I don't know what this is

Nathaniel had just left, and I stood there, my mind whirling from the evening's events. Seeing Ciara here, of all places, was a shock. My thoughts drifted back to earlier in the day.

It had been a long day, and I was heading home, my thoughts consumed by the usual worries and responsibilities. As I turned the corner onto my street, I heard someone call my name. I turned to see Nathaniel approaching, a casual smile on his face.

"Aeliana, hey! Sorry about earlier," he said, his tone light.

"Oh?" I asked, trying to hide my surprise. 

"I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a drink at a bar nearby. It's how I'm saying sorry to you," he suggested, his smile widening.

I hesitated. I wasn't in the mood for company, but maybe a change of scenery would help clear my mind. "Sure, why not? Just let me go home and change first."

"Great! I'll meet you there in an hour," he said, giving me the address before walking away.

I went home and changed into something more suitable for a night out—a fitted red dress that accentuated my curves without being too revealing. I touched up my makeup and ran a brush through my hair, trying to shake off the day's stress. When I felt ready, I headed to the bar, hoping the evening would be a pleasant distraction.

But as soon as I walked in, I saw her. Ciara was there, sitting with another woman. Typical. Ciara was known for her flirty nature and her penchant for one-night stands. I'd heard plenty of stories about her escapades, and I'd witnessed a few myself. Seeing her here with another girl didn't surprise me, but it did make me feel... something. Jealousy? Annoyance? I couldn't quite pinpoint it.

Nathaniel was already at the bar, and he waved me over with a smile. "Aeliana! You look amazing," he said, his eyes roaming appreciatively over my dress.

"Thanks," I replied, forcing a smile. "You didn't have to wait for me."

"Nonsense. I'm glad you're here," he said, his hand resting on my lower back as he guided me to a stool. We ordered drinks and started talking, but my attention kept drifting back to Ciara. She was laughing with her date, her hand resting casually on the woman's knee. I tried to focus on Nathaniel, but it was difficult.

As the evening wore on, Nathaniel's behavior became more forward. His touches lingered, his comments became more suggestive. I tried to brush it off, but I was growing increasingly uncomfortable. Just when I thought I couldn't take any more, Ciara appeared at my side.

"Hey, Nathaniel," she said, her tone cold. "I think it's time for you to back off."

"What do you want, Ciara?" Nathaniel snapped, clearly irritated.

"I think you heard me," she replied, her eyes flashing with anger.

Nathaniel scowled, but he backed off, muttering something under his breath as he walked away. I was left standing there, staring at Ciara in shock.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice softer now.

"Yeah, I... thank you," I said, still trying to process what had just happened. It was the second time today that Ciara had intervened on my behalf. First with the document delivery, and now this. It was almost too much to take in.

I should have felt annoyed, maybe even humiliated, but instead, I felt something entirely different. Ciara's presence was commanding, and there was a raw energy about her that was impossible to ignore. As I stood there, looking into her eyes, I felt a surge of attraction that took me by surprise. 

Ciara's gaze softened, and for a moment, it felt like the rest of the bar faded away. "I'm sorry if I overstepped," she said quietly.

"It's okay," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "I appreciate it."

We stood there, the air between us charged with unspoken tension. I knew Ciara's reputation, knew she was a player who loved her one-night stands. But there was something about her that drew me in, something I couldn't quite resist.

Ciara took a step closer, her proximity sending a shiver down my spine. "Aeliana," she murmured, her voice husky. "Are you sure you're okay?"

I nodded, unable to trust my voice. Her presence was overwhelming, and I could feel my resolve weakening. I tried to remind myself of her reputation, tried to resist the pull I felt towards her. But it was no use.

"Do you want to get some air?" Ciara asked, her eyes never leaving mine.

"Yes, please," I said, my voice shaky.

She led me outside, the cool night air a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere inside. We stood in the alley behind the bar, the sounds of the city a distant hum. Ciara leaned against the wall, her eyes dark and intense as they studied me.

"Why did you do that?" I asked, breaking the silence.

She shrugged, a hint of a smile on her lips. "I couldn't just stand by and watch him make you uncomfortable."

"Thank you," I said, taking a step closer. "It means a lot."

"Anytime," she replied, her voice soft.

We stood there, the tension between us growing with each passing second. I could feel the heat of her gaze, the intensity of her presence. It was intoxicating, and I found myself drawn to her despite my better judgment.

"Ciara," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I don't know what this is..."

"Neither do I," she said, her hand reaching out to gently touch my arm. "But I can't stop thinking about you."

Her touch sent a jolt of electricity through me, and I felt my resolve crumble. I wanted her, more than I had ever wanted anyone. But I also knew that getting involved with Ciara could complicate things in ways I wasn't ready to handle.

"We shouldn't," I said, my voice weak.

"Maybe not," she agreed, her eyes locking onto mine. "But that doesn't mean we don't want to."

I took a step closer, our bodies almost touching. I could feel the heat radiating from her, the magnetic pull between us. It was overwhelming, and I knew I was on the verge of losing control.

"Ciara," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

She reached up, her fingers brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Aeliana," she murmured, her voice filled with longing.

The moment stretched on, the tension between us almost unbearable. I could feel her breath on my skin, her presence overwhelming my senses. It would be so easy to give in, to let go and lose myself in her.