Seduced by Revenge.

Chapter 3

Mark’s POV

“Thank you sir ,” I said my voice smooth almost rehearsed as the bartender handed out our cocktails. I lifted my drink to my lips letting the cool bitterness coat my tongue before settling it down with quite precision.

Nomsa sat beside me , close enough that I could feel the warmth of her arm brush against mine . The music pulsed low between us , yet all I could hear was the rhythm of her laugh echoing in my head . I turned slightly, eyes locking onto hers steadily and deliberate. For a heartbeat it looked like admiration but behind the calm something else flickered

My smile came late , soft at the edges like a mask settling into place . And as she smiled back unaware , the thoughts slid through my mind like smoke “She has no idea who I am”.

The tequila effects were finally kicking in , the alpha uptight , firm Nomsa loosened up a little bit . She became as bubbly as champagne . For a moment her smile almost detoured me , pulled me off the dark road I swore I’d never leave .

“Hmmmm you know you actually look dangerously handsome up close Nomsa said titling her head with a grin . “ Tell me between your parents who do you take after ? Because someone clearly did a good job .”

I giggled soft and shy like a little kid after saying something cheeky , but in the inside I knew I was smiling for a different reason .

“ My dad definitely I said with a half smile , he was handsome and respectful too . I just inherited the leftovers.”

“ Oww that’s nice , Nomsa said her tone light , her eye’s browsing for his face . Wait you said was , where is he now .” Nomsa looked genuinely curious.

The pulse in my neck hammered so hard it hurt .My hands trembled but not from fear instead from the kind of fury that had no where to go . My heartbeat wasn’t only fast , it was loud like my own chest was arguing with me .

“Your Honor I swear I’m innocent , my dad cried his voice cracking . “ I didn’t r**e or kill the lady your honor . Please have mercy on me , he pleaded . Don’t let them take my life for something I didn’t do.” he said with a trembling voice .

Her touch brought me back to the moment and I sighed , letting the tension in my chest ease just slightly .

My voice dropped to a whisper almost shy as if I were revealing a secret no one else had warn the right to hear. I told her I didn’t usually open up about these things , that some memories still took me back to places I’d rather forget . I said softly , carefully watching her eyes , waiting for that moment when curiosity would flicker across her face .

“But with you ,” I left those words stuck there like something fragile . “I honestly don’t know Nomsa , you somehow make me feel safe , safe enough to be honest and vulnerable .” I paused , long enough to make it believable.

“My dad passed on the when I was ten . It was a horrible death something that still follows me even now.” I did not blink I just watched her , letting the silence to do the rest .

“Awwww Mark she said softly her voice thick with sadness I’m sorry for your loss . Bringing up the past especially painful memories wasn’t my intention, May his soul rest in peace ,”

“No , It’s really okay I said , forcing a small smile . Don’t feel sorry for me . Life happens and you just learn to live with it .

I tried to clear the heavy air between us with a smile , “come on ,”I said holding out my hand . “Dance with me .”

She hesitated for a moment , shy but I could see in the way her body shifted that she wanted to , more than she was letting on . Slowly and cautiously she stood up and let me lead her to the dance floor .

The music pulsed around us . That tshatsha beat sinking into our bones , and with each step each sway she began to loosen up . Step by step , she moved closer to the rhythm and I could feel the space between us shrink with every heartbeat.

The music carried us away , weaving our movements together in a rhythm that felt effortless . Nomsa’s body flowed to the beat , and I could feel the joy radiating off her . It was intoxicating watching her so alive , so free .

My chest tightened with pleasure that I didn’t expect. Even as I lost myself in the dance , I reminded myself to stay focused . This was part of the mission . Still for a moment I allowed myself to feel good .

Nomsa leaned closer , breath warming against my ear and admitted with a shy giggle “ I didn’t know I could dance like this , not until today .” Her words made something twist inside of me , a thrill that had totally nothing to do with the mission , yet i forced myself to channel it into calculated charm .

After all that dancing , Nomsa looked tired and she suggested we catch our breath . I led her to the rooftop by the shore where the lights of cape town stretched out sparkling against the dark water . The view was breathtaking but I couldn’t focus on anything but her .

We stood close, the alcohol making us feel loose and carefree. Unexpectedly our faces gravitated slowly towards each other , drawn by some invisible pull . And for a moment it almost happened, our lips nearly met . Then she pulled back slightly, laughing nervously and the moment felt awkward.

Just then Annie appeared stepping in with her cheerfulness . It was perfect timing breaking the tension that had hung between us, leaving the almost kiss suspended in memory.

“Ahhaa , I found you two little ..you too little mice ,” she slurred her voice drowsy and stumbling over the words . “So all along , you two have been hiding here ?, a teasing giggle followed the question. She wobbled as she tried to stand taking shanky unsteady steps like a toddler just learning to walk . Then she missed a step entirely and she started to fall . Nomsa was right there quick like lightning , catching her before she hit the ground .

I blinked impressed . I hadn’t realized that she was that strong ,her biceps flexed slightly as she held Annie steady .

I couldn’t help but notice her athletic build toned precise. She clearly worked out ..

Not that she needed to know that I was paying attention. As a gentleman I had to show some manners or Atleast the appearance of them . So I offered to help Annie to a seat , feeling a slight weight of her intoxication . It was clear she had more alcohol than what her body could handle .

Nomsa still catching her breath from the dancing , she shook her head with a soft laugh . “I think we should call it a day , she said .

I nodded in agreement hiding the satisfaction behind a calm smile . We headed to the car at the parking lot in the open space , far from the venue we were at. Ten feet away from the car a sharp noise split the calm .Two gun triggers echoed few meters away from us . Little did we know it was time for action.