It dawned on me, perhaps for the first time, that just as I could read others' energy, they too could read mine. The thought was both humbling and unnerving—no need to hide it then.
"My sweet family seems to have a knack for dragging out the mess in me," I said, attempting a casual tone while straightening the napkin on the table.
Emma arched a single brow, her lips curving into a faint, skeptical smile. "Lol, are you married?" she asked, a playful edge to her voice.
"Goodness, no!" I shot back, my reaction far more startled than I intended. The suddenness of the question caught me off guard, as did her unwavering gaze.
She tilted her head, resting her chin lightly on her hand. "Really? Because you've got that look—like someone who's just been chewed out by a spouse."
I paused, weighing my words carefully. "Just… family matters, you know?" I offered with a shrug, though even to my ears, it sounded more like an excuse than a genuine explanation.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if she could see right through me. Before she could press further, the server returned, placing another two bottles of tequila on the table. A timely rescue.
Emma stared at the bottles and let out a soft laugh, low and musical. "Are you trying to kill me, or are you just testing my limits?" she asked, folding her arms. Her tone was light, but her gaze was sharp, studying me like a puzzle she intended to solve.
"Well," I began, pouring her glass before topping off my own, "you're escaping from something I don't know, and I'm running from family—and probably myself. So why not drink to our hearts' content?"
Her expression shifted subtly, the hint of a smirk giving way to something quieter, more thoughtful. "Running never really works, you know," she murmured, more to herself than to me. Then, catching my gaze, she raised her glass. "But maybe... just for tonight, it's enough."
"Maybe," I agreed, clinking my glass lightly against hers. The sound rang out—a delicate, fleeting note that seemed to linger in the space between us.
"What excites you?" she asked suddenly, cutting through the silence with a question that felt oddly personal.
"For the moment?" I said, holding her gaze and letting the words hang in the air for just a beat. "I can only think of you."
Her cheeks flushed a shade deeper, and she quickly averted her eyes. For the first time that evening, the ever-composed Emma appeared to falter, just slightly.
Rising from my chair, I moved to pour her another drink, using the opportunity to switch seats and close the distance between us. When I sat back down, the change in proximity shifted the entire atmosphere. It felt... electric.
I handed her the glass with a small smile. "To chance encounters," I offered, raising my own glass.
"To chance encounters," she echoed, her voice softer now. Our glasses met, the sound deeper this time, resonating with unspoken meanings.
For a while, we drank in silence, the tequila warming my veins and loosening the edges of my thoughts. I let myself study her, noting the way her dark hair framed her face and the subtle shimmer of her diamond necklace catching the low light. She was elegant, polished—a stark contrast to the chaos I felt within myself.
"Nice necklace," I remarked, leaning slightly closer. "A gift?"
"To myself," she replied, her lips curving into a small, self-assured smile. "Sometimes you've got to celebrate your own victories, you know?"
I nodded, a touch of admiration sneaking into my expression. "Self-made then?"
"Something like that," she said, taking another sip. The way she carried herself, so poised and graceful—it was magnetic.
"I really like you," Emma said suddenly, her words so quiet I almost thought I imagined them.
I blinked, caught off guard. My usual confidence wavered, replaced by something more tentative. "To what degree?" I teased, forcing a lightness into my tone.
She didn't take the bait. Instead, she set her glass down and removed her glasses, folding them neatly. Her movements were slow, deliberate, carrying an intensity that sent a ripple of unease and anticipation through me.
"I can't explain it in words," she murmured, leaning closer. "I'll just have to show you."
Her hand brushed against mine, and I froze. For someone who prided himself on being in control, I suddenly felt like a novice—unsure of my next move, unsteady in her presence. Her touch was light, but it carried a weight I couldn't ignore.
Her other hand slid behind my neck, pulling me closer. We were face to face now, her breath warm against my skin—a mix of tequila and something sweetly intoxicating. My heart pounded in a way I hadn't felt in years, a primal rhythm that defied logic.
"Emma..." I began, my voice barely above a whisper. But before I could finish, she leaned in, her movements decisive, as if to banish any second thoughts I might have had.
I closed my eyes just like females do when about to kiss.
Her lips touched mine.
She then let go of me and went back into her original position.
Can you imagine the electrons that fired into my body?
She grabbed her cup, gave me a seducing smile that ran to my heart and mind.
She gulped the content and then tossed her glass to me. I knew what I needed to do, I emulated her and caused her loudest chuckle to crack.
I filled the glasses.
She patched, then leaked her bottom lip.
As if daring me. If you are man enough here I am, show me what makes you a bad guy.
"Challenge accepted."
I fell for her trap.
Which I desired so much above all things after a series of what I just went through.
I relaxed myself, I freed my spirit to soar high to the great highest of ecstasy, to give all that resided in me.
Beginning with my body, mind and spirit.
My entire upper body moved toward her, it wasn't mine any more as if something outside of me influenced the energy within me.
I acted like a puppet, I loved it when I lost myself in this power bigger than me.
I could see that my aura now dominated hers.
Her eyes shot directly into mine, so did I. I searched for her deepest and strongest pleasure in her.
That's what I wanted to tap in at the moment.
