The Dancing Torera

36

Monday morning
El Lujo Hotel

Esteban

The day of the conference came and I was excited but a bit nervous. Even more so for Anais. It would be her first time meeting my sponsors and advertisers. Not only that, but the présidente was still going around the city, advertising the upcoming fight. I had been on high alert ever since Anais had told me about his threats against my career so him supporting the match was a bit suspicious.

I tore my gaze away from the backyard pool as I heard Anais footsteps coming down the stairs. She was was in another one of my mother's ensembles and I couldn't help but take in her beauty.
She looked radiant.
Ethereal....

I must be crazy to admit it, but this girl was the love of my life...I had a feeling in the pit of my core that I couldn't explain. Anais was eveything I was looking for in a woman without even knowing. She was wise, educated, and stood her ground. She didn't back down from a fight but was venerable when she needed to be.
I felt like I wanted to protect her and be her solider....
I didn't know when or how but I knew this girl would be my wife.

One day.

"You look amazing mi amor" I say pulling her into my arms before placing gentle kisses against her cheek. My mother beams from the sofa before shooting up and running to get her Polaroid.

"I need to document this! Don't move you two" she slipped her chanclas on before skipping up the stairs.

Anais looked into my eyes before lifting a gentle palm to my neck. "Just 3 days?"

"Just three mi amor." I nodded in agreement. I knew she was nervous of my upcoming match. She knew it was a dangerous sport and I could get hurt at any time.

"Just be careful Esteban." She cursed. Her hand hovered against my left shoulder, just beneath the scar. I pulled her fingers into mine and kissed them one by one.

"I will return to you... I promise." I vowed, capturing her lips into mine. We kissed violently pulling away and staring into each other's eyes. "I love you mi amor"

"I love you too Estaban." She giggled, trying her best to show a brave face. If she had it her way, she would ban me from bullfighting altogether.
My mother comes down the steps and starts snapping her pictures.

"We're going to be here for a while" I whispered, pulling Anais closer so we could pose for my mother.

——-

Anais

Cameras and bright lights flash against my skin as Esteban and I pulled up to the Hotel. Hector had sent a car for us so we could arrive in luxury.

Esteban had also recruited his security guard Victor to attend the conference. He knew I was on edge due to the the presidente and wanted to make sure I was safe just in case he came.

"You ready?" Esteban smiles. I curled the end of my hair with a finger before nodding. Esteban helps me out the car and wraps his arm around my waist, gently hovering a hand against the lowest part of my back. He kisses my throat before walking down the red carpet that was rolled for the elite.

An explosion of flashes and lights bursted through varied intervals as we walk down the path.

"Esteban!
Esteban!
El Jefe !! picture over here!" The reporters and paparazzi shouted.

"Anais smile for the camera!" A random voice called. So they knew my name? Esteban pulls me close, showing off his handsome smile and staring straight. I follow suit and smile, lifting a shoulder to tease the cameras.