As the crow flies

Diego Alvarez | Spirit | 220 years old | Host at Ware

[diego-alvarez]

"I had all and then most of you, some and then none of you"

Diego Alvarez owes his life and death to a witch he met over 200 years ago. As a crow he became her familiar and protected her even after giving his life in her service. But the price of the witch's love would be higher still, leading to Diego's century long imprisonment in Zamok. These days he is your humble and flirtatious host at Ware. Read bio...

"Take me back to the night we met"

Current threads Be our guest | open | Victoria Wu, Ezra Vale, Nakatomi Ayumu Catching up | Naz Ulusoy At the beach | Isabelle Laurent You've got time | past thread | Isko De Guzman Admiring the art | Arjun Iqbal

"And then I can tell myself what the hell I'm supposed to do. And then I can tell myself not to ride along with you."

[kiranrabari]

Kiran's eyes narrow on the shouting from above, straining to make out the outline of a man. Seemingly a man, anyway. Kiran was still just a human, after all - a fact that remained an ever present danger in VC, zombies or not. He can't help the way his muscles tense as Diego thrashes around, eyes darting to try and spot any zombies he may have alerted with the noise.

"Stop! You'll get us both killed." The words come out through gritted teeth.

Still, somewhere behind the ten years of isolation and fraying sanity, there was a pang of guilt at the man's strained voice, the fear seemingly within. Despite himself, he makes a step toward the hidden release mechanism, a hand reaching out toward the rusted metal he'd used for the lever. He pauses, though, just a breath away - eyes narrowing back to the figure in the cage.

"How am I to know you won't kill me the second I let you out of there?" He asks, voice low and steady. There's clear bloodshot to the whites of Kiran's eyes, a hollowness to his cheeks from the hunger he'd grown accustomed to. Slowly, he glances down to the small pile of apples that were gathered beneath the trap.

"Perhaps we can make a deal for your freedom?" It seemed a good enough enquiry - if there was nothing Diego had to offer, perhaps he could still be of use in his lab.

[diego-alvarez]

The metal dug and cut into his physical body. It wasn't the most comfortable position to be in, but Diego had faced worse. Since he hadn't detected any magic in the cage he ruled out any magical attacks coming from the man below, thus ensuring that the spirit could always escape if he felt like it. For now, he decided to sit tight and continue with his act despite the discomfort. He took a deep breath and stopped moving. "Okay," he said, somewhat quieter and calmer, "Just- please let me out. I hate cages."

His dark eyes followed the man as he moved towards what guessed was the release mechanism. He waited for something to happen, but the man had changed his mind, suddenly showing distrust towards his victim. That was to be expected of anyone with reasonable intellect, or survival instinct, but it annoyed Diego that he had to stay in the cage longer. "W-what? But I- I don't have any weapons, how would I kill you?" he asked with a pleading voice and wide eyes, "I'm just a scavenger."

Diego's eyes were well-adjusted to seeing in the dark, and he noticed the man's hollowed cheeks and how those hungry eyes turned towards the apples. How very human, he thought. "Take the apples," he offered, as it was the only thing of value that he currently had on him. "I can show you where there's more. And if you want to trade something else, I have more at my shelter. There's more food there, and tools... Maybe you can use them for building more cages?"

[diego-alvarez]

Trade | Teddy & Diego

@teddy-byrne

location: L4, Ware.

The guard-dog zombies rattled their chains outside the entrance to Ware, alerting Diego that someone was approaching. The spirit gently floated down and peeked outside. He recognized the vampire, one of Ayumu's old friends (that term could mean many things when it came to Ayumu), and unlocked the door. Unlike the hostile exterior, the inside of Ware was as inviting as it had been ten years ago, perhaps more so now that the rest of the city was in a state of decay. And Diego, as always, appeared as the well-mannered, impeccably dressed host.

He held up the door for the vampire, at the same time pulling back the zombies from getting too close. "Welcome, Mr Byrne, would you like to come inside? We're always happy to see friends of Mx Nakatomi coming by. What can I do for you?"

[kiranrabari]

@vievecorcitystarters Location: I5 - the edge of VC Park.

The evening was quiet, the dusk air providing a slight chill that ran down Kiran's spine in a cold shiver. It was rare he left his apartment. Rare he set foot outside of the short perimeter he had deemed 'safe'. But - necessity had pushed his boundaries. And, if there truly was a a potential vaccine available... Kiran needed something to test it on. Or someone.

