RAVENOUS HEARTS

CHAPTER 5

DANIEL

"The truth is, my friend, that you work too much," Jack remarked as his arm enveloped me, guiding us into the nightclub.

I found myself in unfamiliar territory as we entered. The atmosphere, saturated with the promise of mediocre encounters fueled by alcohol, was far from my usual scene.

"Daniel, what a pleasure," Gino, the club owner, greeted us as he approached. Gino, a man of modest stature in his middle years, possessed an Italian accent that never failed to amuse, reminiscent of a character from a mob movie. His hairy chest spilled over the collar of his white shirt, adorned with a glistening gold necklace, a cigar clenched between his lips exuding a distinctive aroma.

Anticipating Gino's customary double-cheek kiss, I instinctively stepped back, raising a hand to my mouth. "Apologies, Gino, but I'm feeling under the weather. I wouldn't want to pass anything on to you," I offered, attempting to gracefully sidestep a potentially awkward exchange. Ignoring my protest, Gino continued his approach, planting a kiss on my cheek. Meanwhile, Jack, observing the spectacle, erupted into laughter, busy texting our friends to announce our arrival.

"Enough, Gino, thank you," I interjected before he could utter a word. "I have a surprise for you all tonight. I'll provide you with the finest entertainment here, ensuring you have the night of your lives," Gino proclaimed, encircling my shoulder with his arm as we moved through the club. The unwelcome physical contact, particularly from a burly figure like him, was something I abhorred more than anything in the world.

As he guided us to the secluded area with red sofas behind a curtain, my eyes scanned the surroundings. The entire establishment was bathed in dim lighting, with men eagerly thrusting money into every crevice the women on the poles possessed.

"Have a seat," a voice commanded, prompting me to sit down. I turned to see Emilio, one of the most prominent clients of my company.

"Mr. Torelli, what a pleasure. It's nice to meet you, even in these circumstances," I greeted him, extending my hand for a shake.

"You know, Daniel, I've always had a liking for you. But when someone interferes with my finances," he said, taking a sip of his vodka, his hands adorned with numerous golden rings, "it tends to make me quite angry."

"We are actively addressing the issue, Mr. Torelli. Rest assured, nothing will be lost," I reassured him.

"Well, you better, because I wouldn't want to get my hands dirty," he remarked, placing the glass on the small table in front of us before adjusting my tie. "You see, Daniel, there are three things you don't mess with: family, drugs, and money," he whispered, tightening my tie around my neck. "Keep that in mind," he added, tapping against my chest. I quickly loosened the tie around my neck, granting myself some breathing room.

"But now, let's enjoy the evening," he declared as a woman approached our section. I sank back against the couch, repulsed by the sight of Emilio's hands all over the woman. It felt as though the only thing that could bring me relief was a jolt of electricity straight through my head.

I reached for the flask in the inner pocket of my jacket when suddenly I felt the woman embrace me, resting her head on my neck. Unsure of how to react, I remained still. I could sense her sitting on my lap, but her trembling legs distracted me from wandering to inappropriate thoughts. Was she afraid of me? Given the terrible things I've done in my life, I wouldn't blame her. I attempted to stop her by placing my hands on her hips, but she refused to look at me, her face buried in my neck.

"Hey, are you okay?" I inquired, ensuring our conversation remained private.

The woman simply nodded, continuing to sit more comfortably on my lap. Eventually, I succumbed to the moment and slipped my hands into her panties, gripping her buttocks. Her tongue traced my neck until, suddenly, the lights dimmed and the music intensified, leading to her lips meeting mine.

It was the most tender and intimate kiss I had ever experienced, a surprising moment for someone like me. I held her close as our tongues danced, every fiber of my being yearning to be closer to her. Regrettably, as soon as the lights returned to their usual brightness, she abruptly pulled away and fled, leaving only her mask resting on my chest. It seemed she must have dropped it in her haste.

Picking up the mask, I examined it in my hands, noticing the small, broken cord attached to it. Amidst the flickering lights, I gazed after the girl as she ran away, catching a glimpse of a tattooed letter "K" on her shoulder. And just like that, she disappeared into the crowd.

She vanished.