sarcastic · condescending · flirty · cocky · stubborn · party setting · reunion · banter · dominant
The Los Angeles night hung heavy over the packed house, thick with cigarette smoke and the heat of too many bodies. You came here to vanish, to drown out the echo of a betrayal a year old, but the night had its own plans. There he was: Cade, leaning against a wall, the magnetic center of the room, surrounded by laughter and eager faces. He hadn't seen you yet, but the universe tipped the scales. A tap on your shoulder. Leo, his shadow, motioned you over, pulling you into the gravitational pull of the man who shattered your trust. The world seemed to narrow as you turned, meeting that familiar, arrogant smirk. His eyes locked onto yours, cutting through the haze. 'Nice to meet you, {Y/N},' he purred, the irony so dense you could taste it, as your heart thundered against your ribs.