Huracio.
As always, Pecan’s lights are dazzling.
Unlike other days when the rich and affluent frolic around, indulging in the fresh breeze, tonight, it is bustling like a marketplace. Lots of cars started arriving at 6 pm, and by 7 pm, all major news outlets were on site, ready to document what has been tagged as the biggest real estate contract for the next ten years.
Salvatore insisted that we make an appearance together, therefore, I had no choice but to leave the club with him.
Arriving at Pecan, all I could think about was how excited Katalina was the last time we were here. I relived all our conversation that day. She was upset about her Mum, I got mad, and fucked her until she squirted all over herself in the elevator. Then, we had lunch, and we went to that rock where I had everything set up. It was so beautiful…
If I had known that she would go missing the very next day, I would have locked her up in that room, never letting her go.
I carefully stepped back when reporters started swamping Salvatore, but he grabbed my hand and secretly gave me a warning look. Giving up on staying unseen, I smiled at the flashlights.
Salvatore said some words to the reporters and we were soon allowed to access the building.
It was a few minutes to eight and everyone seemed to be around. Renald, the eldest son and current CEO of the Alkim family real estate office was to sign the contract. He had his two beautiful sisters with him.
Sonia, whom they call Red because of her hair and Celine.
Sonia is the older sister. She is in her twenties, beautiful, classy with an haughty, yet demure air around her.
Celine on the other hand, is a young girl in her late teens. She looks sixteen, but according to the gossip columns, she will be twenty in a couple of months. There are rumors of an extravagant birthday party in the news. Celine is like a peacock with its spread out wings fully on display.
Unlike my wife’s beautiful, calm and bright face, their smiles lack the charm that stirs the soul. Choosing was going to be harder than I thought.
Right before the signing, Salvatore took me by the hand and walked me over to where the girls and their brother were standing. There were many people with them, but they quickly made way for us. In the past 8 months, Salvatore had run rampant in this city, stirring up a storm that left most of them growling at his feet, begging for a chance at survival. Therefore, the moment they saw him, they scrambled.
“Mr. Alkim, this is my brother, Huracio. The one I spoke of previously. He is an IT expert and incharge of all cyber related issues in our company.” Salvatore sang my praise with a voice so alive that I did a double take.
“Oh, Mr Ignatius, I have heard so much about you.” Renald Alkim stretched out his hand and I grabbed it, making sure he felt the strength in my bones.
“Mr. Alkim, it’s a pleasure meeting you. I have heard so much about you too.”
When I said I have heard so much about him, I meant I read them in papers.
The Alkim family is very private. Apart from business endeavors, one can hardly hear anything about them. To access their company’s secrets, I have tried multiple times to breach their servers, but to no avail. Therefore, Salvatore’s praises of my abilities sounded ridiculous in my ears.
“Meet my sisters, Sonia and Celine.”
“Ladies,” I slightly bowed with a polite smile.
Sonia offered her hand. I took it like a gentleman and kissed it. “Miss Sonia, you are a stunner.” I gave her a smile that didn’t reach my eyes.
“You look like you will fall over at any moment.” Celine interjected with a British accent, catching me off guard. “Ain’t you scared he would infect you with whatever he has?” She continued, then kissed her teeth before flinging her hair and turning away, apparently unwilling to greet me.
“Indeed, I can only pray that my poor appearance didn’t soil your pretty sight. Young Miss Alkim. My apologise” I replied excitedly.
The choice was made for me. Celine is mine to tame.
I detest mouthy girls, and I enjoy breaking them until nothing of their innate confidence and arrogance remains.
“Ugh,” Celine scoffed and kept walking away.
What a peacock.
“Celine, mind your tone.” Renald sneered at her, then turned to me. “My apologies, Mr Ignatius. She was forcefully dragged out. Therefore, the cold shoulders.”
“It’s understandable.” I chuckled, wishing I could also throw a tantrum and walk off like she did.
Soon the contract was signed, and the banquet started. It was time for me to perform, but my target was nowhere to be found.
Bored, I left the hall for the beach. The night was dark, breezy as always, but the beach wasn’t as solemn. Too many people.
I decided to go for a walk, following the path that led to the rock where I first told Katalina that I love her. It is a bit away from the main beach and at night, it’s as lonely as a graveyard, with just the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks.
It wouldn’t be my first time coming here to pass time. I have driven down from the club on several nights when insomnia hits hard. I would climb the rock, sit at the very spot where we sat and held each other. I would gaze into the dark sea and try to remember the feelings of that day. That moment in time when everything was perfect.
Just as I reached the top of the rock, I found a silhouette standing at the edge across from my position. My head started swelling, and my heart trembled.
“Katalina?” I gasped and scrambled to my feet.
She turned around, swirling in slow motion. Her smile was so radiant, it dispelled the darkness.
“Katalina, Katal…”
“Huracio?”
No. It isn’t her voice. My mind screamed at me. My legs suddenly turned soft, and a wave of dizziness engulfed me.
“Huracio, what is it?” A familiar voice rang in my ears.
Sophia. What is she doing here?
Fuck, I am doing it again. Seeing and hearing things that are not there.
Feeling chilled to my bones, I shook my head, trying to clear the fog that came outta nowhere, blindsiding me.
“Huracio, are you okay?”
Sophia finally reached me. She placed her hands on me, making me flinch. I almost yelled at her not to touch me, but I was able to hold back at the last moment.
“I am fine.” I grunted and sat down. “I hit my toes.” I lied.
“Oh, sorry. It can be quite painful.”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
“You’re breathing so hard. Are you sure you are fine?” She asked again, sounding worried.
“Yeah, thanks. I am fine. Was jogging just now.” I huffed, trying to slow my heart down.
“No wonder it took you forever to arrive.” She said offhandedly.
“You were waiting for me?”
“Yes.” She lowered herself and sat beside me.
“Why?”
“Well, my husband is home today for that signing. I can’t stand his drunk ass. So, I figured I’d come spend the night in Brenda.”
So…
I still didn’t know what that had got to do with me, but I wasn’t about to ask.
I stood up and walked over to my and Katalina’s spot. I sat down and proceeded to stare at the starless, dark sky. I had the mind to ask her to leave, but decided to just ignore her existence.
“Why don’t you join me tonight?” She walked over and offered.
I slit open an eye and sneaked a peek at her. All that could be seen was her white dress. I couldn’t see her face, so I didn’t know if she was mocking me. Considering how disastrous the last time was, I never expected her to return for more.
As if she could read my mind, she explained herself; “We don’t have to do anything. I just don’t want to be alone and you are good company.”