Drunken Shananigans.

Luna's POV

Nina kept apologizing, and I told her I'm alright, but she wouldn't listen. She feels guilty and blames herself for leaving me alone. I just wanted to forget everything that happened and move on, but the image of Dominick with the bloody blade kept playing in my head, and subsequently, the kiss—I don't know what got into me.

"Are you alright?" Nina shifted closer to me on the couch, scanning my face. "I'm here apologizing while you're blushing."

"Blushing?" My hands came up to my face, rubbing it. "I'm not blushing, Nina." I felt my face heat up even more.

"Miss Luna, did something happen while you and the boss were alone?"

"Nina?" I whined, getting up from the couch. "I just got assaulted by a drunk stranger. What you're implying is the last thing on my mind."

"You're right, and I'm so sorry. That was very silly of me," she apologized with a sigh. "And the bastard, what happened to him?"

"He... killed... he killed him."

"Very good... if it was Miss Sol, she would have also killed that bastard."

I didn't reply, preferring to look away. My sister was stronger than me; she knew martial arts, and I've seen her and father in action. But with Dominick, it was different—the look in his eyes as he plunged that blade over and over into that man's chest.

"Ladies, are you ready to leave?" Alen asked as he walked into the VIP room. Our gazes met, his eyes softening as he looked me up and down.

"What about Dominick?" I found myself asking. "Is he outside?"

"I'm sorry, but something urgent came up, and he had to leave," he explained, motioning for us to come out. "He asked me to make sure you're both home, back and safe."

I felt a pang in my chest; somehow, I just wanted Dominick to be here after what happened to me, but I guess he didn't care. I nodded my head slowly and walked out of the room.

"Is she alright?" I heard Alen whispering to Nina, and I think she answered, but I wasn't sure what she said.

By the time we arrived at the mansion, it was already midnight, but sleep eluded me entirely. I made a beeline to the bar, settling onto a stool and reaching for a bottle of vodka. Alcohol had never been my thing, but tonight, I felt an inexplicable urge to drown my thoughts.

"Are you alright?" Alen's voice pulled me from my reverie as he appeared beside me. I didn't respond, instead pouring myself a glass of vodka. "What's going on? You know you can count on me, right?"

He took a seat next to me, attempting to grab the bottle, but I pulled it back. "I'm fine... you don't have to worry," I mumbled, my words slurred as I struggled to focus. "I... just wanna have fun."

"That doesn't seem to be the case," he chuckled softly, resting his head on his hand as he regarded me with amusement.

I sighed, staring down at the glass in my hand. "I... don't know what's wrong with me. Everyone keeps telling me I'm too weak, I'm not like Sol, I'm not Mafia material.... I can't be Dominick Phoenix's wife." Pausing, I took a long sip from my glass. "But is this my fault? I didn't ask for this, I didn't plan for my sister to go missing."

"I know it's hard, but don't let it get to you," Alen offered in a gentle tone.

"I wish they'd find her already. I've spoken to my parents on the phone, and they're also looking for her desperately. I just hate everything."

"It's going to be alright. I'm sure Sol will be back safe and sound."

"Then I can just disappear, right? I'm no Sol, I'm nothing but a weakling and a nobody."

"No, no, don't say that," Alen interjected, holding onto my arm as I reached for my glass again. "You're not a weakling, Luna. You may not be as feisty and strong as your sister, but you're great. You're you, and that's what makes you special."

My cheeks grew damp with tears, touched by his kind words. "Do... you mean it?"

"Of course, and you're also cute."

I chuckled softly, feeling a warmth spread through me. "You want... a drink?" I offered, pouring him a glass without waiting for his response.

"I... don't think that's a good idea."

"Please..." I begged, my hands covering my face as I gave him 'the puppy dog' look.

"Just a little..." He relented, taking the glass and downing its contents in one go.

Alen sat and patiently listened to my drunken ramblings, and I managed to persuade him to open another bottle of vodka, which we proceeded to consume as well. By that point, my vision had become so fuzzy that I struggled to remain steady in my chair.

"Whoa, whoa," he said, grasping my arm as I reached for a bottle of whiskey. "That's enough... I think it's time for bed."

"No... no, I wanna stay. I wanna show that I too can... be fucking strong!" I slurred, surprising even myself with the sudden burst of profanity. I covered my mouth, giggling uncontrollably as I struggled to remain upright in my chair.

He wrapped his arm around my waist, slowly helping me to my feet. "Come on now," he urged gently. "You're really something else when you're drunk," he remarked with a chuckle, attempting to coax me up the stairs. But my legs refused to cooperate. Were the steps multiplying before my eyes?

"Why are the... steps shaking?" I asked, mortified, taking a step backward.

"It's not, you're just drunk," Alen explained patiently, his voice tinged with amusement as he scooped me up effortlessly, carrying me up the stairs. "I think this is better."

He opened the door to my room and deposited me onto my bed, tucking me in with gentle hands. As he attempted to stand up, his tie became entangled with my earring, drawing his face perilously close to mine.

For a moment, we stared deeply into each other's eyes, feeling a magnetic pull drawing us closer. I licked my lips, unable to tear my gaze away from his. He must have felt the same, as he leaned in and kissed me.

Without hesitation, I responded, my hands tangling in his hair as I kissed him with all the fervor of the moment. But as quickly as it began, he pulled away, leaving me breathless and wanting more.

My vision blurred, and I blinked twice, trying to stay conscious. My eyes began to clear slowly, but it was no longer Alen in front of me; it was Dominick. Confusion washed over me. When did Alen leave?

I brought my hand up and caressed his face slowly. He looked so lovely, so handsome as he smiled. "When...did you get here, Dominick?"