Page 26 of The Diávolos: Part One
For a couple hours now, I’ve been drinking and dancing at Academia, the city’s hottest nightclub, with Aria, her friend Cassie, and a few other girls from high school. This area of old Cebrene is controlled by the Vasilakis family, although I’m not sure who runs this place. When I left, I was too young to go out and drink. This is only my second time here, and even though Aria and I come from another territory, this club attracts a mixed crowd, from the upper classes of Cebrene Heights to the common people from the Lower District. It’s a prestigious club, but once you walk through the door, there’s no hierarchy; it’s simply a blend of people having fun. Even on a Monday, the lineup is around the block, and there’s almost no way of getting in unless you know someone. Thankfully, my notorious best friend knows one of the bouncers and he graciously let us skip the line. How could he deny entrance to Aria’s untameable sex appeal and the crew of four equally drop-dead gorgeous women with her?
Squeezing our way through the crowd, we headed straight to the bar to order drinks. We’re not the type of women who schmooze men into paying our tab, but if the offer is extended, we won’t refuse. The drinks are flowing, and we’re surrounded by a group of men who offer to buy us shots. Whatever it was they ordered was kind of gross, but a free drink is a free drink. We can barely hear ourselves over the loud hip hop beat, but it doesn’t stop us from talking, or yelling, to each other. Our favorite club anthem comes on and we can’t help but fangirl and scream as we head back to the dance floor.
The music takes over my body and I move to the rhythm. A cute guy approaches me and asks for a dance. He’s average height, well-built, and blonde.Meh. I start dancing against him, turning my hips in circles. I face him and notice a man watching me from a booth at the back of the club, but I can’t make out his features. I feel his gaze burning a hole through my body, and then it hits me.Evan.I’ve only seen him once, but it’s impossible to forget that face.
We lock eyes and I completely stop moving. His eyes darken, and he’s clenching his glass so hard his knuckles whiten. Evan doesn’t look away and I start to feel flustered.
Someone taps my shoulder and I turn to find a man standing behind me. I feel a jerk on my arm from Aria.
“Is this guy bothering you, Angelica?” Aria asks from my side, staring at the guy who is now in front of us.
“Who’s this feisty, little one?” he asks, smirking.
“The name’s Aria. Who the hell are you and what do you want?” she spits.
I still haven’t said a word. When Aria decides to attack, no one can stop her.
The stranger’s face changes from surprise to interest. They lock eyes. “You can call me Dion,asteri mou,” he says, with a huge grin on his face. Aria opens her mouth, but nothing comes out. She stands down.Woah, what the hell just happened?
He turns to me and leans into my ear. “Evan wants to talk to you. Come over to our table,” he states, more an order than an invitation. He backs away and glances at Aria. “Bring your friend.”
Aria watches him intently as he walks away and brings her hand to her mouth, looking nervous.
I couldn’t have chosen a worse time to be drunk. Aria somehow convinced me to drink on a Wednesday.A Wednesday! Who am I?I hesitated at first, but when I thought about all the tension I’ve been feeling, I just wanted and needed to let loose. So drinking was a necessary evil. I was tipsy even before we left our friend Cassie’s apartment.
I face Aria and she quickly realizes from my expression that I am unwell.
“What’s wrong, Ang?”
“It’s him. It’sEvan. He’s sittingrightthere, staring at me, and he wants us to join them,” I say panicked, feeling a sudden rush of heat.
Ever since Aria found out about Evan and my stalker, she’s been harassing me for developments every chance she can. She’s been unable to contain her excitement. I haven’t had any more news to tell her about Evan, but she still can’t believe I’m entangled with two strangers, including mystalker.
“Oh. My. God! What are we waiting for?” she squeals.
She grabs my arm and drags me to the table where Evan, Dion, and another man are sitting. As we get closer to the booth, Evan’s burning gaze strips me of each piece of my clothing, and I start feeling so…horny. Why do I feel like I’m on drugs when he’s around?
“Hey, fellas, you called?” Aria purrs, going into total flirt mode as usual.
Evan puts his glass down in front of him and sits back against the plush bench, his right arm on the backrest. He’s wearing a three-piece, fitted, grey suit and his defined muscles stretch the fabric. There’s no doubt he takes great care of his body. His presence and posture ooze power and sex. I’m attracted to him, and I know I won’t be able to control my feelings or actions in my haze. Suddenly, my nervousness disappears. This might be my only opportunity to act on this attraction. Who knows when I’ll see him again. It’s not the best idea I’ve had, but it’s now or never.
I don’t give anyone time to respond before I slip onto the couch next to Evan, placing my hand on his thigh, and a surge of energy travels through me. It could be the alcohol, but the way his eyes dart to my hand, causing him to shift in his seat, tells me he felt it too. I let my hand travel up his thigh, and he abruptly grabs my hand to stop it from going any further.
“You’re drunk,” he spits.
“Maybe a little bit. Do you not want me to touch you?” I ask, confused. He was eyeing me like a predator who had spotted the most delicious meal, and now he’s rejecting me.
“I’d rather you not when you’re likethis,” he gestures toward me, his face showing distaste. Disapproval.
“What do you mean ‘this’?” I ask, frustrated. I’m absolutely stunned. My advances have never been rejected before.
“Like I said, you’re drunk.”
He turns his attention away from me and looks out toward the dance floor. That sounds more like an excuse to me. I’m not even drunk and he’s making me feel bad for letting loose and having some fun. The last thing I want is for Evan to burst my bubble.
“You’re allowed to stare at me and make me feel bad for having a good time, but I’m not allowed to touch you because I’m a bittipsy. Are you kidding me? If you’re not attracted to me, just say so,” I squeal.
“You’re being immature, Angelica,” he says without turning his face to me.
