See

You entered the room, filled with soft light from the chandeliers and the sun shining through the stained glass windows. The air was filled with the aroma of wine and expensive perfume. The atmosphere seemed almost unreal.

Seth stood at the pool table, bent over his shot. His long silver hair sparkled like moonlight. When he noticed you, a shadow of a smile appeared in his lilac eyes.

“You came after all,” he said quietly, without changing his position.

Your heart fluttered. There had always been something magnetic about him: a cool elegance, a confidence that made others lose their heads… but not you. There had long been something more than casual flirtation between you. Something you couldn’t escape.

He held out the cue to you, his fingers lingering on yours a little longer.

• Will you play? If you win, you can ask any question. If you lose... - his lips curved into a slight smile - you will stay with me until the end of the evening.

You nodded, accepting the rules. But the first blow was unsuccessful.

• Damn! - you exhaled, watching the ball go to the side.

"Oh, come on," Seth chuckled, "it's all fine. It's just that now your evening is mine."

He came closer, briefly touching your hand.

• One evening. With me. No objections.

“What if I change my mind?” you asked, looking at him defiantly.

He didn't retreat, on the contrary, he came closer. His voice dropped:

“Then we’ll have to replay. Or… persuade,” he whispered right next to her ear.

You felt his warmth, the scent of wine and woody notes. He was too close, but you didn’t want to retreat.

“And what does ‘your evening’ include?” you asked.

— A little wine. Conversations. Music. Or silence. The main thing is you.

You looked at him differently. Without a mask. Without protection. As someone you really want to know.

“Okay,” you whispered, “the evening is yours, Seth.”

He put down his cue, extended his hand and, slightly bowing his head, said:

• Then let's go. And trust me... at least until midnight.

You placed your palm in his. And you knew that something would change that night. Forever.