UNDER THE SIRENS LIGHT

First Encounter

As the night stretched on, Althea moved with an ethereal grace that seemed to defy the bounds of gravity itself. As she glided across the dance floor, her movements were fluid, hypnotic, and filled with an undeniable magnetism that drew all eyes toward her. Every step she took was deliberate, every sway of her hips seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy that commanded attention.

Her dance was a mesmerizing fusion of styles, blending elements of contemporary jazz and the sensual rhythms of Latin dance. With each movement, she told a story, weaving a narrative of passion, desire, and longing that captivated everyone in the room.

Rashid couldn't tear his gaze away from her, his heart pounding in his chest as he watched her move. There was something about Althea that set her apart from the other dancers, something that stirred emotions in him he hadn't felt in years. “Do you know her?” Rashid asked the DJ.

“Who are you referring to, Mr. Dela Fuente?”

Rashid set his eyes on Althea and the DJ followed his gaze and was surprised to witness a woman in a red-fitted silk dress dancing gracefully in the crowd. The beauty of the woman stands out in the crowd and her long black hair sways as she makes every move.

“No, Mr. Dela Fuente. It's the first time I saw her here!”

As the music continues, Althea's movements become more intense and more intoxicating. She seemed to lose herself in the music, surrendering to its rhythm completely as she spun and twirled with a breathtaking grace that left Rashid breathless.

Minutes later, without even realizing it, Rashid began to move toward the dance floor. He found himself drawn to her, unable to resist her magnetic presence.

When he finally reached her, he found himself caught up in the whirlwind of her dance, swept away by the intensity of her gaze.

Althea found herself drawn closer to Rashid, she watched as he effortlessly walked onto the dance floor, his presence commanding the attention of everyone around him, and couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath that cool exterior.

At that moment, nothing else mattered but the two of them, his body moved in time with hers as if they were connected by an invisible thread.

Rashid broke the silence first, his voice barely more than a whisper. “You're an incredible dancer, I've never seen anyone move like you do.”

Althea smiled, her eyes sparkling in the disco light. “Thank you, Sir. Dance has always been my passion. It's where I feel most alive, most myself.”

Rashid spoke again, his voice tinged with uncertainty. “I have to admit, I'm a little envious of your talent. I've always wished I could move like you do, with such grace and confidence.”

Althea turned to him, her expression softening. “Thank you again, Sir. Anyway, I have to go!” Althea hurriedly ran away and exited the club.

Surprised, Rashid looked at the woman leaving the dance floor and he didn't even have time to ask her name at all.

Hours later, Rashid was sitting alone in his dimly lit office, with an unknown expression on his face. Lost in thought, he stares at the outwindow thinking about that woman. It's been hours since she left but her absence hangs heavy in the air, a reminder that he was attracted to her. Rashid shakes himself from his thoughts reaches for the phone and dials the DJ's number.

“Listen, I need a favor. If she ever comes back, I want to know immediately. No questions asked.”

“Sure thing, boss.”

Rashid walks through the room, lost in thought. “Who are you, woman?” he whispered.

Meanwhile, Althea was driving alone on a quiet, moonlit road. The soft glow of the dashboard illuminates her contemplative expression as she navigates the familiar path to her apartment. It's late, and yet her mind refuses to quiet down. Thoughts of him linger in her head, his presence, his smile, his warmth... and that undeniably gorgeous look in his eyes.

A soft smile plays on her lips as she reminisces the moment on the dance floor. How can someone be so captivating? As Althea turns onto her street, the headlights cast a warm glow on the quiet neighborhood. She pulls into her driveway, the engine humming softly as she brings the car to a stop. She sits for a moment, lost in her thoughts. With a sigh, Althea steps out of the car and gazes up at the stars before she enters her house.

The next day, Althea stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dress, and putting makeup on. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for the mission ahead. Tonight, she would step back into the world of undercover work, infiltrating 'The Den', a notorious bar known for its connections to the underworld. Her target is to gather information about the rumored boss of this bar and how frequently he stays in that establishment.

As she made her way to The Den, Althea couldn't shake the memories of her previous mission at the bar, it was where she was stabbed by a knife and ended up in a hospital room but here she was again, trying her luck to find any information.

Pushing aside her thoughts, Althea slipped into the club, blending seamlessly into the crowd. She made her way to the bar, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of her target.

“Can I get you something, sweetheart?” a voice interrupted her thoughts. Althea looked up to see a bartender, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

“Just a soda, please,” she replied, flashing him a smile before turning her attention back to the crowd. Hours passed as Althea discreetly observed the club's patrons, searching for any hint of suspicious activity.

Suddenly, her heart skipped a beat as she spotted a group of tattoed men sitting in a corner. With practiced ease, she maneuvered closer, her senses on high alert. As she eavesdropped on their conversation, Althea's focus was momentarily shattered by a familiar voice.

“Well, well, well... what do we have here?” The voice sent a shiver down her spine, and she turned to see the man standing before her, a playful grin on his lips.

“You?” she breathed, surprised by his sudden appearance.

“Yeah, Looks you are alone?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Uh-Just... passing through,” she replied, careful to keep her true intentions hidden.

Rashid arched an eyebrow, his gaze focusing on her. “I didn't have the chance to know your name the last time we met, maybe this time I can?”

Before Althea could respond, a commotion erupted across the room. There was a fight happening in the crowd and they were running, heading toward their direction.

“Looks like we've got to go,” Rashid observed, his tone laced with concern.

Althea's heart raced as she backed away, searching for an escape route. In the chaos that followed, she found herself cornered by one of the men, menacing gaze fixed upon her.