Chapter 4 – The Encounter

John

My name is John Smith. Forty-five years old, two children from different mothers, ten and six years old. No regrets, no illusions. Their mother? Stories without a future that have turned into permanent responsibilities. I am not made for normality. Ever since I was a kid, weapons, fights, trafficking, everything forbidden fascinated me. I was drawn to the forbidden like a moth to a flame.

I grew up with a loving mother. Too loving. She gave everything, sacrificed everything. But her love wasn't enough. There was this emptiness, this inner fire that nothing could calm. So I fled. I left home at thirteen. I hung out on the streets, slept outside, stole to eat. Then I crossed paths with a gang leader. He saw my potential. Or my evil.

My initiation rite? Kill. At fifteen, I pulled the trigger for the first time. The sensation… strange. No remorse. Just a rush of pure adrenaline. At twenty-five, I was number two. And at thirty, after two assassination attempts orchestrated by my boss, I took his place. I slit his throat in front of the entire organization. I drank his blood, an act of absolute domination. Since that day, I have been called The Bloodthirsty.

I have never been a sentimental man. But sometimes, I think back to my mother. To her pain, to her broken gaze. She never forgave me. She says that evil was already running through my veins at birth. Maybe she’s right. But tonight… something is going to change.

Ariane

— Marianne! You're late again! Hurry up! We're going to party tonight!

— Why are you rushing like that? It's not even eleven o'clock yet.

— Exactly, it’s past ten! Come on, let’s go out, I want to dance!

I laugh as I look at her. I’ve put on a red dress with a slit on the side. My legs stretch out under fifteen-centimeter heels. Sexy, confident, ready to conquer.

— Wow… You look stunning, Ariane.

— I know. But thanks anyway.

— You’re still so full of yourself…

— Why change? I’m beautiful, funny, smart, irresistible. The list is long.

— What have I done to deserve a friend like you?

— You adore me, admit it.

She smiles despite herself. Marianne is older than me, but she lacks confidence. Especially since that breakup that left her on the ground. Me? I have goals. I graduated. Next step? Find a rich man. Meanwhile, a job worthy of me.

— Tonight is for you and me. Goal: handsome and potentially wealthy men!

— You know I still love my ex…

— No, seriously? Forget him tonight, just for tonight. You’re too good for him.

— Okay… Just for tonight.

We arrive in front of the trendiest club in town. The line is endless, but thanks to a bouncer friend, we get in directly. VIP, please. We head upstairs to the lounge area. It’s chic, dimly lit, with the scent of luxury and suspended desires.

— To our bright future, Ariane.

— To the wonderful men we deserve.

— Cheers!

Our glasses clink, and just as I bring mine to my lips, my gaze meets a pair of deep blue eyes. Icy. Intense. My heart skips a beat. I freeze.

— Damn… I just saw a living God.

— What? Where?

— Easy… at twelve o’clock. Behind you.

Marianne discreetly turns around. She sees them. Two men. Elegant. Mysterious. Accompanied by women too perfect to be sincere.

— So?

— So? Did you see them?! One of them is mine.

— Are you serious? They’re with someone…

— Doesn’t matter. If one of them falls for me, that’s their problem. Not mine.

— But how would they know you’re funny, smart, etc.?

— It shows on me. My aura speaks for me.

— You’re crazy. Completely nuts.

— That’s why you adore me.

We both laugh, a little tipsy, a little excited. The night is starting well.

A man in a suit approaches our table.

— Ladies, my boss invites you to the upper level. VIP+. Drinks on the house.

Marianne’s eyes widen. I smile, delighted.

— Really? In that case, we won’t refuse. Show us the way.

We follow the man through a discreet hallway to a private space, even more luxurious. Leather sofas, golden lights, bottles lined up like trophies.

We settle in.

— Do you think it’s the two guys from earlier?

— No idea, but I hope so.

The waiter returns with an overpriced bottle. The girls below look at us with disgust. Jealousy. Tension. Let them go away. If their guys are interested in us, it means we have something they no longer have.

After an hour, the two men finally appear. They walk in confidently. They completely ignore the women who were with them. Those women, standing below, as if they had never existed.

They sit down across from us.

One of them extends his hand. A large, warm, solid hand.

— Good evening, my goddesses. I’m John. This is my friend Auracio. And you are?

His voice… hoarse, deep, sensual. A man’s commanding voice. I shake his hand. His fingers brush against mine. A shiver. His gaze undresses me. And I know, at that moment, that I’m doomed.