Chapter 8 Godfather Noah

• Noah Lunardis.
• I sat at the table, holding a glass of wine, my eyes discreetly fixed on Laurie. She was sitting on the other side of the room, lost in thought as she took a sip from her glass. My jaw clenched slightly as my mind went back to the altar, the very moment she appeared at the entrance to the church alongside Clarice. I felt an unfamiliar tightness in my chest, and my heartbeat accelerated inexplicably.
• I shifted uncomfortably in my chair, my thoughts returning to the night before. I had been reckless and impulsive. I wasn't the type to go on casual dates, especially with someone I barely knew. However, with Laurie, it seemed inevitable. I couldn't resist the attraction she exerted on me—something primal and intense that remained vivid in my mind.
• I remembered how she was walking down the corridor in that blue silk dress. The fabric hugged her body perfectly, highlighting her delicate curves. The neckline showed just enough to make me want more, while the subtle slit in the skirt teased me every time she moved. She was captivating in every way.
• God, what had happened between us was vivid in my mind; I could feel her lips on mine and her soft body. I wanted more—to feel more of her on me.
• My eyes drifted to her face again. Her eyes, a mesmerizing mix of green and yellow tones, stood out even from across the hall. They were round and expressive, always hinting at something deeper beneath the surface. Her face was small and delicately rounded, accentuated by the soft patch of freckles on her cheeks, a detail I found charming beyond reason. Her hair was dark blonde, now tied up in a perfect bun. Likewise, her lips were... pink, full, and tempted me as she drank more of the wine.
• Fuck... I need to think about anything but her. I said in my mind.
• I sighed deeply, realizing I'd been staring too long. Reluctantly, I looked away and took a deep sip of wine, forcing myself to concentrate on something else, anything else.
• Nathalia, my long-time friend and godmother at my friend Max's wedding, leaned closer, complimenting the wedding arrangements. I nodded distractedly, barely listening to her words.
• “It's beautiful here, isn't it?” asked Nath, bringing me back to reality.
• I scratched my throat, answering.
• “Yes... from what I hear, Clarice's friend organized the party,” I replied, forcing a smile.
• My eyes involuntarily returned to Laurie. She looked pensive, almost melancholy. I wondered what she was thinking—if perhaps she was regretting last night as much as I was not.
• “The one sitting at the table opposite us, isn't she?'' Nath asked, and I turned to her, agreeing.
• She smiled, looking at her and then at me.
• ''You seem to have fallen for her,'' she said, twisting my lip.
• “Don't even start, Nath.” I said, wanting her to change the subject.
• A lively song began to play, and Nath immediately perked up, her eyes shining with enthusiasm as she held out her hand to me.
• “Okay, then... Get up, Noah, let's dance!” she insisted, tugging my hand gently.
• I hesitated, glancing quickly at Laurie once again. I didn't want to dance; I didn't want to pretend that everything was normal when, inside, I felt nothing. Still, Nathalia persisted, her eyes hopeful and insistent.
• “All right,” I reluctantly admitted, allowing her to pull me onto the dance floor.
• The music pulsed energetically around us. Nath swayed confidently, her movements graceful and seductive, clearly enjoying herself. I tried to keep up with her rhythm, forcing myself to ignore the persistent thoughts of Laurie that invaded my mind. But no matter how hard I tried, every time I turned my head, my gaze met hers, our eyes locking for a few briefs, charged seconds before one of us looked away.
• Frustrated with myself, I clenched my jaw and concentrated intensely on Nathalia, trying to erase Laurie from my thoughts completely. Then Laurie rose gracefully from her seat, joining Clarice on the dance floor. Her laughter, her movements, everything about her radiated a warmth and fascination that I couldn't ignore.
• “You're distracted,” Nathalia teased, leaning in to speak over the loud music. She flashed a playful smile, but her eyes held a hint of something deeper.
• I knew she liked me, but it wasn't reciprocated.
• “I'm just tired,” I lied, offering a smile to reassure her.
• Nath raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but said nothing more. Instead, she continued to dance, moving closer to me as the rhythm increased. I followed her mechanically, my thoughts still stubbornly focused on Laurie. The way she moved, her easy laughter as she danced with Clarice, stirred something inside me.
• I knew I shouldn't feel this way about her. Laurie was practically a stranger; we had only shared one reckless night, fueled by alcohol and impulse. Yet here I was, unable to get her out of my mind, despite my desperate attempts.
• With a deep breath, I forced myself to look away, deciding to silently stop looking for her. I had to forget about it; let her go. It had just been an unforgettable night, nothing more. And I couldn't afford to feel that way—not about her, not now.
• When the music got louder, I let myself be carried away by the rhythm, hoping that it would drown out the thoughts and feelings that Laurie had awakened in me.
• I put my hands on Nath's waist and moved, moving my body, trying to get everything out of my mind.