Luna had her eyes fixed on her lap and she was squeezing the fringes of her shawl with one hand so tightly that her knuckles were white. She was chewing her lower lip and a heavy sigh escaped her lips.
Then all of sudden she heard people yelling and screaming and she snapped her head up. Her eyes widened when she saw the crowd outside of the club; there were fans, press, a few more limousines and even a red carpet! Luna gasped and her hands started to shake.
Vin stared at her, concern written all over his face. He noticed that Luna’s face had turned pale in a second flat and that she was trembling.
“Relax, Luna. It’ll be just a couple of minutes.” He whispered, lifting her hands to his lips, kissing then gently. “Press is not allowed inside. Just breathe ok?” Vin added, frowning.
Luna let out the air with a painful sigh. She took a deep breath, forcing the air to pass through her lungs.
Vin smiled broadly as she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. “That’s it, baby.” He murmured against her ear. “Just relax, baby.”
“That’s easier said than done.” Luna replied nervously.
“Listen, Luna. You’re stunning and you’re so sexy and hot that I think I’m gonna have a heart attack right here right now. Just relax and smile. Ok?” Vin said gently as the limousine stopped in front of the crowd of reporters and photographers.
Vin pulled out his sunglasses from his jacket’s suit pocket and put them on, taking a deep breath.
“Show time.” He said and took her hand in his, entwining their fingers. “Ready?” He asked as the driver opened the door.
“No.” Luna replied, shuddering with panic.
Vin grinned and got out of the car, pulling Luna with him.
Vin Diesel emerged from the black limousine, smiling broadly. At once everybody started to scream and asked for his attention.
Luna took a deep breath and followed him outside of the vehicle. She could hear people screaming his name from all directions. Luna felt her heart racing fast and took a deep breath.
Suddenly flashes started to blind her and Luna squeezed his hand almost painfully. Vin hissed slightly as he turned his head to look at her and his eyes widened completely.
Luna was even more beautiful under the flashing lights. Her smile lit up the street in a matter of seconds and Vin felt an invisible hand pressed against his chest, making it almost painful just to breathe.
Luna stared at Vin’s eyes and she felt devoured alive by his intense gaze even though it was hidden behind his shaded sunglasses.
Her heart doubled its rhythm for a second as she swallowed hard, feeling a thousand butterflies fluttering inside her stomach.
As soon as their eyes locked, time stopped around them and for a few seconds the crowd of fans, the press and the cameras were forgotten.
Sully fixed his gaze on the screen of his digital camera as he grinned, pressing the button, capturing exactly those seconds. That’s it, kids, Sully said sarcastically, chuckling at his own words.
After a moment, Vin Diesel headed towards the entrance hand in hand with Luna, smiling broadly and making with his fingers the sign of the victory and thumb up.
Luna walked beside him, her eyes fixed on the floor ahead of her. She was almost blind with so many flashes around her.
¡Mierda! I can’t see shit. Luna hissed silently.
At that exact moment she understood why Vin was always carrying his sunglasses even when it was clear that the sun wasn’t shining around him, and cursed herself silently.
Obviously, she didn’t know shit about famous people and their business.
Suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder gently and Luna turned her head. There was a girl behind her with an “access all areas” pass hanging from her neck.
Luna frowned slightly when the girl stood on her toes and asked her to follow her inside. She then looked back at Vin who nodded ‘yes’ in agreement. Luna let go of his hand as she smiled broadly, following the girl as fast as she could.
The girl guided her inside the club and left her there. Then she turned on her heels and walked back outside.
Luna arched her brows as she watched Vin Diesel signing autographs and talking with the reporters. She grinned, staring at him and realized that Vin was indeed really famous as soon as she saw how many girls were surrounding him, asking for his attention.
Vin Diesel was smiling broadly while doing his best to sign every picture, DVD and poster, answering the million questions everyone was screaming at once.
She felt her throat dry and her face red after such an experience and she desperately needed something cold to drink. So Luna turned on her heels and headed directly towards the bar as her eyes widened.
Cha-Cha-Cha was a big club decorated like a small city. Immediately, Luna had the sensation that she was in one of those little towns of South America. It was amazing and Luna found herself overwhelmed with such beauty around her.
Every single detail had been recreated. The Town Hall, the Church, the main square as well as all kinds of little shops.
The club was crammed with people, and for a moment, Luna froze, surveying them when suddenly she spotted Valentino in a corner. She couldn’t help but feel better all of a sudden just looking at him.
