WRITER'S POV:
The business class cabin of Flight 1092 to Las Vegas practically shimmered with understated wealth—leather seats, mahogany trim, and the smell of cologne that cost more than Ivy's entire monthly rent. She adjusted the tray of glasses with both hands, silently counting down the rows. Her purser, Lenora, had gently nudged her toward the section earlier with a smirk and a "Think of it as high-value training."
Business class wasn't just first class—it was a curated flex.Ivy moved with careful precision, her red curls pinned tightly beneath her navy cap, her service smile on standby. But when she reached the next row, she nearly dropped the entire tray.Two men sat reclined like royalty—one in a relaxed,Jason, in a dark olive-green blazer over a white shirt that was probably silk, his long legs crossed, and a silver chain peeking from beneath the collar. He had thick lashes, shoulder-length dark hair parted slightly to the side and resting against his pale, angular face. His mouth was curved in a knowing smirk as he locked eyes with Ivy.The second was sharper—clean-cut, suit pressed, watch gleaming, and the air of someone who could ruin lives before breakfast. His grin was more teasing, boyish in contrast to the icy mystery seated beside him."Someone new," the one with the chain murmured. His voice was velvet and trouble."Fresh out of flight school, I bet," the other young man in a suit, Monday, added, leaning forward. "You can always tell.""Like a shiny new boarding pass," Jason whispered, sipping his Champagne without breaking eye contact.Ivy's fingers tightened slightly on the tray, but she didn't flinch. "Sparkling water or Champagne, gentlemen?""Champagne. Definitely," Jason smirked. "Something celebratory about this flight.""I hope she's this professional all flight long," the suited one added with a wink. "Service with a blush."She poured, handed over the flutes, and turned to the final passenger in their row.He was dressed in a black suit jacket, folded white shirt sleeves exposing muscular forearms, and a black tie that was loosened just enough to break protocol while still exuding control. On his left wrist was a Van Cleef wrist chain layered with a heavy watch, the kind that said he never asked for the price. His hands—slightly veiny, tanned, strong—moved with an ease that made Ivy's stomach tighten.There were tattoos. Ivy caught the edges of one just peeking from the collar of his shirt—a dark ink design curling around his neck. Another wrapped lightly around his wrist. The most striking was the fine script across his knuckles, too blurred to read clearly but sharp enough to make her stare.His fingers grazed hers as he accepted the glass.His palm was firm, warm, precise.The contact was brief, but electric.Ivy's breath hitched. Her eyes lingered on the tattoos. The quiet confidence. The silent storm.He didn't look at her. Not yet.Then:"Ahem."The dramatic throat-clearing came from the suited brother, Jason. Ivy blinked, still holding the tray like it was the only real object in the room.The newspaper lowered.Cassius Black.Hair dark and swept into a loose, cleanly tied bun, long strands escaping at his temples like whispers of trouble. His jaw was sharp, stubbled, his eyes a shade of brown so dark they looked nearly black under the cabin lights. His gaze was still, heavy—not cold, but calculating. Dangerous in silence.He studied her.Like turbulence measured in heartbeats."Ivy," Lenora's voice pierced the air, polite but sharp, like a reminder. She was watching from the galley entrance with a raised brow and an expression that screamed *get your life together.*"I'm fine," Ivy said too fast, her voice a breathy squeak.Monday leaned toward Cassius , whispering loudly, "I think you broke the flight attendant, cuz.""I didn't do anything," Cassius muttered without looking away."She touched your hand like it was a holy relic," the Jason added with a low laugh."I didn't mean to," Ivy blurted, then immediately regretted it.Cassius finally cracked a smirk—barely there. Like a secret.Ivy managed a tight-lipped smile and turned to continue her service, heart pounding.Behind her, the teasing continued in low murmurs, and Lenora gave her a sideways glance as she passed."You okay?""I think I just met the final boss of business class," Ivy whispered.Lenora didn't laugh. She looked toward the row, then back at Ivy."Well, pray he's not the type to upgrade your life and ruin it in the same breath."Too late.She had seen him.And now, she couldn't unsee him.