[8:30 PM, Central District]
Jack stood in front of the tall, reflective glass of the building, adjusting the collar of his jacket. The bustling energy of the Central District surrounded him—hover cars zipped through the air, neon lights bathed the streets, and a mix of alien species walked by, each lost in their own world. Jack took a deep breath, trying to shake off the nerves that had begun creeping up on him since leaving Irani Rael's office.
He wasn't the type to get nervous, but this was different. He wasn't just heading into another battle or taking on a mercenary job—he was about to go on a date with one of the most powerful women in the galaxy, someone who could crush him like a bug. And yet, she had chosen him. That alone was enough to send a rush of adrenaline through his veins.
<9:00 PM, The Siren's Call Lounge>
The Siren's Call was a high-end lounge located on one of the top floors of a skyscraper, offering a panoramic view of the city below. It was a place of refined elegance, where the elite of Xandar came to unwind. The decor was top-notch, with dark wood paneling and soft lighting that cast a warm glow over the patrons. A soft melody played in the background, the kind of music that made you want to relax and savor the moment.
'Looks like an expensive place and too many aliens...' He thought as he looked around. 'Well, I'm too early. But considering the fact that she invited me here. Well, I can take a wild guess... This is going to be a long night."
Jack arrived a bit early and found himself a seat at the bar, ordering a drink to calm his nerves. "Give me something light." The bartender, a middle-aged man with an easygoing demeanor, handed him a glass filled with a deep amber liquid.
"First time here?" the bartender asked, striking up a conversation.
"Yeah," Jack replied, taking a sip. 'Dang! This is good...' The drink was smooth, with just the right amount of burn to take the edge off. It's been a while since he had something nice and smooth for a change. "Meeting someone."
The bartender nodded as if he had heard this a million times before. "Big night, huh?"
Jack chuckled, shaking his head. "You have no idea."
As the minutes ticked by, Jack's mind wandered. He thought about the events of the past few days—the move, the new quests, and the ever-complicated web of relationships he found himself entangled in. But all of that seemed to fade away as the clock struck 9:30 PM, and the entrance to the lounge opened.
Irani Rael walked in.
'Well, she's spot on time. Now, the show begins.' Jack smirked and downed the rest of his drink, rising from his seat.
Irani wore a tight black dress that showed off her strong, fit body. The dress was simple and classy, with a low neckline that suggested a hint of attraction. Her hair, which was usually pulled back into a bun, was now flowing freely over her shoulders in gentle curls. She had on just a few pieces of jewelry—a basic necklace and earrings that caught the light just right to catch someone's attention.
As she walked through the lounge, heads turned, but she paid them no mind. Her eyes were focused on one person, and when they met Jack's, a small, almost shy smile appeared at the corner of her lips.
Jack stood up, his heart skipping a beat. She was looking gorgeous tonight, even more so than usual. The way her dress hugged her curves, showing off just enough without being too revealing... It was enough to make any man weak in the knees. She walked toward him with a confident gait, her eyes never leaving his.
"..."
"..."
"Umm... Is there something on my face?" Irani asked, confused as Jack kept staring at her without saying anything.
"Oh, sorry... You look stunning!" Jack smiled sheepishly.
Irani chuckled. "Thanks, you don't look bad yourself."
She looked him up and down, admiring his physique. Jack was wearing a tailored suit that accentuated his muscular frame, paired with a crisp white shirt and a tie that matched the color of his eyes. His brown hair was slicked back, giving him an air of sophistication.
"Shall we?"
He offered her his arm, and she took it, allowing him to lead her to a private booth near the large glass windows. The view of Xandar's cityscape was breathtaking, the lights twinkling like stars against the night sky. They sat down, and for a moment, neither spoke, each taking in the other's presence.
"So," Jack finally broke the silence. "What's this job you wanted to talk about?"
"We can talk about that later, right now, I'm starving," She said, waving over a waiter.
They ordered their food, and as they waited, they made small talk, getting to know each other a little better. Jack learned that Irani loved art, especially painting and that she had always wanted to get away from her monotonous work life at least once in her life. He told her about his life in Knowhere and some brief talk about his family.
The food arrived...
Irani picked up her utensils and started eating while Jack ate slowly, savoring each bite. The food was delicious, and he could tell that Irani was enjoying herself as well. The conversation flowed easily between them, with both of them sharing stories about their lives and experiences. Irani laughed more than he had ever seen her do, her usual stern demeanor melting away as the night went on.
But as the main course was cleared away, a more serious mood settled over the table. Jack could see the shift in her eyes, the way she hesitated before speaking.
"Jack," Irani began, her voice softer now, almost hesitant, "I've been thinking about what you said earlier today. About being... for hire."
"Yeah? Which part exactly?" He leaned back. His eyes were on the woman before him.
"The part about lover for hire. I want to hire you."
"..." Jack didn't say anything for a moment. He just stared at Irani, unsure of what to say or how to respond. Was she serious? "You serious? You do know I was kinda joking back then, right?"
Irani nodded, "I know, but... I'm lonely. And you're attractive."
Jack blinked, "Well, thank you, but—"
She shook her head. "I know. But... I'm not joking now." There was a vulnerability in her eyes that Jack had never seen before, a raw openness that took him by surprise. "I've spent so many years dedicated to my duties, to the Nova Corps, that I've forgotten what it's like to have someone close. To be... with someone."
"..." Jack fell silent. He couldn't deny that he found Irani attractive, and things went exactly how he had expected them to go.
After a brief moment of contemplation, he spoke, "Alright. But not lover for hire. Let's just say, we are going to indulge ourselves tonight. Just two people seeking pleasure. Nothing more, nothing less."
"Deal." Irani's expression changed into a wicked smirk, the same smirk he saw when she first met him. "No strings attached."
Jack stood up, offering her his hand. "Shall we?"
Irani took his hand, and they made their way out of the lounge.
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