"Are you sure you don't want me to take you there?" Ares asked again as we reached the front gate of our house.
I turned to him and took my bag. When I looked at him again, I noticed he was yawning and struggling to keep his eyes open.
"Just rest. I'm sure Elena will pick me up," I reassured him. He took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"I wish I could rest with you in my room," he confessed, looking visibly exhausted. His eyes were soft, and he seemed like he could fall asleep right there.
I gave him an apologetic smile. I didn't know how to respond because even though we'd been in a relationship for two years, we had never shared a bed or even been left alone in the same room. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't give in. It had never crossed my mind. Luckily, he understood my situation.
"I'm sorry..." I whispered to him and hugged him. "We're getting married, so..."
"Hush, it's fine. I don't want you to think that I'm excited to marry you just for that. I understand," he said gently. I felt his kisses on top of my head, and it made me smile.
When he released me, his tired smile greeted me, but there was a lingering desire to accompany me to the bar where Elena had organized a party for me. I lifted my hand and gently massaged his forehead, trying to ease his fatigue. He closed his eyes, seemingly appreciating the gesture, and leaned in closer.
"I really want to go with you, but Elena made it clear it's a girls' night out. Will you be okay there tonight?" he asked, still keeping his eyes shut, as if not wanting me to stop soothing him.
"I'll be fine, Ares. I won't let you come because you need more rest. Don't pressure yourself too much, please," I declined, pausing my massage.
When he looked up at me, our eyes met. His were hazel-brown and shaped like a crescent moon. The color was more pronounced when in the sunlight. He adjusted his seat and let out a tired sigh.
"Is this still about your failed partnership with the Chuas or because of your brother?" I inquired, and he shook his head.
"He's just my half-brother," he emphasized softly but firmly.
I sighed and organized my belongings inside his car. I glanced around our house and noticed Mama peeking out from inside. When I turned my gaze to Ares, he was also looking at the house.
"Would you like to come in for a bit?" I offered, but he declined by shaking his head.
"I don't want to see them for a while, babe. I still can't forget what your brother did to you," he replied, a hint of coldness in his tone, and stepped out of the car.
I watched him as he turned towards my side of the car and opened the door. As I got out, he immediately embraced me tightly.
"I'll see you tomorrow. Just enjoy your night and don't worry about me," he gently assured, releasing me from the hug.
I looked at him and nodded. Later, he leaned down to kiss me, and I met his lips eagerly. He kissed me softly and passionately, his hand gently holding my waist, even squeezing it as if shivering. Our kiss deepened, and for a moment, I felt the urge to chase his lips when we parted. I saw his smile, and I gazed at him.
"Your kiss is really addicting," he whispered. Heat rushed to my face.
"I can't wait to marry you, so I can kiss you anytime I want," he added, then laughed. I playfully slapped him on the arm and drove him away. It was hard, and I might not be able to stop kissing him anymore.
When I entered the house, Mama greeted me immediately. I waved at her and silently went straight to my room. I even heard her smirk, making me a bit flustered.
After looking at myself, I applied light makeup and chose a pair of sandals to wear. My gaze fell on those black 3-inch stilettos I hadn't worn since I bought them. I shrugged and decided to wear those damn heels. I also grabbed a cardigan that would go well with my outfit and went out.
"Where are you going looking like that, Ana?"
I quickly turned to the source of the voice and saw Agatha holding a mug, probably from the kitchen. She scrutinized me from head to toe, raised an eyebrow, and smiled.
"Wow. Can you dress like that?" She seemed to be teasing me with a question.
"I'm just going out for a while. Please tell Mama," I said goodbye to her and ignored her playful remarks.
"So, where are you going? From the looks of it, I guess you're heading to the bar. Does Ares know about this?" She sarcastically asked again, and I sighed lazily.
"Elena has prepared a bachelorette party for me. I'm leaving," I lazily replied and hurried out.
When I exited, I quickly hailed a taxi since our house was close to the highway. As soon as I sat down, I received Elena's text with the bar's location. She didn't pick me up because she went straight from the office.
In less than an hour, I arrived and immediately texted them to meet me outside. I considered waiting near the entrance, but I felt uneasy when I saw someone causing a scene, so I hurriedly went inside.
The wild party music greeted me instantly. I squinted slightly as various lights flashed in sync with the beat of the music. Thankfully, there were only a few people, with most of them in the middle, dancing. I looked around carefully to find Elena but couldn't spot her, so I headed straight to the bar counter.
I was pretty impressed watching the bartender mix drinks, just taking it all in.
"Hey, I'm looking for something... Did anyone reserve a spot for three ladies here—"
"Miss Anastacia?" The bartender interrupted me, and I just grinned and nodded.
"Miss Elena is in the VIP area, upstairs on the second floor. You'll spot them as soon as you go up," he informed me while still fixing some drinks. So, I glanced in that direction.
This is my first time stepping into a joint like this. It's also my debut at having a drink in a place like this. I'm curious about the taste... They say drinking can be a good way to escape. Will it make me forget what went down that night once it starts to flow down my throat and settle in my heart?
"Here. It'll help ease your nerves."
I blinked a couple of times upon hearing that. Then I noticed the shot glass the bartender had placed in front of me. It's a shot of some alcohol, not exactly sure what. I hesitated, glancing at the bartender who was waiting, grinning, to see if I'd actually done it. As I turned the shot glass in front of me again, I took a deep breath. It feels like it's beckoning me.
"Excuse me..."
My eyes widened as the wine splashed on my thigh from the sudden jostle when a man bumped into my arm. I glanced at him quickly. He was already seated beside me, but I couldn't quite make out his face as he was hunched over. Taking in his appearance, he wore a white polo, probably just off work, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and tapered pants. His hair cascaded down to his shoulders.
