Vibes

Kelvin's gaze shifted to the phone, his tone serious as he discussed a proposal with the other person on the line. "Do you think they'll go for it?", Kelvin asked, his words laced with a hint of uncertainty. "Our Don is quite demanding, and he expects things to be handled precisely"

Apollo, sipping his wine, couldn't help but listen in on the conversation. He leaned back in his chair, waiting patiently, ready to chime in if necessary.

Kelvin ended the call, placing his cell phone on the table and turned his gaze towards Apollo. Sensing his intention to ask, Kelvin proactively began explaining the situation. "He mentioned that his boss from the Lex clan is most likely to accept the offer," Kelvin said, a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes.

Apollo responded with a simple, "Certainly," before taking another sip of his wine. The two of them sat in comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts as they savored their drinks.

Kelvin's gaze lingered on an attractive woman at the bar, her bronde hair catching his attention. As he realized it was Stella Cruze, he turned to Apollo, a sly smirk on his face.

"So, what would you do if you saw Stella Cruze here right now?" Kelvin asked, his tone implying something more.

Apollo, the mention of Stella Cruze's name making his heart skip a beat, responded curiously, "And why do you ask?"

Kelvin smirked as he pointed out the woman he believed to be Stella Cruze. Apollo's gaze followed, lingering on the direction Kelvin had gestured towards. There, he saw her - a vision in a black long-sleeved dress that hugged her curves perfectly, paired with classic black wedge heels. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail, and her attention was absorbed by the screen of her phone.

Apollo couldn't help but smile as he observed her. Stella Cruze had arrived not long ago, seeking a moment of tranquility and peace. She had chosen to unwind at the

bar, taking a seat on a stool, ordering a cup of red wine, and now she was leisurely sipping her drink while immersed in the screen of her phone.

Apollo, watching her from afar, found himself entranced by her presence. He couldn't help but admire her elegance and poise, even in her casual state. As he observed her, he felt a stirring deep within him, a desire to approach her and make conversation. Yet, as he was about to move, he noticed Kelvin giving him a knowing smirk.

Apollo rolled his eyes, exasperated by Kelvin's suggestion. He shook his head and walked away, making his way towards the bar area. As he approached, he noticed Stella Cruze sitting quietly by herself, immersed in her phone. 

Stella was grateful to be alone for once, away from the constant drama and stress caused by her overbearing mother, Magdalene. She took a moment to collect herself and savor the peace of the moment, sipping her wine and letting the smooth liquid slide down her throat. As the familiar burn of alcohol hit her, she called out to the bartender, requesting another glass.

"Another glass, please," Stella's velvety voice resonated through the bar as the bartender swiftly refilled her glass

"Are you stalking me or what?"

.Stella Cruze, who was deep in thought, suddenly heard a familiar sonorous voice that caught her attention. She lifted her head and turned towards the source of the sound, surprised to see Apollo standing nearby.

Stella's gaze hardened, and she raised an eyebrow as Apollo spoke. "Why would I be the one stalking you?" she retorted, her voice dripping with skepticism. "Maybe,"Apollo grinned, "you're the one frequenting this club because you know I'll inevitably be here,"His grin widening.

"Save the crap for yourself, Apollo," Stella responded, rolling her eyes. "I even forgot you existed, I swear."

Apollo's eyebrows shot up in mock disbelief. "Really?" he drawled, feigning shock.

"Do you think I'm lying?" Stella retorted, her smirk growing wider.

They both chuckled at the absurdity of their exchange, momentarily breaking the tension. As the laughter subsided, they found themselves locked in each other's gazes, neither wanting to be the first to look away

.

Stella Cruze found herself transfixed by Apollo's hazel eyes, half-hidden beneath his silky black locks. They seemed to hold a magnetism that drew her in, making her feel as if she could stare into them endlessly. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as her gaze remained fixed on him. There was no denying the attraction that simmered between them, an electricity crackling in the air. Every moment spent in his presence only heightened her awareness of her own desires.

Despite the dim lighting, he could clearly see her captivating features. The high ponytailed hairstyle did little to conceal her stunning appearance. She was nothing short of pure beauty, radiating an ethereal glow that made it impossible for him to look away.

Something seemed to shift in the air between them, and Stella abruptly averted her gaze, breaking the magnetic connection they had been sharing. They both sipped their wine in silence for a moment, unsure of what to say next. Just as they both opened their mouths to speak, they spoke simultaneously, their words mingling together.

"Well—"

"So—"

They stopped, realizing they had spoken at exactly the same time. A moment of awkward silence followed before they both spoke again, their words once more synchronized.

"You first."

"Take the lead."

Stella felt a warmth spread across her cheeks as she averted her gaze, embarrassed by their awkward exchange. She took a deep breath to compose herself, her heart still racing.

Meanwhile, Apollo cleared his throat, seemingly trying to regain his composure. The tension in the air was palpable, both of them keenly aware of the undeniable attraction that crackled between them.

"Alright then, ladies first?" Apollo smiled casually.

Stella took a sip of her wine and then asked, "How's work going for you?"

Apollo responded with a confident tone, "It's going well. Things are thriving on my side."

Stella smirked and replied, "Well, I can't say the same. There's no room for new business partners on my end."

She playfully teased him, and he responded with a smirk. Apollo took a seat on the barstool and leaned back, enjoying the banter between them.

"Very funny," he retorted, his tone tinged with sarcasm.

"Yes, I know," she responded, her laughter filling the air with a captivating sound.

Apollo shook his head, "If you were hoping for me to come crawling, it's not going to happen."

Stella chuckled and leaned closer, a glint of mischief in her eyes, "Oh, you'd beg? Well, I wish I could see that."

.He raised an eyebrow, amused by her audacity. "You wish you could see me on my knees, begging for something?" he asked, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Oh yes," she replied without hesitation, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "I'd love to see you groveling, desperate for just a scrap of attention."

His smirk widened as he leaned closer to her, their faces only inches apart. "Is that right? You want me to grovel at your feet, begging for even a moment of your precious attention?" he said, his voice a low, velvety purr.

"Mmhmm," she hummed, her gaze wandering over his face, taking in every feature. 

Apollo's smirk widened as he watched her reaction. He could tell that he had gotten under her skin, and he reveled in the power he had over her.

"Dream on," he said, his voice dripping with confidence. "You might think you have the upper hand, but you have no idea what I'm capable of. I'm not easily swayed by a pretty face."

Despite herself, Stella felt her cheeks heat up at his words, and she responded with a lighthearted punch on his shoulder. "Oh, please," she teased, trying to hide her flustered reaction.

For a moment, Apollo found himself completely captivated by the conversation with Stella. He had completely forgotten about his mission as their connection and chemistry took centre stage. He was mesmerized by the way she moved, the sound of her laugh, and the sparkle in her eyes. Stella, too, seemed at ease and utterly happy in his presence, the stresses of their respective worlds seeming to momentarily fade away.