Promises

Alice stepped closer. Her shirt brushed Zed's arm. She tilted her chin up.

-Preludes are just promises. And I hate empty ones.

Betty let out a shaky exhale. She traced the pattern on her towel nervously.

-What kind of promise would you want to keep?

Alice’s eyes darkened. Her voice dropped. A low purr.

-A real one. Not some flowery words. Action. Proof.

Betty’s gaze flicked to the charging phone on the counter. Then back to Zed.

-But... the taxi. We should...

-Where is it you girls were going?

Alice scoffed. Her eyes were still locked on Zed.

-Some party. Full of people pretending to be happy. Boring.

Betty shifted.

-It was a rooftop gathering... with fairy lights and music.

She glanced toward the window. The rain still poured. She sighed.

-It sounded magical, Betty said wistfully.

-The party might've survived Alice's cynicism, but not the rain.

Alice laughed.

-The rain did them a favor. Saved everyone from another night of forced small talk and cheap champagne.

Betty’s shoulders slumped. She watched the water streak down the glass.

-All those fairy lights... probably ruined now.

She turned back to Zed.

-But this…

Zed smiled at her.

Alice saw the smile. Her lips twisted.

-Careful. She’ll think you’re actually sweet. And then I’ll have to ruin it.

Betty blushed, and smiled.

-Some things are worth risking a little ruin for.

Alice stepped even closer. Her chest nearly touching Zed's.

-Go on then. Risk it. Let's see if your sweet words hold up when the storm's still raging outside and we're all stuck here.

Her voice was taunting. Betty’s breath caught. She took a half-step closer.

-Maybe the storm is the best part, Alice wondered out loud. Maybe it's what makes it real.

Zed looked at Alice. He took the challenge. He tilted his head down and locked his lips with hers.

Alice’s breath hitched sharply. Her body tensed for a split second. Then she let out a low groan.

Her hands came up. Gripped his shoulders. Fingers dug into his shirt. She kissed back with a fierce intensity. Sharp teeth.

Zed pulled back.

-That felt real.

Alice let out a ragged breath. Her lips were swollen. Eyes of shock and hunger.

-Fuck. That was... real.

Betty whimpered softly. Knuckles white on the towel. Trembling.

-Alice... oh god...

Alice didn't wait. Her eyes flashed with triumph. She crushed her mouth to his again. One hand tangled in his hair. The other slid down his back possessively.

-Mmph, see? No lies. No pretty promises.

Betty moaned. Unsteady.

Zed lifted his eyebrows in surprise as Alice pulled him back in. She deepened the kiss. Her tongue swept against his.

Alice broke the kiss with a gasp. Chest heaving. She stared up at him. Wild.

-Fuck—you’re not scared?

Zed smiled.

-Scared? Me?

Alice’s eyes narrowed.

-Most men would be. But you... you’re just smirking.

-I don't mean to smirk. You've certainly caught me off guard since you bursted through my door.

He looked at them.

-You girls aren't on drugs are you? Nothing wrong with that, just...