The atmosphere in the bar had become softer. Klaus and Katrina stood side by side at the counter, drinks in hand, laughing like two old friends.
Katrina, a little drunk:
— You know... I didn't imagine you were funny.
Klaus, a smile on the corner of his lips:
—And I didn't imagine you being able to drink that much without collapsing.
She laughs, a clear and sincere laugh.
— Maybe I'm hiding my game well.
Klaus tilted his head, looking at her with amusement.
—Oh, I don't doubt it. You're hiding more than that.
"I think… I haven't laughed like that in a long time," Katrina said, a little tipsy.
"And I haven't spoken this much in years," Klaus replied with a sincere smile.
Klaus swirled his glass absently, observing the golden reflection of the drink.
"You know," he murmured, "you are different from the others.
— Hmm?
— Yes… you listen. It's rare.
Katrina laughed softly.
—And you are dangerous.
- Dangerous ?
"Yes… for a woman's heart," she replied with a teasing smile.
Klaus smiled. The alcohol was slowly rising to Katrina's head, and she moved slightly closer, resting her elbow on the counter.
"You know," she said, "I almost never drink.
—And this evening?
- Exception. You were worth it.
Klaus raised an amused eyebrow.
—Are you sure it's not the alcohol talking?
— Maybe so... but I like what he says.
They laughed together. The atmosphere had become softer, almost intimate. Then suddenly, Klaus leaned down, staring at Katrina's slightly parted cleavage.
Katrina, raising an amused eyebrow:
— Do you often look at women like that, or am I an exception?
Klaus, a smirk:
—Only when they are as captivating as the wine I drink.
She laughs, falsely flattered:
— Charming. Very...awkward, but charming.
He shrugged his shoulders, playing on his sincerity.
— I swear, it's the effect of the whiskey. Not my fault.
Katrina shivered.
— You are very bold for such a taciturn man.
"Alcohol makes me sincere," he murmured.
She smiled, bringing her face closer to his.
—Then be sincere a little longer.
And without waiting, she kissed him.
The kiss was both awkward and passionate, full of desire and turmoil. Klaus held her gently by the back of her neck, deepening the contact. When they parted, Katrina whispered, her cheeks rosy:
— This is what wine does. It makes me... bold.
Klaus, a tender smile:
—And for me, he makes me reckless.
The bartender looked at them for a moment, then sighed.
— Another couple who will regret tomorrow morning...
Klaus turned to the bartender:
—A room key, please.
The bartender hesitated, then handed over the key with a little knowing smile.
Seconds later, they moved away from the counter and into the dimly lit hallway. Katrina staggered a little, half laughing. Klaus, although slightly drunk, retained enough lucidity to support her, his hand placed at her waist.
When they reached the door, he slipped the key in, turned it, and closed it behind them.
Katrina leaned against the wall, a smile on her face.
"You know, you're way too pretty to be real.
Klaus approached slowly, his hot breath brushing the back of her neck.
—And you, too intoxicating for me to stay calm.
He put an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him.
"Katrina… you know how much you turn me on," he whispered in a deep voice, his chest pressed against her back.
She laughed, turning her head towards him, their lips inches apart.
"Then prove it," she whispered.