So, that's what brought him to the treeline of VC Park. Up ahead, one of his makeshift contraptions stood - an improvised trap, made out of scrap metal, spare wire and more desperation than he'd like to admit. It was designed to capture a stray zombie for his experiments - but, the figure that thrashed inside seemed much more sentient than Kiran had been expecting.

"... H-hello?" Kiran tries not to speak too loudly, not wanting to alert any zombies that may be around in the darkness."I do hope you weren't up there for too long." He doesn't make a move to release them just yet, though. Perhaps this accidental capture could still be useful.

[diego-alvarez]

Diego was on his way back to Ware with this evening's haul -- a bag of late autumn apples for a cider brew. He had started brewing his own alcoholic beverages some years ago and made use of what could be grown in the city, such as the apple trees in the city park. Next year he could try growing potatoes to make something stronger than cider, he thought as he walked straight into a trap.

Apples spilled out over the ground as the trap closed around him, locking him in place. Panic rose in his chest and he was about to phase out of the contraption when an idea made him stop and consider his options. Clearly, someone had rigged the trap for something large but not incredibly strong, like a human or a zombie. It was an impressive mechanism, and both it and whoever had built it could be useful. Diego hated the feeling of not being able to move, but he calmed himself with the thought that he could release himself whenever he wanted. If he waited a little while, whoever had rigged the trap would hopefully be back for their catch, revealing themselves and the workings of the contraption to Diego. Luckily, he didn't have to wait very long.

Some painstaking minutes went by, the sky darkened, and then he heard someone approaching. Diego thrashed against the metal holding him in place and cried out, "Please, help me! I-I'm stuck in here!" His voice sounded strained with effort and fear, and it wasn't all pretend. "Please hurry!"

[diego-alvarez]

Dawn of the Living Dead AU Diego Álvarez | Spirit | Residing in L4

Bio

Diego had only been out from Zamok for a year when the virus outbreak happened. Initially, he worried that the world would turn into a new prison, of fear and terror. When he found out that the zombies weren't interested in him, and that he couldn't catch the virus, he realized that the world was now providing him with more freedom than ever.

He stayed in the comfort of the Shipyard, spending time with Victoria, but also remaining at Ayumu's every beck and call. Eventually, Victoria left him and joined with Isko, before disappearing from VC altogether. This saddened Diego but only strengthened his loyalty towards Ayumu, who he believed would never abandon him. When Gloria joined their group, Diego was sceptical at first, but eventually warmed up to her. Together they keep Ware well-stocked and comfortable.

As the city became more abandoned, the things that had been cherished before, such as art and books, were left to decay. Diego took it as his mission to save as much of this cultural treasure as he could. Over the years he has amassed quite the collection of paintings, musical instruments, furniture, and a whole library, that he keeps in Ware. If it were up to him, the world could continue being this way, but of course he mourns the loss of life, lust and creativity.

Do they believe that this message is real? He is sceptical.

What is their favoured weapon? Diego doesn't carry weapons, relying instead on his magic and ability to phase through material to avoid danger.

If your character is in a group, please specify which group or who with. With Ayumu and Gloria.

Please specify in which square your character resides according to this grid map of Vievecor City. At Ware, square L4.

If they are a supernatural, how many times they have been bitten? None.

Potential plots:

Running into people when he's out scavenging

Trading supplies or services

Offering to guide someone safely through an area of the city

[spiritvw]

Victoria made a soft humming noise, enjoying the way that her behaviour seemed to unsettle Diego so. He was loyal, she would give him that. Though part of her wondered why Diego was plagued with such apparent, unwavering loyalty to the other spirit.

“A little…” The spirit murmured in admittance, her head tilting slowly to one side and then the other as she watched the torment play over Diego’s handsome features.

“Would you like that?” She returned, her gaze dark, “Wouldn’t you like to forget about being the perfect host, just for a moment?” She purred. Her fingers curled further around the fabric, pulling him a little closer despite his hands stilled at her elbows. Victoria had been looking for someone to torment, for someone to entertain herself with… had she found it? “It’s only some observations I’ve made from your choice of drink for me, of course…” Her fingers uncurled, letting him go, “…You wouldn’t possibly waver from your duties for me.”

[diego-alvarez]

Fire broke out in every cell of Diego's being. He found that he was locked in place, unable to break free from Victoria's spell, even as her hand let go of his shirt and she moved away. His duties? What duties? He was already forgetting himself, ready to fall on his knees in front of Victoria and beg her to take him.

