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Chapter 42 by nickkorneev22 nickkorneev22

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In Her Eras Era Pt. 1

As you stepped off the streetcar and joined the flood of people streaming toward the Rogers Centre, every step felt electric. The noise, the lights, the buzz of excited voices from the crowd—it all seemed to energize Luna in a way that left you, somewhere in the back of your own mind, marveling at her ease. You felt her smile warmly at strangers as you navigated the crowd, breezing through to the right gate with an effortless charm you couldn’t have mustered if you tried.

Every security checkpoint and directional staff seemed only too eager to assist, practically beaming as you asked questions or flashed them a polite nod of thanks. You knew this was the spell at work, but you also couldn’t deny that Luna had a way of working people, of drawing them in. She didn’t try too hard, didn’t overdo it—she was simply there, in her element, and the world seemed to open up for her.

As you followed the security guard down an empty hallway toward the private boxes, you could feel the anticipation building. The fact that Marcus had actually scored a private booth…well, that was something. You knew, even from your seat in the back of your mind, that this was no ordinary date.

The lights dimmed slightly as the hall opened up to a corridor lined with doors leading to private boxes. The hum of the crowd just outside was softer here, yet you could feel it pulsing through the walls, a low rumble of excitement filling the entire stadium. Luna barely seemed to notice, but you took note of every little thing, that strange third-person awareness keeping you hyper-attentive to the moment.

The security guard stopped at one of the doors, holding it open and gesturing for you to go inside. You took a breath, stepping in with a final adjustment of the black dress, and—there he was.

Marcus stood just inside the private box, leaning casually against the back of one of the plush seats. He looked perfectly relaxed, his hands in the pockets of slim-cut dark jeans, and you couldn’t help but take him in, Luna’s gaze naturally assessing the details. He wore a simple but fitted white shirt with a few buttons casually undone at the collar, and over that, a light, charcoal-gray jacket that gave him an effortlessly stylish look. The stadium lights cast a faint glow around him, highlighting the scruffy, just-messy-enough hair that gave him that too-cool-to-care look. He was a little dressed up for a concert, but somehow, it suited him, making him stand out in a way that felt deliberate yet unaffected.

He looked up at you, a smile playing on his lips as he took in your appearance. And for a second, you almost thought Luna paused, maybe even hesitated. But just as quickly, she took over again, returning his gaze with a look that was equal parts confidence and interest.

“Hey there,” he said, his voice warm and relaxed.

“Hey yourself,” Luna responded, that easy charm flowing from you as if you’d been doing this forever.

You glanced around the box, expecting to see a few people—maybe his friends or some other company he’d brought along. But no one else was there. It was just the two of you, in a cozy, exclusive space that overlooked the entire stadium.

For a moment, you, deep in the recesses of your mind, could hardly believe it. This was the private booth, the single invite to the biggest concert of the year. It was just him. And Luna, who wasted no time in closing the door behind her, flashed him a knowing smile, taking a slow, deliberate step forward.

The night was just beginning, and Luna was here to make the most of it.

As Luna settled into the cozy, plush seats of the private box, you could feel her slipping into the rhythm of the evening, fully immersing herself in the easy, flirtatious flow with Marcus.

“So, no other guests tonight?” Luna asked with a playful tilt of her head, giving him a curious glance that hinted at innocence, though she knew exactly what she was fishing for.

Marcus chuckled, shrugging casually as he leaned back, stretching an arm along the back of the couch. “Had a few ideas, you know,” he said, his voice warm but slightly mysterious. “But I figured a quieter night might be the vibe I needed. Besides,” he looked over at her, his eyes lingering with interest, “it’s nice to have just one person to focus on.”

A thrill ran through you as you processed his answer—so there really had been someone else. And by “someone else,” it had to be Victoria. And she wasn’t here! There was no way that wasn’t good for your trial. Maybe it really had been the party at Dionysus’ that nudged her away. You could feel the satisfaction in the background of Luna’s mind, her expression remaining effortlessly charming while a spark of excitement buzzed in yours.

“Lucky me, then,” Luna responded smoothly, her eyes sparkling as she tilted her head with a smile. She crossed her legs, letting the black dress slide up just enough to hint at her curves, casually settling into the seat beside him. “Can’t say I blame you for wanting a little peace and quiet, though.”