I waited for him to speak, but minutes passed and he remained silent, leaving me slightly unnerved.
When I turned my gaze to the bartender, he was ready to pour another glass, but I declined.
"Thanks, but I'm heading upstairs," I told him. He simply nodded and offered a smile.
As I stood up, the man rose simultaneously. That's when I noticed three of his buttons were undone, revealing his broad chest. As he neared, I caught a whiff of his familiar scent mixed with the odor of alcohol and cigarettes.
"First time here?" he asked as I began to walk away.
I looked at him in surprise. "Are you talking to me?"
"Clearly, it's your first time. Next time, don't accept drinks from strangers, especially from that guy. Tsk!" he commented and swiftly walked off, leaving me puzzled.
I frowned, watching him exit the bar until he was out of sight. Who was he?
"Where were you? You're taking forever!" Elena greeted me as I reached their table.
"Oh my gosh, Ana! It's true you're engaged! Can I see your ring?" Riley exclaimed loudly, quickly grabbing my hand to inspect my ring.
"How long have you been here? We were starting to think you weren't coming," Via said, her usual seriousness in her tone.
"The bartender at the counter chatted with me for a bit. There was even a guy—"
"Oh my god! Please tell me you didn't drink the wine Christian offered you?" Elena interrupted, and I looked at her.
"How did you know? I didn't drink because—"
"Thank goodness! Never accept drinks from that man or anyone here. You don't know what sort of people you might encounter," she warned before returning to her seat.
I nodded and settled into my seat. It dawned on me what the man had done—intentionally bumped into me and shared those words before leaving. Was it to prevent me from drinking that wine?
"Alright! Let's kick off the party!" Riley yelled, and Elena joined in, holding a bottle of Jack Daniels. They started dancing, and Via and I couldn't help but laugh.
A sense of relief washed over me as I watched them joyfully drinking and dancing. I had a feeling tonight might take an unexpected turn.
"This one's for our friend, the soon-to-be Mrs. Aragon, Anastacia Solei! Get up, Ana!" Riley called out, and I chuckled, promptly standing and joining her.
The night grew later, and the alcohol was starting to take its effect. I felt a numbness spread throughout my body, but I was still aware. So when Riley poured that Black Label into my mouth, almost leaving me breathless, I let out a scream.
"Damn! You nearly took me out!" I exclaimed, playfully slapping her arm.
"That's the real charm of alcohol, weren't you informed?" Elena quipped and laughed.
"Come on, let's hit the restroom!" Via suddenly announced, swiftly getting up.
"Count me in! Where's the restroom, Elena?" Riley chimed in and headed toward Via.
They glanced at me, and I nodded. As they disappeared from sight, I poured the wine back into my glass and downed it in one go. Then, I turned my attention to the dance floor. A smile unconsciously spread across my face as I saw people effortlessly moving to the rhythm. They seemed carefree, solely focused on dancing. I wondered what that sensation was like…
The urge to dance in the midst of it all intensified. I no longer held back and got to my feet. I shrugged off my cardigan and started making my way towards the dance floor. My vision was swirling, and I could feel the cold piercing through my attire.
The booming music seemed to engulf me from all directions. Raising my hand, I began to move in a dance only I knew. As I closed my eyes, memories of that night flooded my mind. The image of him falling to the ground, drenched in heavy rain. The sight of his blood spreading on the road. His voice calling my name and that final embrace. It was all still so vivid, as if it had just happened yesterday.
A sudden touch on my waist startled me. I wasn't sure when he had come up behind me. He moved in harmony with my sways. I swiftly turned to face him, feeling the wine deep within me. When I recognized him, a smile played on my lips.
"It's you again..." I whispered, unsure if he heard.
His jaw clenched as he gazed at me. I studied his face more closely. The thickness and perfect arch of his eyebrows matched his deep brown eyes. The contours of his jaw were sharp and well-defined. His nose had a straight, pointed shape, and his lips were a soft shade of red. The shirt he wore hugged his form just right, revealing taut muscles beneath the white fabric.
I could feel his touch on my waist, sending electric sensations through my skin. Dressed in a black midriff top paired with a black leather skirt, I bit my lower lip as I looked at him.
His broad, powerful shoulders seemed even more pronounced as he held me tightly. I swallowed hard, realizing I was more intoxicated than I thought. I was lost in the moment, only aware of this man's intense focus on me. His mysterious eyes locked onto mine, his caress sending waves of heat through my body. It was as if I was falling under the spell of his touch.
Our bodies brushed against each other as we danced. I took a deep breath, struggling to catch my breath amidst the intensity.
"Is this your first time here? You dance remarkably well for a newcomer," he said, still gazing at me. "I can sense your fatigue. Would you like to go somewhere else?" His voice had a husky
His breath, warm and enticing, played against my ear, causing my hair to stand on end. It was a sensation I had never experienced with a man before. Ares was the man in my life, but this encounter made me question everything I had felt with him. Who was this guy?
"Anastacia..." he whispered to me.
I was further taken aback by hearing my name. How did he know who I was?
"Your name is as tempting as you are... but I prefer Solei," he whispered again.
I bit my lip. His voice was irresistibly alluring, impossible to ignore. It felt as if he had been observing me for a long time. Despite being inebriated, I knew I wasn't that kind of woman. I was sure he wasn't that kind of man either. But the way he held me seemed to draw me closer, stirring emotions I hadn't anticipated.
Before I could protest, he pressed his soft lips against mine. I was caught off guard, feeling a mix of confusion and allure. His lips, tender and gentle, explored mine, softly biting and savoring them like a delightful dessert. I lost all composure, unable to stifle the moans that escaped at his touch.
The next thing I knew, he was whisking me away from that place.