A NIGHT OF COLLISION

The rooftop bar shimmered under the city lights, the golden glow reflecting off the glasses of expensive champagne and whispered conversations. My heart pounded as I stepped inside, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and liquor. Daniel was already there, seated at a private table, his crisp white shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a teasing glimpse of his toned chest. He looked every bit the man my parents wanted for me-polished, refined, and absolutely sure of himself.

His eyes lit up when he saw me, but before I could react, I felt a presence behind me. A familiar, intoxicating heat-Ethan.

I turned slightly, my breath hitching as I met his gaze. He had followed me. His eyes were dark with something unreadable, his expression a mixture of jealousy and possession. He leaned in, his voice a low growl. "You're really going through with this?"

My pulse skyrocketed. "I need to see where I stand."

Ethan's fingers brushed my arm, a featherlight touch that sent shivers down my spine. "You already know where you stand, Hazel." His lips were dangerously close to my ear. "Or do I need to remind you?"

A sharp intake of breath escaped me, but before I could respond, Daniel had stood up, approaching with a confident stride. "Hazel," he greeted smoothly, ignoring Ethan entirely. "You look stunning."

Ethan scoffed, his jaw tightening. "Guess that's the only thing we agree on."

The tension was suffocating. I felt the weight of both their gazes, two completely different men wanting me in their own ways. Daniel, secure and familiar; Ethan, wild and all-consuming.

"Shall we?" Daniel extended a hand, his expression unreadable. I hesitated for only a second before taking it, acutely aware of Ethan's burning stare behind me.

Dinner was filled with knowing glances, Daniel's hand grazing mine, the soft brush of his knee under the table. He was smooth, practiced, the kind of man who had seduction down to an art. But my mind was clouded, my body still humming from Ethan's presence.

Halfway through the evening, my phone buzzed.

Ethan: Tell me you're not falling for this act.

My fingers hovered over the screen, heart pounding. Daniel watched me carefully, sensing the shift in my mood.

"He's never going to let you go, Hazel," he murmured, sipping his drink. "And I don't think you want him to."

The truth hung between us, thick and undeniable. Before I could formulate a response, I felt a firm grip on my wrist. Ethan had appeared beside me, his expression dark and unreadable.

"We need to talk." His voice was low, almost a warning.

Daniel leaned back in his seat, smirking. "Not now, she's with me."

Ethan's jaw tightened. "That's cute. But Hazel and I have unfinished business."

My pulse pounded in my ears as I looked between them. Two men-one who represented stability, the other who set my soul on fire. And in that moment, I knew that whatever choice I made, I wasn't walking away unscathed.