Chapter 5

Frightened

There were a lot of people when I entered the resto-bar, while Rexon went through the backdoor. It was dark inside, with just the light from the disco ball illuminating the space. I chose to sit on the solo chair at the corner of the bar. Because it was dark, I was comfortable that no reporter would approach me.

“What’s your order, ma’am?” The waiter approached me immediately.

“Ah, just lemon juice,” I said. He immediately complied, so I smiled.

I waited a few more minutes to hear some shouting and applause from the audience.

“Good evening.” He spoke in a low tone. The audience was not wild, so there was no reason for me to be nervous.

Again, my focus was on him. The way he stood up and combed his hair. His masculine body, not-so-dark eyes, and prominent jaw. His groovy moves and an alluring smile that attracts many people made my heart skip a beat. He hasn’t sung yet, but I feel like I’m getting drunk.

But one thing is for sure, he’s goddamn hot.

I leaned my back to my seat, and I looked at the stage. I saw Jeff working on his guitar next to Rexon while Zach was on drums and Skye on the piano. I can say that this group is perfect as if nothing seems to be thrown away. So, I wouldn’t wonder why so many people admire them, especially when they are young.

I turned my eyes to the crowd, then slightly shrugged my shoulders and shook weakly. Oh well, they were so popular I have no doubt about it. I looked back at them again. Where did I go for almost twenty-three years of my life? Why did I only meet them now?

Soon, the juice I ordered arrived. “Thank you.” I smiled at the bartender and looked away before sucking it.

I turned my gaze back to the stage and firmly bit the lemon juice I held as Rexon began to sing.

Again, I was mesmerized by his voice. I feel like I was breathless even though I was just sitting. I don’t know why but there was something about him. He has a strong effect here… here in my heart!

I shook my head and shifted my gaze to the other direction, deciding to simply keep sipping the juice. But my thoughts told me to turn around and face him, so I did! And I couldn’t take my gaze away from Rexon anymore.

He sang well. He slowly closed his eyes and felt the lines of the song, even the opening of his red lips seemed to bring heat to my cheeks.

What is the taste of his lips? What does it feel like to be kissed by a Rexon Del’Torre? I was immediately swallowed up by that thought.

I suddenly straightened up when he looked up and stared straight into my eyes.

My heart was fast and wild. Suddenly my chest tightened.

“Damn.” I immediately bent down and sucked the juice.

Without hesitation, I glanced at Rexon again, who just smiled at me as he continued singing.

Suddenly, the redness rose on my cheeks, and I quickly stood up. I quickly laid the glass on the table then motioned to the waiter.

I do not want to stay long in this place. I feel like I am drowning every time he looks at me, and I know this is not normal. I walked into the crowd and shook my head, thinking he had aroused my interest.

I went outside the bar to breathe some fresh air, but I was suddenly surprised when I noticed the paparazzi waiting outside.

“Miss Cherry!” a reporter called me. She was the same reporter earlier. The cameras flashed at me again.

Bouncers and security forces violently restrained them from attempting to enter the bar.

“Fuck!” I emphatically said that I had decided to just go back inside. How long will they chase me? Why don’t they focus on popular and real issues instead of me? I said to myself as I walked in.

I just chose to go below the stage and mingle with the audience, who didn’t seem to care at all. It was better than hiding in the corner so no one would notice me.

I have no choice but to watch them play. As I looked at them, I can’t help but ask myself: why did I end up with this problem? I was still blowing hard air before I could feel the audience jumping on my elbow.

“Ouch! What—” I stopped speaking when I recognized the woman in front of me.

“You?!” Her eyes were narrow. The girl who I encountered last night at Calixto’s Bar and Restaurant confronted me.

“What are you doing here?!” she asked as she suddenly looked up at Rexon, who was still singing on stage.

“Are you stalking my boyfriend?!” She was angry.

“N-no…” I shook repeatedly while raising both hands.

But she pinched my wrist, so I almost fell to the ground.

“Aren’t you working at Calixto’s Bar and Restaurant?” She clung to me.

I nodded quickly at her.

“Then why are you here?” She tightened the grip on my arm.

I could not answer because I was so nervous. What can I say? She will definitely be shocked when I say Rexon brought me here.

“Tss. That’s why you’re playing with my boyfriend! You’re crazy!” Then she pushed me very hard, causing me to hurt some spectators.

“What is your problem, miss?!” the woman shouted at me and pushed back, so I fell onto Candice.

“Bitch!” she shouted angrily and pulled out my hair with great force.

“Hey, stop!” I painfully cried.

“You’re not satisfied with the embarrassment you did last night, and until today you’re still a kick in my ass!” she grumbled.

I cried out loud. She pushed my head down, but I pushed her bravely, and I had a chance to pull her hair too.

I have no intention of dragging anyone, especially someone like her. I also pulled her hair too much, but she pushed me again, and I did not prepare for a crisp slap.

I backed away because my mind seemed to darken for a moment.

“That’s what you deserve, bitch!” I’m in pain again. If her friends had not stopped her, she might have slapped me twice.

I, on the other hand, still seem shocked by what she did. Some stopped dancing because of the scene they witnessed.

I quickly looked at Rexon, who was on stage and still continues to sing. I know he saw the incident based on his reaction while looking at us.

“You ruined Rexon’s name! You ambitious, slut girl!” She pushed me so hard, and I backed away again.

I heard some whispers, so I looked at Rexon, who was still upstairs. The song was over, so I took the opportunity to leave that place. I wiped away the tears of shame.

I chose to go through the exit door while wiping my dripping tears. Damn it! Why am I experiencing so much bad luck?

“Cherry, wait!” A loud voice stopped me for a moment, but I resumed walking.

“Just a moment,” he said as he clutched my arms to stop me.

“What do you need?! Didn’t you see what your girlfriend did to me?!” I shouted.

“You’re in pain.” He raised his hand to gently caress my reddened cheek.

My eyes widened at what he did. I can’t breathe properly. I was also surprised at the feeling that aroused me, especially with the softness of his hand holding me.

“I’m sorry for what happened, but she’s not my girlfriend,” he explained softly.

My lips twitched at what I heard. That bitch!

Silence lingered between us. He’s too close, and I still smell his breath and his warm palm on my cheek. But I violently wiped away the tears before speaking again.

“Don’t you ever talk to me, and please, leave me alone!” I sighed at him then turned my back to leave. But he held my hand to not let me go.

“What?!” I said in a high tone when I faced him again.

“I’ll send you to your home. I’m sure the press will follow you again.”

Before I could protest, his hand illegally touched my wrist. This is really the first time we have walked together.

I could do nothing but give in to what he wanted. After all, he was the one to blame for what I was going through right now. And I’ll make sure this is the last time that we cross our path because I have no intention of seeing him again.