He wet his lips and glanced around quickly before turning back to Victoria and leaning in closer. "Tonight, my duty extends fully to you," he said softly, "Perhaps you would like us to find a private room?" He knew which of the rooms were currently occupied and which one they could sneak into. The question was if Victoria would agree to it, or if she was simply toying with him. Diego's eyes looked warmly at her, suddenly opening up their vulnerability in light of his offer.

[spiritvw]

“We wouldn’t want to upset Mx Nakatomi,” Victoria purred in agreement, a mischievous pout forming on her soft lips. She nodded at the mention of the drink and began to follow the other spirit towards the bar. “I can’t help it if I’m obliged to perform saintly duties and rid your customers of their temptation.” Her voice was melodic and soft and her lips curved to a soft, innocent smile for a second. “I’ll spend some of my earnings at the bar, some back at the table and some I’ll take for myself. Fair is fair, I’ve told Ayumu.”

Victoria watched as amber liquid topped with blue was placed on the bar top and promptly set on fire. “Oh, thank goodness for that.” She sarcastically chided, admiring the flame for a moment before she leant in to swiftly blow it out, extinguishing it from the top of the shot glass. Fingers curled around it and she swiftly drank it. Her tongue clicked against the top of her mouth as she savoured the peach spice and then the creamy chocolate aftertaste.

“Hm.” Victoria hummed in thought before turning her dark gaze back to Diego. Slowly, Victoria closed the space that was left between them as she floated forward, “Do you think I would burn you, Diego?” She asked, her head tilting with curiosity, though there was something taunting in her voice. She wrapped her slender fingers in the buttons and silk at the front of other spirits shirt. “Do you think I’d be soothing afterwards?”

[diego-alvarez]

Diego's eyes went to the ceiling, praying for guidance, as soon as he had his back to Victoria. Her little saint-game wasn't exactly appreciated by Ayumu, who would much rather have the money go into their establishments, and Diego's duty was first and foremost towards Ayumu. All the same, he couldn't deny that he admired Victoria for it, going against someone old and powerful like that, it was a dangerous stunt. "And as long as everyone plays by the rules, then fair it is," he agreed, the polite smile back on his lips again.

The drink went down swiftly and Diego could see the pleasure on Victoria's face. He gave a satisfied nod, and was about to turn to the bartender to order something more when he was reeled in by Victoria's silky presence. His skin flamed up with warmth from the point where her fingers brushed against him through the thin fabric of his shirt. The words he tried to form with his mouth came out in a helplessly speechless breath. Diego's hands cupped gently around Victoria's elbows, his hands warm and soft. He wanted to pull her in, close the last inch of space between them, to feel her hands moving over his chest. It took tremendous effort to remain still, neither pulling her in nor pushing her away.

With a voice that was low and steaming with desire he said, "I don't doubt that one second." He swallowed, his throat suddenly dry as parchment. "Do you really wish to see me crash and burn in public?"

[isabellexlaurent]

Given what Teddy told her, a spirit with the ability and knowledge to use a witch's magic against them would be useful for fighting Artemis. The problem arose with the twofold issue of whether or not Diego could be trusted and how much fight remained in someone so recently freed from Zamok. But all that could wait at least a few more days. Belle wished to get to know the man a bit more before deciding if he was friend, foe, or fool. "You mean sitting on the beach?" She tossed her hair behind her. "Or are you referring to the sunshine? It does harken a bit back to the reptilian mind and the longing for warmth and the familiar."

She snorted softly, showing him the cover of the novel. "A patient recommended it. It is utter trash. All fairy porn. I doubt any real fae would appreciate being depicted in such a manner." Then again it was only fair that some of the other species get their fair share of being sexualized in literature. Twilight still haunted Belle's nightmares.

[diego-alvarez]

"Sitting on the beach, yes, but mainly the sunshine." Diego chuckled at her reply, "Frankly, I don't think either of us have any strand of that reptilian mind remaining, but I understand what you mean. I suppose it reminds us of our previous lives." He looked out at the sea, and indeed felt that it reminded him of the shores of Spain, where he had lived as a young crow. Some needs were strong enough to follow into the life after death.

Diego's forehead wrinkled as he tried to imagine what the book was like, he had never heard of anything even resembling that. Prison hadn't exactly been abundant with sensual books. "I admit, I've never read anything like that. I'm curious, how bad can it be?" he shrugged and gave Isabelle a knowing smile. "Sex is part of our lives as much as it is part of the humans'. And the fae are not the most prude of us."

