The room felt calm and quiet once the door clicked shut behind us. The white bed sat in the middle like it was waiting, sheets smooth and turned down, pillows fluffed just right. The lights were dimmed low—soft white glow from hidden strips along the walls and ceiling, giving everything a peaceful, almost dreamy feel. No thumping bass from the DJ downstairs made it up here. Just the faint hum of the air conditioner and our breathing.
I stood near the foot of the bed, hands loose at my sides. Lara stayed by the door for a second, back against it, eyes locked on me. She reached up slowly, fingers hooking the thin straps on her shoulders. One strap slid down. Then the other. The light blue dress slipped off her body in one smooth drop, pooling around her ankles like spilled water.
