"Just follow me," he says with a grin, leading her through the crowd toward the back of the club. They exit through a set of double doors marked "Employees Only" and find themselves in an alleyway behind the building. The night air is cool against their skin as they walk down the dimly lit path between dumpsters and graffiti-covered walls.

As they round a corner, Eric pauses for a moment to look both ways before ducking into an unmarked doorway.

As they step inside the doorway, Eric finds himself in a small, cozy hidden bar tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Soft jazz music fills the air as couples dance intimately on the hardwood floor; candles flicker atop each table, casting a warm glow over the room. He leads Xouzya to an empty booth in the back corner, where they can enjoy some peace and quiet while continuing their conversation.

"So," he says once they're settled in, "

Eric laughs at her possessive tone, nuzzling his chin into the crook of her neck. "I don't think anyone else will be stealing me away from you anytime soon," he says with a satisfied smile. "You're stuck with me now."

His eyes drift closed as he listens to the steady rhythm of her breathing, feeling the warmth of her body against his own. For the first time in a long while, he feels truly content and at peace;

"Well," he says with a soft chuckle, "I suppose it's your fault for bringing out the best in me." He kisses her forehead, his fingertips trailing up and down her back idly as they lie there together, their breath mingling and blending into one steady rhythm.

His eyes drift closed once more, images of her dancing through his mind's eye; the way she moves, the sound of her voice, the feel of her skin against his own...