Matteo noticed from across the room and began weaving his way through the crowd to reach me. “Lucia, come on, loosen up! You’re here to celebrate, not stand in the corner looking like a deer in headlights,” he teased, nudging my shoulder, then his expression softened. “You’re with us—you’re safe.”
I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my nerves. “Easy for you to say, Matteo. You’ve been doing this for years. I’m not exactly used to being in clubs.” I glanced toward Alexander, who was surrounded by other drivers.
Matteo gave me a reassuring smile. “You’ll be fine. And don’t worry, I’ve seen Alexander keeping an eye on you all night,” he said, nodding toward the crowd where Alexander was excusing himself and heading our way. “It’s like he’s got a radar for you or something.”
My cheeks warmed as Alexander approached, his eyes finding mine with that familiar, steady gaze. He looked relaxed, but as soon as he got close, I could see the hint of concern in his expression.
“You okay?” he asked, his voice low so only I could hear.
I managed a smile, feeling my nerves ebb slightly. “I’m fine, really. Just…still getting used to this scene.”
He chuckled softly, eyes glinting with humor. “Well, we can’t have you hiding all night.” Alexander reached for my hand, giving it a comforting squeeze, making a zing run through my fingers. “Let’s dance, Lucia.”
Before I could respond, he was already pulling me toward the dance floor, our fingers intertwined. I threw a helpless look over my shoulder at Matteo, who grinned and gave me an encouraging thumbs-up.
As Alexander led me into the middle of the dance floor, he kept his hand on the small of my back, guiding me with a gentle firmness that eased my nerves. His gaze softened, a hint of warmth beyond the usual calm exterior he wore around the cameras.
“You’re really good at this,” I murmured, letting myself relax in his arms.
He leaned in close, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. “At winning or at dancing?”
“Both, apparently,” I teased, laughing softly. “But mostly the dancing. I didn’t know that was in the skill set of a five-time champion.”
There was a playful glint in his eye. “I’ve been known to have a few surprises up my sleeve.”
We swayed in comfortable silence for a moment, and I felt myself forget about the crowd and the flashing lights as I focused on him. There was something grounding about Alexander, something steady and unwavering.
After a while, he murmured, “As much as we want you to try new things, you don’t have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with, you know. If it’s too much, I can get you out of here.”
I shook my head, giving him a grateful smile. “No, I’m okay. As long as you guys don’t leave me alone again, that was awful.”
He looked at me, his gaze filled with something deeper, a quiet promise that melted any last traces of tension. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily, Lucia.”
The bass thumped through my chest, and for a second, I let myself get lost in the beat, feeling a tiny pulse of excitement under all my nerves. I glanced at the bar where Matteo was deep in conversation with people, looking like they’d walked straight out of some high-fashion ad with their suits and easy smiles. How was I the one overthinking every move while they just blended right in?
Enough of that, Lucia,I told myself, determined to shake the anxious thoughts. If I was going to be here, I might as wellbe here. I reached out my hand, pulling Alexander behind me, taking both me and him by surprise. I marched us over to the bar and to my brother, feeling the music push me forward, and raised my voice just enough to get his attention.
“How about some shots?” I said, trying to channel a boldness I didn’t quite feel. “One round, just to…you know, help me get out of my own head.”
Matteo’s face lit up instantly, clearly thrilled at the idea. “Now that’s the spirit! Little sis wants shots? We’re doing shots.” He was already motioning at the bartender, ordering some top-shelf, way-too-expensive tequila.
Alexander’s eyebrows lifted, a slow grin spreading across his face as he looked at me. There was that familiar spark of amusement, but something else too—something that felt like he understood exactly why I was doing this. “Here you go.” He grabbed the shot glass as soon as it touched the sleek metal bar surface, and held it out for me. I didn’t let myself overthink it, I grabbed it quickly and threw back the liquid. It burned down my throat, but before I could even acknowledge it, I dropped the glass onto the counter with a clank and swiped the shot glass out of my brother’s unsuspecting hand. With one breath, I tipped it back, feeling the sharp burn of the liquor slide down my throat, igniting a warmth in my chest. I made a face as the aftertaste hit, but as soon as I opened my eyes, I felt lighter, like I’d broken some invisible barrier.
Matteo slung his arm over my shoulder, pulling me close. “I amsoproud of you right now,” he said with an exaggeratedly solemn tone, as if I’d just solved world hunger. “First time you’ve ever suggested shots in your life, probably. Alexander’s a good influence, huh?”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hide my smile. “Yeah, yeah, don’t get too excited. It’s just one round.” But it felt like something. A step away from my usual careful, too-aware self.
“All right,” Alexander said, raising his own shot glass and handing one to my brother. “Here’s to…getting out of our heads?”
I laughed, nodding. “Exactly.”
Matteo held up his glass, and Alexander followed suit. “To Lucia, who’s finally learning to let loose,” Matteo said with a smirk.
They clinked their glasses.
“You okay there?” Alexander asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he watched my expression shift from surprise to amusement.
I laughed, a little too loud, a little too free, but it felt amazing. “Better than okay,” I said, giving him a grin.
