"Don't stop talking now, Empress, I am just getting to know you" Akari could feel the smirk forming behind Vinny's mask.
Akari smiled, turning on the charm. "And you think liquoring me would get me to spill the beans" she looked up at him.
"No, I need you sober for this" he winked, moving them towards the bar. "So what's your poison, Empress?"
Akari sat on the bar stool "why don't you surprise me" she leaned on the bar, thinking Vinny was going to order the drink but he got behind the bar.
"Mmm…" Vinny sized her up, his gorgeous russet eyes taking her in. "The empress" he winked.
"very on topic of you" Akari teased.
Vinny's hands danced effortlessly as he began to toss the bottle of empress gin and the vibrant lavender syrup around, his movements fluid and graceful. With a confident grin, he showcased his impressive bartending skills; the liquids swirling through the air in a mesmerizing display.
Akari, eyes wide with fascination, sat transfixed as she watched Vinny's performance unfold before her. The way he handled the bottles, turning and twisting them with precision, was nothing short of captivating. Vinny leaned casually against the polished wooden bar, his elbow propped up on the smooth surface as he slid a tall, elegantly crafted cocktail glass across the counter towards Akari. The drink inside shimmered with a deep, vibrant purple hue, the color a result of the premium gin infused with the essence of ripe, juicy grapefruit.
"So is that your play with the ladies?" Akari gestured to the whole bartending scene.
"It helps," Vinny chuckled. "Taste it" the words rolled down his tongue. "Tell me what you think"
As Akari brought the glass to her lips, the freshly squeezed grapefruit juice filled her mouth with its tart, bittersweet notes, creating a delightful contrast to the floral sweetness of the lavender simple syrup that Vinny had skillfully incorporated into the cocktail. The interplay of flavors was simply divine, eliciting an involuntary moan of pleasure from deep within Akari's throat.
A single stray droplet of the purple-colored liquor clung precariously to the edge of her plump, glossy bottom lip. Vinny, captivated by the sensual display, extended one elegant finger to gently dab at the errant drip. Akari's eyes locked onto his as he brought his finger to his mouth, licking the liquid that fell from her lips. The salty, tantalizing taste lingered on his skin, sending a shiver of anticipation down his spine.
Akari cleared her throat, shifting in her seat. "It's really good" her voice was husky, dry with desire. "What is it?" Akari is desperately trying to lighten the surrounding atmosphere.
"It's a glorified mojito," Vinny chuckled, as he poured himself a whiskey.
"Well, it is very good" Akari sipped again, trying desperately to take control of the situation again.
Vinny sensed it and leaned into Akari's space. "not as good as you taste" he gave her a soft winked, his words made her almost choke on her drink. "Do you want to dance, Empress?" He asked as the music changed into some slow and a deep rhythm. Akari was still in shock at his comment. "Answer me, Empress"
"I am not much of a dancer" Akari blushed under her mask.
"Maybe," Vinny's expression went thoughtful, "but you haven't danced with me before" he looked at her with darkened eyes. "So shall we?" He offered his hand.
Akari felt her heart racing as Vinny gently took her hand, his touch sending a shiver through her body. With a simple nod, she allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor, the pulsing music and swirling lights creating an intoxicating atmosphere. As they reached the center, Vinny smoothly placed his hand on Akari's shapely waist, his fingers caressing the fabric of her corset.
Akari, her nerves momentarily getting the better of her, hesitantly rested her hand on his broad shoulder, the warmth of his skin radiating through the crisp material of his shirt. But as Vinny began to sway and glide across the dance floor, Akari found herself effortlessly falling into step with him, her body moving in perfect synchronization.
He led her through graceful twirls and dips, his movements confident and assured, leaving Akari in a blissful state of surrender. She felt herself being enveloped in his firm embrace, his hand gently guiding hers as they danced, the rest of the world fading away until it was just the two of them, lost in the rhythm and intimacy of the moment. Akari marveled at how seamlessly Vinny navigated the dance floor, his expertise allowing her to follow his lead and lose herself in the magical experience.
