A DANGEROUS ENCOUNTER
The music pulsed through the dimly lit club,a deep bass that vibrated in Ellis Arroyo chest as he moved behind the bar. The velvet room was packed as usual filled with Miami's elite, socialities and the kind of men who thrive in the shadows. Ellis had walked there long enough to know how to handle all of them , flash a charming smile ,pour a strong drink and keep he's head down and never get too involved ,it was a simple strategy - until tonight.
Because tonight someone was watching him,he felt it before he even saw him,the state was heavy, unmistakable ,the kind that made he's skin prickle and he's pulse quicken ,he turned his head slightly , scanning the crowd and that's when he saw him. A man stood in the VIP section, leaning casually against the railing, holding a glass of whiskey in one hand,dark eyes,sharp jaw, expensive suit,he was calm, controlled and composed and absolutely lethal . Ellis had no idea who he was but he knew exactly what he was Danger.
The man didn't look away, didn't break eye contact as if he was studying him and deciding on something. People moved around him but no one got too close, even in a crowded room,he stood apart like the space around him belonged to him alone. Ellis had dealt with all kinds of men before but something about this one made he's breath hitch,he should look away,he should focus on his work ,he shouldn't be holding this man's gaze like a competition but it was too late as the man raised a hand and beckon on him.
Ellis hesitated ,for all two seconds then against his judgement ,he grabbed his tray and made he's way towards the VIP section . The closer he got ,the more the air seemed to thicken ,the man didn't move as Ellis approached , just watch him with a look that sent a slow shivering down he's spine. Ellis cleared he's throat " you want a drink or...?" , the man's lips curved slightly "No" he tilted his head , eyes sweeping over Ellis in a way that made heat crawl up his neck " I want to see you up close" he said , Ellis fingers tighten around the tray what was that supposed to mean? before he could say anything ,the man set he's drink down and leaned forward just enough to speak in a low even voice " Ellis, right?" he said .
The sound of his name from this man's mouth sent a strange feeling through him . He forced himself to nod " yeah, and you are?" A slow smirk curved on his lips " Alexander Del Montiez.But you can call me Alex" . DEL MONTIEZ the name carried weight MAFIA. POWER. CONTROL. VIOLENCE . It was whispered in dark alley and feared by men who thought they were untouchable . Ellis throat went dry,he suddenly understood why people have this man space,he should have looked away when he had a chance or pretended not to notice someone was watching him,if he knew,he needed to get out of here. Ellis took a step back but Alex's voice stopped him cold " sit with me" it wasn't a request, Ellis exhaled slowly . He had a feeling that whatever this was, whatever this was about to become was something he wouldn't escape from easily.