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The lobby consists of a long hallway lined with paintings and sculptures, leading to a room filled with chairs. — He's sitting three rows in front of us — Gustaph says — I'll try to strike up a conversation with someone around him when we go into the dining room so you can get his attention.
— Yes, sir — Tadeus replies.
The auction ends with the Animal paying four millions for a set of Chinese porcelain vases. Everyone is led to another room where there is a buffet, a small bar, several floral arrangements with the name of the company organizing the event, and a stage. Before eating, a few people gave speeches about the charity event for the families of war survivors and in gratitude for the money raised thanks to the participation of those present.
The music begins, and people are free to eat and drink. Gustaph walks around greeting people, with Tadeus clinging to his arm. — Senator, it's so nice to see you participating in this kind of event! — says a woman at the table where the Animal is sitting. The small card with her name reads "Angelique Pach - Minister of Foreign Affairs." This gives Tadeus an idea of the kind of people this man surrounds himself with. If he has government connections and also trafficks illegal substances, he must be very well protected.
By the time his gaze rests on the last card after circling the table, it reads "Alexander Strauss - Strauss Industries." Looking up, he notices Strauss watching him for a few seconds and then addresses Gustaph. — It's a pleasure to meet you, — he says with a broad smile — I admire you for your healthcare reform. It's increasingly focused on saving lives. Alexander subtly shifts his gaze to Tadeus as he shakes the senator's hand, who modestly thanks him. — Do I know you? — Mr. Strauss asks.
— I don't think so — Tadeus says, despite remembering that kiss on the beach.
— He's just accompanying me — Gustaph says.
—Sorry, I thought I've seen him before — Alexander says with a subtle smile within his words.
— You should sit with us — Angelique suggests. Gustaph accepts and takes a seat next to her. Tadeus, meanwhile, tells the senator he'll go get some snacks from the buffet table and wanders off. Tadeus looks around, admiring the beautiful decorations, the people, and the band. He never imagined being at an event like this as a guest. Perhaps he'd be out on the street waiting for an opportunity to ask questions to well-known figures for a story in the morning.
— Everything looks delicious, it's hard to choose — he hears a voice next to him.
— I recommend seafood. It tends to be a specialty in coastal cities — Tadeus comments. When he looks beside him, he realizes it's Alexander.
— Thank you — he replies with a genuine smile — So you're the TV guy.
— Do you remember me or have you seen my show? — Tadeus asks.
— I don't know. Was it you who I kissed on the island, or are you the voyeur at the club?
— Maybe — Tadeus replies playfully, moving away from the table toward the hallway.
From his reaction, Alexander assumes this companion is enjoying the game. This certainly intrigues him. He follows him and says — So you're Pine's seducer? You've caused quite a stir among the guests because Pine seems to keep you to himself. Is that why you walked away at that time?
— I don't have to answer that question — Tadeus says.
Alexander smiles and nods to himself, raising his eyebrows, getting closer with each step, he remembers their conversation with more clarity. — What was your name?
— Are you drunk? — Tadeus asks in the same playful tone — Liquor doesn't help the memory.
— And now you're making fun of me? — Alexander sighs these words against Tadeus' lips before kissing him. The companion lets himself be carried away for a few seconds, giving Strauss the opportunity to unbutton the man's pants.
— I don't think this is an appropriate place for this.
— Are you telling me no? — Alexander asks, pulling his lips away from Tadeus' neck.
— I'm not — Tadeus replies, feeling a burning fire in his chest. Alexander turns him around and presses his chest against the man's back, then slips both hands inside his pants. Alexander's cold fingers caressing his member, along with the friction of his buttocks against that hard cock beneath his clothes, create a fantasy, intensifying the lust that had been growing in Tadeus' mind since that early morning when this man first touched his face.
Alexander wipes his hands on Tadeus' chest as he slips them under his shirt, sharing a few final kisses. — Would you like to continue this somewhere else? — Alexander whispers in his ear.
— I think it will have to be another time — the journalist says, glancing to the side. Tadeus straightens his pants and shirt and hurries toward Gustaph, then leaves the auction house.