As the romantic song enveloped the atmosphere, Hazel closed her eyes, allowing the rhythm to guide her movements. With a subtle sway of her hips, she expressed the joy of the music coursing through her.
Rafael, captivated by her rhythmic waggling, couldn't resist the allure. He placed his hands on her waist, syncing his movements with hers.
Hazel leaned against him, feeling the connection as they moved in unison to the melody. With a gentle pull, Rafael drew her even closer, the heat of their bodies merging in the intimate dance.
Turning to face him, Hazel placed a delicate hand on his chest, her eyes expressing the emotions the music evoked. They took a step back, only to lean on each other again, their bodies perfectly attuned to the romantic rhythm.
Taking a step back, they maintained their proximity, leaning on each other as the music played on. Rafael guided Hazel in the dance, his firm grip on her midriff creating a sense of security and connection. Hazel, feeling the strength in his touch, allowed herself to be led, her movements mirroring his with graceful precision.
In a moment of subtle intimacy, Rafael turned to Hazel so that her back was against him. His grip remained steady on her midriff, and Hazel, with a slight tilt of her head, met his gaze. The warmth of his breath on her neck sent a shiver down her spine as he tenderly stroked her arm, creating a delicate yet electrifying connection.
Hazel's heart raced as Rafael skillfully led the dance, moving in perfect harmony with the music. His prowess on the dance floor was undeniable, and Hazel found herself captivated by his every move.
Rafael, aware of his ability to charm, decided to elevate the dance to another level. With a gradual lift, he compelled Hazel to meet his gaze. As their eyes locked, Hazel felt a magnetic pull, and she instinctively ran her fingers through his hair.
The tactile sensation of his muscles beneath the fabric of his outfit heightened the intensity of the moment.
Pressing her closer, their chests touched. Hazel, caught in the embrace, arched her back as Rafael expertly cradled her in one arm while securing her leg with the other.
Meanwhile, in the VIP room, Francisco and Andrew engaged in a conversation. Andrew voiced his concerns about Francisco's actions, emphasizing the violation of their gang rules.
"Francisco, we have business here too. You can't engage in such activities with outsiders. It goes against the principles of our gang."
"I had already said what I wanted. I want that port. I won't let a single item leave my port if you guys can't do so. All of those will be mine," Francisco declared, his words punctuated by the release of smoke from the cigarette he held.
He dismissed Andrew's attempts at diplomacy with a dismissive remark, "And Andrew, you are getting your shares, so why are you saying these kinds of things? Don't be someone's lawyer."
James, angered by Francisco's audacity, clenched his teeth before unleashing his frustration.
"Were the profits not given to you?"
Francisco, seemingly unfazed by James's outburst, responded with a mocking smirk.
"Profits?" he echoed, as if dismissing the significance of monetary gains.
"But right now, I want the whole."
James, recognizing the futility of reasoning with Francisco, raised his voice in anger, "Do you think you can succeed in this way?"
As the verbal sparring between Francisco and James reached a boiling point, the atmosphere in the room became increasingly charged with tension. Francisco, always composed and seemingly unfazed, tilted his head and gestured for James to lower his voice.
"A servant should speak more subdued in front of its owner," Francisco remarked, his words dripping with arrogance.
"But his owner needs to trim when he starts raising his voice."
The exchange escalated, with Francisco pushing James's buttons deliberately. Referring to someone of James's stature as a servant was a deliberate provocation, and it worked. James, unable to contain his anger, stood up abruptly and kicked the table in a fit of frustration.
The room fell into a tense silence, punctuated only by the echoes of James's outburst. Francisco, showing a brief moment of composure, closed his eyes as if seeking a moment of relaxation amidst the chaos. Then, with deliberate calmness, he rose from his seat.
"Gentlemen, I have to go," Francisco declared, his tone final.
"Francisco," Andrew called out, realizing that the situation had spiraled out of control, and the carefully orchestrated meeting had devolved into chaos.
Francisco cast a chilly gaze at Andrew, a silent warning not to pursue the matter further. Andrew, intimidated by the cold stare, refrained from uttering Francisco's name again. Francisco, without uttering another word, walked out of the room, leaving behind a shattered negotiation and a sense of unease in the air.
James's furious exclamation echoed through the room as Francisco departed, leaving a seething rage in his wake.
"F**K!"
"Andrew, I will kill that bastard."
"I will kill him," James seethed, his anger boiling over.
Andrew, caught in the crossfire of underworld power dynamics, took a deep breath, contemplating the difficult position he found himself in.
Francisco, despite his arrogance and provocations, held a position of formidable influence, and crossing him was a perilous endeavor. As long as personal profits were at stake, the fragile alliances within the criminal empire were maintained, preventing any open rebellion.
Meanwhile, on the dancing floor, Rafael's fingers traced Hazel's skin, the music providing a rhythmic backdrop to their dance. However, the sudden cessation of the music disrupted the enchanting moment.
As the music abruptly stopped, Hazel felt a forceful hand yank her away from Rafael. The effects of the wine made her unsteady, and she nearly stumbled. In her hazy vision, she caught the scent of a strong perfume as she collided with the solid chest of an unexpected intruder.
"Mm…"
Hazel uttered, disoriented by the sudden interruption.
The mysterious figure, the one who had forcefully pulled her away, held her with a firm grip.