Chapter 6 Opening Up

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As Dante promised, the night was definitely looking up with the altercation now simply a bad memory and long forgotten. I grinned at the sight of my friends currently dancing along to a particularly upbeat song. The drinks had been endlessly flowing, the music just as incredible, ensuring the party mood was upheld.

The VIP room was still very much deserted, courtesy of my Raiden and Dante who had ensured we had all the privacy we would need to have an incredible night. Despite my longing to interact with people, and to feel a little normal by dancing with the rest of the party scene, I was equally grateful for the exclusivity of the VIP area and a chance to decompress after the events of the night.

I still couldn't quite believe the tour was over and the incredible success it had been. I hadn't anticipated the sold-out stadiums and the massive support from my fans not only during the shows but on social media, especially after everything that had happened before the tour was announced. Having an incredibly public breakup and being painted as the villain of the story damaged my image and began a pretty turmoil-filled season in Bale Records. Having my label's support during such a dark time meant the world to me and, together, we worked to revamp my image.

Everyone at the label had warned me that the tour would probably not be very successful, especially after all the issues that had happened before the announcement and the fact that it was my first. And yet my fans had proven them all wrong and supported me enough to break literal records by making it one of the best world tours of all time. I was still running on adrenaline, processing everything that had happened during the tour.

This all feels like a dream...Being here with my friends, having fun and not hiding away to deal with my pain is everything...

I had never thought I would be this happy and feel this safe with my closest family and friends. After one year of struggling to heal, I had made such great progress...

"You seem deep in thought."

Raiden's voice was calm, deep and inquisitive, alerting me to his presence in the seat opposite mine. I hadn't anticipated his approach, too deep in my thoughts to realize he wasn't chatting with Dante and the girls anymore. Speaking of my brother, I noted his and Yara's absence from the room and the usual banter that ensued between them. It was always a spectacle to watch them rip into each other.

I hope they're not murdering each other somewhere...I knew their casual conversation was just for my benefit. Nothing could stop those two from arguing, not even this little get-together...

I silently hoped and prayed they were fine, especially considering I wasn't near them to mediate their arguments, as usual...

"Yes, well, it's been a very long night. I can't help it."

I shrugged, granting the handsome man before me a small smile as I held his gaze in my own. His dark orbs seemed to lighten in amusement, his gaze never leaving mine as he took a sip of his drink- whisky on the rocks.

A classic, just like he seemed to be.

He was a man who seemed to exercise control in all things, including his drink of choice. His outfit was straight out of an expensive catalogue with black slacks, a navy blue turtle neck that he paired with a black blazer and a pair of black loafers. His raven black hair was sleeked back and held in a ponytail which made him extremely attractive. I could see why the girls were awed by him. I had a feeling many women swooned in his presence and rightfully so. There was a mysterious quality to him, one that made him all the more attractive.

His smile was small but seemed to brighten his handsome features as he leaned back into his seat, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Well, it certainly has been an interesting night but I do hope you're having fun despite the unpleasantness of earlier."

His concern warmed my heart, allowing me to see a glimpse into a side of him I had a feeling not many were able to. I granted him a warm smile, the sight seemingly taking him aback as he paused his drink midway to his lips.

"I am. Thank you, for arranging this with Dante and for what you did for my friends and me downstairs. I do hope it didn't cause you any issues. I'd hate to be the one to bring a little drama to your spick and span image."

I commented through a silent chuckle and shrug, watching as he sipped on his drink. Mirth shone in his eyes as he shrugged in response to my statement.

"I see my reputation precedes me."

I shrugged in response, flagging down the waiter to refill my mojito drink. I would need it to engage with the man before me who seemed to be making me more nervous than usual.

I haven't felt this way in a while...And it's as thrilling as it is scary...

"It's kind of hard not to when you're the Raiden Hattori. Though, if I'm being honest, my friends educated me on who you are. I suck at keeping track of social news and engagements. My ideal days spent away from the studio, hanging out with my friends and touring involve reading novels and writing music- both of which involve me staying in the house."

Raiden's chuckle was hot, sending literal chills through me which may or may not be the alcohol coursing through my system as I sipped on my refreshed drink.

"Your ideal days sound perfect, definitely different from mine. Also, it is refreshing to meet someone who hasn't been tainted by the tabloids and beyond. Although, it seems I have to work extra hard to have you know the real me before they get to you too."

I raised a brow at his statement, holding his gaze in my own as I tried and failed to calm my fast-beating heart.

"Awfully presumptuous of you to believe that you'll get the chance to educate me on your real character. We might not meet again anytime soon. You're a busy man and I am an incredibly anti-social individual. Also, why exactly would we meet- away from Dante that is?"

I was talking, a lot, which was usually a sign that I was tipsy and nervous.

Not the best combination, honestly, but I couldn't help it. Especially as I watched, in the dim lighting of the VIP room, as he granted me one of the most breathtaking and real smiles I have ever seen in my life. It was exhilarating, just how insanely perfect he was and how attracted I was to him.

This has nothing to do with alcohol...this is real... this is desire, a feeling I never thought I would experience ever again... and so soon...

"I'd carve out time for you, any day, Harper. There is no question about that and your brother would have no impact on my decision to ask for your time and coax you out of your anti-social bubble."

He placed his glass with amber liquid aside, leaning forward to place his elbows on his knees. It was an uncharacteristic move, even for him. He seemed so put together, so perfect, and judging by the occasional glances Ani and Calli were granting me every time he released a small chuckle or a light laugh, he had shown me more than he probably shows the rest of the world.

"Even now, I can tell you have wanted to get up and dance for the longest time. You've just been so absorbed in the moment to realize it. Not that I'm complaining because it allows me the chance to ask you to grant me the honour of a dance with you."

His hand was now outstretched, pausing and waiting for my answer. It was weird, how my heart seemed to beat so loudly in my chest, it was threatening to jump out. Or how my hand slightly shook as I placed it in his and allowed him to gently pull me to my feet.

My leather black dress held steadfast to my curves, accentuating my cinched waist and my generous breasts and backside that looked truly phenomenal in the little, black number. I could feel his gaze on my body, taking me in with so much intensity, it threatened to floor me. Literally. I was grateful for his tight grip on my hand as he led me to the balcony that overlooked the rest of the club and the most spacious area for us to dance.

I let go of his hands, shivering as I felt his proximity to me. Every nerve ending within me was alive, knowing well enough that he was so close to me, moving to the beat of the upbeat song. He was careful to keep some distance between us, his consideration emboldening me to turn to him. I wanted to watch him, to see how comfortable he was in the setting. He didn't peg me as the type of guy to let himself go and dance in a dimly lit club at two in the morning and yet his small smile as he moved his lithe and powerful body to the music took me aback.

He was genuinely enjoying himself, and I didn't know why but it melted my heart and brought me incredible happiness. I found myself moving closer to him, wrapping my hand around his neck which seemed to take him aback almost instantly. He seemed genuinely surprised but the emotion was gone almost as fast as his hands wrapped around my waist and moved to the music with me.

His dancing was impressive, especially considering that he seemed to be somewhat out of his element. His grip on my waist never faltered, tightening ever so more whenever I got too close to him and my movements somewhat slow and sensual...

All my worries, and thoughts- all of them disappeared as I shared this moment with this man who found a way to silence my mind and remind me to have fun and be in the moment.

He had done more than Adderall could.

And I was in awe of him.

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