She dared not flinch, shake nor blink.
My lips were about to touch hers when she closed her eyes.
Upon our lips merging, toying with them, felt their soft, tenderness.
Next our tongues entwined. Bliss and ecstasy filled my whole body.
I suppose the feeling was mutual as we both didn't want to let go.
My body warmed up, slowly but sure it was getting lighter and lighter as if all my burdens were being lifted up.
Maybe they were, I can just feel the hit that gradually fired up in my bosom.
It was the longest, we both didn't want to let go.
The bond between us resembled that of identical twins.
I felt like I was discovering a certain side of myself that I did not know.
She must be myself, pushed out.
We were like one existence.
Like we belonged to each.
Our energies entwined and we were one.
A different kind of pleasure roamed in me. I am sure she too had the same experience.
I pulled back.
Her eyes rolled at me covered with splendid. They told me that she needed me.
"Are you driving?"
She automatically knew where this was heading to.
"Yes, why?"
I leaked my bottom lip.
My eyes burn with lust.
"Let's leave this place."
I cut to the chest, as my head bent one side. Making my message clear.
She shook her head sideways, sending some confusion in my head, "Why? What do you want to do with me? Do you want to take advantage of me?"
I was dumbfounded, out of what to say.
I honestly thought that we were on the same page.
"We will leave here only on one condition."
She dared me. Only then did I understand that all these silly queries she must have been making a joke out of me.
"And what is that condition?"
I regained my self confidence once more.
"Guess
The feeling between us was undeniable. It wasn't just a physical pull—it was something deeper, something magnetic that neither of us wanted to break. Her presence enveloped me, and my body responded in ways I couldn't control. A growing warmth spread through me, lightening me in a way I hadn't felt in years. It was as though all my burdens were slipping away, replaced by something raw and unrestrained.
This moment lingered, stretching time itself. I didn't want to let go. Neither did she. The connection felt ancient, like the bond of souls long entwined, forgotten only to be rediscovered now. It was strange, unsettling, and exhilarating all at once.
My chest tightened with emotions I couldn't name. As I looked at her, a thought struck me: she wasn't just someone I'd met by chance. She was me—my reflection, my mirror. In her, I saw the parts of myself I never knew existed. We weren't just two people meeting for a drink. We were one existence, our energies entwined so completely it was impossible to tell where she ended and I began.
Still, I pulled back, more from instinct than intention. My head spun, and not just from the tequila. Her eyes fixed on mine, wide and shimmering with something I could only describe as need. They told me everything she hadn't yet voiced. She needed me. Just as much as I needed her.
"Are you driving?" she asked, her voice breaking through the haze. It was a simple question, but the way she asked it carried layers of implication.
"Yes," I replied, my voice low, almost a whisper. "Why?"
Her lips parted slightly, her eyes drifting down to my mouth. I caught myself licking my bottom lip, a nervous tell. The intensity in her gaze lit something inside me. My throat was dry, my heart pounding like a war drum.
"Let's leave this place," I said, my voice firmer this time. There was no point in dancing around it—I wanted her to know exactly what I meant. My head tilted slightly, my expression making the message clear.
But to my surprise, she shook her head slowly. The gesture was deliberate, her lips curling into the faintest of smiles. Confusion flickered through my mind, my confidence wobbling for a moment.
"Why?" she asked, her tone teasing, but with a sharpness beneath it. Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "What do you want to do with me? Do you plan to take advantage of me?"
Her words hit me like a slap. I froze, caught completely off guard. The tension between us had felt so mutual, so aligned. Her question left me scrambling for an answer.
"I…" My voice faltered, my confidence slipping away. For the first time that evening, I was unsure of myself. Was she serious? Was this some kind of test? Or had I completely misread her intentions?
Her expression softened as she leaned back slightly, crossing her arms and raising one eyebrow. That sly smile returned, and suddenly, I understood. She was toying with me.
Her voice dropped, almost a whisper. "We'll leave here," she said, drawing out the words, "but only on one condition."
Her challenge hung in the air, heavy and charged. I exhaled slowly, regaining my composure. So this was her game. I leaned forward, my confidence returning with a smirk of my own.
"And what's that condition?" I asked, my tone matching hers in playful intensity.
She tilted her head, her smile widening into something almost wicked.
I studied her for a moment, my mind racing. Her gaze was locked onto mine, unwavering, and I could feel the electricity crackling in the air between us. This wasn't just a game for her—it was a test, a challenge to see if I was willing to match her wit, her daring.
"Guess?" I repeated, narrowing my eyes slightly as I leaned even closer. "What kind of game are you playing, Emma?"
Her smile deepened. "The kind where I hold all the cards," she said, her voice like velvet. Her fingers traced the rim of her glass absentmindedly, her eyes never leaving mine.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Fine. My guess is… you'll only leave if I promise not to try anything stupid."
Her laughter rang out, soft and melodic, as she leaned forward, closing the space between us again. "That's a safe guess," she said, her breath warm against my cheek. "But wrong."
"Then what is it?" I pressed, my curiosity now fully piqued. She was impossible to read, her intentions hidden behind those sharp, glimmering eyes.