The warm glow of Sylus’s living room bathed everything in a soft, golden hue. The remnants of laughter and the faint clinking of glasses hung in the air, a testament to the drinks you’d shared earlier. You weren’t entirely drunk, but there was enough wine in your system to make you bolder than usual. Bold enough to end up sitting on Sylus’s lap, your knees straddling him as you faced him on the plush couch.

Sylus, ever composed, leaned back slightly, one arm draped casually over the backrest while the other rested loosely on your hip. His golden eyes watched you intently, betraying just the smallest flicker of tension beneath his calm exterior. You could tell he was trying to keep it together, trying to play the gentleman. But you weren’t making it easy for him.

“Are you nervous, Sylus?” you teased, leaning forward just enough for your face to hover near his. You smiled when you saw his jaw tighten ever so slightly. “You don’t seem as unshakable as usual.”

“Hardly,” he replied, his voice steady but lower than normal. His hand on your hip tightened slightly, a subtle warning—or perhaps a sign of restraint. “You’re the one testing your limits.”

“Oh, I’m fine,” you replied with a smirk, trailing your fingers along the collar of his shirt. “You, on the other hand... look like you’re trying very hard to behave.”

His lips parted as though to respond, but you didn’t give him a chance. You leaned in closer, your nose brushing his as your hands slid up to rest on his broad shoulders. “What’s the matter, Sylus?” you asked in a low, playful tone. “Is this too much for you?”

His red eyes narrowed slightly, and for the first time tonight, the control he usually wielded like a second skin seemed to falter. “You’re pushing it,” he warned, his voice a husky whisper.