[ Background music: Charlie Puth - Attention ]
The night had teeth.
Golden lights dripped from crystal chandeliers as masked guests floated across the ballroom, laughter muffled under violins and champagne flutes. It was a scene pulled from fantasy—but underneath the glitter, something darker stirred.
Lila stood at the entrance in her red wine gown.
Her curves graced the fabric like poetry written in skin. Her mask, blood-red velvet laced with black, veiled just enough. She wasn't a woman anymore—she was a storm in heels.
Heads turned.
Whispers chased her footsteps.
But her eyes? They searched.
Astor spotted her first.
Leaning against the marble bar, dressed in midnight black, mask sharp as his jaw. He looked like he'd walked out of a dream Lila never dared admit having. Their eyes locked—and the heat hit first.
A slow smirk tugged his lips.
He didn't move. He waited.
Like a predator letting his prey come willingly.
She walked past other guests, heels clicking with purpose, wine-red lips unbothered by the stares.
"Dance with me," Astor said when she reached him.
"I haven't even said hello," she replied.
"Then don't. Just dance."
He offered his hand. She took it.
And the moment her palm touched his, the masquerade faded.
They moved like they were made to match. Her body melted into his. His hand slid low on her waist, fingers splayed like he owned her.
"You always wear red when you're about to destroy me," he murmured into her ear.
"Maybe I want to watch you burn."
He laughed softly. "Careful, sweetheart. I burn with you ."
The music swirled around them like a spell, every note drawing Lila deeper into the moment. As she and Astor danced, the entire ballroom seemed to fade into the background. It was just the two of them, spinning in perfect harmony, bodies intertwined with a dangerous, magnetic pull.
Their steps were flawless. Astor's hand on her waist was firm yet gentle, guiding her through the dance like he'd rehearsed every movement of her soul. Lila's heart raced, not from the speed of the waltz but from the raw intensity of the connection she felt. It was as if they were speaking in a language no one else understood, every touch a word, every glance a sentence.
And all around them, the crowd watched in awe.
Whispers and gasps echoed through the room as guests marveled at the perfection of their movements. They were the epitome of elegance and chemistry, a couple destined for something far greater than mere attraction. Their faces were partially obscured by their masks, but it didn't matter. The energy between them was palpable, like an electric current pulsing through the air.
Astor's dark eyes never left hers, burning with an intensity that made her feel both powerful and small. His grip on her waist tightened ever so slightly as the music reached its crescendo.
When the song finally came to a close, the room erupted in applause. But Lila didn't notice the guests. She didn't even hear the clapping. Her pulse was deafening in her ears as she slowly stepped back, her breath catching in her throat.
Astor's fingers lingered on her waist for a fraction longer than necessary before he released her, but his eyes never strayed.
"You were perfect," he whispered, his voice low and filled with an intimacy that only she could hear.
"Thank you," she replied, heart still racing, though it wasn't entirely from the dance.
As the applause continued around them, she looked around the ballroom, feeling a strange sense of discomfort despite the adoration from the crowd.
Nico stood across the room, staring at them both, his jaw clenched and eyes dark. Kai was farther off, nursing a drink, his mask still sitting in his hand. He wasn't clapping. He wasn't even smiling.
And then, as if he'd felt her gaze, Nico turned sharply, his eyes meeting hers. His expression was unreadable, but the hurt in his eyes was unmistakable.
Astor followed her gaze, noticing the shift in her demeanor.
"Do you mind if I...?" Lila began, but Astor interrupted her.
"Go. But remember, Lila," his voice lowered to a dangerous whisper, "you belong here with me."
Her breath caught. But before she could respond, he stepped away, vanishing into the crowd, leaving her with the weight of his words.
Lila slowly turned to make her way through the crowd, each step heavy as the echoes of the dance still lingered in the air. She wasn't sure if she was walking towards something—or running away.
As she passed through the sea of guests, a few faces smiled at her. "Beautiful performance," someone said. "You two are the highlight of the night."
Lila forced a smile and nodded, but the praise felt hollow. Her eyes sought out Kai and Nico. Nico was talking to someone across the room, his expression still tight with anger. Kai stood near the balcony, looking lost in thought.
Lila made her way toward Kai, the heavy fabric of her dress swishing with each step.
"You're not joining in the applause?" she teased lightly as she approached him.
He didn't smile. "I think I've had enough of this masquerade," he said softly, his eyes holding something more intense than she was used to seeing from him. "You looked... stunning. But it wasn't just the dance, Lila. It's everything. You and Astor. It's..."
She interrupted him gently, "Kai, I don't—"
"You don't have to say anything," he cut her off, his voice quiet. "I know."
"Then why—"
Before she could finish, a voice from behind her interrupted.
"Lila."
She turned.
It was Nico. His presence was commanding, even from a distance. His jaw was tight, but there was something else in his eyes—something fierce, almost desperate.
"I need to talk to you. Now," Nico said, his voice low but insistent.
Lila glanced at Kai, her heart catching. She felt the weight of both men's eyes on her.
