4

Her heartbeat accelerated, and she felt heat rising in her stomach. She was ready to take this step. She didn't know if it was the right thing to do, but in that moment, nothing else mattered.

"Yes, that's what I want," she replied, her voice more confident than she expected.

The man observed him for a moment longer, as if savoring his audacity. Then, without a word, he finished his drink in one gulp before getting up from his seat. " Alright. Show me the way," he said calmly, his voice full of innuendo.

Their suddenly increased proximity created an electric tension in the air. Sarah felt her heart racing as she stood up too, her legs trembling slightly. It was a mixture of excitement and apprehension that coursed through his body. She grabbed her bag, taking one last look at the bar, before heading towards the exit, feeling the presence of the man behind her.

They crossed the street, walking in silence, the cool night air enveloping them. Sarah felt the weight of her thoughts growing heavier with each step they took. She wondered if it was a mistake, if she would regret this impulse, but each time she met his gaze, the hesitation evaporated a little more. He had this strange effect on her, like a magnet that pulled her inexorably towards him.

Arriving in front of the hotel where she had reserved a room to celebrate her graduation, she stopped for a moment, glancing in the direction of the man. He was still so calm, serene, as if it was all just a game for him. And maybe it was after all. But Sarah no longer wanted to go back. She had made her choice.

She opened the door and they entered the hotel lobby. The receptionist looked at them distractedly, without asking any questions. Sarah felt nervous, almost embarrassed, but she masked her confusion as best she could. The man next to him seemed impassive, as if he was used to this kind of situation. This reinforced both his confidence and his doubt. After all, who was he really?

They took the elevator in silence. The cabin was small, and the small space between them amplified the tension. Sarah smelled its woody, intoxicating scent, and each second spent in this enclosed space seemed to stretch into infinity. She avoided meeting his gaze, her mind swirling with apprehension, but also with excitement. The wait, the uncertainty of what would come next, almost made her nervous.

The ding of the elevator brought them back to reality. Sarah walked down the hall, her room key in her hand, her fingers trembling slightly. She stopped in front of the door, hesitating one last time. The man behind her waited patiently, without saying a word. It was obvious that he wasn't the type to rush things. He let her lead the dance, and in a way, that reassured her. It made him feel like he had some control.

She inserted the key into the lock, and the door opened with a soft click. With her heart beating, she pushed the door open and entered the room, followed closely by the man. The room was simple, but comfortable, bathed in dim light. Sarah placed her bag on a chair, trying to catch her breath. She could feel his presence behind her, silent, but imposing.

She turned slowly, her gaze meeting his again. He had approached, further reducing the distance between them, but without haste. He scrutinized her with the same intensity as at the bar, as if he already knew how the evening was going to end.

"Are you sure you want this? he asked softly, his voice strangely gentle, almost caring.

The question took her by surprise. For a moment, she wondered if he wasn't trying to dissuade her, to give her a way out. But that wasn't the case. He was testing her, once again, trying to see how far she would go. Sarah took a deep breath, trying to calm the tumult of her emotions. It was his decision. She wanted it. Not because of the alcohol, or the pressure of the moment, but because she felt this strange connection, this attraction that was impossible to ignore.

"Yes," she whispered simply, her gaze staring into his.

A discreet smile appeared on the man's lips. He moved a little closer, delicately touching her arm, causing a shiver to run down her spine. "So, it's you who leads the dance," he said under his breath, before closing the few centimeters that separated them.

It was a kiss, gentle at first, but quickly intensified. Sarah felt her whole body react,

As if she had been waiting for this moment for hours. The echo of his doubts and fears faded away, leaving only one certainty: this night would be different.

The music was in full swing, enveloping the room with a catchy rhythm that resonated deep within Sarah. She stood in front of Adam, lost in the shine of his dark eyes, a glimmer of confidence emanating from him. This moment was almost surreal. The room was illuminated by dim lights, and everything seemed to sparkle around them. She felt like nothing else existed, that this palpable connection was all that mattered.

Adrenaline pulsed through her veins as she realized she was about to do something completely unexpected. She had never been one to jump headlong into the unknown, but with him it was different. He was charismatic, bold and, by all accounts, very confident. A thrill of excitement ran through her as she felt drawn to his magnetism, as if she were a bee drawn to honey.

