Infernal Rivalry - The Clash Of Vox And Alastor

Chapter 38 : Second First Impressions

(Vox's POV)

As we savored our drinks, I noticed Alastor gradually relaxing, his tension melting away with each sip. It was a rare sight, seeing him let his guard down around Valentino, and I found myself silently appreciating the change. Valentino, ever the charmer, couldn't resist peppering our conversation with flirty remarks, his smooth words dripping with innuendo. I found myself chuckling at his antics, albeit with a hint of caution. "Alastor" Valentino purred, his gaze lingering on us with a mischievous glint. "You're positively glowing tonight. Is it the whiskey or the company that's got you in such high spirits?". Alastor chuckled, a rare twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "Perhaps a bit of both" he replied, raising his glass in a mock toast. "But mostly the whisky, I'd say" I exchanged a glance with Alastor, a silent understanding passing between us. Despite the underlying tension in Valentino's flirtatious remarks, he remained in his resolve to navigate the evening with grace and composure.

As our conversation continued, Valentino's flirtatious remarks became more frequent, each one accompanied by a charming smile and a suggestive glint in his eye. Despite my reservations about this evening, I found myself enjoying the playful banter, drawn in again by Valentino's magnetic charm, I'm used to it by now.  "Vox, you simply must tell me your secret," Valentino teased, his voice dripping with seduction. "You have this... intoxicating aura about you tonight". I chuckled, feeling a flush of warmth at the compliment. "Oh, Val, you know just how to make a demon feel special" I replied, unable to resist playing along. Beside me, Alastor's expression remained stoic, though I could sense a flicker of annoyance in his demeanour. It was clear that he was growing increasingly uncomfortable with Valentino's advances, despite his attempts to conceal it. Valentino's attention shifted back to Alastor, a knowing smirk gracing his lips. "And what about you, Bambi?" he inquired, his tone laden with mischief. "Are you feeling left out of all the fun?". His response was curt, his tone clipped as he replied, "I'm perfectly content, thank you" before taking a long sip of his whiskey. I shot Alastor a sympathetic glance, silently urging him to lighten up and enjoy the evening. But it was clear that his disdain for Valentino's flirtatious antics ran deep, and I knew that navigating the delicate balance between them would require finesse and diplomacy.

As the drinks flowed and the atmosphere grew livelier, Valentino suggested we hit the dance floor, his eyes alight with anticipation. I readily agreed, feeling the thrill of the music coursing through my veins. Turning to Alastor, I asked if he wanted to join us, but he declined with a curt shake of his head and polite smile. "I'm fine where I am, thank you" he replied, his tone guarded as he took another sip of his whiskey. I exchanged a glance with him, noting the tension in his posture, but I didn't press the issue, knowing that he preferred to keep to himself to himself when it involved Valentino. With a shrug, I turned back to Valentino, a smile playing on my lips. "Shall we?" I asked, gesturing towards the dance floor. He grinned in response, his hand outstretched as he led the way to the center of the room. As we danced, his playful banter continued, his words winding me up about Alastor and my feelings towards him. "I have to say, Voxxy" Valentino remarked, his voice low and teasing. "I really don't understand your fascination with Bambi. What is it about him that you find so appealing?". I laughed, swaying to the rhythm of the music as I tried to deflect Valentino's probing questions. "Oh, Val, you know how it is" I replied with a playful smirk. "Some things are just meant to remain a mystery".

His persistent questioning only intensified as we danced, his curiosity seemingly insatiable. Despite my attempts to deflect his inquiries, he continued to press for answers, his probing gaze fixed on me. "There must be something more to it, Vox" he insisted, his voice low and coaxing. "I can see it in the way you look at him. There's a spark there, but why?" I couldn't help but chuckle at his persistence, though a part of me bristled at the implication of his words. "Oh, Val" I replied with a playful grin. "You know how it is. Some demons just have a way of getting under your skin". His grin widened at my response, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "And I take it Alastor is one of those demons?" he teased, his tone laced with innuendo. I nodded, a hint of mischief in my gaze as I met Valentino's eyes. "Yes, I suppose he is" I admitted, unable to resist the temptation to flirt back. "Though I must say, you're not exactly making it easy for me to stay focused on our conversation". He laughed, a melodic sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "Who said I wanted you to stay focused?" he replied with a wink, his hand trailing down my arm in a tantalizing caress. As we danced, I couldn't shake the feeling of Alastor's disapproving gaze lingering on us from across the room. It was clear that he didn't trust Valentino, and I couldn't blame him. But in that moment, as I lost myself in the rhythm of the music and the warmth of Valentino's touch, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement at the prospect of what the night might bring.