A Dangerous Date (1)

The evening air in New York hummed with energy, the streets alive with neon lights and the chatter of hunters celebrating small victories or plotting grander ambitions. Felix found himself walking beside Victoria, her confident strides a stark contrast to his languid, foxlike grace. She had insisted on this outing, framing it as an opportunity to unwind.

The upscale venue she chose wasn't just a restaurant; it was a statement. Hunters of the highest caliber frequented the establishment, their wealth and status on display in the form of tailored suits, gleaming jewelry, and the occasional enchanted accessory that pulsed faintly with power. Felix's sharp crimson eyes took in the surroundings, noting every glance cast his way.

"Do you always pick places that scream 'look at me'?" Felix asked, his tone teasing but measured.

Victoria smirked, her silver braid shimmering under the warm glow of chandeliers. "Why not? I'm not one to hide, Felix. And neither should you."

Her eyes roamed over him briefly, lingering just long enough to make him feel like prey caught in the sights of a predator. "By the way, you look. . .ravishing."

Felix suppressed a sigh, his lips curving into a faint smile instead. "Thank you. You look beautiful too, Victoria."

The hostess led them to a private booth, tucked away yet positioned perfectly to keep an eye on the room. Victoria gestured for Felix to sit first, but her gaze held an intensity that left no room for argument.

As Felix settled into his seat, Victoria took the spot across from him, her posture relaxed but exuding dominance. When the server arrived, she ordered for both of them without hesitation, her voice smooth and commanding.

"Two glasses of the house red," she said, not bothering to glance at the menu. "And the chef's special for tonight."

Felix raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "Decisive. Should I be flattered or worried?"

"Both," Victoria replied, leaning back with a lazy grin. "You don't strike me as the kind of man who likes to waste time deciding between options."

The innuendo hung in the air, sharp and deliberate. Felix chuckled softly, taking a sip of the water placed before him. "Fair enough."

+

Dinner arrived quickly, the aroma of perfectly cooked steak and seared vegetables filling the intimate corner of the upscale restaurant. Felix picked up his fork and knife, moving with an elegance that matched the atmosphere, though his attention remained on Victoria. Her movements were deliberate, every slice of her steak precise, like a predator savoring its kill. Yet her focus wasn't on the food—it was on him.

"So," she began, her tone light yet charged with curiosity, "tell me. What's it like being the most interesting person in the room?"

Felix paused mid-motion, raising an eyebrow at her. "I wasn't aware I had that title."

Victoria smirked, her silver braid glinting under the low, golden light. She lifted her wine glass, taking a slow sip before responding. "Don't be coy. You've noticed how they look at you—how they whisper when you pass."

He set his fork down deliberately, leaning back in his chair with a small, foxlike smile. "And what do you think they're whispering about?"

Her blue eyes sparkled with amusement, and something deeper, something dangerous. "A man with your face? Your charm? Oh, Felix, I'm sure the whispers vary, but I'll bet they all boil down to the same thing: desire and jealousy."

Felix chuckled softly, swirling his wine. "And which camp do you fall into, Victoria? Desire or jealousy?"

She didn't hesitate. "Both."

The boldness of her answer sent a ripple of tension through the air. Felix felt her gaze roam over him, heated and unapologetic, as though she was mentally stripping away every mask he wore.

"Beautiful," she said, her voice dropping slightly, "for one. Dangerous, for another. But most of all?" She leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table, her predatory smile sharp enough to cut. "Mine."

The weight of her declaration lingered between them. Felix's smile remained intact, though inwardly he felt the familiar tug of his charm quirk nudging her closer, binding her further.

"Yours?" he echoed, tilting his head slightly. His tone was light, almost playful, but his crimson eyes studied her carefully, searching for any cracks in her armor.

Victoria nodded slowly, her expression daring him to challenge her claim. "Oh, don't play coy, Felix. You know exactly what I mean."

Her gaze roamed over his sharp features, the lean lines of his frame, and the faint glow of his skin under the restaurant's warm lighting. Every glance was a touch, every moment a declaration of ownership.

"You're too pretty to be left to your own devices," she continued, her voice slipping into a sultry cadence. "Men like you need someone to keep them in line. Someone strong enough to handle you."