The Dancing Torera

47

Monday night

Although I was still upset with Esteban, I knew I had to show my support for his first match of the new season.

I had phoned Mariela, inviting her to attend the match with Mrs.La Renta and me. We were in Esteban's special booth in the shade, waiting for the fight to commence.

"He hasn't taken his eyes off you" Mariela whispers, lifting her chin to the booth where the presidente sat. He was positioned high above the crowds, waving and laughing as the spectators battled for his attention. His wife was perched beside him, her face freshly made with an over-reddish rouge. Josephine, their daughter, was behind them both, turning her attention to Esteban as he ran to the middle of the arena.

The presidente looked at me again, holding his gaze before winking. I couldn't help the shiver that ran down my spine as his eyes laced with seduction.
He was disgusting.

I snapped my head away, staring at Esteban as he clapped and jumped to stretch. He was as excited as the people in the arena. Their loud cheers fueled his warmth. He looked so natural in the arena...as if he was born to do it.

"The Ninos will now do the exchange of affection." the announcer proclaimed to the cheers of the adoring women crowds.
James looked for a pretty girl in the crowd. Julio

Esteban looked towards his booth and smiled once he saw me.

"Looks like Esteban has spotted his special girl!" The announcer yelled.

Esteban walked over to our booth before hopping over the gate and kissing his mother on the cheek. He looked over at me, pulling me into his arms before kissing my lips. I allowed him of course.

I know what you all are thinking.
I am weak for taking him back but Esteban looked so handsome in his matador outfit.

"You came? I thought I wouldn't see you"

"Thank your mom. If not for her, I wouldn't have stepped foot here" I cursed, looking into his eyes. He understood my anger but nodded, grabbing my chin and pushing the flower into my hair.

"Beautiful" he whispered pulling me into his lips. The crowds cheered, hooting and whistling as they saw our display. I looked at the presidente as we smacked with heat. I didn't care to kiss Esteban right now but I also wanted to steer the president's affections elsewhere.

Carefully, I broke from him before wiping his lips clean.

"Anais, I don't know what I can say or even do...to show you how sorry I am."

I grabbed his jaw, running a palm against his chin.

"Win" was all I said.
He didn't have any other option. A loss in the ring would mean death and although I was mad at him, I was not ready for him to die. He looked into my eyes before nodding and returned to the middle of the dusty arena.

Silence filled the arena as the bull's gates were opened. Carefully they creaked until 3 bulls emerged from the darkness.

"Three!!" I gasped, clutching Gloria's palm even harder.

"Here" she passed me an extra rosary and smiled. I looked down at her reddened palm and apologized. I hadn't realized I had been squeezing so hard!