♥ Chapter 30♥

Axel Norvelli. 

21:20: ''Nightclub'' Valdoria.

As soon as the club opened, it started filling up quickly. The soft lighting and pulsing rhythms of the music created a lively and vibrant atmosphere. I'm already mentally preparing myself, trying to keep up as customers start to line up.

A group of men in suits, with satisfied smiles, approach the counter.

'' Three vodkas, please! '' shouts one of them while his friends laugh and slap each other on the back.

I pick up the bottles of vodka, measuring and pouring the shots with precision.

'' Here are your vodkas, gentlemen. '' I hand over the glasses with a forced smile.

I don't have time to breathe before another customer approaches, a woman in a daring dark dress with a confident attitude.

'' A dry martini, with olives, and quick! '' She says, voice full of urgency.

I grab the bottle of gin and vermouth, mixing everything at a nimble pace. With one fluid movement, I pour the martini and place the olive on the toothpick.

'' Here it is. I hope you like it. ''I place the martini in front of her.

'' Perfect! '' She responds, winking at me before walking away to join her friends.

Soon, a scruffy-looking young man approaches, trying to hide his anxiety. I understand him very well.

'' A tequila, please. And it can be a generous dose, if you don't mind.

I pour a hefty shot of tequila into the glass, trying to keep my gaze neutral even as I feel the weight of everyone's expectations bearing down on me.

'' Here it is. Be careful not to overdo it, or you'll end up hanging from one of the perches. ''I try to play around a little. 

He laughs nervously and thanks you before walking away, looking for a place to settle down.

The flow of customers continues, each with their own requests and needs. As I prepare more drinks, I hear fragments of conversations and laughter— the constant buzz that characterizes the nightclub environment. The music mixes with the sound of glasses and the noise of customers, creating a symphony of controlled chaos.

'' A Bourbon with a little water! '' shouts a customer amidst the noise, and I quickly follow to fulfill his order.

With each new request, my mind tries to focus on keeping up, ignoring distractions, and maintaining a calm facade. Working at the bar is the only relief from the internal turmoil I feel, but that doesn't make it any less tiring.

Suddenly, my gaze starts to wander around the club, which is full and busy. Then something caught my attention. Catarina is sitting on the sofa in the VIP area, and next to her is a man who really stands out. He is tall, very attractive, and well-muscled, with an impeccably elegant appearance. A feeling of insecurity begins to invade me, and it gets worse when I see his hand resting on Catarina's thigh.

My heart starts to beat faster, and my vision blurs for a moment. The lights go out briefly, creating an environment of shadows and poor visibility. When the lights come back on, I can see that Catarina and the man are turning around, and it looks like they're kissing?

The shock is so great that, without realizing it, I drop a bottle of drink on the floor. The sound of glass breaking is loud and makes everyone around me look my way. I feel the heat rise to my face, and my heart accelerates, almost as if it's about to explode. Catarina stares at me for a moment, and her gaze makes my stomach turn.

I can't bear the pain and confusion. The urge to cry is almost unbearable, and the feeling of betrayal is overwhelming. Unable to maintain my composure, I turn, passing my colleague who is taking his place at the bar, and run towards the exit of the club. The cool night air is a small relief, but it does nothing to calm the turmoil I feel inside me.

I feel a wave of panic and despair rising inside me. The heat of the club and the surrounding tumult are oppressive. My heart races, and the tears start to flow uncontrollably. My efforts to maintain composure fail completely, and I fan myself frantically, trying to fight the feeling of being on the verge of collapse.

Suddenly, I hear the sound of my name, "Axel," cutting through the chaos. I don't turn around, knowing exactly who it is, just trying to maintain a shred of dignity. Then, Catarina touches my arm, and I jerk away.

'' Don't touch me.

She appears to be in shock, her gaze softening into a mix of confusion and concern. She tries to speak, but I shake my head, feeling like I'm going to explode. The words spill out of me amidst sobs and uncontrolled crying.

'' You made me believe that I finally belonged to someone and that I could truly be loved. You made me cut my hair, forced me to wear clothes I hated, and even abused me. And the worst is admitting to myself that I… I really like you, Catarina. I like you, your kisses, your possessiveness… It may sound crazy, but you made me believe that I finally belonged somewhere. And now… now you're with another man. You made me believe that you liked me, and now all I see is you with someone else.

Catarina freezes, her expression becoming cold and hard. But before I can lose myself any further, she starts talking.

'' Do you think I don't like you? Axel, I broke my family's biggest rule, a rule that prohibits any emotional involvement with anyone. I broke that rule for you because I really like you. That unfortunate guy is just a business partner, he means nothing to me. The only thing I feel for him is contempt and hatred for him, causing this misunderstanding.

With a delicate movement, she cups my face in her hands, her eyes fixed on mine, filled with a pain that mirrors my own. His voice becomes a whisper filled with emotion and devotion.

'' My love, you are the only one I really like. You're the only one who drives me crazy.

'' B-But… You kissed. '' The doubt in my voice is a whisper, and she gives a soft laugh, shaking her head.

'' I wouldn't fucking put my mouth on that bastard. '' She says, while wiping my tears with unexpected gentleness. ''I was just pointing my gun at his face, almost killing him for daring to touch my thigh. That unfortunate man dared to think he had a chance. I've already told him clearly that I don't want anything to do with him. Because the only one I want is in front of me.

Hearing this, I feel a wave of relief and unbridled desire overcome me. Without thinking, I take the initiative and kiss her with a fervor that could only come from the depths of my desperation and love. Catarina responds immediately, her kiss is intense and dominating. She pins me against the wall, her hands urgently exploring my body as her hands bury themselves in my hair and her lips devour mine. A kiss is a tumult of emotions, an explosion of passion and need that leaves any doubt or fear behind. The world around us disappears, and there is only the warmth and connection we share at this moment.

Catarina turns away from me, her gaze is intense and challenging, leaving me confused and anxious.

'' Say it again. '' She orders with a voice that is both firm and full of expectation.

Remaining a little stunned, she adds:

'' Say you like me.

A small smile forms on my lips as I run my hand across the back of her neck, feeling the warmth of her skin and the weight of her words.

'' I like you, Catarina. I really like.

Her smile widens, turning into an expression of pure joy and relief. Without hesitation, she kisses me again with renewed fervor, her hands cupping my face as if it were the most precious thing to her.

Between the kisses, his soft and emotional voice is heard:

'' I like you too, my little one. You are just mine, my man.

Those words are like a promise, a seal of a deep and unshakable feeling. In your arms, I feel like everything falls into place, and finally, the insecurities and fears dissipate, leaving only the certainty that we belong together.

Catarina pulls away from the kiss and runs her thumb over my cheek, a loving gesture, but with a firmness that leaves no doubt about her intention.

'' Let's get your things. I said you would live with me. I want to have my man by my side.

Without thinking twice, I hug her, laying my head on her chest. The sound of her fast, intense heartbeat is like an anchor to me, offering a sense of security I've never known before.

'' Can we stay like this any longer? '' My voice comes out muffled against his chest, and I feel the emotion and vulnerability mixed together. ''I don't want to move away now.

Catarina responds with a soft kiss on my hair, her touch is gentle and affectionate.

'' Of course, anything for you. Only you can see this side of me, my little one.

She hugs me even tighter, her arms around me a constant reminder of the depth of feelings she has for me. As we stand like this, the world around us seems to dissolve, and I feel more safe and loved than I ever thought possible. It's as if, at this moment, nothing else matters but the two of us, enveloped in the intimacy and comfort of this unexpected and profound connection.