For a moment, you were struck by how seamless it all felt. The last time you’d talked to Marcus, the conversation was hurried, charged with the excitement and adrenaline of a packed club. Here, though, there was something more personal, almost intimate.

Marcus grinned, his gaze dropping ever so briefly to her legs before quickly flicking back up, as if he’d caught himself. “You make a good case,” he murmured, his smile widening just enough to show he was taking in the look she’d crafted for tonight. “And, by the way—wow. That dress…”

Luna glanced down, giving a little laugh as she adjusted the hem and glanced back at him. “Oh, this old thing?” she said with a smirk, playing coy, although you knew well enough she’d spent quite a bit of time deciding on it. “I didn’t think anyone would notice, but it seemed…suitable for the evening.”

Marcus shook his head, smiling as he lifted his hand, gesturing vaguely in appreciation. “Notice? Are you kidding? You’re definitely stealing the spotlight, even in here,” he said, looking as though he meant it. “That color on you—it’s perfect.”

Luna blushed slightly, though her confidence remained as she shifted a little closer, letting her shoulder gently brush his. “Good to know my efforts weren’t wasted.” She tilted her head, eyes meeting his with a twinkle of humor. “It’s hard to look good for just anyone, you know?”

“Oh, I get it,” Marcus said with a laugh, leaning toward her just enough that his cologne filled the space between them. “But I’m flattered. You pulled out all the stops…for me?”

“Why, Marcus Chase,” she teased, a touch of sultriness weaving through her voice. “You might just be worth it.” Her tone was light and flirtatious, but you could feel the edge of excitement there, an underlying truth that she wasn’t trying too hard to mask. She let her eyes linger on his, not breaking the gaze, a hint of challenge in the way she held his gaze.

Marcus held her gaze a moment longer, his expression unreadable, before a slight, almost shy smile crossed his face. It was a look that, to an outsider, would appear utterly charmed. “Well, I can say I’m a fan. Not that I needed any convincing.”

Luna laughed, her hand lightly brushing his arm as she leaned in, her voice lowering. “You know, for a big Hollywood star, you’re surprisingly…down-to-earth. Not what I expected at all.”

“Oh?” Marcus raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eye. “And just what did you expect?”

“I don’t know,” she shrugged with an air of mischief. “I was ready for the whole deal—paparazzi, entourage, maybe even a bodyguard or two lurking in the background.” She smirked, biting her lip. “Imagine my disappointment when it’s just…you.”

“Disappointment?” He leaned forward, feigning a wounded look, though his smile betrayed him. “That’s a low blow.”

Her laugh filled the box, ringing out over the faint hum of the crowd beyond. “Oh, don’t worry, I’m over it.” She winked, resting a hand on his shoulder, watching his eyes follow her movement. “In fact, I think it’s a nice surprise.”

There was a beat of silence, the two of them leaning just close enough that she could feel his warmth, even if the hint of tension between them was subtle. Luna lingered there a moment, then pulled back with a smile, crossing her legs and folding her hands in her lap, letting the pause hold.

Marcus’s gaze lingered a moment longer before he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Alright, well, I’ll try to keep impressing you. I know that’s a tall order.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” she teased again. “You’ve got all night to try.”

Marcus gestured across the private box with a broad grin, taking Luna by the hand as he led her over to a spread of snacks laid out across a sleek, polished counter. From gourmet popcorn to chocolate truffles, every indulgence seemed just within reach.

“Not too shabby, huh?” he said, his tone casual but clearly hoping to impress.

Luna’s eyes lit up as she spotted a selection of brightly colored lollipops arranged in a clear glass jar. She grabbed one, twisting off the wrapper with a satisfied grin. “You know, I’ve been dying for one of these,” she said, her voice playful as she popped the lollipop into her mouth, savoring the sweet taste and letting it sit there just a bit longer than necessary.

Marcus raised an eyebrow, giving her an amused smile as he leaned against the counter, clearly noticing the little show she was putting on. “Is that so?” he murmured, his gaze unwavering as he watched her.

She couldn’t help but smirk a little at his reaction, slowly twirling the lollipop in her mouth before pulling it out with a soft pop. “Mmhmm,” she said, the corner of her mouth quirking up as she met his gaze. “Sometimes, it’s just the little things.”

