[2]

THE PLACE WAS A PANDEMONIUM. The nightclub was filled with a penetrating fog containing of souls with proud looks & lying tongues, with hands that shed innocent bloods, and hearts that devises wicked plans with feet that are swift in running to evil.

But out of the asphyxiating fog, clean and aseptic air could be seen, felt, surrounding a girl, a woman, sitting on a stool, savouring a rum and coke, at the far corner of the room.

EMILIO BERSÁNTI wanted to breathe clean, fresh air.

Stalking across the room he perched himself on a stool next to her. He felt undeniably at ease the moment he did. Perhaps, relaxed even.

Maybe it was her aura. She seems to be like a wildflower, blooming in snow. An angel, in the sea of demons.

Finishing her drink, she raised a hand up and ordered a Welschriesling. A classic chosen beverage but also quite odd.

Who would order such wine in a ransack place like this? Emilio did the same and ordered a Mojito. He tapped on the table with his forefinger as he waited for his drink.

That's when Emilio realizes that her hands were shaking. He risked a glance at her face and saw nothing but a calm, collected and insouciant composure.

The waiter serves him his Mojito and Emilio nods at him in acknowledgement. Without looking at her, he sips his drink and asked. "Do you know what I find so peculiar?" She sneaks a glance at him beside her.

Her eyes skims over his chiselled features like a map; from his lustrous raven black hair, to his crooked nose, down to his defined cheek bones where a faint scar lingers and down to his sturdy jawline; where scars are far more visible. Palpable.

It didn't seem to perplex her though.

"Non proprio." She replied. A short, simple answer. No. "Why would a casita like you be ordering Welschriesling at a nightclub?" She seems to be smiling at herself.

Turning the stool over, she faced Emilio and leaned back. "Do you know what I find so peculiar?"

"Non proprio, casita."

She snickered at his mockery. "Why would a man like you be hiding an equalizer so poorly? In your boots? You could do so much better than that, mi amore."

"Who said I was hiding it?"

"Buon punto," she replied. It was Emilio's turn to smile at himself. He did have a point, whoever said he was hiding it? The streets of Bellisimo is treacherous. Especially in the night. Only those foolish enough not to bring a weapon will be the next victim.

Out of nowhere, a booming voice presented itself over Emilio's ears. He jolted in surprise which made the woman glance suspiciously at him.

His earpiece.

"Bersanti! Are your earpiece broken? Idiota! A man is murdered just behind the building you're in! Get in there!"

Emilio almost forgot that he was undercover. He internally cursed himself. Glancing back at the woman, he delivered his departure.

"It has been an absolute pleasure to meet you casita but I'm afraid I would have to go. Perhaps I'll see you around?"

"As it may ever be."

And as Bersanti investigates on the crime scene, the officials were stating that the murderer was a woman, and looking back, Emilio never really caught the name of the woman from earlier.

He should've.

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A/N: A miracle! I updated! I never thought I'd see the day. But I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I did writing it. Comment down your opinions!

- love, julia.