Page 36 of The Tattoo Artist

Thirío.

The name of the club stands out to me, and my heart beats faster with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The distant music filters through the air, enticing me to step into the vibrant world beyond the club's doors. Adjusting my dress down my thighs, I take a moment to collect myself. Cathy loops her arm through mine, providing a reassuring touch as we approach the entrance. The line to get into the club is long, and my heart sinks a little at the thought of waiting. The anticipation builds with every passing second.

My mind races with curiosity and nervousness as we inch closer to the entrance.

The security guard at the entrance looks us over, his stern expression almost intimidating. But Cathy confidently hands him the tickets she purchased, and he unclips the red rope, granting us access.

With each step, the music grew louder, and the lights pulse with energy. The door swings open, revealing the vibrant world of Thirío, filled with electrifying beats, swirling lights, and dancing bodies.

Stepping inside, the lively atmosphere engulfs us.

The DJ perched atop the elevated platform is a maestro, manipulating the turntables with expert precision. The sound system blasts out the tracks, and I can feel the bass pounding against my chest, aligning my heartbeat with the pulse of the music. The DJ’s infectious energy is palpable, and the crowd hangs on every beat, waiting in anticipation for the next drop. The air is thick with the scent of sweat, perfume, and alcohol. Drinks clink together, laughter echoes, and conversations buzz with excitement. The atmosphere is charged with an electric energy, fuelling the carefree spirits of the revellers.

Overhead, a dazzling display of laser lights creates intricate patterns that dance along the walls and the ceiling, adding an otherworldly dimension to the club. As the lights sweep across the crowd, illuminating ecstatic faces, it feels like being in a kaleidoscope dream.

The bar area is a hub of activity, with bartenders’ skill fully mixing drinks and serving them with flair. Neon signs advertising various cocktails and spirits light up the area, casting a neon glow on the patrons as they savour their libations.

Catherine pulls me to the bar and orders a row of shots.

“Catherine-”

“Shots!” She screams as the bartender winks at me, lining up the shots before pouring the liquid into it-spilling some on the counter. Catherine gives me a shot glass, “one…two…three!”

We both down the shot, and I release a disgusting sound.

How does she like this?

It tastes horrible.

Oh my god. That is disgusting.

Cathy’s enthusiasm is contagious, and she pulls me into the centre of the pulsating mass of bodies.

As the beat intensifies, Cathy’s hands grip my waist, guiding me in sync with the music. I let go of my inhibitions, allowing the rhythm to take over my body. The music becomes a part of me, and I move with a newfound freedom, surrendering to the euphoria of the moment.

Our bodies sway and gyrate, perfectly in tune with each other. Cathy’s laughter mixes with the music, creating a melody of joy and exuberance. Her radiant smile lights up the dance floor, and I can’t help but be drawn into her magnetic energy.

As I feel someone’s presence behind me, my instincts kick in, and I snap my head around to see a stranger standing too close for comfort. He takes my hands in his, pushing me against him, invading my personal space without permission. My heart races with discomfort, but before I can react, Cathy comes to my rescue.

She steps in, shoving him away from me with fiery determination. “Touch her again, and I’ll kill you!” She screams at him, her voice cutting through the loud music in the club.

Her protective stance sends a clear message, and the stranger hesitates before retreating, holding his hands up in a show of surrender.

“Come on, all that ass and no one to grind it on,” he taunts with a lewd smile.

My discomfort intensifies, and I instinctively hide behind Cathy, finding safety in her protective presence. She gives him another warning push, making it clear that she won’t tolerate any disrespect towards me. He takes the hint and backs away, exchanging a suspicious package with one of his friends before disappearing into the crowd, leaving us alone.

We make our way to the bar, seeking a moment of reprieve from the unsettling encounter. The bartender whips up another drink for us, trying to help us forget the encounter. However, our respite is short-lived as another man slides onto the seats next to us.

“Well, aren’t you both beautiful?” His voice breaks through the music, and Cathy turns to face him with a playful smile. I take a quick glance at him; he’s undeniably attractive, but my mind drifts to someone else. Someone with a striking resemblance to this man – Ares. The newcomer has brown hair, contrasting with his piercing green eyes. He oozes charm, and I can see why Cathy is entertained by his presence.

“And you are?” I ask, raising my voice to be heard over the blaring music.

“Adonis, what about you two?” He replies, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

“I’m Cathy, she’s Alexandra,” Cathy shouts enthusiastically, clearly enjoying the company of our new acquaintance. Her confidence is amplified by the alcohol coursing through her veins, and she doesn’t hold back from complimenting Adonis. “You’re stunning,” she exclaims, a rarity for her, especially towards a man.

“Cathy, I feel like you and I are going to get along just fine,” Adonis chuckles, seeming unfazed by her directness. I take a sip of my drink, still getting used to the bittersweet taste of alcohol. Something feels off about it, but I chalk it up to my lack of experience with drinking.

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