He let out a soft chuckle, a mix of genuine amusement and something else in his eyes as he watched her. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone enjoy a lollipop that much,” he teased, crossing his arms with a grin. “But hey, if it makes you happy…”

“Oh, it does,” she replied with a wink before turning and heading toward the open-air balcony overlooking the stadium, her movements smooth and confident, each step a little more deliberate than usual. She could feel Marcus’s eyes following her as she walked. He was already smitten.

Out in the open, the sheer size of the stadium became breathtaking. The Rogers Centre stretched out below, rows and rows of seats filling up fast, the crowd’s excitement practically buzzing in the air. Luna gripped the railing, feeling a rush of anticipation ripple through her. She took a deep breath, the chill of the evening air mingling with the charged energy building below.

Marcus joined her, stepping up close, his shoulder brushing hers as he took in the view. “Pretty wild, huh?” he said, his voice softer now, almost reverent.

She turned her head slightly, giving him a warm smile. “Yeah… it’s amazing,” she replied, her gaze lingering on him for just a moment longer than necessary. “Didn’t think you’d be the type for this kind of concert, though. What made you decide to come?”

He chuckled, scratching his neck in a slightly bashful way. “Honestly? Just heard it’s something you have to see at least once, you know? The whole Taylor Swift experience. It’s kind of iconic, right?”

Luna smirked, nodding in agreement. “I get it. The whole ‘Eras Tour’ thing is huge,” she said, twirling the lollipop thoughtfully in her hand. “I mean, even I know a few songs, and I wouldn’t call myself a super fan.”

Marcus gave her a curious look, leaning against the railing beside her. “Oh yeah? So, what’s your go-to Taylor Swift song?”

She laughed, letting the lollipop tap against her lips thoughtfully. “Hmm… probably ‘Style.’ It’s just such a vibe, you know? Kind of like tonight, actually.” She shot him a flirty glance, watching his reaction.

“Oh, I see,” he said, his smile widening as he caught her drift. “Yeah, I can get that. She’s got that whole…je ne sais quoi thing going on. Kind of like someone else I know.” His gaze lingered on her, the admiration in his eyes unmistakable.

Luna playfully rolled her eyes, nudging him with her shoulder. “Nice try,” she said, though her smile softened as she glanced down, her fingers absentmindedly twirling the lollipop stick. “But I’ll take it as a compliment.”

“It’s definitely a compliment,” he replied, leaning closer, his hand brushing hers ever so slightly on the railing. He looked out over the stadium, a bit of awe still in his eyes. “Honestly, though… it’s kind of crazy to be here, in this box, with all this, and, well… with you.”

She let out a soft laugh, glancing at him sideways. “With me, huh?” She lifted an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling as she searched his face. “Lucky me, I guess.”

He chuckled, shifting his stance so he faced her more fully, his eyes meeting hers. “No, lucky me,” he said, his voice dropping just enough to add a touch of warmth. “Tonight wouldn’t be half as good without you here.”

Her heart skipped a beat, and despite the practiced confidence of her persona, a genuine blush crept up her cheeks. She looked away for a moment, then leaned into the playful energy between them, tilting her head back to look up at him. “You really know how to sweet-talk a girl, don’t you?”

Marcus shrugged, his gaze unwavering. “Only when she’s worth it.”

There was a beat of silence between them, both of them taking in the weight of his words. For a second, you could feel the sincerity behind Luna’s flirtation melt into something deeper, something almost real. It was as if the act had slipped for just a moment, letting an actual connection surface. But then, as quickly as it came, she slid back into her confident, poised self, playfully tapping him on the arm.

“Well, you’re lucky,” she murmured, pulling her gaze back out to the crowd below, still swirling with energy. “I don’t give just anyone a whole night of my undivided attention.”

“Now that’s a relief,” he said, a soft laugh escaping him as he rested his arm on the railing beside hers. “Guess I’m doing something right, then.”

Their laughter mingled, echoing out over the quiet hum of the stadium as they continued talking, sharing little jokes and anecdotes. The concert was moments from beginning, but in that small, private box above the crowd, it felt like time was paused just for the two of them.

Luna took one last, lingering look at Marcus, her gaze flickering with a touch of warmth, a subtle satisfaction that her charm had taken root exactly as intended.

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