Little Butterfly~
As I head to the bar with Terrence, a familiar flutter of nerves rises within me, largely due to his imposing presence. He moves with a confident stride, an almost magnetic pull that draws attention effortlessly, but there’s something about him that keeps me on edge. His dark eyes glint under the soft lights of the bar, and his gaze is sharp, assessing, making me acutely aware of myself in a way that’s both exhilarating and unsettling.
"So, Sophie," he begins, his voice smooth yet deliberate, "how do you feel today?" The intensity of his stare makes me feel exposed, as though he’s dissecting every word before I even speak. His dark hair falls perfectly into place, framing his chiseled features, and the sharpness of his jawline reminds me just how powerful he looks.
"Well... umm, I feel very proud indeed," I manage to say, scrambling to keep my thoughts in check. "It's such an honor to be the guest of The Smith. It’s amazing." I force a smile, hoping to dissolve some of the tension hanging between us.
Terrence gives me a subtle smile in return, though it doesn’t reach his eyes. There’s always something simmering beneath the surface with him, something I can’t quite grasp. "And you?" I ask, shifting the focus. "Do you like working here, being the manager?"
"I do," he says, thoughtfully, his gaze unwavering. "Yet, I wonder what it would’ve been like to have someone like you on my team." His words hang in the air, weighted with something more than just professional admiration.
I pause, unsure how to interpret his tone—was he flirting, or simply complimenting me? His words feel layered, and I can’t quite decide how to respond. "Thank you," I say cautiously. "Teamwork is essential, right? It can make all the difference in any project."
"Absolutely," he agrees, leaning against the bar, his eyes never leaving mine. "But sometimes it takes a unique spark to elevate a team. You, Sophie, have that spark."
His compliment sends my heart racing, though I glance away to avoid the intensity of his gaze. "I just try to bring my best to everything I do," I reply, attempting to keep things light, though I feel the weight of his attention lingering.
As the bartender prepares our drinks, I find myself stealing glances at Terrence, trying to read the man behind the intensity. His presence is compelling, but there’s something else—an edge I can’t quite place. There’s a darkness there, a complexity that both intrigues and intimidates me. It’s the same feeling I had when I first met Ash, though the comparison makes my chest tighten.
Terrence is commanding, yes, but his demeanor lacks the raw danger Ash exudes. Where Terrence is polished, a man of order and ambition, Ash is wild, unpredictable, a force that both thrills and terrifies me. It’s like comparing a perfectly sharpened blade to an untamed storm—one cuts clean, the other leaves destruction in its wake. And yet, I find myself drawn to both, like two halves of a puzzle I can’t seem to solve.
The memory of Ash slips into my mind uninvited—his piercing grey eyes, the way his touch lingered just a moment too long, leaving me breathless. With Ash, every encounter feels like standing on the edge of a cliff, heart pounding, waiting for the inevitable fall. With Terrence, it’s different. More composed, more controlled. But as I stand here with him, I can’t help but wonder if that’s what I want. The safety of control—or the chaos of the unknown.
"Do you have plans for the future?" Terrence’s question snaps me back to the present, and I take a breath, trying to push thoughts of Ash aside.
"I hope to keep growing as a designer, maybe tackle larger projects," I say, regaining some confidence. "I want to push boundaries, see what I’m truly capable of."
He studies me for a moment, his gaze unwavering. "I have no doubt you’ll achieve great things," he says, his voice softer now, almost personal. "You’re someone who stands out, Sophie. You could change the game."
His words catch me off guard, but before I can respond, Neva appears beside us, grinning. "What are you two whispering about? Secrets?" she teases, her light tone a welcome relief from the weight of the conversation.
I laugh, though it sounds a bit forced. "Just talking about the future," I reply, trying to downplay the tension between Terrence and me.
Terrence smirks, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Nothing too secretive, I assure you."
And then, just as I think the moment is passing, Terrence turns to me with a question I didn’t expect. "Would you like to step outside for a bit? I could use some fresh air."
Neva and I exchange glances, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She knows exactly what’s happening, and her playful grin only makes me more self-conscious. "I was just going to join some friends anyway," she says with a wink. "You two go ahead. Just be careful," she adds teasingly.
"Thanks, Neva," I mutter, trying to hide my blush as my pulse quickens at the thought of being alone with Terrence.
Terrence looks at me, his expression steady, but there’s a flicker of curiosity behind his eyes. "Shall we?" he asks, his voice low.
"Sure," I say, surprising myself with my boldness. I follow him toward the exit, the tension between us palpable. There’s a mix of excitement and nerves in the pit of my stomach, and I can’t tell if it’s from Terrence—or the lingering thought of Ash.
As we step into the cool night air, I take a deep breath, the breeze a welcome contrast to the heat swirling inside me. Terrence leans casually against a railing, his eyes reflecting the glow of the string lights hanging above us.
"Thanks for stepping out with me," he says, his voice carrying a hint of something more. "I needed a break from the crowd."
"It’s no problem," I reply, though my heart is racing. The silence between us stretches, filled with unspoken tension.
Terrence steps closer, his gaze locked on mine. "You’re an incredible talent, Sophie," he says quietly, his voice sincere. "I don’t say that lightly. You’ve got something special."
The compliment warms me, but at the same time, my thoughts are swirling—comparing, contrasting. Terrence, with his steady admiration, his polished charm, and then Ash... Ash with his dangerous allure, his ability to make me feel like I’m spiraling out of control with just a glance.
I can’t shake the feeling that no matter what happens here with Terrence, it’s Ash who lingers in the shadows of my mind. It’s Ash whose pull I can’t resist, no matter how hard I try.
YOU ARE READING
Little Butterfly
Romance"Little butterfly, fly as high as you can, but remember I could snap those wings anytime." - Your stalker
