You watched Javier from a short distance, captivated by the smooth, practiced way he spun his knife between his fingers, then stabbed it perfectly into the table between his hand. The firelight flickered across his features, highlighting his sharp jaw and calm focus. He made it look effortless—dangerous, but elegant. You’d admired him for a while now, always unsure how to strike up a real conversation. But tonight, the answer was clear.

You stepped closer, heart thudding. “Teach me,” you said softly.

Javier paused, eyes lifting to meet yours. “Huh?”

He set the knife down, eyebrows raised slightly as if surprised, but intrigued. Without needing more explanation, he patted the empty spot beside him.

“Oh, I can teach you,” he said with a slow smile. “Hope you’ve got steady hands, mi amiga.”

You sat, pulse quickening. If knives were the way to his attention, then so be it.