[arjun-iqbal]

"You don't need to worry about taking my time, Diego. This gallery is a part of my life, my home, in a sense. To share it with a visitor is a pleasure." Arjun had only a minimal memory of the man: a couple of fleeting encounters, followed by word of his imprisonment. Of course, his inquisitive mind had soon learnt why, but for the sake of their talk, he would avoid bringing it up. By all accounts, Diego was great company...quite pleasing to the eye, too. "..I was in the same room as him once, if that counts." the deity shrugged, his eyes not failing to capture the way the other's practically swelled with emotion. Now that was just..wonderful to see. Iqbal smiled at the response, feeling sad when it ended. So abruptly too. "Please, I love to hear it." He gestured toward a nearby archway leading to a different wing of the gallery, "When did you become so interested in art, if you don't mind me being a little curious? Do you recall the first painting that did it for you?" Arjun knew exactly which paintings to show the spirit..he just hoped he would not mind the small talk in between.

[diego-alvarez]

Calling the gallery your home, now that was something. The words made Diego smile. It was clear that the art curator belonged in the gallery, not only thanks to his knowledge and skills, but for his love of the art, not to mention how fine he looked among the exclusive artworks.

"Once... not to be painted by him then?" Diego asked with a twinkle in his eye. "Did you ever meet any of the other artists?" He definitely wished he had, but back when he would have had the chance he hadn't had the interest or knowledge of art. Oh, how would it have been like to see the world through their eyes and hear how they talked about their lives? Alas, he would have to settle for hearing second-hand stories and admiring the work they had left behind.

He followed Arjun, eager to see what the deity would choose next. The question caught him off guard. He didn't reply right away, debating whether to be truthful or pull some elaborate lie about visiting the Louvre when it was inaugurated, before settling on something in-between. "It's quite a recent interest actually. I don't remember if there was something that started it, I guess I just found it as a form of escapism," he gave a little smile, tainted by sadness, before he resumed his previously eager expression. "What about you? It must be an old passion, no?"

[nakatomi-ayumu]

Ayumu emerged from the back rooms of Ware to see the night's host doing his job at the establishment's entrance. Diego was a favourite of Ayumu's, especially after he had proven his loyalty time and again ever since they took him in from Zamok and watching him work was always a delight. They waited for him to be done with greeting Ware's latest guest, their eyes following Diego and said guest around the room until he was done before they sauntered over.

They slid a hand over Diego's forearm to get his attention and their face broke into a familiar, sly smile, their eyes narrowing into slits that brought out how fox-like Ayumu's features could become. "Good evening, Diego. How are we doing for business tonight? Our guests are enjoying themselves, I hope?"

[diego-alvarez]

When Ayumu approached him, Diego had taken on a position of observer. Perched with one leg on a bar stool, the crow's watchful eyes scanned the room to see that all guests were still satisfied and in good hands. The touch against his arm brought his focus closer to home and his warm, dark eyes fell on the fox spirit. "Good evening, Boss. Of course they are, that's what you pay us for," he replied with a confident grin. "The game downstairs went especially well tonight. I think it was a success to start the players off with some drinks on the house, it all came back to us threefold in the end."

Coming down from the stool to stand closer to Ayumu, Diego leaned in to ask, "Anything I can do for you tonight?" And, as always, he meant it to the fullest extent of the word anything.

[iskodeguzman]

Isko knew he was prison bound as soon as the trial had started. His lawyer had been good but there was denying the evidence that had been stacked up against him. The lawyer had managed to get him a reduced sentence but twenty years still felt steep for a younger vampire like him. He had always been involved in trouble in some way but this was the first time he'd been caught. As he stepped into the exercise yard, the vampire tugged at the collar, hating the heavy way it sat around his neck, a reminder that he was mostly powerless with it on.

He had began walking aimless, not noticing people eyeing him as he walked. "Hello," he greeted, surprised to see someone in his path. The vampire's lips pursed, wondering how much Diego knew or if he was trying to get something for him. "I'm Isko de Guzman," he answered after a moment, taking the outstretched hand and shook it. Friendliness was unexpected for Zamok but he couldn't stay isolated for twenty years. "I do smoke," he answered, nodding slightly. He was used to people having bad intentions but he couldn't figure out Diego's intentions. "I just do it as a way to keep my hands busy." Isko presumed he would need more things to keep him occupied in this place. "Are we allowed to smoke?"

