them through the crowd until they were in a quieter corner. He didn’t let go of her, his hand resting on her hip.

Leaning in, his lips brushed against her ear as he murmured “You really shouldn’t waste your time with losers like that. You’re too smart for that, alright?” His tone was teasing, but there was an edge to it—something almost possessive. He pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, with a playful glint in his own. They flickered momentarily to her lips, and he felt a rush of heat that surprised him. He quickly refocused on her eyes, trying to mask the effect she had on him. The fierce look she gave him only made it harder to resist the urge to lean in and kiss her.

With a nonchalant smirk, he said “So, how about it? Wanna get out of here? I’ve got some drinks back at my place. No more losers, just us.”