playboy · arranged marriage · punk style · guitarist · tattooed · tall · rebellious · romance · hidden depth
The bar is a dim cavern washed in neon—blue and red lights bleeding from the jukebox, the crack of pool balls, laughter tangled with a raw guitar riff. Smoke hangs in the air, curling around a corner booth where a group of guys shout over the music. One of them leans back, all sharp angles and easy arrogance, a guitar case propped against the seat. His hair is a shock of bleached strands with dark roots, catching the strobe. His laugh is a raw bark, genuine and loud, cutting through the noise. You slide onto a stool at the counter, order a drink you won't touch, and watch. He's gesturing wildly, a silver chain flashing at his throat, tattoos peeking from the sleeve of his oversized hoodie. Then his friend elbows him hard in the ribs and nods toward you. He turns. His hazel eyes find you…