Raine and her Storm

Noah

After a long day at work, the decision that had been simmering in the back of my mind all day finally bubbles to the surface. I pull out my phone, my fingers hesitating for just a moment before I type out a message to Salv.

"Hey, are you still up for hanging out tonight?"

I hit send, my heart thudding a little faster as I wait for his reply. It doesn't take long—within minutes, my phone buzzes, and I see his response.

"Definitely! I'll send you the address."

A moment later, the address pops up on my screen. I can't help but smile, a mix of nerves and excitement swirling in my chest. There's no turning back now.

I quickly change out of my work clothes into something more casual but comfortable, trying not to overthink it. Grabbing my bag, I head out the door and down to the street, hailing a cab. As I settle into the back seat and give the driver the address, I feel a small flutter of anticipation. The city lights blur past as the cab makes its way through the streets, each passing moment bringing me closer to something new, something that feels like it might be exactly what I need right now.

The drive feels both quick and slow, the minutes stretching out as my thoughts race. I wonder what tonight will be like—will it be as easy and comfortable as our jog this morning? Will I feel that same warmth, that same connection? There's a twinge of anxiety, but also a quiet hope that maybe, just maybe, this is a step toward something better, something that can help me move past the hurt of the last few days.

Before I know it, the cab pulls up in front of Salv's place. I pay the fare and step out, taking a deep breath as I look up at the building. The evening air is cool against my skin, and with a mix of nerves and determination, I head toward the entrance, ready to see where this night will take me.

As I step through the front door of Salv's place, I'm immediately struck by the sheer size and elegance of the home. The entryway is grand, with high ceilings and polished floors that gleam under the soft lighting. Beautifully framed artwork lines the walls, and the furniture is a perfect blend of modern design and cozy comfort. The air is scented with something warm and inviting, maybe vanilla or sandalwood, adding to the overall sense of luxury.

I take a moment to absorb my surroundings, feeling slightly out of place in such an opulent setting. Everything about this house exudes taste and wealth, far beyond anything I'm used to. It's clear that Salv—and whoever else lives here—has an eye for detail and a flair for creating a space that feels both impressive and welcoming.

As I move further into the house, admiring a particularly striking piece of art on the wall, I suddenly come face to face with someone I wasn't expecting to see: the arrogant man from the other morning. The one who had dismissed me and left such a lasting impression with his cold, superior attitude.

He's standing casually in the hallway, leaning against the doorframe with a glass of something dark in his hand. The same air of confidence radiates from him, but there's a flicker of surprise in his eyes when he sees me. It's quickly replaced by a smirk, the kind that sends a shiver down my spine—not entirely from discomfort, but from the intensity of his presence.

"Well, well," he drawls, his voice smooth but edged with the same condescension I remember. "Didn't expect to see you here tonight. You must have made quite an impression on Salv."

His words hang in the air, dripping with implication, and I feel a flush creep up my neck. The confidence I'd felt earlier in the cab wavers slightly under his gaze. He looks me over, his smirk never fading, as if he's already made up his mind about who I am and why I'm here.

I straighten my shoulders, refusing to let him get under my skin again. "I'm just here to see a friend," I reply, keeping my tone even, though I can feel the tension building between us.