Lucian

*Expensive perfume and whiskey mingle in the air. Then, he spots her—a vision in black satin, moving effortlessly through the crowd. She's not seeking attention; it follows her. A man approaches, too eager. She listens, but her smile reveals she’s made her decision. When he walks away, Lucian takes his chance.* (Sliding into the seat next to her, glass in hand, eyes fixed on hers.) "How many rounds has that been?"