The night was alive, Bright lights, with blues music, and a scent of expensive perfume mixed with liquor curled the air. I swayed my head to the Rhythm of the music, my fingers were tracing the rim of my glass of wine in a Lazy rhythm. It was filled to the brim moments ago, but now, empty. Typical.
I gave a signal to the waiter by waving my hand, but he was busy getting their orders. A sigh slipped from my lips as i Decided to wait on him, but before I realize, a dark, rich liquid poured into my empty glass.
Shocked, I turned and froze.
He was tall. Broad shoulders, very masculine with a sculpted chest barely covered beneath his dark button shirt, and piercing green eyes that seemed to sweep me off my feet. Older than me, yet dangerously attractive He was exactly my type of man.
I smirked. "Thanks."
He only nodded before returning back to his seat.
I was shocked by his appearance. How did I not notice him before? Then again, I had been too busy drowning in my own mess—finances slipping away,Work is draining me, and my arts are barely getting the publicity it needs.Maybe tonight, I deserved a little distraction.
Before I could overthink it, he walked towards me again, shifting his lounge chair closer.
"Miss, Do you have a lighter?" His voice was bold and smooth.
I tilted my head, feeling playful. "Nahh, I wouldn't want you having a bad lungs, But no I don't have"
A smile would've been a proper response. Or probably A smirk, even. But Mr. Grumpy stared at me looking so unimpressed and his dace wasn't readable.
I sighed nonchalantly ignoring his attitude, leaning back against the plush seat. "Do you stay around here?"
Silence.
I blinked twice. "Are you always this quiet or am I just different?"
Nothing.
Annoyed, I scoffed . "Why the fuck am I trying to be friendly ?" I grabbed my drink, and drank it all to the last .decided to take my leave instead of trying to entertain a brick wall
just as I stood up—RIP.
A loud creak like a tear, echoed through the air. My body stiffened. Oh, fuck.
I looked down. And behold , My dress. My damn dress. Torn. Right at my Butt side.
I didn't dare look up. Maybe if I stood still nobody will notice me.
But when I finally looked up Mr grumpy was already staring.
His piercing green eyes kept scanning the damage before looking at me. Amusement curled through his Expression.
A slow, devilish smirk.
"Do you want to keep standing there till forever" His voice filled with disbelief.
I was almost melting into the floor. Sweat gushed down my spine as I fumbled for my pulse. Can I get buried into the ground instantly as I rushed to grab my purse, he moved before I could move.
In a swift mode, he lifted me into his arms.
Wait—what?!
My hands hurriedly pressed against his shoulders as I rested my head on his solid chest, unfairly perfect, He carried me out of the club effortlessly like I was light weight. I could feel the stares of people as I hid my face underneath his neck.
"Thank you—put me down!" I whisper-yelled, but he ignored me,as we pushed through the exit door.
The night air pierced through me like a sword. As he finally set me down removed his jacket as he curled it round my waist , his gaze locked onto mine.
"Are you with cash?" he asked, his voice unreadable.
My jaw tightened . "Yeah."
"Are you feeling dizzy?"
"No," I mumbled.
"Can you go home alone?"
I nodded, A part of me wish he could persist more, or rather offer to give me a ride, ask for my name or number or something.
Instead, he is offering me his jacket.
"Okay."
And then—he walked away.
I watched him as he went to his black silky suv that screamed luxury and power. He slides into it, The engine was humming like a beast.
I scoffed, rolling my eyes. Could he be any more perfect?
At least, just the least he could have done was turn around ask for my name, or my number, or my house address…fuck. He has a car he could have offer me a ride.
But then…
He drove off.
I blinked.
"Seriously?" I muttered under my breath. "What a show-off."
With a sigh, I called for a taxi, slid into it as my mind was replaying everything that played out few minutes ago and why do I feel this isn't the last time I'll see him?.
That night, I finally arrived home , kicked off my shoes tiredly and collapsed on my bed in exhaustion, I kept staring at the ceiling, the stink of alcohol clung on me and I hurriedly dragged myself to the bathroom and let the hot water wash over me as the steam curled the air cooling both my skin and my restless thoughts.
