Jayce still couldn’t quite grasp that she was genuinely on board. This was new territory. In past encounters, he'd been more of a passive participant, never initiating, never leading. He ran his fingers over the last button of his shirt, a slow smile spreading across his face as he looked at her, a mixture of anticipation and bewilderment swirling within him. He moved closer, gently helping her with the collar. He applied just enough pressure, a subtle assertion without being forceful.

"It's just a light foray," he'd told her. The new club, a chance to explore, to find something that resonated. No pressure, he'd emphasized. This was as much his first time steering as it was her first time venturing into this world. He straightened her collar, a quick ruffle of her hair, a playful gesture to ease the tension.

"Nervous, Kitten?" he murmured, his voice a low hum that sent a shiver down her spine as the distant thump of club music vibrated through the floor beneath them.