Chapter 36

Chapter 36

The crowd dispersed as soon as Cara stepped into the club. For a weekday, the club sure is full. We were met with sweaty bodies and the smell of cigars and alcohol. Everyone seemed to stop whatever they were doing once their eyes met her. She tends to have that kind of effect on everyone. Men and women seem to be in a trance by the mere sight of her.

I slowed my steps, falling behind. I felt so small as I walked beside her. The looks just added to the list of my many insecurities. I stayed behind her and let her lead. Her men, as always, will just be in the corner watching and observing. They’re always quick when something’s going to happen.

Cara suddenly stopped in her tracks when she found her friend who was standing in the corner of the bar, a couple of meters away from us. She directed me to wait for her at the bar before walking towards the man who was grinning at her all the while. I took a seat on one of the stools as I watched them from a distance.

The guy was familiar like I’ve met him before. Then I remember the party that was held at the Ranallo's mansion. I guess I met him there, I thought. All of her relatives were there.

I watched the two hug and Cara showering him with kisses on his face. Maybe he’s actually a relative. Do you do that with your relatives? But she said he’s a friend.

“Hey.”

“Huh?” I turned to the bartender whom I realized had been calling me for god knows how many times and I didn’t hear him. “Sorry.” Shaking my head so I could regain my focus.

He smiled in return. “No prob, man. I was just asking you what you wanted.”

“Oh… just give me something common.” I responded unsure.

“Will vodka be alright?” He said as he started preparing. I nodded absentmindedly as I returned my attention to the two. Their bodies were so close to each other, arms in each others’ waist as they chatted with all smiles.

I froze when they turned and began walking further inside to wherever it is they’re going. I can’t believe she left me here. I scoff. Whatever. It’s not like we’re in a relationship so she could bring me anywhere with her business.

The bartender slid the vodka towards me. I immediately downed it in one go. “Hey, slow down, man.” He chided.

“Another one, please.” He shook his head in return while getting me another one.

I don’t know how long I was sitting here. I lost count how many shots I downed. I was already way past tipsy. The bartender whose name was Lane was already starting to be my friend. We chatted here and there when he’s not busy entertaining orders. I should’ve gone with the woman who tried to flirt with me not long ago. Instead, I stayed here with Lane as my company.

Nice guys finish last, huh. Now, I’m sulking here wondering when the hell she’ll come for me. As much as Lane was a good company, I’m starting to get pissed that he’s already showing sympathy. I guess he saw how I was left here with the woman I was with. She literally abandoned me.

Lane told me that the man Cara was with was one of his bosses. I don’t think it was his cousin. I still clearly remember his face. I mean, who doesn’t when he joined Cara torturing me. They made sure to let me know that I messed with the wrong people. I doubt that. I don’t know how he’ll react when he knows that I’m bedding his beloved cousin sister. I scoff bitterly.

I have waited for far too long. I don’t know what time it is but it felt like hours had already passed.

“I’ll walk you out. Did you come here with a car? I don’t think it’s safe for you to drive in that state.” Lane offered. I appreciated his concern but I can manage.

“Thanks but I can handle myself.” I realized the club was already jump packed. “I think you’re more needed here.”

“Yeah.” He nods before another customer calls his attention. I got up to finally leave this place but when I turned around, Cara was already in front of me.

“Leaving so soon?” She said, crossing her arms to her chest.

“Yeah, I don’t think I’m needed here.” I spoke with bitterness to my tone.

“I let you come here so you could have a good time, free from that physical training you oh so hated.” Her voice was smooth, velvety which only added to my already bad mood.

“What? You want me to drink my night away and dance with those chicks who came to have a good time-”

The next second, her hand suddenly wrapped around my throat. I stumbled back as she stepped closer. My back was hit against the counter.

“I do not like the tone you’re using nor the contents that come out of that damn mouth of yours, Dylan Ross. I suggest you be careful.” Her hand tightened as she spoke those warnings.

