Lets see how much he can handle.
Ryder had always been a force of nature, a whirlwind of confidence and charisma that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had built her life around dominance—whether it was in her career as a high-powered marketing executive or her personal interactions, she thrived on having the upper hand. Control was a game she played with finesse, and it was one she never lost.
One Friday night, dressed in a sleek black dress that hugged her curves and a pair of stiletto heels that added a few inches to her already statuesque frame, Ryder hit the town. The city pulsated around her, a living entity of lights, laughter, and music. As she pushed through the throng of bodies at a buzzing downtown hotspots, she could feel the familiar thrill of anticipation buzzing through her veins.
In the corner, she spotted him. Mark, a wiry man in his early thirties, with tousled hair and a shy smile that didn’t quite meet his eyes. He clutched a drink in his hands like a talisman, hoping it would shield him from the vibrant energy of the crowd. Ryder could sense an aura of vulnerability radiating from him. It sparked something primal within her—a thought that sent a shiver down her spine.
With a subtle arch of her brow, she glided toward him, her heels clicking against the wooden floor, each step commanding attention. She felt the weight of his gaze as she approached, the way his breath hitched and his cheeks flushed a shade deeper. It was intoxicating.
“Hi there,” she greeted, her voice smooth and confident, a siren’s call. “What’s a guy like you doing in a place like this?”
Mark looked up, a mix of surprise and admiration flickering in his eyes. “Just getting a drink. It’s…it’s packed tonight.”
“Packed?” Ryder chuckled softly, leaning forward just enough to bring their faces a breath apart. “Or are you just too scared to dive in?”
A flush crept across his cheeks. She could see him struggle with her boldness, yet there was a flicker of intrigue in his gaze. Ryder savored that. She had all the power here, and she reveled in it.
“Maybe a little bit of both,” he admitted, finally meeting her gaze fully.
“Don’t worry,” Ryder said, her smile widening. “I can be your guide. Come, let’s get you out of your shell.”