I can't .

~30~

POV y/n:

Carlos invited me to join him, Charles, and his new girlfriend for dinner tonight. As I stand in front of my open wardrobe, flipping through hangers, I mentally scold myself for always defaulting to black. Not tonight. I want color. Something bold.

My fingers brush across a red dress I haven't worn in ages—sleek, form-fitting, with a soft shimmer that catches the light just right. Yes. This one. I slide it off the hanger, pull it on, and pair it with my black heels. Simple, elegant, just the right amount of daring.

After finishing my makeup, I swipe on a bold red lipstick to match the dress. I'm checking my reflection one last time when there's a knock on the door. I open it and feel my breath catch.

Carlos stands there looking like a walking dream—sharp black trousers, crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up just enough to show off those forearms, and that smile... God, that smile. For a second, I just stare.

"Mi amor, you're staring," he says with a playful smirk.

I blink, caught. "You look... so handsome," I say softly, letting my eyes travel over him. He's all hard lines and strength, but there's something princely about him tonight too, almost regal. I catch myself gasping under my breath.

He grins. "Mija, come on, we're going to be late."

I laugh, grabbing his hand, and let him lead me out. His fingers are warm against mine, grounding and electric at the same time.

When we arrive at the restaurant, Charles is already outside, waiting. He pulls both of us into a friendly hug. "Hello, mate," he greets Carlos, then turns to me with a smile. "You look stunning as always."

"Thank you," I reply warmly.

He gestures for us to follow him inside. At the table sits a girl who immediately stands up as we approach. She's tall, with soft features and curious eyes—clearly a little nervous but trying to hide it behind a polite smile.

"This is Alexandra," Charles says, placing a gentle hand on the small of her back. "My new girlfriend."

She offers her hand and I take it with a smile. "It's really nice to meet you," I say genuinely. She seems sweet, a little reserved, but kind.

She smiles back, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Oh god," I laugh. "Only the bad things, I hope?"

She giggles softly, and I notice her shoulders relax a little.

Carlos pulls out my chair like the gentleman he always is, and I brush his arm as I sit, letting my fingers trail down his. The night is just beginning, but with him beside me, I already know it's going to be perfect.

POV Carlos:

Charles' new girlfriend surprises me—in a good way. She's sweet, down-to-earth, and clearly hitting it off with y/n. I glance over at them, chatting easily across the table, laughing about something I can't hear. It's good to see y/n relaxed like that, her eyes lit up, completely at ease.

Turning to Charles, I lower my voice a little. "So... how long have you two been together?"

He pauses, thinking. "Pfff... I think two, maybe three months now."

I raise a brow. "You managed to keep that under wraps pretty well."

He smirks. "At least better than you have."

I shake my head with a laugh. "Come on, don't start."

He grins. "Hey, I'm just saying. You two aren't exactly subtle anymore."