He was in front of what appeared to be the whorehouse of the town, talking with another guy. Luna laughed silently, shaking her head and headed directly towards him.
When she was almost at his side, Valentino turned his head. As soon as he saw her, he smiled broadly and his eyes widened. Luna returned the smile and closed the distance between them.
“¡Dios Mío, Luna! ¡Estas despampanante, corazón!” (Oh My God, Luna! You’re stunning, sweetheart!)Valentino exclaimed as he pulled her to him, grinning.
“Gracias, Valentino. Eres muy amable.” (Thank you, Valentino. You’re very kind) Luna replied, blushing slightly as she leaned her head, giving him two kisses, one on each cheek.
Valentino laughed and gave her the once over. “Has he seen you?” He asked as he encircled her waist with one arm. Luna laughed. “Of course, he did.” He retorted, laughing hard.
“Yes. And we almost didn’t come.” She replied, breathing a little more relaxed, feeling her heartbeats slow down. Valentino grinned.
“No wonder.” He teased as he picked up a shot glass full of a transparent liquid from a tray and handed it to her. Luna took it in her still trembling hands. “Is he still signing outside?” Val asked her, picking up another shot for himself.
Luna nodded ‘yes’ as she frowned slightly. She thought about the photographers and the cameras and she frowned deeply. Luna didn’t drink alcohol at all but she was so nervous than she didn’t think twice.
“Thanks, Val.” She said looking at Valentino, who winked at her. They raised their shots at once.
“For you, Luna.” Valentino toasted and gulped his shot in one draught.
Luna stared at her own shot and smiled. “For you, Val.” She said as she raised her glass in her trembling hand and gulped the liquid in one fast move.
Luna’s eyes widened two seconds later as the liquid burned a fiery path all the way down to her stomach.
“Oh my God! ¡Mierda!” She exclaimed as she carried a hand to her neck. She screwed up her face and scrunched her eyes closed.
Valentino laughed hard as he put the empty glasses on a tray.
After an uncontrolled shiver Luna rasped out. “Fuck, man. This is pure fire!” She noticed her voice cracking.
Valentino laughed even more as he encircled her waist again, pulling her to him.
“Tequila.” He said, grinning.
Luna felt a little more relaxed as she licked her lips, relishing the taste of the liquid, smiling broadly.
“Watch your hands, brother.” Vin’s voice sounded in time with his arms encircling Luna’s waist from behind.
She tensed slightly, just to relax a second later. She could still feel the liquid burning her stomach.
“Easy there, bro. I was just taking care of her.” Valentino said raising his hands. “You already know me, man.” He added, winking.
Vin grinned as he tightened his embrace around Luna.
“Yeah, I know you, Val. That’s why I’m telling you to watch your hands.” Vin joked, resting his chin on her shoulder. Valentino grinned devilishly. “Are you ok?” Vin murmured against her ear as he turned Luna in his arms to face her.
Luna smiled broadly. “Yeah. Much better now that you’re here.” She murmured against his lips, brushing then slightly.
Vin was going to kiss her when someone tapped his shoulder softly. He frowned, annoyed, and turned his head without letting go of her.
There was a man dressed with a cream colour suit and a red shirt. He was wearing glasses and a big moustache. He was one of the owners.
“Excuse me, Mr. Diesel. Sorry for disturbing you, but there are a few friends that I would like to introduce you to.” He said gently, glancing at Luna from the corner of his eye.
In response, Vin frowned deeply and heaved a hard sigh.
“Sure.” Vin Diesel replied as he turned her attention to Luna. “I’ll be back in a sec.” Vin said softly, kissing her forehead. “Watch Val’s hands.” He mocked.
Luna frowned, slightly disappointed, but did her best to hide it. Vin then turned his attention to Valentino and leaned against his shoulder.
“Take care of her, bro. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He murmured against his ear. Valentino nodded ‘yes’ and tapped Vin’s shoulder, grinning.
“No problem, man.” He said and returned his attention to Luna.
And with that, Vin Diesel turned on his heel and followed the man. Luna bit her lower lip as she saw him disappear into the crowd.
Luna thought about the first time that she had seen him doing exactly the same thing and she couldn’t help but think that it seemed an eternity had passed since that night.
Suddenly, Valentino grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. Luna let out a yelp in surprise and turned around to look at him.
