Clara seems....nice?

You meet Clara's gaze with renewed confidence, deciding to lean into her flirtation. Turning your body slightly away from David, you step closer to Clara, creating an intimate bubble between just the two of you.

"You know," you say, voice lowered to a sultry murmur, "you're really good with your hands." You gesture to the adjusted neckline of your dress. "The way you fixed this was... impressive."

Clara's eyes widen momentarily before a pleased smile spreads across her face. She reaches out, fingertips lightly brushing against the exposed skin just above your cleavage.

"Honey, you have no idea what these hands can do," she purrs, her touch lingering. "This is just a preview."

David clears his throat loudly. "Should I leave you two alone?" There's an edge to his voice—part annoyance, part genuine question.

You throw him a quick glance over your shoulder, but immediately return your attention to Clara, deliberately placing your hand on her forearm. "What do you think, Clara? Should he?"

Clara laughs, a rich, throaty sound that draws eyes from nearby tables. "Maybe later. First, I want another drink." She turns to David, maintaining physical contact with you. "Be a dear and get us another round, would you?"

David hesitates, his eyes darting between the two of you. The tension in his jaw is visible as he processes this unexpected development. "Fine," he finally says, setting his glass down with slightly more **** than necessary. "Same again?"

"Something stronger," Clara suggests, her fingers now trailing along your bare shoulder. "Tequila shots, I think. We're celebrating."

"Celebrating what?" David asks, not bothering to hide his irritation.

"New connections," Clara answers smoothly, giving you a wink that sends an unexpected flutter through your stomach.

As David reluctantly heads to the bar, Clara turns to you with a delighted expression. "Well, well. That was quite the pivot. I didn't expect you to take me up on my offer so... enthusiastically."

"Maybe there's more to me than meets the eye," you reply, surprising yourself with how natural the flirtation feels on your lips.

"Oh, I can tell," Clara says, her gaze dropping to your enhanced chest. "Though what meets the eye is pretty spectacular too." Her hand slides to your waist, resting on the curve where the dress hugs your body. "David's face was priceless. Men really can't handle not being the center of attention."

"Was I too obvious?" you ask, genuinely curious about your performance.

"Perfect amount of obvious," Clara assures you. "Though now you've started something you might need to finish." Her eyes hold a challenge, her thumb making small circles against the fabric at your waist.

The pub around you seems to fade into background noise as Clara leans closer. "So, Miss O'Sullivan," she whispers, her lips nearly brushing your ear, "how far are you willing to take this little game?"

00:00 | Sunday 3 August 2025 | Fox & Crown pub, Putney

[TIMER] | Midnight | Times up!