"I'll be around," Kai said, nodding slightly before turning to leave.
Nico stepped forward, and Lila followed him without a word, her heart pounding faster than it should have been.
As they moved deeper into the ballroom, Lila felt the air between them shift. There was no one else in the room anymore, just the two of them. She couldn't help but feel the tension rising, thick and heavy.
Nico stopped and turned to face her.
"Do you feel anything for me, Lila?" he asked, his voice quieter now but filled with raw emotion.
Lila opened her mouth to speak,but Nico leaned closer, his breath ghosting over her lips. Their faces were so close that for a moment, everything else dissolved—until she tried to turn away. But Nico gently, yet firmly, held her in place, his hands warm against her cheeks.
Before she could react again, he kissed her—deep, desperate, and full of feelings he'd harbored since the beginning. Lila froze. Her mind raced. This wasn't supposed to happen.
Suddenly, a force pulled Nico away.
Astor.
He shoved Nico aside, eyes blazing. His fist drew back, but Lila stepped in front of him.
"No," she said firmly, breath shaky.
Astor froze, jaw clenched, eyes locked on Nico like a predator ready to strike. "Don't touch her again," he warned coldly.
Taking Lila's hand, Astor led her out of the ballroom, leaving behind the echoes of stunned whispers and shattered pride.
---
Back inside the ballroom...
Kai walked over to Nico, who stood silently, fists balled, eyes burning with something between guilt and longing.
"You need to move on," Kai said gently, though firmly. "She's your stepsister. She will be. And even if she weren't—she's already made her promise to me."
Nico looked away, face tense, then exhaled, letting the anger melt into something softer. "I know," he muttered. "It's just... not easy."
At that moment, a sharp knock came at the side door. A girl stepped in, confidently poised in a sleek black gown.
"I'm Lana Lark," she said with a wink. "Miss Helena sent me. She wants your number, Mr. Damaris."
Reluctantly, Nico handed over his phone number. Lana took it and smirked, saving it under Babe.
"What do you think you're doing?" he asked, brows raising. "Why'd you save it like that?"
Lana shrugged playfully. "I've seen you around. You're kinda likeable. Just kidding... or maybe not." She turned with a flirty wink and vanished into the crowd, leaving Nico even more confused.
---
Outside, in Astor's sleek black car...
Lila sat in silence, gazing out the window, the night passing like a dream she couldn't wake from. Astor drove, his expression unreadable, the silence between them louder than any words.
Then, suddenly, he pulled over to a quiet spot near the edge of the city.
Lila blinked. "Why did you stop?"
Astor leaned closer, voice low and rough. "Because I'm going to make you forget about Nico's kiss."
Her breath caught. "How exactly are you planning to do that?"
"Do you want to know?" he asked.
She hesitated. "...How?"
Without waiting for permission, he kissed her—deep and claiming. Her body responded instinctively, the fire between them impossible to ignore.
Then, with a swift motion, he pulled the zipper of her gown down and slid it off, throwing it from the window .
"Hey!" she gasped. "I'm naked! How dare you—how am I supposed to go home like this?!"
Astor leaned back into his seat, smug. "Talk more, Lila. I like your talking."
She narrowed her eyes. "Fine. I won't say another word."
The silence stretched until the car finally stopped.
"We're here," Astor said, stepping out.
She stayed put. "And how exactly am I supposed to walk out like this? I'm just wearing a panty!"
"You're smart. You'll figure it out."
Lila rolled her eyes and quickly climbed onto his lap, grabbing his coat and wrapping it around her bare chest. "Now I know," she smirked.
"Talented," he whispered, grinning.
He carried her inside the mansion, cradling her like a treasure. Once inside, he laid her gently on the velvet sofa. But before she could adjust the coat, he tugged it off, revealing her again.
"Hey! What are you doing?" she exclaimed.
"You look beautiful... especially like this," he murmured, his eyes devouring every inch of her.
He slipped off her last piece of clothing with aching slowness. She gasped, about to protest—but his lips silenced her, claiming her again with wild desire.
"Tonight," he whispered between kisses, "it's my turn."
He kissed her, his hands exploring her body with growing urgency. He cupped her breasts, squeezing hardly, then guided her hands over his chest and down his body. Their breathing deepened as passion took over.
He paused just long enough to put on protection before entering her, moving harder with each thrust. Lila moaned louder than ever, her voice echoing through the room.
"I like your voice," he whispered against her neck.
"Fuck me harder, baby. Fuck me," she gasped.
He smirked. "Can you take it?"
"Why not try?" She challenged him.
He thrust deeper, pushing her limits with every movement. His mouth explored her, and then he carried her to the bed, placing her gently before leaning in to kiss her again.
His fingers teased her, making her moan uncontrollably. He entered her once more, harder and deeper than before.
"Stop," she gasped at one point—but he didn't. His desire overwhelmed him.
After hours, her legs trembled, unable to move. He smirked, pulling her close and whispering softly as she drifted into exhausted sleep in his arms.