You're into her

Great. Just great. This was the last thing I needed. I had to figure out how to navigate this without ruining my night. Kaida looked up at me, unaware of the sudden tension. I forced a smile, guiding her towards a quieter corner of the bar. I'd deal with Nathaniel and Aeliana later. For now, I had other plans.

As we settled into our new spot, I tried to focus on Kaida. She was beautiful and confident, exactly the kind of distraction I needed. But my eyes kept drifting back to Aeliana. Damn it, why did she have to show up here tonight?

And why the hell did she have to look so goddamn sexy? Her dress clung to her curves in all the right places, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall. She was a vision, and it was driving me crazy.

Kaida leaned in, her hand resting on my thigh. "So, where were we?" she asked, her voice sultry.

I forced myself to focus, my eyes meeting hers. "Right here," I said, my voice low and seductive.

She smiled, her fingers tracing circles on my leg. "Good."

I leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss. She tasted like whiskey and desire, her lips soft and inviting. I deepened the kiss, my hand sliding up her back. But even as I kissed her, my mind kept wandering back to Aeliana.

I could see her out of the corner of my eye, laughing at something Nathaniel said. The sight of his hand on her back made my blood boil. What was his deal, anyway? He seemed to take every opportunity to touch her, and she didn't seem too pleased about it.

I pulled away from Kaida, my eyes drifting back to the bar. Aeliana was smiling, but it didn't reach her eyes. Nathaniel leaned in closer, his hand sliding lower on her back. I clenched my jaw, trying to push down the surge of jealousy. I had no right to feel this way. Aeliana wasn't mine. But damn it, I wanted her to be.

"Ciara?" Kaida's voice pulled me back to the present. "You seem distracted."

I shook my head, forcing a smile. "Sorry, just a lot on my mind."

"Maybe I can help with that," she said, leaning in for another kiss.

I kissed her back, trying to lose myself in the moment. But it was no use. My mind kept drifting back to Aeliana. I could imagine what it would be like to kiss her, to feel her body pressed against mine. The thought made my pulse quicken. But Nathaniel was in the way, and I couldn't just ignore that.

"Ciara, are you okay?" Kaida asked, pulling back.

"I'm fine," I lied. "Just... something I need to take care of."

She looked disappointed but nodded. "Alright. I understand."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I'm sorry, Kaida. It's just... complicated."

She raised an eyebrow. "Complicated? Or someone else?"

I didn't answer, my eyes drifting back to the bar. Nathaniel was whispering something in Aeliana's ear, his hand dangerously low on her back. She looked uncomfortable, her eyes flicking around the room. When her gaze met mine, I saw a flicker of something—relief, maybe? Or was I just imagining it?

Kaida followed my gaze, her eyes narrowing. "I see."

"Kaida, it's not what you think," I started, but she cut me off.

"Oh, I think it is," she said, her voice icy. "You're into her, aren't you?"

I didn't answer, my silence speaking volumes. She scoffed, shaking her head. "Unbelievable."

"I'm sorry," I said, feeling like an idiot. "I didn't mean for this to happen."

"Yeah, well, it did," she snapped, standing up. "Good luck with your complicated mess."

Before I could say anything else, she grabbed her drink and threw it in my face. The cold liquid splashed over me, the shock making me gasp. Kaida glared at me for a moment before turning on her heel and storming out of the bar.

Great. Just fucking great. I wiped my face, feeling like a complete asshole. I watched her leave, a part of me regretting how things had turned out. But another part of me was relieved. Now I could focus on what really mattered.

I stood up, making my way towards the bar where Nathaniel and Aeliana were. My heart pounded in my chest as I approached them, my eyes locked on Nathaniel. He looked up, his expression annoyed.

"What do you want, Ciara?" he asked, his tone sharp.

"I think it's time for you to back off," I said, my voice cold.

Nathaniel smirked, his hand still on Aeliana's back. "And who are you to say that?"

"Someone who cares about her," I replied, my eyes flicking to Aeliana. She looked surprised, her eyes wide.

Nathaniel laughed, the sound grating on my nerves. "Oh please. You think you can just waltz in here and play the hero?"

"I'm not playing anything," I said, my voice steady. "I'm just tired of seeing you make her uncomfortable."

Aeliana looked between us, her expression conflicted. Nathaniel's smirk faded, replaced by a look of irritation. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"Maybe not," I said, stepping closer. "But I know she deserves better than this."

Nathaniel's eyes flashed with anger, but before he could respond, Aeliana stepped between us. "Enough," she said, her voice firm. "This isn't helping."

She turned to Nathaniel, her expression softening. "I appreciate your concern, but I can handle this."

Nathaniel looked like he wanted to argue, but he sighed, stepping back. "Fine. But this isn't over."

He walked away, leaving Aeliana and me standing there. I watched him go, a sense of relief washing over me. But it was short-lived. I still had to deal with the fallout from my actions.