As Akari moved in time with Vinny's graceful steps, she found herself utterly entranced by the captivating atmosphere he had effortlessly conjured. The pulsing rhythm of the music enveloped them, its alluring beats guiding their every sway and turn.
Akari was acutely aware of nothing else at that moment. Not the other couples circling the dance floor, not the mesmerizing blur of motion and color that surrounded them. She was swept away into a world of her own, a fantasy realm where it was just the two of them, moving as one in perfect harmony.
Vinny's skilled lead had her completely enthralled, his gentle yet confident touch sending tingles down her spine. Akari was so deeply immersed in this enchanting reverie that she scarcely noticed as Vinny expertly guided her towards the balcony.
Vinny swirls Akari out, making her walk to the edge of the balcony. "That was so enchanting," she gasped, placing her hands on the barrier.
"It's a masquerade ball. It lives for the enchanting hearts" Vinny leaned against the wall, the shadows of the night covering his mask. "We are done with the pretense," he began to walk towards Akari. "Show me your face," he whispered in a deep growl.
"I will show you mine if you show me yours," Akari teased, leaning against the balcony barrier.
Vinny stood before Akari, his mask now removed, revealing a striking visage that immediately captivated her. His sharp, angular jawline and long nose curved so delicately, but it was the prominent scar that truly drew Akari's gaze.
Beginning at his forehead, the scar traced a jagged path over the corner of his eye, down along his cheek, and finally tapering off along the line of his sharp jawbone. The contrast of the thin, discolored scar tissue against his otherwise smooth copper.skin lent him an aura of danger and mystery, hinting at a life filled with hardship and peril.
Yet, despite this, there was a gentleness to Vinny's features that softened the harshness, a tender quality that made Akari's heart flutter unexpectedly. She found herself captivated, both frightened and enthralled by the complex tapestry of his face.
"I seemed to always leave you speechless" Vinny moved a step closer.
"Let's not make it a habit," Akari jokes, trying to flatten the flutters in her heart.
Vinny walked up to Akari, caressing his fingers along her jawline, just under the mask. "Now, make me speechless" he lifted the mask off as Akari closed her eyes.
Akari's hair tumbled out as the mask was removed, opening them to look up at Vinny. "Are you speechless?" She looked at him.
His eyes remained inscrutable, fixed on Akari's countenance, absorbing every detail - from the gentle curves to the delicate freckles that adorned her skin. Vinny gently twirled a lock of her hair around his fingers, his gaze unwavering as it traversed her features. Yet, amidst his travels, a sense of recognition seemed to dawn in his eyes, a glimmer of familiarity that hinted at something deeper.
"I guess I have," Akari flirted, batting her eyes.
"You have grown so much, Akari," Vinny whispered, causing Akari's heart to stop.
"What?" Akari stepped away from him.
"But must say, my dear, this style" his voice darkened. " Just isn't you" Vinny took a step forward, every time she took a step back.
"How do you know my name?" Akari began to panic, her heart in her ear beating as if pleading for her to escape.
"I must say" Vinny unbuttoned his blazer, thrusting his hands into his pocket, his footsteps calculated. "I'm usually love this style of women, but you…" a sinister smile spread across his face. "I hate it," he grunted, his eyes turning crazy.
"How do you know who I am?" Akari hit the barrier to the balcony.
Vinny stopped. A flash of hurt crossed his eyes, but he covered it up by placing a hand on his chest and a glint in his eye. "You don't remember me," he gasped dramatically. "How hurtful, but not worried. We will have plenty of time to catch up," he stepped forward. "Especially after your nap"
"My nap…" Suddenly, Akari started getting woozy. Her mind was clouded by swirling images and tried to stay on her feet, but they gave way instantly.
Vinny caught her before she could hit the ground. "Don't worry, my Empress, I will take good care of you," he growled into her ear, lifted her up, moving to the mask on the floor and lifting to his lips. "Say bye bye now," he spoke into her mask before crushing the mask to pieces.