1.Alin #2
I study him intently in the dim lighting of the room.
His eyes are a piercing gray, his skin lightly tanned, and his lips perfectly shaped.
A long scar on his right eyebrow add to his allure.
His hair is neatly styled, with a few strands falling across his forehead, giving him a rugged charm.
His expression is stoic, almost icy, devoid of emotion.
“He’s devastatingly handsome,” I think to myself as our eyes meet briefly. I sense he’s appraising me, and the thought thrills me. Pushing aside distracting thoughts, I reluctantly turn my attention to Cora, who is explaining to Mariano why we’re here.
Mariano nods in response, kisses Cora, and makes a phone call with a serious demeanor that seems characteristic of him.
Moments later, Graham enters the room, handing Cora her phone. I can’t help but notice how everyone here seems to defer to him like obedient puppies. Cora thanks Graham with a smile.
“Come on, we’re leaving,” she says, walking toward the exit, but I stop her. “That’s not polite, let me say goodbye to your husband,” I say, and she rolls her eyes in response. “I’m not sure he even knows what the word polite means,” she quips, but shrugs in resignation.
Ignoring her comment, I approach Mariano, greeting him with a kiss on each cheek in the Italian manner Cora taught me. Throughout the exchange, my gaze keeps returning to the intriguing stranger beside him, whose presence seems to overshadow everyone else in the room.
“Good to see you again, have a good time,” he says warmly.
I give him a grateful glance and look back at Cora.
“What were you talking about? Your husband is simply charming,” I retort to her previous comment, and she can’t suppress her laughter.
“He’s quite the actor. Lucky for him, his dick is big enough, and he knows how to satisfy in bed,” she says loudly enough for Mariano to hear.
Or rather, for everyone in the room to hear.
He winks at her, and my cheeks flush red. I can’t understand why I’m the only one in this room who finds this situation between them embarrassing.
“Cora, you’re ruining the girl, bringing shy virgins to this side of the club. She doesn’t belong here, get her out,” the stranger finally speaks, his tone sharp, and continues to look at me with an unreadable expression, something I haven’t encountered in a long time.
Before I can respond, Cora turns to him arrogantly.
“That’s new... a reaction from the ice-cold lord.
Alin affected you too? I know she’s a walking bombshell,” she points to my body and continues, “She can wrap any man here around her little finger, and that’s exactly what she’s going to do tonight.
So don’t worry, we’ll be out of here soon,” she dismisses him with a triumphant glance.
Mariano chuckles and turns to the handsome man, “Burned, brother.”
His expression changes for a second—if I don’t know better, I’d think he is a bit angry—but it quickly returns to his icy, intimidating look. That look might scare many people, but not me.
He chuckles too and shoots back at Cora, “Idiot.”
I join Cora in her triumphant smile, feeling a little thrill of excitement in my stomach as I look at him again, but I quickly push it away and walk out with Cora to the main entrance of club Q. Who would have thought this club also offers additional services?
Entering the VIP area, Graham isn’t with us this time. Cora actually managed to get rid of him, but I couldn’t ignore the two security guards at the room’s edge, watching us like hawks and communicating, presumably with Mariano.
“Your husband really knows how to let go,” I comment sarcastically, rolling my eyes and pointing toward the two guards.
Cora sighs in exasperation, and the only thing that comes out of her mouth is an order, “Shots, now!”
We line up a series of shots at the bar, and I’m on edge, very careful about the people around me, monitoring every liquid near me.
I’m lifting the fourth shot when she smiles and shouts in my ear, “That’s it, I’m charged up, let’s dance!
” I follow her, struggling to ignore the dizziness as the alcohol flows through my veins.
For some reason, alcohol always affects me more than others; not only do my senses dull, but I also lose control of my powers, leaving me vulnerable.
I try to shake myself back to rationality and not let myself fall. I need to always stay in control.
As we start dancing, the music pounding in my ears, I manage to forget everything around me, lowering my defenses and letting the music envelop me.
I remember the pole dancers in the strip club and try to imitate their sexy moves, pressing my hips against Cora’s. She seems to enjoy the idea and moves with me in sync.
Feeling feminine and empowered, I entertain the hope of attracting a handsome man tonight, maybe even someone like that enigmatic stranger. Despite my curiosity, I decide it’s safer to keep my distance; his aura screamed danger, something I couldn’t afford right now.
