Page 2 of Stronger Than Fate

“That’s better.

Have a good trip and enjoy your well-deserved vacation.

Take care. We'll stay in touch”

Bastián:

“I love you, little demon.

Enjoy, rest, and take care”

Me:

“I love you both more”

I put my phone away with a big smile. As I was heading toward the elevators, I felt like going to the hotel bar to chat a bit with Billy and have a beer. Billy was Lolo's friend and, since he was a bartender, we had hired him to manage and be in charge of the hotel bar. I had a nice relationship with him and would occasionally stop by for a chat.

I entered the bar, walked to the counter, and sat on a stool in one of the corners. Billy saw me right away and came over to greet me.

“Hi, Dalina, how have you been? It's been several days since you last came by,” he greeted me.

“How are you, Billy? Yes, you're right, I've been swamped with work and end up so tired that I go straight to bed. Sorry for not stopping by to say hello. The truth is I wanted to finish several reports since I'm leaving on a trip tomorrow. Yes, you heard right, after such a long time, I'm finally taking a few days off.”

“That's great, gorgeous! I'm very happy for you. Where are you going?”

“Mykonos, in Greece.”

“Spectacular! Enjoy yourself and rest because that vacation is more than deserved.”

“Thanks, Billy.”

“What can I get you?”

“A nice cold beer.”

Billy walked away to get my beer, and I sat contemplating the hotel's beautiful bar. That night it was packed with people andthe atmosphere was lively. I looked at Billy and saw him talking sweetly with a girl who had approached the bar. Billy was a handsome guy, the same age as Lolo, and he never missed the opportunities his job at the bar provided to leave with company, although during working hours he was always very responsible, respectful, and competent.

I noticed he whispered something in the girl's ear and she smiled flirtatiously, then he headed toward me.

“Billy, you don't need to stay with me, you know what I mean, go ahead,” I suggested.

“Hey, don't say that! You're my friend and I love talking with you, plus you're my boss, so I have to make a good impression,” he said, winking and laughing.

“Stop being silly! And really, don't hesitate to go talk to that girl. I'll finish my beer and go to sleep because I'm exhausted.”

“But don't leave on my account because I love having you here. Besides, you're going to be away for several days, and I want to take advantage of chatting with you for a while.”

“Alright, I'll keep that in mind, but I'm really not staying long.”

“Stay a bit so we can chat. Excuse me now, I have some customers to attend to. The place is completely full today. I'll be right back.”

Billy walked away, and just as I was bringing the beer glass to my lips, an unfamiliar voice, husky and sensual, paralyzed me.

“May I buy you a drink?”

I turned to my left to face the owner of that voice, and if the voice had made me shiver, his entire presence left me hypnotized. The man beside me was attractive and sexy as hell. His beautiful eyes, as light blue as the sky on a sunny day, observed me carefully waiting for my answer. His hair wasdark, and his features were perfect and very masculine. He was standing next to me, and his height made me have to look up to see him—he must have been close to six feet three inches tall, with an athletic and sexy-as-sin physique. I swallowed and forced my brain to react.

“Thank you, but I already have a drink,” I responded, lifting my beer.