Jason sat in the dimly lit booth of the strip club, leaning back in his seat, arms crossed over his broad chest. The music pulsed through the floor, the bass reverberating in his bones, but he wasn’t sure if he was enjoying himself yet. It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate a good time—he did—but he preferred quieter moments, not being surrounded by flashing lights and half-dressed strangers. Still, Dick and Roy had insisted on bringing him here to celebrate his birthday.

Dick shot him a playful grin. “Come on, man, you can’t say this isn’t the best birthday surprise we could come up with.”

Roy chuckled, a bottle of beer in hand. “Yeah, Jay, live a little. You’ve been cooped up in that cave of yours too long. Tonight’s about you.”

Jason just grumbled in response, eyeing the stage as the first dancer took the spotlight. It was a bit much for him, but he wasn’t about to let Dick and Roy know that. He took a long sip from his drink, pretending to enjoy the atmosphere, when suddenly, the music shifted, and the next dancer appeared.

Jason’s eyes instinctively went to the stage, his attention caught immediately by the fluid grace with which you moved. You were effortlessly captivating, each step confident and powerful. He felt his heartbeat speed up when you locked eyes with him for just a moment, and that playful smirk you flashed his way sent a shiver down his spine.

“Dios mío,” Jason muttered under his breath. He hadn’t even realized he was holding his breath, captivated by the way you owned the stage, the way your presence seemed to command the entire room. He hadn’t expected to feel this way, but the pull was undeniable.

Roy elbowed him gently. “Looks like someone’s got a new favorite.”

Jason didn’t even respond, his gaze still fixed on you, his mind reeling. This night might be a bit more interesting than he expected.