I Hate That I Loved You!

63- Stalking

~Author's note: And we are back in the game! Thank you for your patience and support. ~

After dinner, Zain and Susanna left the Trinity Residence.

At 6 Barrel Club and Bar:

Francesco stopped his car at the front of the club.

He picked up his leather jacket from the back seat and stepped out.

The Valet greeted him, took his car keys, and went to park his car.

As soon as he stepped inside the club, his phone buzzed.

Seeing the caller id, his lips curved upwards.

Well, the important woman in his life!

"Hey, Mom!"

"Hello, Son. How are you? Did you forget you have a mother and father too? "A dramatic voice of Mrs. Russo heard from the other end.

Francesco chuckled.

His mother was a big-time drama queen.
Her chirpy nature brings every gathering and atmosphere alive.

"Mom, c'mon, you know me! Besides, don't tell me you miss me. You and Dad don't need us at all. You both lovebirds have your own things planned. Parties and trips." He complained like a baby.

"Alright, Alright. Jeez! Where are you? When are you coming back? I want to see that ugly face of yours." His mother spoke on the other end.

"Still in The Central Ford City. Right now arrived at 6 Barrel Club and Bar. Was about to enter and your cal--"

"Ahhh! Are you going to find some hotsy-totsy stripper as a daughter-in-law for me?" His mother didn't allowed him to finish his sentence and teased him from the other end.

Francesco laughed at her mother's remark. "Indeed, she is hotsy-totsy, but she is not some stripper in the club. She is a successful businesswoman!"

"What! This means you already have chosen someone! Goodness, gracious! Tell me who she is?" His mother screamed and asked excitedly.

"I will tell you later."

"Does your father know?"

"En. Kind of."

"What the hell! You punk! Did you forget who changed your diapers and who carried you for 9 fucking months in the womb! How dare you tell your father first and not me! Indeed, sons are ungrateful. I wish I had a daughter!" Mrs. Russo whined dramatically.

"Mom! C'mon, you are such an actress! I will talk to you about her later. How I am going to pursue your future daughter-in-law if you will keep stalling me outside the club? Someone is going to hit my babe inside if I keep dilly-dallying here!" Francesco spoke nonchalantly.
His mother was like a friend to him and that too close one!

"Oh yes. My bad! Go quickly! All the best. Bring beautiful daughter-in-law for me!" Mrs. Russo hung up the phone instantly.

Francesco chuckled. Mrs. Russo indeed was quite a character!

He wore his brown leather jacket and went inside the club.

As usual, the club was crowded with rich elites and socialites.

He looked around to find that familiar face among the crowd.

He walked towards the bar and ordered a scotch on the rocks for himself. He sat on the barstool and again glanced at the crowd searching for her.

He was so much occupied in searching for her that he failed to notice so many eyes ogling him.

Socialites were drooling over his handsomeness.

After a while, he spotted her due to her platinum blonde hair.

Arlette Pereira!

She was sitting at one of the cornered sofas along with her friends.

There was a cake on the table, and everyone was going to clink their glasses to take a shot of absinthe along with the birthday girl who wore a birthday tiara.

Arlette wore a dark red off-shoulder bodycon dress. 

She looked a bit nervous and was fiddling with her necklace staring at the Absinthe shot.

But then the birthday girl spoke something in her ear, and she took a shot in one gulp. Her face scrunched.

Francesco raised his brows.

How can she take such a high percentage of alcohol spirit!

Doesn't she know that it's risky?

Horny men can take advantage of the situation?

Aren't you among them? His mind argued.

He chuckled at his own thought, but his protective instincts had already kicked in.

His eyes glued to her.

He was observing her every movement.

Soon Arlette stood up and walk towards the bar.

The bartender winked at her.

She smiled back.

They both talked about something and laughed.

Francesco lost his cool the way Bartender was flirting with her.

He walked towards her and heard her place her order.

"Sex on the beach."

"I won't mind!" Arlette heard a whisper near her.

She could barely hear the voice as the music was a bit loud, but she felt his hot breath against her ears.

Arlette pulled her head back in surprise.

Before she could say another word, Francesco squinted his eyes towards the bartender "Get the cocktail for the lady and stop flirting with the customers. Add it to my tab." The bartender gulped and went back to prepare the order cocktail.

"Hurry!" Francesco scowled at him.

Arlette turned towards him. "You! What are you doing here? Are you stalking me?"

Her voice was a bit slurry. She was a bit drunk now due to the absinthe shot.

"So, what if I am, and what if I am not?"  Francesco winked.

"You! Stop stalking me. I am not interested in you." Arlette folded her arms and spoke haughtily

She looked at him.

He was so close to her, looking dashing and handsome as ever.

The dim lights of the club illuminated his face and made him appear more majestic and charismatic.

She hated to admit, but she had kind of missed him.

That sounded strange!

They just had a chance encounter twice.

People say third time's the charm! Is that really true?

Her mind was occupied with his thoughts.

His clothes that she wore last time were still hanging in her closet.

Unwashed!

She was confused as to why she was attracted to him like a magnet?

She was avoiding his texts and call because her brain was giving red flags and screaming "Danger" sign.

She was not sure what to do and what will happen next if she will accept his advances. She was in a jumbled state as of now.

The fact that he didn't take advantage of her in that drunken state last time, had earned few good points.

No, Arlette No! You just have met him twice.
Once in the Vince city and last time at this same club. Focus! Her brain shouted.

But the third time can be a charm! Her heart argued.