Gemotions

The bass vibrated through Leo’s chest, a thrilling pulse that echoed the rapid beat of his heart. He’d met this woman, Sarah, at a gallery opening, and the way her eyes had locked with his, the way her hand had lingered on his arm when she’d laughed… it had been electric. Now, pressed close to her on the packed dance floor, he felt a thrilling electricity in the air between them. Her perfume, a heady blend of jasmine and something wild, made his senses sharpen. He leaned in, intending to whisper a compliment, but then he noticed the familiar curve of her jawline in the reflection of the mirrored wall.

A figure emerged from the crowd, a woman with the exact same cascade of fiery red hair and a similar dress, who was now smiling at him. Her eyes were a familiar shade of green. His mind scrambled for a second, then a third. He was reeling. The music became a deafening roar.

“Leo?” the other woman shouted, leaning in to be heard over the thumping music. “You look… surprised.”

Leo felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. He stumbled back, his carefully constructed composure crumbling. He needed air, desperately.