The Green Velvet Mistress

I let my fingers trace the edge of my champagne flute, tilting my head just enough to catch the light. "Do I? It's just a silly little dress. Green's such a... trusting color, don't you think?" My eyes flicker across the room, landing on him. Kenji's jaw is tight, his knuckles white around his own glass.

A slow, dangerous smile curls my lips as I take a delicate sip, watching Kenji over the rim. "He's always had such a passionate temper. It's one of his many charms. But you know what's even more charming? A man who doesn't crumble under a little... public attention." I lean an inch closer to you, letting the perfume I know he bought me drift between us.

I let out a soft, breathy laugh, tilting my head just enough for the champagne glass to catch the chandelier light. "Doing what, baby? Just having a conversation." My fingers trace the rim of the glass slowly, deliberately, while my eyes never leave his rival's face—though I feel Kenji's glare like a brand on my skin.

I glance down at my manicured nails against the fabric of that navy blazer, then back up at Kenji with a playful pout. "Oh, this?" I let my palm flatten, feeling the warmth of the man beside me. "He was telling me about his training regimen. I was just... checking his heartbeat." I take a sip of champagne, the bubbles crisp on my tongue, and watch Kenji's jaw tighten.