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I left my apartment and locked the door. The thrum of my Nissan sounded pleasant to my ears as I set off into the city’s neon embrace.
The Red Serpent was a lively spot in the city. Its neon sign, shaped like a twisting red snake, lit up the street in a fiery glow. There was a line of patrons waiting outside for their turn to experience the vibrant night within.
As I made my way inside, the atmosphere hit me. The lighting was low, giving the club a sultry ambiance. The main stage, right at the center, was lit with a deep red spotlight, grabbing everyone's attention. The DJ was up high, overlooking the dance floor, and the beat of the music was infectious.
The club had a modern, artsy vibe. The walls were decorated with colorful abstracts, and the seating was plush and inviting, beckoning guests to sit and enjoy the show. The dancers on the stage moved gracefully, their movements drawing everyone into the rhythm.
I made my way to the bar, seeking a moment of respite in a glass. I ordered a 'Berry Fizz Bliss,' a refreshing non-alcoholic concoction the Red Serpent was known for. Sipping my drink, I took in the atmosphere — the pulsating music, the lively chatter, and the energetic dancers moving to the rhythm.
Amidst the crowd, a figure caught my eye. Dark, tousled hair framed a strong jawline and intense features.
As the beat vibrated through my body, I found myself captivated, unable to look away from this alluring man. Dressed casually, he exuded an air of effortless style as he sat at a secluded table in the corner, sipping on his drink.
As I finished checking him out, my eyes trailed upward, only to end up meeting his gaze. In that dark corner, his intense eyes locked onto mine. His magnetic gaze drew me in.
I couldn't look away, and neither could he.
Chapter 3
Emilio
Iperchedmyselfona high stool at the bar, the lively ambiance of the club buzzing around me. The music pounded through the air, reverberating in my bones. The red lights and the energetic crowd created an electrifying atmosphere.
Ordering a non-alcoholic drink to maintain my wits, I moved locations to observe from a more secluded spot, opting for an unnoticeable corner that afforded me a good vantage point of the club. As I settled into a seat, I scanned the room.
Enzo had told me that my pursuers had arrived here after giving up the chase. I had waited until the night before coming here. After all, it would have been stupid to show up right after they had chased – and lost - me.
The plan was simple. I did not come to engage them here; rather, I intended to observe and gather them. But as time ticked away and my patience wore thin, I contemplated giving up. It seemed the Mancini crew were a no-show, and frustration gnawed at me. Should I cut my losses and leave?
Then, out of the blue, I spotted one of them, a known face from previous encounters. My car's scans and some strategic surveillance had familiarized me with quite a few Mancini members. He was scouring the club with intent eyes. Who was he looking for? Another member?
The bulky man walked through a door that was located on the side of the club. I didn’t know where it led. It was tempting to follow, but barging in would be the end of my undercover game. So, I stayed put. He wasn’t going to stay there.
My gaze wandered among the crowd, hoping to spot any signs of the Mancini family themselves. However, unexpectedly, my attention was snared by a captivating figure at the bar. Brown hair flowed elegantly over nude shoulders, pointing to a trim waist hugged by a cobalt blue dress.. She gazed at me.
When our eyes met, it felt as if time had frozen. The intensity of that brief gaze, which made time seem to stretch, awakened curiosity and interest in me. When her eyes finally moved away, a part of me wished they would return. I could see that I wasn't the only one who was interested.
I turned my attention back to the door Mancini’s man had disappeared through. Rising from my seat, I made my way to the bar, strategically placing myself beside her. At this angle, I could still keep an eye on the door while presenting an opportunity to engage her in conversation.
Sitting next to her, her aloofness didn't deter me. If anything, it piqued my interest further. She exuded self-assurance.
"It's quite a lively place, isn't it?" I remarked, attempting to initiate a conversation.
"Yes, it is." A brief response. She wasn't one for small talk, but her reluctance only fueled my desire to unravel her mystery.
I continued, undeterred by her cool reception. "I'm Emilio. What about you?"
"Griselda," she replied. Her eyes briefly met mine before drifting away.
Griselda—simple and to the point. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. It suited her. I leaned back, giving her space.
"So, Griselda," I started, trying to keep the conversation light, "do you come here often?"
She looked up from her drink, and this time, her expression softened a bit.
"Not really," she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Just needed a break from the usual routine."
"Ah, I can relate to that," I replied, relieved that she was opening up a bit. I wondered what had made her act so coldly before. "Work can be quite demanding sometimes."
