Chapter 40_ Life Horrors'

Once they had imbibed a few drinks, Kane slyly peered at Arya, taking note of her flushed cheeks and realizing she was getting intoxicated. He suggested they hit the dance floor and let off some steam.

"Shall we tear up the dance floor now?" he asked with a small grin.

Arya enthusiastically nodded in agreement, screaming "Let's go!" They made their way to the dance floor, and Arya unleashed a flurry of old school rockabilly moves that caught the attention of onlookers. Kane was no slouch either, showing off his impeccable style as he joined her in the dance.

"Whoa, you've got some moves, Maranello," Arya exclaimed, impressed by his smooth dancing.

"I may have a trick or two up my sleeve, but you are truly amazing," Kane replied, matching her every step as they moved to the rhythm of the music. Soon, a circle formed around them, and the crowd cheered and clapped at their impressive performance.

"Wow, who are those two?" someone asked in awe of their synchronicity.

"I have no idea, but they are absolutely incredible together, and those moves are just jaw-dropping!" another exclaimed, fangirling over their dance prowess.

As the song reached its climax, Kane swept Arya off her feet and lifted her in the air, twirling her around and dazzling the crowd with his move.

"Wooooooo!" someone yelled excitedly in the background. This electrifying energy continued throughout the evening, with jumping, screaming, and cheering. However, amidst all the chaos and excitement, Arya's work phone started buzzing in her pocket. She glanced at it, but before she could read the message, Kane snatched the phone and gave her a stern look.

"Don't be absurd! This is not the time for work! You need to think about yourself and have fun with me," he said, his voice close to her ear due to the loud music. Arya meekly nodded in agreement.

"Let's head to the bar counter," Arya suggested, eager to escape the deafening noise. With a chuckle, Kane smiled and led the way, finally finding a quieter spot where they could enjoy a couple more beers. But as the night wore on, Arya's behavior became increasingly brazen, delighting Kane.

Deciding it was time to call it a night, Kane pulled out his phone and texted Alonso that they were leaving. He then guided Arya out of the bar and hailed a cab to take them back to Arby's apartment.

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Now in the room with Arya, Kane let out a hearty chuckle as she attempted to give him a lap dance, which she was struggling at to say the least. Seeing Kane's amusement, Arya made a pouty face and puffed out her cheeks, causing Kane to find her even more endearing. He couldn't resist pinching her cheek and laughing once again, his laughter a pleasant sound that filled the room and made Arya feel a bit dazed as she gazed at him.

"You should laugh more often. I quite enjoy the sound of your laughter," Arya stated, causing Kane's mood to shift as his eyes grew dark and sad.

"Kane, are you alright?" Arya inquired, noticing the change in his demeanor.

"Yeah, I was just lost in thought," Kane responded with a sigh, causing Arya to gently prod him for more information, already knowing that his father was a source of tension for him.

"What's on your mind? Your father?" Arya asked cautiously, allowing her fingers to move through his hair in a comforting rhythm.

Kane remained silent for a moment, and just as Arya thought he wouldn't open up, he spoke up. "My mom died because of him." Arya was taken aback by his words but stayed patient, waiting for him to continue.

"I was just a teenager and my dad was supposed to drive me to school, but he canceled at the last minute for an urgent meeting." Kane took a deep breath before continuing. "My mother was not only an incredible mechanic, but also a skilled race car driver. She had this Porsche called Cinderella - it was her car and she won numerous competitions with it." Kane's expression turned serene as he talked about his mother.

"Are you serious?" inquired Arya, taken aback.

"Oh, indeed. That's likely why my father was smitten with her in the first place. However, on that fateful day, she was too fatigued to drive. We had no driver at the time, as my mother was against it. She offered to drive me to school, but her exhaustion led her to doze off at the wheel. The car veered into oncoming traffic and, despite my attempts to rouse her, it was too late. I survived, but she did not." Kane's words were infused with emotion, his voice thick with it.

Arya reached for him, encircling him in a warm embrace and holding his head against her cheek as she tenderly stroked his hair. He grasped her other hand tightly and continued, "It took me years to get into a car again. I had to push myself to the brink to overcome my fear. That's how I became a racer." Arya closed her hand around his and squeezed, holding him close.

"I understand what you've been through, and you've shown remarkable strength. I'm certain your mother would be proud of you." Arya's words were filled with understanding as Kane looked at her, his eyes gleaming with unshed tears. He pulled her into a tight embrace, basking in her warmth.

After a while, he pulled away and gazed at her with a tinge of sadness. A hint of mischief tinged his voice as he said, "Can...Can I have my 'you shared your life horrors' achievement badge now?"

Arya shook her head, playfully swatting his arm. "Can't you be serious for more than two minutes?"

Kane shrugged. "The world seems a little less dreadful when you can mock it."

"Well, I suppose you have a point," Arya conceded.

They fell into a comfortable silence, Kane leaning closer to her and brushing a strand of hair aside as he breathed in the scent of her perfume. His lips hovered over her ear as he whispered, "Your scent...It makes me feel like a wild animal." Kane inhaled deeply, his breath rasping out as he gazed intently into her eyes and brushed his lips against hers.

His kiss became more insistent and hungry, filled with reckless abandon. He lifted her up and placed her gently onto the bed, his lips trailing down to her neck where he lingered, savoring the moment.

As he pulled away, he was taken aback by the look on her face and couldn't help but chuckle. She had already fallen asleep, her lips smacking softly and a soft moan escaping her lips as he touched them. Kane chuckled and kissed her forehead before lying down beside her, pulling her close into his arms. Her unique scent wafted into his nostrils, lulling him into a peaceful slumber.