Chapter 3 Beneath the Influence

"Tina Moreno, I ain't in need of cash. But, how about I snag your digits instead?"

"Sure thing!"

A satisfied smile played on Tina's lips as she scribbled her number on a napkin, pushing it towards Michael. The warmth in her eyes wasn't just gratitude.

The third bottle of wine sat empty on the table, a testament to the easy conversation that flowed between them. A pleasant flush crept up Tina's neck, a stark contrast to the coolness of the night air filtering through the open window.

Tina fidgeted with the clasp on her necklace, her eyes drawn to Michael's profile. The dim lighting cast shadows across his face, emphasizing the strong line of his nose and the inviting curve of his lips.

His eyes were shadowed, but his straight nose bridge and thin, red lips were unmistakable.

Memories of whispered secrets and playground taunts flickered across Tina's mind. Heat pooled in her stomach as she caught herself staring, mesmerized by the way the moonlight seemed to paint his lips a deeper red.

A knot of confusion tightened in Tina's chest. Had the wine loosened her inhibitions too much? The air around them crackled with unspoken desire, an electric current sending shivers down her spine.

Her breath caught in her throat, forgotten mid-air, as her gaze locked on Michael Hawkins's mouth. It was as if an invisible artist had painted a masterpiece there, a symphony of curves that demanded her full attention.

Michael blinked rapidly, trying to break the spell of Tina Moreno's face. Her eyes, the color of melted chocolate, held galaxies within them, threatening to swallow him whole. He tore his gaze away for a fleeting moment, only to find it drawn back like a moth to a flame.

A shiver danced down Michael's spine. Never had he encountered such a captivating woman. Her beauty wasn't just physical; it radiated from within, an enigma wrapped in silken curves.

"Hmp... Michael."

An invisible current crackled between them, pulling them closer with an undeniable force. The air itself seemed to hum with unspoken desires, making the space between them shrink with each stolen glance.

The room began to tilt, the edges blurring at the corners of Michael's vision. A warmth bloomed in his chest, spreading outwards until it consumed him whole. He felt Tina lean in, the scent of jasmine and something deeper intoxicating him further.

A strangled gasp escaped Tina's lips as she shoved Michael away. Her eyes, wide with a mixture of shock and betrayal, mirrored his own confusion.

Michael scrambled back, the sudden movement jarring his reeling senses. What the hell just happened? His gaze darted to the overturned bottle of red wine, a horrifying suspicion dawning.

Tina's eyes followed his, landing on the crimson stain spreading across the tablecloth. A flicker of recognition – of dread – crossed her face.

A cold knot formed in Michael's stomach. The sweetness of the wine suddenly tasted metallic, tainted with something sinister. Could it be? Spiked?

Panic clawed at Tina's throat. The heat that had been simmering beneath her skin roared into flames, threatening to consume her. Her vision swam, the room tilting at a sickening angle. In a desperate attempt to regain control, she shoved Michael onto the bed, straddling him with a ferocity that surprised them both.

"It's so hot..."

Tina's eyes misted, shimmering with moisture. They were enchanting.

Michael, still partially lucid, spoke up. "Miss Moreno, snap out of it... Oh!"

The room pulsed with a heat that wasn't from the fireplace. Tina, a whirlwind of need, snatched Michael's glasses before he could blink. They clattered to the floor, forgotten. Her lips, already parted in a breathless gasp, were mere inches from his.

"Michael," she breathed, her voice thick with desire. Her hand skimmed down his cheek, the warmth of her touch sending shivers down his spine. He couldn't tear his gaze from her eyes, those pools of molten chocolate that promised a night he wouldn't soon forget.

Except, a prickle of unease wormed its way beneath his arousal. It was a subtle thing, a flicker of something out of place, like a discordant note in a familiar melody. He ignored it, attributing it to nerves.

Her kiss was fire. Her tongue, exploring his mouth with a desperate urgency, stole his breath. A primal hunger burned in her, a need that transcended reason. He found himself responding, his own desire flaring against his better judgment.

But then, a tremor ran through her. Her touch, once so light, became frantic. Her fingernails dug into his back, and a low moan escaped her lips. It wasn't a moan of pleasure, but of something deeper, more primal.

A cold dread coiled in Michael's gut. He tried to pull back, but her grip tightened. "More," she rasped, her voice unrecognizable.

He felt it then, a thousand tiny feet skittering across his skin. The sensation was horrifying, a violation that sent a wave of nausea crashing over him. Panic clawed at his throat.

With a strength born of terror, he shoved her back. Tina stumbled, her eyes wide and unfocused. "What's wrong?" she slurred, her voice laced with confusion.

Michael stared at her, his mind reeling. He had to get her away, get out of there. But a single, horrifying thought froze him in place.

"What... what have I done?" he whispered, dread creeping into his voice.

"Miss Moreno, wake up!"

Without hesitation, Michael lifted Tina and carried her to the bathroom.

He placed her in the bathtub, then turned on the shower, drenching her with cold water.

Tina screamed, the cold shock bringing her back to her senses.

She hugged herself, curling up in the tub, shivering.

In that moment, she seemed small yet endearing.

Michael couldn't help but pat her head. "Miss Moreno, are you okay?"

Tina lifted her head, her flushed cheeks pressing against his palm.

"It's so uncomfortable... I... Michael... I want to..."

She was already ensnared.

A desire unlike any she had felt before overwhelmed her, drowning her rationality completely.

Michael took a deep breath, then locked eyes with Tina. Against her lustful gaze, his resolve crumbled.

He tossed the showerhead into the tub and stepped in, lifting Tina onto his lap.

Lowering his head, he captured her lips in a kiss. Their tongues met, dancing as if they were long-lost lovers.

The kiss made a clicking sound.

In Tina's muddled consciousness, there was only one thought at the end.

Ah... so this was what a kiss was like.

It was exquisite. She almost wanted to consume him whole...

Guided by Michael, Tina eventually caught on, their lips and tongues intertwining.

His hands had unconsciously unhooked her bra, cupping her ample breasts.

Drunkenly, he lowered his head to suckle on one pink nipple, while his other hand gently fondled it.

"Ah..."

Tina moaned instinctively, arching her back.