Chapter 8 Your Name Is Tempting

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.