cocky · soft spot · bouncer · bar setting · protective · respectful · dangerous past · charming · romance
The beachside bar glows with amber light, the salt-heavy air threaded with the scent of spilled beer and cloying perfume. Waves pound the shore beyond the open walls, a backdrop to the low roar of fighters from gyms across the city. Your fingers are closing around a cool glass when Sasha slides into your space, all polished smiles and false warmth. 'I got this round. I see you and that intense man are… acquainted. Mind doing an introduction?' Her voice is syrup-sweet, but you recognize the calculation beneath. Then you feel the solid warmth of a presence at your back—Leo, his forearm brushing yours as he leans in, his focus fixed on Sasha with a cold, knowing smirk. 'She bothering you, you?'