I inhaled a huge amount of oxygen greedily as soon as she let go. Despite her threat, I can’t help but be unable to contain my anger. I knew it was showing in my face when she grabbed my jaw this time and forced me to look at her.

“What the fuck are you glaring at?” She spat.

I looked away feeling defeated and frustrated. “Nothing.”

“How much did you drink?” She narrowed her eyes while studying me.

I shrugged in response. She then shifted her attention behind me. “How much did he drink?” I already know she’s asking Lane since he was the only one who was working in this spot.

“Ahhh… S-sorry, boss. I don’t really know.” Fuck! So Lane knew her. “He’s just here drinking the whole time.” Yeah, the whole fucking hour.

She then returns her attention to me. “On a scale of one to five, how drunk are you exactly?”

“Enough to leave this place alone.”

“Enough to disrespect me, I see.” She retorted. She then roughly removed her hand from my jaw. “Come.” She turned and sauntered towards the dance floor. I stare at her back in disbelief and slight annoyance. But I followed her anyway.

She was standing there, waiting for me with unbelievable patience. I don’t know if she’s intentionally ignoring the looks the men are giving her despite dancing with their partners or that she simply doesn’t know.

“Are you just going to stand there or are you going to dance with me?” Her lips turned up in amusement.

I chose to just stand because I wasn’t in the mood. I was still not happy that she left me. She sighed before stepping towards me. She grabbed my hands and placed it on her hips with little force. She wrapped her arms around my neck and pressed her body to mine. Her breasts were crushed against my chest. Even with the slightly upbeat song, we were dancing as if it was a slow love song.

“You really are just going to stand here, huh.” Her voice softens as she continues to sway for me even though I was still stiff as a tree.

I couldn’t take not knowing anymore so I asked. “Who were you with and where did you go?”

I watched her get taken aback with my question. She blinks before smiling. “Ah… I assumed you had met him at Uncle Marco’s birthday party.”

“I forgot.” Honestly, I was unsure but he was familiar. I don’t know if we’ve been introduced. “What are you two?”

She smirks in amusement. “His name is Leo, tesoro. He was Sol’s right hand. If Franco was mine, he was his. He had quit and followed my cousin here. And since he’s been busy with his wife and twins, Leo stepped up to manage his clubs for him. We grew up together. He was Sol’s best friend and a brother… to me as well.”

“Why did you leave me?” My face contorted to a frown, bitterness and hurt shown. It’s as if her explanation fell on deaf ears. I was too caught up in my emotions, all I needed was reassurance.

Her eyebrows scrunched in thought. “I don’t think you’d like what we were discussing. It had been three years since the last time we met. He wanted to catch up with what I had been doing since I took over the family. I’m sure you do not want to listen to the gory details.”

I looked away, evading her eyes. I kind of understand now why she did what she did. If I had come with her, I guess I would want to leave. Still… their closeness doesn’t sit well with me. Just the thought of it made me pissed off.

“I hope you know you’re squeezing my waist.”

I immediately unclasped my hands from her waist. “Oh… sorry.”

“I know you were uncomfortable that I left you here.” She slides her hands from my neck, down to my hands. “But I’m happy…” She takes it again and brings it back to her waist. “That you chose to drink alone with the company of a bartender…” She smiles in amusement. “Than succumb to a typical man’s desires. Sulking there like an abandoned puppy.”

I scowled. “Are you happy seeing me like that?”

She chuckles. “I truly am.” She grabs one of my hands and twirls herself once and falls back to my chest. My hands automatically landed on her waist. A grin painted her face.

“Because I know I’m the only one who could make you feel this way.” She whispered against my mouth. Suddenly, all things didn’t matter. I even forgot what I was mad about. “Il mio.” She breathes.

“Now dance with me, tesoro. You have the honor to dance with the queen herself.” She said grinning.

I don’t think I heard what she said. All I wanna do is grab her and kiss her. And that’s what I did. Kissing feels better than dancing or being mad at her. She didn’t have any argument on that thought though.