Glancing around the dance floor, I search for any approaching men. I want to let loose tonight, but I’m surprised that no one was making a move.
“Are we in a gay production, or did I grow two arms on my forehead that are preventing men from approaching me?” I shout into Cora’s ear, and she laughs.
“It’s not us, it’s Mariano. No one wants to piss off the owner by getting close to his wife,” she says with a shrug. “It’s better for us, we have more space to dance.”
She continues dancing happily while I survey the room, noticing several men stealing glances in my direction. Thanks to her, I won’t be leaving with anyone tonight. It’s been a while since I’ve been with a man; tonight, I am determined to find a fling.
Since arriving in Manhattan, I’ve been on a few dates that led to bed a few times, but none have truly captivated me or gone anywhere. Mostly, I avoided getting too attached. Tonight, however, I am resolute on finding someone to end the night with.
I look back at the men casting curious glances, silently inviting them to come closer.
I continue to dance when I feel a pair of hands grasp my hips from behind and move with me in a close dance.
The scent of his cologne awakens my senses.
“Finally, someone got a bit of courage,” I say to myself in a drunken whisper and glance at the security guards who have taken a step toward us, not taking their eyes off us, ensuring he doesn’t get too close to Cora.
I ignore them and turn to see who the brave one is.
My face encounters the chest of a tall, slightly muscular man.
When I look up, his short, wavy brown hair playfully falls on his forehead as he looks down at me.
His eyes are a honey-brown, and his facial features are delicate yet unmistakably masculine.
I decide he is tonight’s winner and continue dancing closely with him.
Cora pushes another shot into my hand, and in less than a second, it’s gone.
Immediately afterward, I bring my face closer to his.
“Looks like you’re lucky enough to take me home tonight,” I drunkenly whisper in his ear, watching the corners of his mouth curl into a sly smile.
“If that’s my luck, I regret not buying a lottery ticket. I’m Shane,” he says into my ear. I laugh and teasingly whisper back, “Alin.”
He takes my hand, and we sit at the bar.
Cora is still lost in dancing, oblivious to her surroundings. Despite her state, with the security guards around, I’m not too concerned about her.
Turning my attention back to Shane, we exchange brief introductions shout over the blaring music. He reveals he’s 31, and upon learning that his apartment is just two blocks from mine, I tactfully avoid giving him my address and suggest we head to his place instead.
People always thought I’m na?ve for going wherever I want, whenever I want, with such ease, but they don’t know and will never know why I’m not afraid of it.
I can take care of myself very well; it’s others who need to worry about me most of the time.
I ask Shane to wait for me at the bar while I make my way back to Cora.
“I’m about to leave, are you staying?” I ask her, pointing in Shane’s direction.
She grins mischievously and shouts drunkenly, “Ooooh, he looks like quite a catch! Let me know how his ‘weapon’ is!” She chuckles.
“I’m fine. As you can see, I’ve got protection here.
I’ll head back to Mariano soon. Go on ahead.
” I hug her and return to the bar, scanning for Shane, only to find he’s no longer there.
I sigh in frustration when suddenly a hand rests on my shoulder. I turn excitedly, expecting to see Shane, but my smile fades as I am greeted by the familiar face of the stranger who had captivated me earlier.
“Expecting someone else?” he asks with an arrogant smile that irritates me.
“None of your business, Mister...?” I reply venomously, trying to get his name.
“Luca, for you. Alin, right?” he asks with amusement, but his gaze still feels threatening. The alcohol in my veins doesn’t filter my responses, and I immediately reply, “A perfect memory for the perfect man, quite the package deal.”
Now a genuine smile spreads across his face. “So, you think I’m perfect?” he asks teasingly, awakening my body again, and in my drunken state, I want to slap myself for not knowing when and how to keep quiet.
His gaze holds me captive, and I fight the urge to step back and create distance. Ignoring him seems like the smart, sober choice for now, despite the difficulty.
Rolling my eyes, I continue searching for Shane, feeling my body protest the gap I’ve created between us.
“You won’t find him,” he throws at me as if reading my thoughts, and I try to understand who he’s talking about, but decide not to respond.
I don’t trust my mouth right now. Taking a step toward the exit, his hand suddenly grips mine, yanking me back forcefully.
I lose my balance and fall against his chest, my back to him.