5 – The Tension Between Us

*ARLENE’s POV*

“Do you want something to drink?” Mago’s voice pulled me back to the present.

“Uh, yeah,” I answered, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Timid, huh?” he smiled, handing me a bottle of beer. “Why don’t you drink some of this for confidence.”

I accepted the bottle, feeling my cheeks flush under his gaze. “Thanks.”

“You know,” he said, his tone dropping to something more serious, “I find women who don’t say much sexy.”

I blushed furiously and took a gulp of the beer, the cool liquid doing nothing to calm the heat rising to my face. Mago shifted closer, his hand resting on my shoulder, fingers brushing lightly down my arm. His touch sent shivers through me, but I fought to keep my composure.

“So, how did you and Patricia meet?” he asked casually, his fingers tracing patterns on my skin.

I cleared my throat, trying to ignore the way his closeness made it harder to breathe. “We’re in the same department.”

“Really? Hotel and Restaurant Management?” He raised an eyebrow. “That means we’ve been in the same building all this time, and I never noticed you?” His voice was teasing, but it stung more than I wanted to admit.

I forced a smile, “I’m always with Janine.”

“Janine?” he seemed surprised. “You hang out with Miss Mystery Girl? Guess that makes you both temptresses, hiding behind the scenes.”

“Temptress?” I repeated, my heart thudding.

“Yeah, temptress,” he said, moving even closer. I could smell his cologne—something dark and intoxicating. The space between us felt suffocating, like I was drowning in his presence.

I licked my lips, trying to moisten them against the dry air, and his gaze dropped to my mouth. His eyes darkened, filled with an intensity that made me shiver.

“Sexy,” he murmured, his stare never leaving my lips.

I could feel the tension between us thickening, my heart racing as I tried to hold onto any semblance of control. Mago leaned in, his hand brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering as they trailed down my neck, leaving a trail of heat in their wake.

Gosh, I need to focus. I need to remind myself of Patricia’s warning. I need to stop this.

"Hey," his eyes tried to meet mine, "are you nervous?"

But when he smiled at me like that—like I was the only girl in the room—all logic slipped away.

“Hey,” he whispered, his voice a low rumble, “are you nervous?”

I couldn’t answer. I didn’t trust my voice. I didn’t trust myself around him.

“Relax,” he said, his smile widening. “I won’t bite.”

I swallowed hard, wishing the beer would dull my senses, but instead, I only felt more aware of every single movement, every touch.

"Are you really this quiet?" he chuckled sexily.

Gosh! If this guy continues to seduce me, I swear I'll harass him.

"Anyway, do you dance like your friends?” he asked, leaning back slightly, though his gaze still held me captive.

I shook my head, too flustered to speak.

“Sing, maybe?” he teased, one brow raised.

Ugh! Why does he have to be sexy in everything he does?