"You know, I've never done that," she whispered, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Adam smiled, a smile that had the ability to light up the room. "And that's what makes this moment so special, right? »

She swallowed, her heart beating faster with each beat. Her instincts were telling her that maybe this was a bad idea, but another part of her felt incredibly alive. That moment, that tension between them, pushed her to explore unknown territories. She wanted to dive in, to let herself be carried away by what was happening.

"I mean... I'm okay with... well, you know, taking the next step," she continued, hesitant but resolute. "But before that, I have one condition. »

Adam's gaze became more intense, intrigued by her request. "I'm listening to you. »

She took a deep breath, her thoughts racing. It was now or never. "I want you to call me back tomorrow." To get my news. So that I know that... that it matters to you, at least a little. »

Adam's smile faded slightly, and a shadow of confusion crossed his eyes. He knew, deep down, that he had no intention of calling her. It wasn't in his nature to keep in touch with the girls he spent the night with. But he didn't want to disappoint her, and a small part of him was intrigued by her request. After all, it added a touch of mystery to the situation.

"Okay, I promise I'll call you tomorrow," he replied, his voice soft but with a hint of hesitation.

She scrutinized him, looking for signs of sincerity in his eyes. "Are you sure? Because I don't want it to be just lip service. I want it to mean something. »

"I promise, Sarah. I'll call you back," he affirmed , his voice taking on a more serious tone.

A smile spread across Sarah's face, her nervousness dissipating slightly. She had always believed that promises, even seemingly superficial ones, had value. And there, in front of him, she wanted to believe that he was different, that he could become something more for her.

" GOOD. I...I'll be there, then. I will wait for your call. » Her words were laced with hope, but a slight apprehension lingered within her.

Their eyes met, and in an impulsive impulse, she moved closer to him, their lips almost brushing. She could feel the heat radiating from her body, and her heart was pounding. In that moment, all her fears seemed to disappear, as if she was ready to plunge into the unknown, to seize this opportunity without thinking about the consequences.

Adam's hands slid up her arms, and she shivered at the contact with his skin. His lips met hers gently, then with increasing intensity. It was a kiss that made her capsize, a mixture of ardor and desire that left her speechless. She felt like every second that passed brought them closer together, as if the entire universe was conspiring to unite them.

The words she had spoken earlier still hung in the air, and she tried not to think about what would come next. All that mattered was this moment, this passionate exchange between two souls who seemed to understand each other, even in their differences. Adam may have been arrogant and full of himself, but he was also incredibly attractive, and she let herself be swept away by that attraction.

The atmosphere in the bar changed around them. The laughter and discussions of the other customers became distant, almost imperceptible echoes. The outside world faded, and all that remained was the two of them, locked in their bubble, their chemistry palpable. They moved away from the crowded tables, and he led her to a more secluded corner, away from prying eyes.

"Are you sure what you're doing? he asked her, his voice barely a whisper.

"Yes, I'm sure. » Her gaze was determined, but a part of her trembled with anticipation. She wanted so much to believe that he was sincere.

As they walked away, Adam pulled her close, his arms encircling her waist. She could feel his warm breath on her skin, and a shiver of excitement ran down her spine. She began to smile, totally seduced by this connection that was forged between them, this mixture of arrogance and charm that captivated her.

"You know, I never do that," she admitted, almost to herself, as they sat at a table further away.

"I know," he replied with a smile that made her shudder. "But I'm glad you do." »

He was watching her with disconcerting intensity, and she felt her heart racing again. She felt like she was the only person he cared about, even though she knew that could be deceptive. Adam was a man who had learned to get what he wanted, and that night, what he wanted was her.

The evening continued, and she let her mind wander, forgetting for a time the promise he had made. As they drank, she gave in to the magic of the moment. The laughter burst forth, the looks exchanged became deeper, and she began to tell herself that maybe, just maybe, she was right to believe in this connection.

Their hands brushed as they exchanged anecdotes, and Sarah found herself enjoying every word, every gesture. Adam spoke confidently, sharing stories of his travels and adventures. He had a way of telling stories that captivated her, and she was absorbed by his voice, by his charisma.

"And what are you passionate about? » he asked her, his eyes lighting up with genuine interest.

Sarah began to think. She had so many dreams, so many ambitions, but that evening, she was there to savor the moment, not to get lost in too serious thoughts. "I just finished my studies. I dream of traveling, of seeing the world. »

He tilted his head, listening attentively. "It's magnificent. Do you have any destinations in mind? »