The Dancing Torera

30

About 35 minutes passed before the driver pulled up to a posh hotel in the mainland of Espana. "25 pesos" he said. I opened my tiny clutch and pulled out a crisp 30$ note.

"Keep the change" I smiled and shut the door closed. Nervously, I stepped into the hotel and walked to the front counter. The Presidente had never really told me what room to go to in the letter? He had only told me to meet him at 8 pm.

I tapped my fingers against my thighs, nervously looking to observe the crowds. It was a posh and luxe hotel. There was a sleek and elegant bar behind the counter with a pianist playing soft classic tunes in the lounge.

I couldn't help but feel strangely out of place. I was the next person in the line as I waited for an attendant. "Next!" she called.

"Hello...I am here to meet—-" but two men came behind me and pulled each arm. "Anais" they spoke.

I turned to face them and lifted a brow. "I am she" I whispered. They nodded and  escorted me to the elevator, clicking the button to the highest floor. The doors slid open to a private suite with chocolates and flowers all over.

"The president will be out shortly. Please indulge in whatever you choose" one agent said before he closed the door behind him. I rolled my eyes, pushing the pile of rose petals that decorated the couch. This man was really something.

Just before I went to reach for a bottle of water, he came out a door in the rear of the room; he was in a black fitted suit and pant set.

I couldn't lie... he looked sharp.

"Anais, you came!" he smiled.

"It seems as if I had no choice?" I reminded him. He chuckled and opened a tall bottle of champagne; pouring me a glass. "Salud" he nodded, clinking his glass against mine. I sip carefully and placed its end across the table.

"Look Mr. Presidente, I don't mean to be frank but I came here to say one thing. I am in love with Esteban de La Renta. Things are good between us and I don't want anything to mess that up." I start but am met with his lazy chuckle.

He stood, fishing for a paper near the table. He lifted up a magazine with Esteban and I on the cover. It was a photo of us in front of Mariela's house arguing.

"That was two days ago" I shrugged, "we're good now" I lied.

He pulled out many more magazines, specifically the magazines that were printed this morning. I was plastered all over its covers at the bar, dancing atop of the tabletops. "This was printed 12:56 pm today." he smiled, pushing it into my lap.

I rolled my eyes and crumbled it up. "Every couple fights. It makes for a healthy relationship" I bragged. "Woman can party without being attached to their man's hip? I am not attached to Esteban's hip" I scowled. He lifted a brow, staring at me expectantly and nodded.

"Anais....come on princesssa" he cursed, stepping closer and pulling me within his reach. He ran his palm soft palm against my cheek.

"Let go of me" I curse as I try to push him off. He bends me down and pushes me against the couch, moving to bite my neck. I violently wiggle free and slap him off. "You pig!" I screamed running away to  gather my things. Just before I touched the handle of the door he speaks. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. If you walk out that door, the paparazzi will be there, snapping pics of our little rendezvous."

"You're bluffing" I turn to face him.

"I can see the headlines now! Esteban's lover sneaking out of the president's room"

"Wouldn't that look bad on you?" I reminded him.

"I am not shy of scandals Anais. People always garner the truth and I love the attention. It keeps me relevant." he speaks.