3 - The Setup and Marco’s Plan

*MAGO’s POV*

The members of the Adonis band rallied together with a singular purpose: to give Marco a chance to finally meet his mystery girl.

“Are we really doing this?” Marco asked, his eyes sparkling with a mix of hope and anxiety. “What if she doesn’t show?”

“She’ll be there,” Kaz reassured him, clapping a firm hand on his shoulder. “I tipped off Patricia about our plan. You know she won't pass up a chance to snag a date with Stuart. I told her if she helps make sure your mystery girl partners with you, she can have her shot with him. She couldn’t resist the opportunity.”

“Trust me, this will work,” I added, leaning closer. “When you invite her on stage for a weekend island getaway, she won’t be able to resist. It’s the ultimate romantic gesture!”

Yet, amidst our excitement, I noticed Stuart, who stood off to the side, anxiety etched on his face. He knew the dancer assigned to him was Patricia—his long-term stalker.

“Seriously, man,” I teased, nudging him. “Don’t sweat it! Just go with the flow.”

Stuart shot me a look of disbelief. “You think this is funny? I’m about to be on stage with her!”

“It’s just one dance and a date. Think of it as a stepping stone,” I smirked.

“More like a leap off a cliff,” he grumbled. “She’s going to smother me.”

“Come on, it can’t be that bad!” Angelo chimed in. “Just think of her as a free vacation!”

“Easy for you to say,” he muttered, still apprehensive. “What if she never lets me go?”

“Then you’ll just have to charm your way out of it,” I replied with a wink. “Or make a dramatic escape. I hear the water is lovely this time of year!”

After some heated discussion backstage, we agreed to perform our opening act again, setting the stage for the perfect reunion. The air buzzed with anticipation as the lights dimmed, and Marco’s excitement grew.

We decided to immerse ourselves in the crowd, taking our seats among unsuspecting fans. When the music pulsed through the venue, the masked dancers swirled around the stage, their dazzling costumes mesmerizing everyone. Each dancer was assigned to an Adonis band member.

“Here they come!” Angelo shouted, pointing eagerly toward the dancers.

“Don’t screw this up, Marco!” Kaz called out, grinning.

As the moment approached, the excitement crackled in the air. Finally, we took a deep breath, knowing that when the time came, we’d remove the dancers’ masks in unison, revealing their identities and inviting them on an unforgettable island getaway.

But when the moment finally came and we removed the masks of our partners, I froze in shock, realizing my partner was Patricia. Just as I processed this unexpected twist, Marco stepped forward and declared, “We’re treating our dance partners to an island getaway this weekend!”

The audience erupted into cheers, their excitement electrifying the atmosphere. As Marco extended his invitation, the crowd rallied behind him, eagerly encouraging his partner to accept. I stole a glance at Stuart, a sinking feeling washing over me as I realized I was now stuck with Patricia. I couldn't help but wonder why she had chosen me instead of seizing the opportunity to trap him.

As we entered the dressing room, I decided to poke fun at Stuart. “Oh man,” I said, biting my lower lip, “I can’t believe I’m actually going to date the hottest lingerie model!” I held up a copy of Patricia’s centerfold.

Stuart’s eyes narrowed, jealousy flickering in his gaze. “Don’t push it,” he warned.

“She’s the epitome of seduction,” I continued, reveling in his discomfort. “And I can’t wait to see her grind on top of me.”

“Don’t you dare!” he hissed, pushing me against the wall, but I just smirked.

“Easy, man!” Angelo intervened, stepping between us.

“You have your own date, Stuart. Remember, Patricia is mine unless you want to swap!” I teased, watching irritation dance across his features.

Though I could get laid with anyone, I couldn’t imagine being intimate with Patricia. Yet, if she was willing, it would be rude to refuse such a “blessing.”

---

If looks could kill, I’d be lying in a hospital bed right now. The daggers flying from Stuart's glare were almost tangible as I wrapped my arms around Patricia, intentionally pushing his buttons. To me, Patricia was like a sister—a bond forged in laughter and late-night confessions. Sure, I could get laid with anyone, but I couldn't imagine crossing that line with her. This wasn’t about undermining Stuart’s guard; it was about making him realize he needed to step up and claim her for himself.

Deep down, I knew Patricia held a special place in Stuart’s heart. If she didn’t, he wouldn’t be so protective of her. We had a brother's code to uphold, and while I’d do my best to respect it, I wasn’t a gentleman—not entirely. I wasn’t a saint, either. If the heat between us escalated, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself. When a woman is eager, it would be rude to deny her, and I never wanted to be selfish.

I thought I was doing Stuart a favor, but my world tilted on its axis when Patricia playfully tugged at my arm, leading me toward a secluded room. Panic surged through me. Fvck! I didn’t want to hook up with her, yet here she was, enticing me with a flirtatious smile. I couldn’t promise I wouldn’t cross that line; she had practically asked for it. Who was I to say no?

As we stepped into the dimly lit room, she turned to me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Mago, I’d like you to meet my friend, Arlene Mejorada.” She gestured to a stunning woman who radiated an almost ethereal beauty.

“I arranged this date so you c—”

“Hi!” I interrupted, extending my hand for a shake before she could finish her sentence. The pieces clicked into place. Patricia had orchestrated this moment to set me up with her friend.

“Hi,” she replied, her voice soft and shy, sending a rush of warmth through me.

Hmm—my kind of girl. I loved the juxtaposition of her innocence with a fierce spirit lurking beneath the surface. It was a game many girls liked to play, and I was well-practiced at navigating that territory. I’d don the role of the good boy gone bad—scorned by love and ready to break hearts. Playing the victim was easy, especially with the weight of past memories fueling my performance.

“Behave, Mago,” Patricia warned, narrowing her eyes playfully at me. “Arlene is nothing like the girls you usually date.”

“Don’t worry, Pat,” I said, taking the girl’s hand and pressing a gentle kiss against it. “I know how to take care of her.”

She blushed, and the sight was intoxicating—I could hardly wait to crush my lips against hers.