After spending the last ten years in Hollywood, it was really about time she stopped being surprised when each seemingly innocent party or event came with a surprise twist. And yet there she was, eyes widening as she listened to a woman explain the terms of the latest twist. For someone who preferred solitude or familiar company, it was a nightmare, the thought of getting tossed together with a random stranger. Especially with the sorts of people the city attracted, there was a high chance she’d be paired with someone who was very much unlike her. Nibbling on her lower lip Leyla absently tugged at a long curl as she waited for the woman to bring over her match, shifting awkwardly on her feet. A quick look to her side showed her sister flashing her a grin and a wave as she walked off arm in arm with her partner, and not for the first time Leyla wished she had Aysun’s ability to befriend anyone.
The sound of a familiar voice drew back her attention, and the witch paused as she watched her boss amble towards her, wrist outstretched. The grin he wore was one she’d seen before, and like those other times instantly it brought a flush to her cheeks, her gaze skittering off to the side. “Oh, hello,” she said, her eyes shifting to the cuffs as they were locked together. “Well…at least you’re not a stranger, right?” she said with a little laugh, her free hand tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. The comment that followed had her wrinkling her nose at him, the blush spreading to the tips of her ears. “I didn’t realize being half naked was part of the dress code,” she said, even as her lips twitched slightly, “you look…um, very nice- it’s a nice suit. And you also look nice in it too of course. You and the suit. Together. Good.” Biting her tongue to stop herself from embarrassing herself further, Leyla took a deep breath, pressing her hand against her warm cheek. “Sorry. I was just…caught off guard by all this.”
Leyla was obviously nervous, and Ares wasn’t surprised to see that. She was a meek little thing, who only opened up once she knew someone. And the vampire wasn’t even sure he counted as someone she was familiar enough with to be entirely herself. He could never quite tell if she was as shy around her closest friends and family too. They were as different as night and day, him and Leyla, but maybe there was some truth in the whole opposites attract theory, because Ares actually enjoyed the witch. She was talented, a hard worker and beautiful, all qualities he appreciated. And it was always fun to make her blush and squirm. Like now, as her trademark blush spread over her cheeks, making his grin widen.
“Considering the amount of people at this party, you’re really quite fortunate to land with someone you know and like,” he said, his ego never failing him. He chuckled at her comment on the dress code. “It’s not, but let’s just say, I’m not used to seeing girls in handcuffs with that much clothing,” he winked at her. “Half naked - or preferably fully naked - girls and handcuffs go together, like gin and tonic, eggs and bacon, alcohol and bad decisions... You get the drift.” He couldn’t stop himself from laughing - not that he wanted to - when she tried to compliment him. “Well, thank you. You look lovely as well, even if you’re overdressed. And as for being caught off guard, you should always expect surprises with my sister. She’s hardly known for being conventional.”
