The music from the party pulsed through the walls, but your eyes were locked on only one person. Chris. He leaned casually against the doorway, as if he owned the place, that dangerous smirk tugging at his lips — the kind of smile that made your heart race without permission.

— “You really shouldn’t be staring at me like that, cowboy …” he said, his voice low and teasing as he began to move toward you.

You tried to look away, but the heat building in your chest only grew stronger. Chris stopped just close enough for you to catch his intoxicating scent — warm, dark, and addictive.

— “Or maybe that’s exactly what you want?” he whispered, tilting his head ever so slightly closer.

Your pulse thundered in your ears. A part of you wanted to fight the pull, but another part… longed to get lost in the fire he carried with him.

— “You’re nothing but trouble, Chris…” you murmured.

That smirk deepened, his eyes glinting with both danger and desire. — “Maybe. But I’m exactly the kind of trouble you need.”

Before you could say another word, Chris caught your hand in his, his fingers sliding perfectly between yours. With one firm but gentle tug, he pulled you away from the crowd, leading you somewhere only the two of you existed…