Duplicity of Hearts

Chapter 2: Between Rythms

Maya stood at the edge of the dance floor for a moment, the rhythmic thump of the music pulling her in. The energy was infectious, the bass vibrating through her chest, the lights flickering with each beat. She hesitated, wondering whether to join Tara or stay back, but the need to let loose tugged at her.

She finished her drink, hitting the dance floor as her liquor buzzed through her. She threw her hands up, rocking her hips, and closed her eyes, letting the music carry her.

As the night wore on, the club pulsed with life. Maya had loosened up, all her self-consciousness and hesitation gone with each song. Her third drink made her bold as she chatted with Tara, who was equally tipsy and busy eyeing someone across the room. Angelo and Matteo had mingled around the room, but she could still feel their attention lingering on her as if they were waiting for the right moment to approach.

"Having a good time?" A deep voice asked from behind her. She turned to see Angelo, his smile warm and playful.

He had said something, but she hadn't quite caught it.

"Sorry, I didn't get that," she yelled over the music, the bass reverberating through her chest.

He leaned in closer, the strobe light flickering against his face, highlighting his handsome features as they gazed at each other. God, Tara was right. He was annoyingly, handsome, she thought. "I said, you could use another drink. Maybe something a bit stronger this time—something to bring out the fun in you."

"This is your second time offering me a drink," Maya replied. "I'll have to decline. I'm afraid this one will come out of my paycheck." She added, cheekily.

He cracked a smile, enjoying her boldness. It wasn't quite liquor courage, but more a few drinks that brought out her playful side.

"Everything here is on us," He replied. "Besides, it was my brother who offered you a drink earlier." He added, staring at her in amusement as she quickly realized she had mistaken him for Angelo.

"I'll be right back," he said firmly, brushing his hands against her arms as he walked toward the server to order a sazerac to surprise her with.

Just then, she saw Angelo grooving through the dancing crowd toward her. She quickly turned away, dancing as if she hadn't noticed him coming towards her.

She turned to see him approaching, his smile playful and warm. "How about a song request? You look like you could use something to dance to."

"Sorry, what was that?" she yelled over the beat of the song as she danced. But she had heard him quite fine.

He smiled, leaning in closer as if he knew. "I said how about requesting a song of your choice in honor of my birthday," he replied as he leaned closer, straining his voice over the loud, slightly chaotic beat as the music transitioned.

Maya felt her pulse quicken. "Um, sure. How about 'Soweto'?" She replied. It was a smooth, sensual track that she loved during her occasional evening clubbing in London. It had just enough heat to match the mood of the night.

Angelo gave her a nod, signaling to the DJ in the booth beside them, who grinned and cued the song. As soon as the opening beats of the song filled the room, a shiver ran down Maya's spine. The smooth, seductive rhythm wrapped around her, and without a second thought, she found herself swaying gently to the music.

The dance floor filled even more than it was, but she stayed at the center, losing herself in the movement. Her eyes drifted closed, her hips following the pulse of the bass, the beat rolling through her body as if she had become part of the music itself.

Suddenly, she felt a presence behind her, close—too close. She didn't need to look to know who it was.

Angelo had slipped in behind her, his tall frame nearly pressed against hers, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "You have good taste in music."