Hearts Entwined

The encounter(2)

Sebastian's POV

One hour. I still had one hour here before leaving, so I had to extract as much information as I could. Standing in the middle of Velvet Lounge, I scanned the place. The flashing lighting highlighted the  of the decor, with plush booths lining the walls and a long bar where cocktails were expertly mixed. The air was thick with the scent of pheromones and the sound of laughter blended with upbeat music, creating a seductive yet electric  atmosphere.

Dancers moved gracefully on stage, their bodies swaying to the rhythm, drawing the eyes of captivated patrons. Most of them were omegas trying to find some customers .But it was the energy in the back of the club that intrigued me most. A group of well-dressed individuals huddled together in the VIP booths , their whispers drowned out by the thumping bass.

I spotted Ethan and Alan talking to some of the dancers, their expressions a mix of charm and intent. Ethan's confident demeanor was on full display as he engaged one of the dancers in conversation, his body language exuding casual authority. Alan, on the other hand, seemed more reserved, his interactions careful and measured.

The air was thick and suffocating. I needed to get out of here. I looked around and spotted a staircase where some of the workers were dragging their customers to more secluded places. I started walking towards the stairs, not really knowing where they'd lead me, but as I ascended, the noise of the club began to fade. On each floor workers were entering rooms with their customers something pretty typical from a club in the pleasure district of Hell's Garden. I didn't know where the stairs would take me but I hope this place had a rooftop. Fuck, I really needed a cigarette right now. 

My steps resonated in the hallway, and the higher I climbed, the more the noise of the club faded. Before long, I found myself in front of a plain, simple, metallic door. I pushed it open and was greeted by a swift rush of cool air. The rooftop was a stark contrast to the chaos below—vast, empty, and completely undecorated. It looked like they had totally forgotten about this place. I stepped outside, enjoying the gentle cool breeze and the smell of... cigarettes?

 I opened my eyes quickly and scanned the place. There, in the far corner, leaned against the ledge of the building, someone was smoking. I couldn't see their face, but by the looks of it, they were lost in their own thoughts, oblivious to my presence.

The glow from their cigarette cast fleeting shadows on the ground, adding an air of mystery to the scene. I hesitated for a moment, debating whether to approach or retreat. The rooftop's tranquility felt delicate, like it could shatter with the slightest disturbance.

Making my decision, I took a cautious step forward, my eyes never leaving the figure. The city lights illuminated the outline of their silhouette. As I drew closer, the figure turned slightly, acknowledging my presence with a slow exhale of smoke and I could finally see them clearly. A slim figure, long lashes framing deep, contemplative eyes, and full pink lips... an omega.

As I was analyzing him, he slowly looked away, facing the sprawling cityscape, the neon glow reflecting in his gaze. He removed the cigarette from his mouth and exhaled a cloud of smoke that hung in the air like a fleeting thought. His indifference was palpable, and he decided to ignore me. I mirrored his detachment, walking slightly away and rummaging in my pockets until I pulled out a packet of cigarettes. Placing one between my lips, I continued to search for a lighter. I rummaged deeper in the pockets of my suit, searching frantically. Everywhere I checked, I couldn't find it. I was sure I had it somewhere. Then it clicked—Ethan. He most likely took it without asking me, like he usually does. Shit, he always did this. I scratched the back of my head in frustration. I really needed a cigarette right now.

My attention was caught by a small click. I turned around to find the stranger handing me a light, his head tilted as if asking if I wanted it. I took the opportunity to study his face more closely.

In the dim light, I noticed his sharp features, softened slightly by the gentle glow of the cigarette ember. Long lashes framed his eyes, which held a depth that hinted at stories untold. His pink lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. There was an air of quiet confidence about him, something almost magnetic that drew me in. Interesting.  I noticed he had sharp eyes and a little mole above his lip. His medium-length hair was tied back in a ponytail, adding to his composed demeanor. When he saw me studying him, he raised an eyebrow, a silent question hanging in the air.

"Thank you ," I said, accepting the lighter and taking the chance to light my cigarette. The flame flickered briefly before catching, and I took a deep drag, feeling the tension ease slightly. We fell into a deep silence, only interrupted by the noise of the city. The distant hum of traffic, the occasional siren, and the murmur of nightlife created a symphony that underscored the shared moment.

Standing side by side, the rooftop became an island of tranquility amidst the chaos below. The cool breeze carried the faint scent of smoke and the promise of a fleeting connection. For that brief time, the world seemed to shrink, leaving only the two of us and the sprawling cityscape.

The silence between us stretched, filled only by the distant hum of the city and the occasional crackle of burning tobacco. It was a strange, almost surreal moment—two strangers standing on a rooftop, each lost in their own thoughts, yet somehow connected by the shared act of smoking.

We stayed like this for a while, the city sprawling beneath us, the quiet interrupted only by the distant hum of traffic. Then, an alarm shattered the moment, the shrill tone slicing through the night air. He flinched slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face, before pulling out his phone from his pocket. With a quick swipe, he silenced the alarm, then discarded his cigarette, letting it fall to the ground as he began to walk away.

As he turned to leave, I couldn't take my eyes off him. The way his compressed shirt hugged his slim body accentuated every line, every curve, the fabric clinging to him like a second skin. It highlighted the delicate way he moved, a blend of grace and purpose that captivated me. It was hot, to say the least and the more he walked away, the more I was intrigued by him. 

Once he left the rooftop, I was left alone with him still on my mind; his sharp eyes, his pink lips, the way he tilted his head to offer me his lighter, shit what was I thinking...I ran a hand through my hair and turned back to the city.

If I wanted to get answers out of this place , I had to make sure not to get distracted.