Confused, Hakan gave her his hand to help her out of the car of Michael, one of Dalila co-workers.
-Such kindness seems unworthy of you.
At the comment, Príapo twisted his lips into a grimace.
-It must be so many meetings with you. I knew something bad would rub off on me.
Amused, she wrapped her arms around her waist as she felt a strong blizzard - the night was colder than usual - and raised an eyebrow.
-Does being gallant and chivalrous seem like a bad thing to you?
-I find it abhorrent, liebe.
As nice as it sounded to him that he had just called her love in Italian -a language he knew perfectly well and, of course, loved to use from time to time-, Hakan shook his head and looked at him with a gesture of disbelief.
-You are unbelievable, Príapo Vodoz. And indecipherable, I don't understand how being a gentleman from time to time can affect you at all.
-It is simple logic, my dearest lady. I am a man who attracts just by looking into your eyes -he praised himself arrogantly and Hakan laughed. And a man who repels love, in more ways than one. That's why I watch my back.
Príapo kept his hands in the pockets of his jean pants, which, without going too far, fit him to death.
< Both Dalila and she liked to tease him that he was the king of Munich because of his arrogance and arrogance, not to mention his rudeness in dealing with others who were not to his liking. That he confirmed it only confirmed the inevitable: Príapo Vodoz believed himself to be the navel of the world and, to his utter bewilderment, he was in a way, for people - especially women - idolized him in a way that was almost insulting. That he was her best friend didn't prevent her from seeing him as everyone else: a guy to fear for your heart's sake and one to despise for his rudeness and petulant manner. Nevertheless, Hakan adored him: the two had grown up together, and it was he who introduced him to the one he now considered his sister. Besides, with her he was a class apart, he was different... it was really him, not the armor he had forged over the years because of a broken heart, a deep hatred and a thousand and one reproaches towards life and... love, especially love. A simply untouchable subject, unless he himself named it in an ironic tone or to make fun of it. -What you are is the king of idiots -Dalila mumbled, also getting out of the car. She looked divine with her cobalt blue mini skirt, her reddish curls, loose and perfect, her black blouse of lycra fabric tight to the body and full of straps in the back, and her stiletto shoes of the same color as the mini skirt. Behind her came Michael, a dark-skinned adonis with hazel eyes and a heart-stopping smile. Coco -actually named Cecilia, but everyone called her Coco because she hated her name-, a platinum-white, waist-length, perfectly straight, black-eyed, minion-sized beauty with dyed platinum-white hair. And Samir, the leader of the group, - the only one married and about to expect a child - and the most beautiful man Hakan had ever met in his life. Samir was of Arab descent; almost crystal blue eyes, perfectly trimmed beard, sigh-stealing body and a huge heart. The three of them were the ones who made up Dalila work team, and also her closest group of friends. On the other hand, her closest acquaintances - not friends, because for Hakan, true friendship could only be had with those with whom one had shared for many years - were already inside. Which, again, were not many. -Now why are you insulting me? -questioned Príapo with an amused tone, after nodding to the other newcomers. Dalila frowned. You opened the door to Hakan, but not to me. Coco laughed at that. -God, and she looks so tough at work. But really you're just another spoiled brat. -Shut up, Coco. You're dying for Michael to clear up his relationship as soon as possible so you can start telling him love or my life without feeling judged -Lila attacked her, causing Michael to chuckle and wrap his arms around Coco shoulders. -They look like fighting cocks all the time. Jesus, women of God. Relax -Michael replied, laughing. But Hakan watched the exchange in a daze. Both companions and friends loved each other, yes, but neither of them trembled when it came to speak their truths, especially if they felt attacked: Dalila hated being compared to someone spoiled or weak, whether it was the case -something absurd, because she was really exactly that, only that in front of the others she tried to pretend something she wasn't, just like her cousin, as it were-; so she always tended to use the weaknesses of the others as a shield, no matter how much she appreciated them. Coco, on the other hand, despite the fact that she hardly knew her, could tell that she liked to annoy those around her with comments capable of driving them out of their minds, yet she never got upset. And although their personalities clashed all the time, the two were good buddies and were already used to that kind of verbal exchange. Besides, they never went beyond that: there was a limit. Something Hakan didn't understand and wasn't very comfortable with either, since she didn't like dealing with anyone like that, and even less so if the exchange brought her secrets into the air. -And besides. For everyone's information, Michael already cleared up our relationship. He kissed the platinum crown of her head and nodded in response -We're getting married in six months. The confession provoked a surprised expression in both Hakan and Dalila; on the other hand, Príapo had magically vanished from their side and Samir, with his beautiful smile, always full of light, seemed to know this information long before they did. Dalila took a step forward, with a gesture of indignation on her face. -And they didn't tell me! -She turned to look at Samir and he raised his hands in sign of considering himself innocent; but being everyone's favorite and, besides, her superior, she could not question him, so she turned again to the newly discovered fiancés and pointed a finger at Coco. < Off to the side, Hakan thought that she wasn't the only one. But she kept silent, slightly amused by her best friend's expression of deep betrayal: whether Dalila accepted it or not, she was a romantic, and she was always happy when she found out that someone was getting married, especially if they were very close and would probably make her their maid of honor. That's why it pained her to have found out last. -You know I love to get on your nerves, that's why I told you last -she smiled mischievously at him, looking completely adorable, despite everything, to Hakan. Coco was tiny, very petite and with a little angel face that, as had been well witnessed, hid a mischievous little devil. < Then the betrothed began to