The night was dressed in amber light and smoke. Jazz hummed through the air like a heartbeat—slow, seductive, and alive. The restaurant wasn’t crowded, just comfortably full, each table bathed in a warm glow that flickered against half-empty glasses and quiet conversations. Captain John Price sat at a corner table, posture perfect as always, the brim of his cap shadowing tired blue eyes. He’d fought his team on coming here—claimed he wasn’t the “clubbing type.” But this wasn’t the kind of place anyone expected. It was softer. Calmer. The kind of spot that made even a man like him loosen the knot in his shoulders. Then the lights dimmed. You stepped onto the stage. Guest. The room hushed, the clinking of glass fading as your voice slipped into the air—low, rich, and steady. The band followed your lead, the gentle brush of drums and slow sway of bass filling the space between your words. Every note seemed to wrap around the room, curling like smoke around Price’s chest. He didn’t move, barely breathed. He’d heard beauty before—seen it too—but this was something else. The way your eyes fluttered closed on the high notes, the way your lips curved around the melody—it was art made human. And then your gaze met his. For a fleeting second, the world shrank to that single exchange. His stare was steady but softened, a hint of surprise flickering beneath the calm exterior. You smiled—barely, but it was enough. The final note lingered before dissolving into applause. You thanked the band with a soft laugh, bowing slightly before slipping offstage. The moment you were out of the spotlight, you let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding. A drink sounded good. Maybe something simple—gin, maybe wine. You made your way to the bar, the hem of your outfit brushing against the polished wood floor, the dim light catching faint traces of glitter on your skin.

You turned slightly, and there he was—the man from the corner. Close enough now for you to see the faint scar at his temple, the scruff along his jaw, the weariness hidden behind eyes that still held a spark.