Afterward, wrapped in my robe, I walked to the window,glaring at the city lights as twinkling like diamonds the view was so perfect I couldn't resist the urge as I was incomplete, i immediately opened my drawer and grabbed my drawing board and painting brush, Art has always been my escape and one true love after My mom. As I let the paint glide across the page, shapes began to form, I got into the moment and was cut off, my phone buzzed.
Liam.
I hesitated, not really in the mood for conversation, but after the third ring, I gave in.
"Hey, what's up?" I answered, tucking the phone between my shoulder and ear as I continued painting.
"Mi amor, are you busy tomorrow?" His voice was warm.
I smiled "You already know my answer, MR man"
"Bills on me."
Damn. He knew my weak point, I was practically a professional at saving always stingy with myself just to meet up with my mission on opening an Art studio.
I groaned dramatically. "Ugh, I'm tired, Liam. But… Will there be drumsticks?"
He burst into laughter. "And Ice creams."
I exhaled in defeat. "Shit, I'm sorry I'm too busy…" i groaned in exhaustion "Ugh nahh I can't resist this. After my work by 4pm let's meet up duck-head"
"Ok Boss, don't forget " he said happily
After exchanging goodbyes, I threw my phone lightly on the bed as it lands with a little thud, and went back to my painting. But something about my Art felt wrong the lines weren't aligning , I set the canvas aside and flopped onto my bed and slept off.
The next day..
The morning light pierced through my window, golden rays cutting across my room as my alarm rang , Groaning, I turned to glare at the clock. 5:00 AM. Time to get ready for work.
With a sigh, I reached for my phone and reached out to my playlist , letting Jennifer lopez song "Ain't your Mama" fill my room. The rhythm of the song made me prepare faster as I dragged myself into the bathroom, singing under the warm spray of the shower. The music was on repeat throughout.
After dressing in my work uniform, I grabbed my bag and headed out. The road to Café Mumbai was a familiar one, winding through a slightly hilly area, with trees lining the streets, their branches swaying in the soft morning breeze. As the bus came to a stop, I stepped off, inhaling the scent of fresh pastries from the café.
"Hey, girl!" My colleague and best friend—Ariana greeted me with a bright grin as I walked in.
I slumped onto a chair. "Fuck, I'm wasted girl. Liam's taking me out later."
"Awwnnn my baby, and you didn't bring an extra outfit?" she arched a brow.
I rolled my eyes, completely unbothered. "Please. I really don't care how I look like,definitely wanna look more like a giraffe."
Ariana burst into laughter, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
Our joke lasted until the cafe got more busier, I was running between tables taking orders .
Unknown: "waitress 2 cups of espresso and a cup of coffee please "
"On my way mama" I replied
The hours ran so fast, until my phone vibrated in my apron pocket.
Liam: I'm at your favorite lounge, waiting.
"Shit," I whispered to myself, as I untied my apron rapidly, ran to the staff bathroom and dabbed on a quick make up, Turning to Ariana I struck a pose "How do I look mommy?"
She signaled the Ok sign to me "perfect"
I grinned, grabbed my bag "bye bitch"
As I stepped off the bus, I waited at the crosswalk for the light to turn green. Just as I was about to cross, a sudden blur rushed past me. Before I could react, my bag was yanked from my shoulder.
My heart skipped What the—?!
"Fuck!" I yelled , my mind racing with panic.
The thief dashed through the crowd running in full speed,and without thinking I bolted after him.
"Help! Help!" I screamed, my voice desperate. A few people tried to intervene, but he was too fast, disappearing down the street.
I sprinted past the lounge where Liam was waiting. Through the glass, I saw him turn, his eyes widening as he spotted me in full chase mode. Within seconds, he was running toward me.
I stopped, gasping for air, my hands gripping my knees. My heart pounded against my ribs.
"What's wrong, Camila?" Liam asked in curiosity.
I struggled to catch my breath. "Oh, Liam… I just got robbed—my phone, my money… everything was in that bag."
Overwhelmed, I sank to the ground, my hands covering my face. A silent sob shook through me.
Then, a shadow fell over me.
The air changed—an expensive, distinct cologne curled around me, replacing the smell of the city streets. I slowly lifted my head, and my breath hitched.
Towering above me was a broad, strikingly handsome figure. His face… familiar.
It was him.
The man from the club.