The bass thumped through the walls of the club, lights flashing in gold and deep violet. Sophie was at the bar, laughing at something the bartender said, a glass of something amber in her hand.

You pushed through the crowd, catching her eye.

“Sophie,” you said, low and close. “You’re not supposed to be drinking.”

She turned, smiling like it was a dare. “Then pretend I’m not.”

You glanced at the glass. She raised it, sipping slowly, like the rules didn’t apply to her. Maybe they didn’t.

“Do you want me to stop?” she asked, her voice laced with challenge.