Dulce quietly made the sign of the cross, seeking solace in a gesture of faith amid the swirling desires around her. âI can manage on my own.â
âAre you trying to avoid me?â Michael queried.
âYou know I can tell when youâre not being truthful, right?â Michaelâs gaze fixed on her intently.
Caught off-guard, Dulce gasped as a sudden dizziness hit her. Whether from the dim lights or the potent drinks, she couldnât tell.
âMichael, is there something on your mind you need to tell me?â Glancing at her watch, she forced a chuckle. âIâm actually quite pressed for time, you know.â
âThen letâs chat while I drive you,â Michael suggested, taking her bag and holding her wrist.
Without realizing it, Dulce found herself being led toward the exit. In a flash, she was seated in Michaelâs car, and he was buckling her seatbelt.
âWhere to?â he asked.
With no other options, Dulce cleared her throat. âTo the design institute, please.â
As they drove off, her heart raced. Michaelâs assertiveness was unexpected. He was slowly demonstrating his genuine interest and commitment to her.
âHave you given any thought to what I mentioned before?â he asked.
Pretending confusion, Dulce responded, âWhat are you referring to?â
âAbout us being together.â
Dulce remained silent. She hadnât even begun to process the possibility. Who wanted to be someoneâs second choice?
Discover endless adventures on g alno vels ; con After a lingering silence, Michael glanced at her. âIf you stay silent, should I assume you agree?â
âThatâs not it at all!â Dulce collected her thoughts before turning to face him squarely. âMichael, arenât you just seeing Lacey in me?â
Michael took a moment to consider. Any response he gave wouldnât satisfy her.
âBobby believes in âin vino veritas,â so he often tries to loosen Fannie up with alcohol.â
Dulce smirked. âHeâs crazy.â
Undeterred, Michael continued, âSince youâre doubtful, why not test that theory on me?â
Dulce perked up. âReally?â
âIâm curious if I truly understand my own feelings.â
Excited, Dulce clapped her hands. âTurn around; letâs go back to Flex Club!â
Michael hesitated. âWeâre not going to the design institute then?â
âThat was just a diversion.â
Michael nodded. He had suspected as much.
They had been circling the neighborhood, and even if Dulce hadnât made up the excuse, he cherished the additional time with her. She had been avoiding him, and their time alone together felt like something stolenâtoo precious to waste.
âFlex Club is too packed. Itâs not the best place for a heart-to-heart.â
âLetâs head to my place.â
Dulce regained her composure, wary of Michaelâs intentions.
âDonât get it wrong. I just prefer not to be seen drunk in public,â Michael clarified.
Internally, Dulce mulled over the situation. Even if it was a set-up, what were her options? At most, she risked heartache and more, but she had entered into this with her eyes open, her expectations modest.
The night carried a buzz of excitement, and after all, they were consenting adults. Deep down, Dulce doubted Michael would harm her.
They picked up some beverages and headed back to his place. Upon arriving, Michael turned on the TV. âLooks like that variety show wrapped up. Did you catch the finale?â
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