“¡Vamos a bailar, Luna! ¡La noche es joven, princesa!” (Let’s dance, Luna! Night is young, princess!)Val exclaimed, laughing. In response, Luna laughed hard as she nodded ‘yes’.
Valentino turned on his heels and headed toward the dance floor hand in hand with Luna.
They had never danced together before but nobody would have believed that watching them. Luna had paid in Spain to learn how to dance salsa and she got her money’s worth.
She was swinging her hips in the rhythm of the music with Valentino. Luna was fascinated; it was a dream come true being here, dancing with him. She couldn’t believe that a man his size could move his hips in that way.
Luna felt a little bad for all those women who had been with her in her dance classes because she knew full well that it was a luxury to be dancing salsa with a hot Latino like Val.
He was all passion dancing; nothing like the other guys who Luna had danced with before in Spain. All of them were full of technique, but Valentino was all rhythm inside his veins. He was turning around with Luna in his arms, holding one of her hands in his.
They were laughing and singing the words of the songs and they both were having the time of their lives dancing together.
In the mean time, surrounded by people that were constantly demanding his attention, Vin Diesel looked around and saw them dancing together.
Valentino was like his blood brother and Vin loved him. He knew full well that Val would never laid eyes on a woman who Vin had laid eyes on first, ever. It was an agreement they had since the day they met and they had never broken that sacred rule through the years, ever.
But in spite of that, Vin couldn’t help but feel jealous of his best friend. Not only because Val was dancing with Luna, but because Luna seemed as if she was having the time of her life dancing with Val.
Vin knew that he was being immature, but damnit! Valentino and Luna looked great dancing and laughing together. Apart from that, Val knew Spanish and Vin cursed himself silently when he remembered how Luna’s eyes had lit up, hearing him speaking the few words in Spanish that he had learnt.
From time to time, they danced with others and Luna was spinning around again and again. She was trying her best not to think about Vin in the same place inside the club and oblivious to her because he was concentrated on business.
When Luna felt exhausted, she looked for a group and started to talk with them for a while. Then, Valentino appeared again and they continued dancing together.
Luna’s throat was completely dry and she was picking up shots from trays that waiters were carrying. Most of them were filled with different colored liquids and Luna lost count of how many songs she had danced to and how many shots she gulped.
next…
Black Star 22
Luna had her eyes fixed on her lap and she was squeezing the fringes of her shawl with one hand so tightly that her knuckles were white. She was chewing her lower lip and a heavy sigh escaped her lips.
Then all of sudden she heard people yelling and screaming and she snapped her head up. Her eyes widened when she saw the crowd outside of the club; there were fans, press, a few more limousines and even a red carpet! Luna gasped and her hands started to shake.
Vin stared at her, concern written all over his face. He noticed that Luna’s face had turned pale in a second flat and that she was trembling.
“Relax, Luna. It’ll be just a couple of minutes.” He whispered, lifting her hands to his lips, kissing then gently. “Press is not allowed inside. Just breathe ok?” Vin added, frowning.
Luna let out the air with a painful sigh. She took a deep breath, forcing the air to pass through her lungs.
Vin smiled broadly as she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. “That’s it, baby.” He murmured against her ear. “Just relax, baby.”
“That’s easier said than done.” Luna replied nervously.
“Listen, Luna. You’re stunning and you’re so sexy and hot that I think I’m gonna have a heart attack right here right now. Just relax and smile. Ok?” Vin said gently as the limousine stopped in front of the crowd of reporters and photographers.
Vin pulled out his sunglasses from his jacket’s suit pocket and put them on, taking a deep breath.
“Show time.” He said and took her hand in his, entwining their fingers. “Ready?” He asked as the driver opened the door.
“No.” Luna replied, shuddering with panic.
Vin grinned and got out of the car, pulling Luna with him.
Vin Diesel emerged from the black limousine, smiling broadly. At once everybody started to scream and asked for his attention.
Luna took a deep breath and followed him outside of the vehicle. She could hear people screaming his name from all directions. Luna felt her heart racing fast and took a deep breath.
Suddenly flashes started to blind her and Luna squeezed his hand almost painfully. Vin hissed slightly as he turned his head to look at her and his eyes widened completely.
Luna was even more beautiful under the flashing lights. Her smile lit up the street in a matter of seconds and Vin felt an invisible hand pressed against his chest, making it almost painful just to breathe.
Luna stared at Vin’s eyes and she felt devoured alive by his intense gaze even though it was hidden behind his shaded sunglasses.
