Sinner's Paradise|| 18+

Tour

                              Liliana's POV:

The morning light crept in softly, painting everything with a gentle pink glow. My room felt like a place from a fairy tale—soft pillows cradling my head, and the bedspread warm and comforting. I took a moment, sinking into the cozy embrace, as I looked around. Pink was everywhere—the curtains, the scattered cushions, even the floral drapes felt like they belonged to another world. But eventually, I had to leave this haven. I pushed myself out of bed, each step feeling a little heavier as the memories of last night stirred within me.

Downstairs, the smell of coffee mingled with the sweetness of cinnamon, a comforting welcome to the new day. I entered the kitchen, finding Tia Isabelle and Tio Carlos moving gracefully in the space, their familiar rhythm filling the room as they prepared breakfast. Their chatter was warm and inviting, each laugh echoing with a gentle peace. Maria and Mario were already at the table. Despite the bruise on Mario's face, he smiled brightly, greeting me with the same energy he always had. No one mentioned last night's ordeal, the fear of Luciano and his men. It was as if everyone had agreed to pretend that it had never happened.

"We've got big plans for today!" Mario announced, leaning in with excitement. "We're giving you the full Havana tour."

Maria grinned, her eyes bright. "A whole day of sights and shopping! You'll love it," she added, brimming with enthusiasm. For a moment, their energy was contagious, and I let myself look forward to the idea. Maybe a day out would help me shake off the tension lingering in my mind.

After breakfast, I rushed back upstairs to change, choosing a light, airy dress perfect for the day ahead. Maria and Mario waited at the door, their faces lit with excitement as we stepped out into the bustling Havana streets. The world was alive—people laughed, music filled the air, and the warm sun made everything shimmer. Our first stop was the Malecón, the famous seawall, where the ocean waves crashed against the rocks. Mario pointed to the horizon, sharing tales of Havana's history, his voice enthusiastic as he narrated each story.

From there, we wandered through the lively streets of Old Havana. The narrow alleys were alive with pastel buildings, the balconies above us adorned with plants and flowers. A bustling market caught our attention, filled with the scent of street food and the sound of laughter. We tried churros dipped in thick chocolate; each bite was deliciously sweet, and I savored the moment, letting the laughter of Maria and Mario sink in.

When we grew tired, we found a charming café with a canopy of pink bougainvillea, where we relaxed with iced coffees. The hours slipped by, filled with stories and laughter, and I felt a surprising sense of belonging in their company. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Maria suggested we try a new club that had opened recently. Part of me hesitated, the memories of last night flickering in the back of my mind, but I decided to let myself enjoy the moment. After a quick change back at home, I wore a simple black dress and joined Maria and Mario as we headed to the club.

The club was glamorous—dim lights, the scent of expensive perfume, and a low hum of conversation mixed with deep bass that vibrated through the floor. We ordered drinks, and Maria's enthusiasm had us all on the dance floor, lost in the music. At one point, I took a break to catch my breath, navigating the crowd to find the restroom. On my way back, I mistakenly wandered into a secluded area marked "VIP," a space filled with plush velvet seats and an air of exclusivity. Before I could turn back, a figure emerged from the shadows, pulling me into a dance.

The beat was entrancing, and I found myself moving to the rhythm as the stranger's hands guided me across the floor. But when a shift in the lights revealed his face, my heart froze. It was Luciano. Panic surged through me, and I tried to pull away, but his hand tightened on mine, his eyes glinting with a dangerous amusement.

"You seemed to be enjoying yourself just now," he teased, his voice soft but mocking.

My anger flared. "Are you serious? Did you not just terrorize my family and beat up my cousin last night?" I snapped, my voice shaky with anger.

Luciano's smirk only widened as he held my gaze. I looked around for help, spotting a security guard nearby. "Hey! This man is harassing me," I called, hoping for backup. But the guard's face changed as he recognized Luciano. He backed away, apologizing to him, leaving me stunned.

Luciano released me then, but his words lingered as he stepped away. "I'll see you Friday," he said with a dark promise, disappearing into the shadows.

I found my way back to the main club, my heart racing. Maria and Mario were still dancing, unaware of the tension that had just erupted. I rushed over, grabbing Maria's hand. "We need to go—now," I said urgently. She looked at me in surprise but nodded, sensing the urgency in my voice.

The ride home was quiet, my mind replaying Luciano's threats. When we arrived, I immediately asked to talk to Maria. But before we could sit down, Tía Isabelle came over, her expression soft yet curious. She gestured for Maria to go to her room, leaving the two of us alone.

Sitting across from her in the kitchen, I took a deep breath. "Tía, I need to know—who is Luciano, and why does he have this hold over us?"