True Love Ch. 02.2

Tim and Milena, hand in hand, walked towards the beachfront restaurant where they planned to have dinner with Susan and Deshawn. It was a beautiful evening, the sun setting in hues of orange and pink, casting a gentle glow over the waters. The soft breeze ruffled Milena's hair, making her laugh as she tried to push it away from her face. Tim chuckled and said, "You look beautiful, even with that windswept look."

She blushed, leaning in to kiss him. "You always know how to make me feel special."

As they approached the restaurant, they spotted Susan and Deshawn at a table, chatting animatedly with a tall, muscular man who was laughing at something Susan said. Seeing them approach, Susan waved them over. "Tim! Milena! Come meet Marcus!"

Marcus stood up, his smile easy and his eyes twinkling with mischief. He extended a hand towards Tim, "Hey, you must be the lucky man. Susan and Deshawn have told me so much about you. Congrats on the wedding."

Tim, ever the timid one, replied, "Thank you, Marcus. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Milena, a bit taken aback by Marcus's confident demeanor, merely nodded, "Nice to meet you too."

The evening progressed with laughter, food, and drinks. Marcus, ever the charmer, shared tales of his nightlife adventures, owning clubs in South Florida, and his many escapades. While he seemed genuinely interested in their stories, there was an underlying current of intent in his interactions with Milena. He occasionally complimented her, making her blush, while ensuring Tim never felt threatened or left out.

Deshawn, sensing the possible tension, chimed in with stories of his and Marcus's younger days, making everyone laugh. Susan, meanwhile, seemed to thoroughly enjoy the attention Marcus was subtly giving Milena, though she did nothing to encourage it overtly.

As the night wore on, and after a few drinks, Susan suggested, "Hey, why don't we head to one of Marcus's clubs after dinner? I think it'll be fun!"

Deshawn, ever the supporter, agreed, "Sounds like a plan!"

Milena looked hesitant, her unease clear. "I don't know, Susan. You know I'm not really into clubs."

Tim squeezed her hand under the table, sensing her discomfort. "We can go for a little while, if you want," he whispered.

Marcus, catching the hesitation in Milena's voice, quickly interjected, "It's okay, Milena. I understand clubs aren't everyone's scene. How about this? Come by, see if you like it, and if not, no pressure to stay. I'll even ensure you get a quiet table away from the noise, just for you and Tim."

While Marcus's words were kind and understanding, there was a hint of persuasion in his eyes, which Milena or Tim didn't catch.

Milena, not wanting to be the party pooper and sensing that Susan was eager to go, reluctantly agreed, "Alright, we'll come for a bit."

The rest of the evening was a blur of music, lights, and people. Marcus's club was the epitome of Florida nightlife -- lavish, pulsating, and filled with an energetic crowd. As promised, Marcus got Tim and Milena a secluded table. However, every once in a while, he'd come over, ensuring they were comfortable, topping off their drinks, and engaging them in light conversation. Each time, his focus was more on Milena than Tim, though he was careful never to make it overt.

As the hours ticked by, Tim started to feel the weight of the evening. He wasn't used to such environments and, combined with the drinks, it was starting to take a toll. Milena, sensing his discomfort, whispered, "Maybe we should head back soon."

Just as she said that, a popular song came on, and Susan dragged Milena to the dance floor. Marcus, seizing the opportunity, joined them, expertly dancing and ensuring he was never too close to Milena, but always in her line of sight. Tim watched from the table, resting after a long happy day

Tim watched from the table as Susan, Milena, and Marcus danced. He could feel the fatigue set in and was constantly battling the urge to retreat to the comfort of their vacation home. Susan's laughter echoed through the pulsating beats, drawing his attention as she teasingly nudged Milena closer to Marcus.

Despite being uncomfortable in the club, Milena looked radiant, swaying to the music, lost in her own world. Her dress shimmered in the colorful club lights, reflecting her joy. Yet, even amidst the pulsating energy of the club, Milena would occasionally cast a quick, loving glance at Tim, a silent reassurance of her unwavering devotion.

Marcus, in his own element, moved gracefully, his muscles evident under the fitted shirt. He noticed Tim's gaze and sent a friendly wink his way, a show of camaraderie. However, as the dance continued, Marcus gently guided Milena, ensuring they danced closer, using the beat as an excuse to be more in sync with her.

"Milena, you're a fantastic dancer!" Marcus said, his voice just above the loud music.

"Thank you, but I'm just trying to keep up!" Milena laughed, maintaining a comfortable distance.

Sensing an opportunity, Susan whispered to Marcus, "Isn't she just incredible?"

Marcus grinned, his eyes fixed on Milena, "Absolutely."

A slow song began to play, and Tim reluctantly stood up, his legs slightly wobbly from fatigue. As he reached them, Marcus nodded, "Of course, buddy. You two should dance together."

While the intention behind his words was genuine, there was a calculated undertone, as Marcus had achieved what he wanted - a moment to see them together, to gauge their bond.

As Tim and Milena danced, he whispered in her ear, "I love you so much. Let's head back after this song."

Milena nodded, pulling Tim closer. "I love you too. Just a bit more, okay?"

Marcus watched them from a distance, his thoughts running wild. He had seen love, but this was different. The way Milena held Tim, the comfort and safety in their embrace, it spoke volumes. It was going to be more challenging than he initially thought.

Deshawn walked over, placing a hand on Marcus's shoulder, "She's something, isn't she?"

Marcus turned his gaze to Deshawn, nodding, "She's incredible. But the love between them," he motioned towards Milena and Tim, "It's palpable."

Deshawn smirked, "Makes it more interesting, doesn't it?"

Marcus chuckled

"Always up for a challenge, aren't you?"

Just then, Susan walked up to them, "Hey, you two! Stop scheming and come join the fun!"

As the evening wore on, Tim returned to the table and four of them enjoyed a few more dances, with Marcus always ensuring he was close enough to observe Milena, yet never crossing any boundaries.

As the clock neared midnight, Milena approached Tim, "I think it's time we head back. I'm tired, and I can see you are too."

Tim nodded gratefully, "Yes, let's go."

They bid their goodbyes, with Marcus pulling Milena into a friendly hug. "It was lovely meeting you, Milena. Hope to see you again soon."

Milena smiled, "Likewise. And thank you for the wonderful evening."

As the couple left, Deshawn turned to Marcus, "Think you can win her over?"

Marcus looked pensive, "I don't know, Deshawn. That kind of devotion... it's rare. But I'm curious to see where this goes."

Deshawn laughed, "Always the thrill-seeker. Let's see how this unfolds."

The evening's events played in Marcus's mind as he watched Milena and Tim leave, hand in hand, their love evident in every step.