Chapter Three
Benjamin's POV
The dancehall throbbed with life as the DJ unleashed a relentless beat that reverberated through the room. Neon lights of every color imaginable flashed and swirled, casting a kaleidoscope of hues onto the writhing, energetic crowd. Bodies moved in harmony with the music, lost in the rhythm of the night.
Jamie and Dannie found themselves amidst the euphoric crowd. Their stylish attire blended seamlessly with the vibrant, pulsating atmosphere of the club. The rich notes of a bass-heavy track surged through the room, igniting the dance floor.
Jamie's charisma shone as he effortlessly charmed his way through the dance floor, while Dannie's spirited dancing lit up the room. On the other hand, I settled into a quiet corner of the dimly lit dancehall, watching my friends lose themselves in the pulsating music. Taking a sip of my drink, the ice cubes clinking against the glass, I leaned back into the plush seat, one leg crossed over the other.
My gaze wandered across the strip dance floor where bodies moved in a hypnotic sway. The strippers, an intriguing blend of sensuality and grace, held my undivided attention. They moved like ethereal creatures, captivating every onlooker with their sultry moves. I followed their every motion, entranced by their fluidity and seductive allure.
The music throbbed in my chest, and I could feel the bass reverberating through my body. My drink, now half-empty, grew warm in my hand as I continued to sip absentmindedly, still scanning the dance floor and the enticing dancers, there I noticed one woman who stood out like a radiant beacon amidst the neon-lit haze. She moved with a grace that transcended the dancehall's sensuous atmosphere, her every step a mesmerizing rhythm.
She had long, flowing raven black, often worn in cascading waves. Her eyes, a captivating shade of deep green, held a magnetic allure that drew me in. Her lips painted a deep crimson, curled into a knowing smile that hinted at secrets untold. Her curves were a work of art, a delicate balance of sensuality and elegance.
Her gown, a shimmering black ensemble that clung to her like a second skin, accentuated her every curve. With each movement, it seemed as if she commanded the very essence of desire itself, a courtesan who knew the power she possessed.
Our eyes met for a fleeting moment, a spark of recognition passing between us. In that instance, I knew that I would be the one to book her for the night, to unravel the enigma of the gorgeous courtesan who had captured my attention.
As the night wore on and the music's tempo quickened, I found myself unable to look away from her. Her magnetic presence beckoned to me, promising a night of pleasures.
I stood up and made my way to the bar. "Felix, I need to talk to her," I said firmly, pointing at her.
"She's expensive, but you can pay," he said, a sly smile playing on his lips.
"Good," I replied, smirking.
He approached the stage and beckoned for her attention. In a hushed tone, he whispered something in her ear, prompting her to follow him immediately. I watched them closely while I made my way to where I was seated.
A few minutes later, she got to me. "Hi," she said, her voice sounding melodic.
"I'm Benjamin Foster, the CEO of LuxeLibations Winery. Your graceful movements and captivating presence have truly caught my attention. You are an exceptionally beautiful woman," I complimented her.
"Thank you," she responded with a warm smile. "Please, call me Isabella," she introduced herself.
"Tell me, what's the price for savoring such a finely crafted full-course meal tonight?" I inquired, my eyes wandering over her form as I envisioned the ecstasy that awaited.
Isabella's response was veiled in a seductive tone as she leaned in slightly, her gaze locking onto mine. "It costs whatever you can afford, Benjamin," she whispered, leaving an air of intrigue and anticipation between us.
"Ben!" Dannie called out, his voice reaching a higher pitch, ensuring I couldn't miss it.
He approached me, noticing that I was in the company of a courtesan. With a teasing grin, he remarked, "Bad guy. You're quite the charmer, aren't you?"
"Shut up," I said playfully retorted, a grin tugging at the corners of my lips.
"Where's James? I don't see him," I inquired with curiosity, scanning the room for him.
"He has done like you want to do," he said, giving me a knowing look. We all burst out laughing.
A man in his thirties, with dark brown eyes that always seemed intense, came over to our table. His hair was like a mix of salt and pepper, slicked back in a well-groomed style. Scars on his face hinted at a mysterious past, and his olive-toned skin showed his Italian heritage. "Bella," he questioned, "why are you over here laughing at jokes?" His tone was teasing, but there was a hint of seriousness underneath.
"I'm booked for the night," she said with disgust, her plans suddenly feeling more like a burden than an exciting adventure.
"Oh, really? Beautiful," he said, departing from our presence
I turned to Isabella, eager to ask "Who was that?" but she answered before I could say a thing.
"My manager," she said, her tone screaming "No more questions"
"Okay, Dannie. We gotta go,"
Without delay, we made our way out of the clubhouse.
As we drove to my lounge, the atmosphere was eerily quiet. Isabella's manager had clearly put a damper on her mood, causing tension in the car. The lounge was quiet when we arrived, the housekeepers having done their job well. The atmosphere was calm, and I hoped it would help to ease the tension between us because I wouldn't want anything to ruin the perfect night I had anticipated.
"Do you want anything to drink?" I asked Isabella, trying to sound as neutral as possible.
"No, thank you," she said swiftly.
"Where's this place?" She asked curiously, amazed by the luxuriousity of it.
"My abode. It is one of the things my father gifted me before he passed," I said softly, trying to sound prideful.
"We're wasting time. Get in the shower. I like my meal clean as fuck," I ordered.
Like a dog loyal to his owner, she made her way to the bathroom.