Hazel stood up and took a slow look around the room. It was stunning. She walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window and gazed out. From this high up, the entire city stretched beneath her, glowing with the soft, golden lights of night.
She took a deep breath, holding her wine glass close, and let the beauty sink in. The city felt like a living painting... each flicker of light holding a secret, a story. For a while, she simply stood there, lost in it.
But after about forty minutes and an empty bottle of wine, the magic wore thin. She felt slightly tipsy but kept her composure. Boredom began to creep in. She checked her phone, then decided to leave the room and wander.
Stepping into the hallway, she was met with a wave of sound and movement. The grand event was in full swing... men and women mingling, laughing, and drinking. She rolled her eyes slightly and slipped into the crowd, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor.
Alone, Hazel naturally caught the eyes of a few men. Their glances lingered, curious and intrigued. But she moved through the crowd like a breeze, unfazed. Laughter and music echoed around her, blending into a surreal blur.
Though many women stood nearby, Hazel stood out effortlessly. Her confidence and presence drew attention. She leaned against a stone column in a quiet corner, watching the night through a nearby window, her features soft with thought.
Then, a voice broke the silence.
"Ms."
Her eyes shifted, slow and sultry, landing on Rafael. A faint smile touched her lips.
"Hello," she replied, her voice smooth.
Rafael smiled back and glanced around.
"Are you alone?"
"I came here with Mr. Francisco. I'm sure you've heard of him—he's a business tycoon," Hazel said, her smile lingering as her fingers gently touched the locket around her neck.
Rafael gave a probing smile. "So... are you his girlfriend?"
Hazel's eyes widened slightly. She let out a soft laugh. "Oh no, Mr. I'm just his PA. What about you?"
"Rafael... My name..."
He smiled at her.
"I'm a police officer."
Hazel raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.
"But don't worry," Rafael added, sipping his wine, "I'm here as a guest."
Hazel leaned in, clearly intrigued. "Isn't this a business party?" she asked, playfully.
Rafael's smile grew as he glanced around the room. "It is. But you might think I'm here on duty."
Hazel stepped a little closer, her interest piqued. Her fingers traced lightly along the edge of his collar, her touch teasing.
"Ah, working alone?" she asked, her voice laced with playful mischief.
Rafael met her gaze with a slow smirk. "Work is important, Ms."
"Hazel... I am Hazel."
Hazel murmured with a curving smile on her lips, "But, Mr. Rafael, entertainment is also important."
Hazel took Rafael's hand and led him onto the dance floor, as she had just mentioned.
Soft music filled the air, and couples swayed in sync, lost in the moment. Hazel placed her hands around Rafael's neck; he smiled and rested his hands gently on her hips.
"Ms., are you sure you want to dance with me right now?" Rafael asked, his voice playful with a hint of doubt.
Hazel chuckled. "I'm sure. I've never danced with an officer before."
Rafael, more confident now, pulled her a little closer, his hand firm on her waist. Hazel smiled, clearly enjoying his lead as they moved together, their bodies matching the rhythm of the music.
Leaning in, Rafael whispered, "I don't exactly get along with your boss. Think he'd be okay with this?"
Hazel twirled, then pushed back with a teasing smile. "But he's not here," she said, her tone low and suggestive.
Rafael grinned and spun her smoothly, letting his fingers briefly brush her waist intentionally.
Hazel leaned in, her lips close to his ear, her breath warm against his skin.
"So, I ought to take this opportunity, right, Hazel?" Rafael replied with a knowing smile; he caressed her smooth cheek with his pointed nose.
As the romantic melody filled the air, Hazel closed her eyes, letting the rhythm guide her. Her hips moved in a slow, graceful sway, expressing the joy she felt in the music.
Rafael, drawn in by her rhythm, placed his hands gently on her waist and began moving with her. Their bodies found perfect sync.
Hazel leaned into him, feeling the warmth of their connection. Rafael pulled her closer, their bodies touching, the space between them fading with each beat.
She turned to face him, placing a soft hand on his chest.
They stepped apart briefly, only to lean into each other again, moving as one.
Rafael's grip on her waist was steady, guiding her with ease. Hazel followed his lead, her movements fluid and sure, matching his with every step.
Then, with a quiet shift, Rafael turned her so her back rested against him. His hand remained firm at her midriff. Hazel tilted her head, catching his eyes. His breath brushed her neck, and a subtle stroke of his fingers on her arm sent a chill through her.
Her heart pounded. Rafael moved with a controlled grace, leading the dance with confidence. Hazel was caught in his rhythm, mesmerized by his skill.
He turned the energy up a notch. Drawing her gaze upward, he held her tight. Their eyes locked, and Hazel instinctively ran her fingers through his hair.
Her hand grazed the lines of his body under the fabric... strong, grounded, magnetic.
Then he pressed her close, their chests meeting. Hazel arched her back as Rafael lifted her slightly, one arm wrapped around her waist, the other securing her leg.