Her heart doubled its rhythm for a second as she swallowed hard, feeling a thousand butterflies fluttering inside her stomach.
As soon as their eyes locked, time stopped around them and for a few seconds the crowd of fans, the press and the cameras were forgotten.
Sully fixed his gaze on the screen of his digital camera as he grinned, pressing the button, capturing exactly those seconds. That’s it, kids, Sully said sarcastically, chuckling at his own words.
After a moment, Vin Diesel headed towards the entrance hand in hand with Luna, smiling broadly and making with his fingers the sign of the victory and thumb up.
Luna walked beside him, her eyes fixed on the floor ahead of her. She was almost blind with so many flashes around her.
¡Mierda! I can’t see shit. Luna hissed silently.
At that exact moment she understood why Vin was always carrying his sunglasses even when it was clear that the sun wasn’t shining around him, and cursed herself silently.
Obviously, she didn’t know shit about famous people and their business.
Suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder gently and Luna turned her head. There was a girl behind her with an “access all areas” pass hanging from her neck.
Luna frowned slightly when the girl stood on her toes and asked her to follow her inside. She then looked back at Vin who nodded ‘yes’ in agreement. Luna let go of his hand as she smiled broadly, following the girl as fast as she could.
The girl guided her inside the club and left her there. Then she turned on her heels and walked back outside.
Luna arched her brows as she watched Vin Diesel signing autographs and talking with the reporters. She grinned, staring at him and realized that Vin was indeed really famous as soon as she saw how many girls were surrounding him, asking for his attention.
Vin Diesel was smiling broadly while doing his best to sign every picture, DVD and poster, answering the million questions everyone was screaming at once.
She felt her throat dry and her face red after such an experience and she desperately needed something cold to drink. So Luna turned on her heels and headed directly towards the bar as her eyes widened.
Cha-Cha-Cha was a big club decorated like a small city. Immediately, Luna had the sensation that she was in one of those little towns of South America. It was amazing and Luna found herself overwhelmed with such beauty around her.
Every single detail had been recreated. The Town Hall, the Church, the main square as well as all kinds of little shops.
The club was crammed with people, and for a moment, Luna froze, surveying them when suddenly she spotted Valentino in a corner. She couldn’t help but feel better all of a sudden just looking at him.
He was in front of what appeared to be the whorehouse of the town, talking with another guy. Luna laughed silently, shaking her head and headed directly towards him.
When she was almost at his side, Valentino turned his head. As soon as he saw her, he smiled broadly and his eyes widened. Luna returned the smile and closed the distance between them.
“¡Dios Mío, Luna! ¡Estas despampanante, corazón!” (Oh My God, Luna! You’re stunning, sweetheart!)Valentino exclaimed as he pulled her to him, grinning.
“Gracias, Valentino. Eres muy amable.” (Thank you, Valentino. You’re very kind) Luna replied, blushing slightly as she leaned her head, giving him two kisses, one on each cheek.
Valentino laughed and gave her the once over. “Has he seen you?” He asked as he encircled her waist with one arm. Luna laughed. “Of course, he did.” He retorted, laughing hard.
“Yes. And we almost didn’t come.” She replied, breathing a little more relaxed, feeling her heartbeats slow down. Valentino grinned.
“No wonder.” He teased as he picked up a shot glass full of a transparent liquid from a tray and handed it to her. Luna took it in her still trembling hands. “Is he still signing outside?” Val asked her, picking up another shot for himself.
Luna nodded ‘yes’ as she frowned slightly. She thought about the photographers and the cameras and she frowned deeply. Luna didn’t drink alcohol at all but she was so nervous than she didn’t think twice.
“Thanks, Val.” She said looking at Valentino, who winked at her. They raised their shots at once.
“For you, Luna.” Valentino toasted and gulped his shot in one draught.
Luna stared at her own shot and smiled. “For you, Val.” She said as she raised her glass in her trembling hand and gulped the liquid in one fast move.
Luna’s eyes widened two seconds later as the liquid burned a fiery path all the way down to her stomach.
“Oh my God! ¡Mierda!” She exclaimed as she carried a hand to her neck. She screwed up her face and scrunched her eyes closed.
Valentino laughed hard as he put the empty glasses on a tray.
After an uncontrolled shiver Luna rasped out. “Fuck, man. This is pure fire!” She noticed her voice cracking.
Valentino laughed even more as he encircled her waist again, pulling her to him.
