Bar
1133 Words
I always felt bolder under the influence of alcohol. I was determined to dance even more, simply because Christian had told me not to. As I made my way to the center of the dance floor, I turned around and began dancing, locking eyes with him. It was a challenge. I couldn't read much from his expression, but it was clear he was tense. Deliberately, I began to dance with sultry moves, never breaking eye contact. My face was filled with a smug, yet sensual expression, directly challenging him. I was no longer the girl who always obeyed him. He calmly placed his drink on a table and stood up. I turned away, intending to show him indifference. But as I danced, I could feel his breath on the back of my neck.
"You're pushing your luck, Grace. We'll leave the dance floor slowly now, and you won't say another word."
When he pulled me closer by my waist, my anger flared. I was stubbornly set on driving him mad.
"You can leave. I'm not going anywhere."
With a swift motion, he turned me to face him, our bodies almost glued together.
"Don't drive me crazy, Grace," he said, fire in his eyes.
Slowly wrapping my hands around his neck, I looked deep into his eyes and whispered,
"I'm not going anywhere, Christian. If you won't leave without me, then you should dance too."
I was clearly toying with his nerves, and it was exhilarating. He leaned in and whispered in my ear,
"So you want a game, little one? I'll gladly play. But remember, I never lose any game."
He lingered, his lips close to my ear, inhaling my scent and brushing his nose against my neck. It was so seductive. He was clearly playing with me. I knew I needed to push him away, but I couldn't.
"Even if you've changed, you're still my jasmine-scented girl."
Tightening his grip on my waist, he pulled me even closer and continued to whisper,
"Tell me you're still mine, Grace. Admit to the truths we both know. Tell me no one has touched you the way I have."
I tried to push him away with all my might, but I failed. Angrily, I snapped,
"Get your claws off me." Trying harder to free myself, I continued,
"I'm not something you can buy, Christian. I've never been yours, neither now nor before. And I'll never be."
Drawing close to his ear, for the first time in my life, I lied without a tremor in my voice. Inside, I silently congratulated myself.
"Believe me, I've had such passionate nights that I don't even remember ours."
Seeing the vein in his neck pulse with anger, I knew this wasn't a good sign.
"One more word, and I swear, I'll remind you of everything you've forgotten, Grace."
He grabbed my wrist, weaving us through the crowd. Damn it, where was Liam? I cursed myself for sending him away earlier.
After we left the bar, as we waited for the car, he continued to grip my wrist.
"Damn it, Christian, let go. You're hurting me."
As if just realizing what he was doing, he swiftly released my grip. Taking both my hands, he drew me closer and inspected my wrists.
"I told you not to defy me. Why do you have to be so stubborn every time?"
"Am I the one at fault now? God, look at this arrogance. You're the one who can't control himself, yet I'm the one to blame? Regaining my composure, I continued sarcastically,
"From what I've heard, you're known for your cold-blooded nature, Mr. Eldor. You never lose control. What made you snap tonight?"
Continuing mockingly,
"Is it because you've found out you're not the only man in my life? You should've seen this coming."
If lying was a sea, I would surely drown. But I didn't care.
His gaze hardened. He seemed to just realize he had overreacted.
"I just hate it when my instructions aren't followed, Grace. Don't infer anything else."
Dismissively, I nodded.
"Believe me, you're the last thing on my mind, Christian."
Turning away, I awaited the car.
"Drop me at the Rosewood Hotel."
"We'll go wherever I decide. I can't have you as a liability at this hour. What would I tell your dear partner?"
There was an insinuation in his voice. I didn't care. Most probably, he was taking me to his own hotel. I've always hated that place, with all its pretentious rich people.
After a silent car journey, as expected, we stopped in front of a grand building in the heart of New York. The building, like the Eldor family, exuded cold arrogance. As we headed for the reception, my phone, which I pulled from my bag, started vibrating. It was Alexander. Damn Liam must have told him. I cursed myself for not realizing this sooner.
Answering, an angry voice filled my ears.
"What the hell are you doing, Grace? Have you lost your mind? How could you dodge your guards and disappear?"
"Calm down, Alex. I just needed some time off."
"Why should I calm down? Stop driving me mad, Grace. After what happened last time, how can you be so reckless?"
My eyes found Christian, watching me closely. Speaking louder for him to hear,
"Why is everyone telling me not to piss them off today? What's your problem?"
"What do you mean by 'everyone', Grace? You sound drunk. Who's with you?"
"No one, Alex. No one's with me. Besides, even if there was someone, you promised not to fight over me anymore."
"Don't remind me of that incident, Grace. That guy was about to harass you."
"I can protect myself, Alex. I don't need a savior. I'm hanging up. I'll call you in the morning."
I could hear him protesting and swearing as I ended the call. He called again, but I didn't answer. The constant message alerts due to alcohol started to become insignificant. Normally, I wouldn't want to worry Alex. He had lost someone dear to him due to a minor oversight. There was no room for even the smallest mistakes in his life. And yet, knowing all this, I still acted recklessly.
After Christian got the room key from the reception, as we headed for the elevator, his phone rang. Who would call at this hour? I tried to seem indifferent but was curious. He, sensing my curiosity, answered without a word. Yet, there was an unreadable expression on his face, as if he enjoyed this call.
Listening for a while, he gave me a mocking look and said,
"Don't worry at all. No bird flies in New York without my knowledge. I'll give you good news soon."
After hanging up, he whispered something I couldn't hear.
"Especially the little birds."
- Writer
