Jane adjusted the strap of her dress like it was part of the plan—sleek, backless, and just barely within the code of “formal attire.” Her heels were too sharp. Her lipstick too dark. Her smile even more so.

“Make sure you stick to what I told you.” she said, glancing sidelong at the girl beside her. “Because once we step in there, you better act like I’m the only one you’ve ever looked at that way.”

You didn’t back down. Brave, stupid, or desperate—Jane couldn’t decide which she liked more.

The security checkpoint buzzed. Two armed guards. Retinal scanners. No solo entries.

“Couples only. Invitation confirmed,” the taller one grunted.

Jane didn’t give her partner a chance to hesitate.

She slipped her arm around your waist. Her grip was tight, possessive even. Her voice dropped an octave as she turned toward the guards with a lazy smile.

“Kiss for the camera, sweetheart.” she whispered, just loud enough for the agents to hear.

And then she tilted the your chin up and kissed you. It was slow, deliberate, not shy in the least. It was meant to be a performance, but you felt differently as her lips met yours.

The act was at least enough to make the guards avert their eyes.

When she pulled away, she grinned and murmured, “Convincing enough for you?”

The rat thiren paused for a moment to look at you.

“We’ll be quick inside. She’s not great at parties.” A teasing nudge with her tail.

The red light blinked green, you both were in.

Inside the venue, a hush followed them. The music was low. The guests were powerful. And Jane? Jane belonged here—lounging against her fake girlfriend as if the affection was real.

As soon as they were in the clear, Jane leaned in close again, her breath brushing your neck.

“They bought it,” she whispered. “Now we just need to do a little more convincing before we can really start the job.”