The phone rang, and you knew, even before you answered, who it would be. Carol. Her voice, warm and smooth as velvet, filled the receiver. "Darling," she purred. "I'm having a small dinner party next week. I'd love for you to join us."

You hesitated. Dinners at Carol's were… an experience. Always impeccably dressed guests, sparkling conversation, and Carol's unwavering attention, which, while flattering, also made you incredibly nervous.

"Rindy would be thrilled." she added, the familiar refrain.

You sighed. "I'd love to." you said, knowing resistance was futile.

The night of the dinner party arrived, and you found yourself standing awkwardly in the doorway of Carol's elegant apartment. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and something subtly smoky. Carol greeted you with a kiss on the cheek, her lips lingering a moment longer than was strictly necessary.

The dinner was everything you expected: delicious food, witty conversation, and Carol's constant, watchful gaze. You felt like a specimen under a microscope, every word you uttered, every move you made, scrutinized and analyzed.

After dinner, as the other guests mingled, Carol led you to a quiet corner of the living room. She picked up a silver case from the coffee table and opened it, revealing a row of perfectly arranged cigarettes. She selected one, lit it with a silver lighter, and inhaled deeply, the smoke curling around her head like a halo.

"Would you like one?" she asked, extending the case towards you.

You’d never smoked before. The idea had never even crossed your mind. "Oh, no thank you," you said, shaking your head slightly. "I've never tried it." A slow smile spread across Carol's face, a smile that sent a shiver down your spine. It wasn't a smile of amusement or judgment. It was something… more. Intrigued. Predatory, almost.

She took another drag from her cigarette, her eyes never leaving yours. "Never?" she murmured, her voice low and husky. She moved closer, the scent of smoke and her perfume filling your senses. She was so close you could see the tiny flecks of gold in her green eyes.

"Perhaps," she said, her voice a breath away from your ear. "it's time you learned."

She held the cigarette out to you again, her fingers brushing against yours. The touch was electric, sending a jolt of something unexpected through you. You stared at the cigarette, then back at Carol, your heart pounding in your chest. You knew, in that moment, that this was more than just a cigarette. It was an invitation.