“Tequila.” He said, grinning.
Luna felt a little more relaxed as she licked her lips, relishing the taste of the liquid, smiling broadly.
“Watch your hands, brother.” Vin’s voice sounded in time with his arms encircling Luna’s waist from behind.
She tensed slightly, just to relax a second later. She could still feel the liquid burning her stomach.
“Easy there, bro. I was just taking care of her.” Valentino said raising his hands. “You already know me, man.” He added, winking.
Vin grinned as he tightened his embrace around Luna.
“Yeah, I know you, Val. That’s why I’m telling you to watch your hands.” Vin joked, resting his chin on her shoulder. Valentino grinned devilishly. “Are you ok?” Vin murmured against her ear as he turned Luna in his arms to face her.
Luna smiled broadly. “Yeah. Much better now that you’re here.” She murmured against his lips, brushing then slightly.
Vin was going to kiss her when someone tapped his shoulder softly. He frowned, annoyed, and turned his head without letting go of her.
There was a man dressed with a cream colour suit and a red shirt. He was wearing glasses and a big moustache. He was one of the owners.
“Excuse me, Mr. Diesel. Sorry for disturbing you, but there are a few friends that I would like to introduce you to.” He said gently, glancing at Luna from the corner of his eye.
In response, Vin frowned deeply and heaved a hard sigh.
“Sure.” Vin Diesel replied as he turned her attention to Luna. “I’ll be back in a sec.” Vin said softly, kissing her forehead. “Watch Val’s hands.” He mocked.
Luna frowned, slightly disappointed, but did her best to hide it. Vin then turned his attention to Valentino and leaned against his shoulder.
“Take care of her, bro. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He murmured against his ear. Valentino nodded ‘yes’ and tapped Vin’s shoulder, grinning.
“No problem, man.” He said and returned his attention to Luna.
And with that, Vin Diesel turned on his heel and followed the man. Luna bit her lower lip as she saw him disappear into the crowd.
Luna thought about the first time that she had seen him doing exactly the same thing and she couldn’t help but think that it seemed an eternity had passed since that night.
Suddenly, Valentino grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. Luna let out a yelp in surprise and turned around to look at him.
“¡Vamos a bailar, Luna! ¡La noche es joven, princesa!” (Let’s dance, Luna! Night is young, princess!)Val exclaimed, laughing. In response, Luna laughed hard as she nodded ‘yes’.
Valentino turned on his heels and headed toward the dance floor hand in hand with Luna.
They had never danced together before but nobody would have believed that watching them. Luna had paid in Spain to learn how to dance salsa and she got her money’s worth.
She was swinging her hips in the rhythm of the music with Valentino. Luna was fascinated; it was a dream come true being here, dancing with him. She couldn’t believe that a man his size could move his hips in that way.
Luna felt a little bad for all those women who had been with her in her dance classes because she knew full well that it was a luxury to be dancing salsa with a hot Latino like Val.
He was all passion dancing; nothing like the other guys who Luna had danced with before in Spain. All of them were full of technique, but Valentino was all rhythm inside his veins. He was turning around with Luna in his arms, holding one of her hands in his.
They were laughing and singing the words of the songs and they both were having the time of their lives dancing together.
In the mean time, surrounded by people that were constantly demanding his attention, Vin Diesel looked around and saw them dancing together.
Valentino was like his blood brother and Vin loved him. He knew full well that Val would never laid eyes on a woman who Vin had laid eyes on first, ever. It was an agreement they had since the day they met and they had never broken that sacred rule through the years, ever.
But in spite of that, Vin couldn’t help but feel jealous of his best friend. Not only because Val was dancing with Luna, but because Luna seemed as if she was having the time of her life dancing with Val.
Vin knew that he was being immature, but damnit! Valentino and Luna looked great dancing and laughing together. Apart from that, Val knew Spanish and Vin cursed himself silently when he remembered how Luna’s eyes had lit up, hearing him speaking the few words in Spanish that he had learnt.
From time to time, they danced with others and Luna was spinning around again and again. She was trying her best not to think about Vin in the same place inside the club and oblivious to her because he was concentrated on business.
When Luna felt exhausted, she looked for a group and started to talk with them for a while. Then, Valentino appeared again and they continued dancing together.
Luna’s throat was completely dry and she was picking up shots from trays that waiters were carrying. Most of them were filled with different colored liquids and Luna lost count of how many songs she had danced to and how many shots she gulped.
next…