laugh out loud. And Dalila, to her chagrin and indignation, ended up imitating them. Hakan shook his head in disbelief. -They are all crazy, but that's how I love them -commented Samir's harmonious voice, to one side of him. And Hakan smiled at him, still in disbelief. -They look insane, how come you haven't twisted yet? Samir shrugged. -Their chaos and disorder complement my world full of peace and tranquility. We're a perfect balance; besides -he smiled, causing his heart to inevitably race, because who wouldn't? Samir was the perfect man in every way, and Hakan knew from many comments and from her own experience, that she wasn't the only one who saw him that way. Too bad he was already busy-, Larissa adores them. And if my wife wants someone, being so reserved and meticulous about choosing and allowing anyone other than me to approach her, it's because they're actually worth it. She looked at them with a smile, a gesture that Hakan imitated, touched. Then he sighed. < -Samir, come here, we want a group hug! -She suddenly shouted Dalila, to which the man did not refuse and left her there alone. And engrossed with the scene, she did not notice the presence of someone at her back until he spoke. -Curious friends you have. The voice disturbed her previously dormant nerves and her hands foolishly became sweaty. Hakan turned slowly and held his breath at the sight of him, once again. Certainly, Maurer Beerli, he was something else. Something huge and very striking. He bit his red-painted lip and tilted his head to one side, giving her a slight smile. -Hello, Maurer Beerli. The aforementioned smiled, pleased to see that he remembered her name. -Hello, Hakan Daigo. However, Dalila voice calling her interrupted her from telling him that she was also pleased that he had completely remembered her name. -Come, I want to introduce you to them. That way you get to know more people and don't feel so out of place and strange in the city -she looked at them laughing at some joke Michael, the craziest and most imperative of the four, had told them, and smiled, shrugging her shoulders. < Maurer raised an eyebrow, following her. < < -Many times sources can have misinformation and still impart it so that everyone is shocked and mistaken. Hakan looked at him, curious. Has it happened to you? The snowman - a nickname that fit him like a glove, except that he was incredibly attractive - was silent for a few seconds, just enough to end up standing in front of the whole group, and then he answered with his husky voice in a low tone: -It happened to me, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. The conversation died there as soon as Dalila smiled at them. -And who is your friend? *** The introductions were brief, including those of his group inside the Club. But despite being a complete stranger, Maurer Beerli was able to get along fluently and confidently with everyone. And Dalila, of course, approved instantly. However, she didn't refrain from telling him moments before entering that she thought he looked huge - something that, from the looks, Hakan guessed they all did - also that she found him a bit intimidating, however, the scars, in conjunction with his muscles, his tattoos, his spectacular eyes and his dangerously sexy smile, made him look irresistible. Plus he had long hair, and Dalila loved shoulders with hair like that. And all the while, Hakan watched him in silence. Watching him laugh with some of his co-workers or the older ones, his most loyal college buddies, or with those in Dalila group. Noticing, in turn, something that made her frown, puzzled: Maurer Beerli seemed to see himself in his air, but something about the atmosphere made him uncomfortable enough that he occasionally looked sideways and twisted his thick lips. It seemed, with those discreet glances, that he knew the place from before. From long before, and that he didn't like it at all. Hakan was sitting across from him; they shared between them a table that they had set aside in advance so that they could share and celebrate comfortably. And every now and then she was prey to his ardent looks and smiles. However, despite attracting her in a disconcerting way, Hakan felt that Maurer Beerli was something more. Much more, and that alarmed her. She didn't want to relate to anyone else who had a past to fear or mysterious attitudes to deal with. Hakan was sick of it. However, there was no need to be too alarmed either, it's not like they were going to go out another day, and alone... that could probably be the last time she saw this man. Because if he wasn't looking for her, she wouldn't: she had it engraved in her heart as a chastisement and prevention that she would never pursue a man again. Freder Klose was going to be the first and the last she would ever do it for. -More wine? She turned to see Príapo, who despite his repulsion to large mass gatherings, was there for her that night to celebrate her.... -...And cheers to the most eligible bachelorette in all of Munich! -shouted Dalila. -Cheers! -the others replied at the same time. Maurer Beerli included, to her embarrassment, and who winked at her before raising his glass. Hakan was indeed single, the trial had gone off without a hitch that morning. And all thanks to Príapo, who was nicknamed the devil's advocate for always winning every trial he went to, whether he deserved to be convicted or not. -Cheers. -She ended by saying, smiling slightly. Suddenly, someone's phone rang above the laughter and all the raucous music playing around. Maurer Beerli was the one who pulled out his phone and checked it with a frown. Then with a worried gesture he got up from the table. -I'm sorry, I have to go -he turned his incredible eyes on her with an intense gaze. I'll call you later. -And he left, not allowing anyone to question his departure, not even her. After a few seconds, surprisingly, Príapo also stood up. Hakan questioned him with his eyes; it was barely twelve o'clock. -I'm going for a smoke, so much agglomeration makes me nervous -he mumbled, close to his ear, so that he could hear. -All right, but be careful. And don't be late. Príapo rolled his eyes-. Yes, Mom. But Príapo didn't come back, not right away, and when the hours had passed and everyone began to leave. Both Dalila group and she went out to look for him. And they found him coming out of an alley, his face shadowed by an emotion to which Hakan did not know how to give a name, and if he had, he would not have cared, because Priapus was carrying a fainting Christine in his arms, capturing the whole of the fainting Christine. fainting Christine in his arms, capturing all his attention. The night was almost over and not as Hakan could have imagined it.