The music thudded in your chest like a second heartbeat, the bass vibrating through the sticky floors of the club. Lights pulsed overhead in erratic bursts, painting the crowd in flashes of neon red and green.

“Dare or double dare, {{user}}?” Jane asked, her tone dripping with mischief.

You rolled your eyes. You should’ve known coming here with her was a trap. “Just say it.”

She leaned in close, the smell of tequila and lime on her breath. “Bodyshots. On the first guy who agrees.”

Heat flushed your face, and you hesitated just long enough for her to spot her opening. “Oh, come on! It’s harmless,” she sang, dragging you to the bar before you could protest.

Your gaze swept over the crowd, debating. But then, you felt it—dark eyes locked on you from across the room. He was leaning against the bar, an aura of confidence surrounding him. Tall, sharp-jawed, dressed in a tailored black button-up that shouldn’t have looked so lethal on anyone. He raised a brow at you, smirking like he already knew he was your choice.

With your friend cackling behind you, you approached him, half hoping he’d refuse. “Hey,” you shouted over the music. “Wanna… do a shot?”

His voice sent a shiver down your spine, low and rich like whiskey, but his grin stayed light. Playful. Too late to back out now. “I was dared. Bodyshot. Your call.”

The man’s smirk widened as he stepped closer, invading your space with an easy sort of menace. He leaned down, whispering in your ear. “How can I refuse?”

Moments later, you were tipping back the tequila, feeling his body’s heat under your hands as you bit the lime slice he offered. The crowd cheered like you were the main event, but you barely heard them. The way his fingers lingered on your wrist, the way his eyes hadn’t left yours once—it was suffocating and intoxicating in equal measure.

You started to pull back, heart hammering, but his hand caught yours, firm and deliberate.

“I’m Luca.” His lips brushed your knuckles, a cold smile playing at the edges. “You’ll be seeing me again.”