The Dancing Torera

50

Remember
Cutting the ear, the tail of a bull is customary at the end of a worthy/fair bullfight! The presidente has been denying the Ninos which is a sign of disrespect.

Anais

The presidente stood by the door, signaling me to walk inside before leading me to a separate room in the back for more privacy.

"I guess you do not favor open doors?" I pouted as he shut the door behind us. He shrugged, not keen on establishing a false rebuttal.

"So why did you come to see me, Anais?" He opened a small box of cigars before tearing off the brown paper and lighting its end.

I chuckled before sitting in the chair across from him. He sat at the edge of the desk, looking into my eyes. "You are a smart man. You know why I'm here"

He took a long puff of his dark cigar before looking at me. "I was wondering what was taking you so long Bonita" he chuckled.
I didn't even entertain his compliment.

"Grant Esteban and the Ninos their respect. Let them cut the tail of the bull"

"And why should I do that?"

"Because every day you deny him, the people's hatred for you grow more and more"

"They already hate me and are not fond of my policies nor my plans for revision. Their hate for me is not new" His nonchalance was irking my core.

"Bull sh*+t!" I slammed my hand against the table, standing up to face him. "You're doing it in spite of him! You're not too happy he punched your lights out?"

He chuckled lifting his hand to his nose. "I won't lie, he has a pretty good punch. The bruise still hurts"

I still stare at him, with furrowed brows. What did I need to do to convince him to grant Esteban his pardon? There was only one day left of their campaign.

"Now you're a beautiful girl Anais.
You're smart.
Educated. Cultured.
You're the interest of Spain Anais or..should I call you by your proper title? The dancing torerra?"

I remain silent. He pours a small glass of whiskey and chugs it down.

"I see your eyes light up when I say the name." He stands and stared off to the windows that exposed a more infamous view of the stadium. A huge poster of Esteban greeted the wall as he stared off

"All these posters of Esteban. The fearless matador. Unmatched playboy of Espana. Those posters should have your face Bonita" he tapped the end of his cigar into his empty shot glass before turning around to face his desk.

"Are you going to grant him his pardon or not" I stood up grabbing my purse to leave. I wouldn't fall for the allure of his power. Even if his interest did sound tempting...

"Esteban is an untamed beast. He's been on top of his game and wins all his matches. But it gets tiring... unoriginal. He is not challenged.
He has no threat"

The faint cheers of the crowd echo against the thick walls of his office.

Oh... so this is what Hector meant when he was warning me about earlier?

"I saw your picture on the front pages of the paper. I saw you that night. There's a sensuality in you that transcends earth itself.
The way your hips moved as you danced.
The way you hypnotized the bull, demanding its submission.
The crowd was mesmerized" I could see him tracing my curves with his eyes.

With each word, he stepped closer before finally pulling me into his arms. He sat back, at the edge of his desk, tucking his cigar behind his ear before pulling me against his open legs.

"There's a spark in you Anais. I see it. It is impatiently yearning to be ignited "He pushed a gentle finger against my cheek, gently pushing a curl behind me.

"No.. there isn't...I mean..." why was I stuttering! I knew it wasn't because of his charm but the severity of his words.

"What if I endorsed the first ever female torerra in Spain. The dancing torerra.
I'll find you a coach.
I'll get you the funds and the endorsements" he bragged, looking into my eyes.

His offer was so tempting.

"With the snap of my finger, I can give you everything you ever wished for.
You will no longer be in his shadow.
Think of the money.
The deals.
Spain will love you" he whispered against my ear. My eyes opened wide as I heard his promises.

But what about Esteban?

He was the only thing that snapped me back to reality.

"You're drunk Mr. president" I fumed pushing his chest away so I could leave. Just before I was about to reach the door, my steps falter. When I thought of the opportunity, I couldn't help but ponder.

A dancing torerra? It's all I ever wanted. It's what I've been dreaming of since I was 10. But I couldn't let him know that.

He pulled his cigar from behind his ear and puffed it again. "There was no mistaking what you did that night Anais.
Everyone saw it.
Esteban saw it.
You saved your teammates by hypnotizing that bull and what does he do? He makes you quit. What a supportive boyfriend?" A lazy smile parted his lips before standing to observe the room.

"He did it for my safety"

"You think you're a girl who needs protection?"His question came out so casually as if the answer was apparent.
It stung my insecurities like a wasp.

"He's jealous Bonita. Jealous of what you are and of your power. Of what you will be" He grabbed my chin, lifting my face so my eyes could face his.
"Esteban promised you Spain.
But I can promise you the world torerra." He says, his voice so tempting but secure. He was a man of power and influence. If he said to jump you were supposed to ask how high.
He would get me a career by sunrise if I asked.

"I... I"

He lets go of my waist, looking into my eyes before, kissing my forehead and letting me go.

"Go" he says, dismissing me from his presence before sitting at the edge of his desk once more.

"Give Esteban the pardon, that's all I came here for" I stood there awkwardly, waiting for him to confirm it.

"Let's say I grant him his pardon. Esteban gets more fame and glory. What do I get in return Torerra?" He still played with the end of his lit cigar.

I walk towards his figure, my steps calculated but secure. "Hmmm. What does a man who owns everything get?" I question, taking the cigar from his fingers before taking a long puff and exhale, letting the smoke hit his lips before smiling.

"Absolutely nothing. I don't do IOU's Mr. Presidente" I stand back, tapping the end of the cigar so the ashes could fall to his lap.

I tucked the blunt end behind his ear before gathering my purse to leave.

"You'll be back Bonita" He announced but I refused to look behind me. I would entertain him no more.