[diego-alvarez]

The way the vampire tugged at his collar sent waves of recognition down Diego's spine. How he had hated the sensation when they first put it on him. To a spirit, it was like a prison within a prison, always being forced to be part of the physical world. Eighty years down the line it was still not a pleasant experience, but now he had almost forgotten how it felt like not to have it. "It gets easier with the collar, you get used to it," he said after shaking Isko's hand. The words weren't much, but he hoped he sounded sincere enough to offer some comfort with them.

"Any distraction feels good in here," Diego said, but regretted it a little bit. Not all distractions were good. Some led to punishments. But the harmless ones were sometimes encouraged, since the guards knew it was important to keep a lid on the frustration of the prisoners. "They allow it. If you behave," he explained and signaled to a guard on the other side of the gate, "And if you're friendly enough with the guards." He stepped up to the bars, and the guard, Francis, came closer, offering a lit cigarette. Diego took it and gestured for Isko to follow him. In a corner of the exercise area there was a small opening to a narrow ventilation shaft - the closest thing they had to a window. Diego took a pull at the cigarette before offering it to Isko. "They're not friendly for free, of course, the guards always want something in return. But the more compliant you are, the easier your time in here will be."

"Can I ask how long they gave you?" He didn't want to seem like he was prying, but knowing the sentence would make it easier for him to advise Isko. And if he was completely honest, he was curious what kind of trouble his potential friend had caused.

[ezravale]

Ezra didn't often ventures into the nightclubs or bars of Vievecor's suburbs, usually preferring the cleaner, more clinical, enivorment of his own hotels. But, he had a rare evening of free time, and the besotted humans he usually entertained were grinding on his nerves even more so than usual. So, he had made the trip to Ware, hoping at least to find some more enjoyable company.

A few steps in, the demon eyes Diego as he approaches, a slow smile forming. "I was hoping to speak to your boss." Ayumu was one of the few people in this city who understood Ezra's specific brand of humour. Yet, looking over this new spirit before him, perhaps the night could go differently. "But, I'm sure they're busy. Perhaps, you could help me find the best of those exquisite drinks you mention. You seem like someone with excellent taste yourself."

[diego-alvarez]

Diego didn't recognise the guest as one of the regulars. It could of course be an old-timer, someone who had visited before his time. Either way, Diego felt that he had to make sure the guest felt extra welcome. It was unfortunate then that he had to disappoint by denying him his first wish. "I'm afraid they are," he said carefully before smiling brightly again, "My name is Diego Álvarez. I'll be your host for the night."

"Certainly," he gestured for the demon to lead the way to the bar. "Do you have a preference, sir, or would you like to be surprised?" Diego watched the other with polite curiosity, wondering if this was someone who had a past with Ayumu or ran a similar business. "Are you an old friend of Mx Nakatomi?"

[spiritvw]

“Madam,” Victoria repeated, her voice a soft purr, “That makes it sound like I’m an authority figure here, Diego. I don’t think your boss would like that at all.” She chided, her dark gaze glimmering playfully. In-fact, the title Madam reminded her of her days working in a brothel herself. The ridiculous names that were somehow supposed to be more desirable and the men with too much money on their hands to spend on a pretty woman in a pretty garment. She still hated those men, or at least, most of them.

“You do, do you?” The spirit asked, intrigued as to what he might choose for her. He was so eager to please that she was inclined to let him just to see what she could achieve. Besides, Victoria supposed she could allow herself to admit he was attractive. “Is that an invite?” She asked. “I don’t know about the dress but I’ve certainly ruined their wallets.” Victoria smiled, “Am I in trouble?”

[diego-alvarez]

"What Mx Nakatomi doesn't hear won't hurt them," Diego said quietly, but lowered his gaze as if he was ashamed to even utter such disloyalty. He did however take note that Victoria didn't like being called 'madam'. Señora, on the other hand, seemed to be much more appreciated.

The inviting smile played mischievously on his lips, but he didn't want things to move too quickly or he might seem desperate for her attention. And most women didn't like desperate. "Let's see about that drink, shall we?" he said instead and gestured towards the bar. "Are you in trouble?" he echoed with a laugh, "I think, more precise would be to say that, where you go, trouble is soon to follow. How are our guests supposed to spend their money if they lose it all to you?"

"A diablo shot for the señora," Diego ordered at the bar. It was an amber liquid with a blue top layer, served in a tall shot glass. The taste was something like a spicy peach and chili sauce that made the tongue burn, but was followed by a creamy and cooling sensation of chocolate with the aftertaste. When the bartender served the drink, the top layer was set on fire. "Don't worry, you don't have to drink the fire, just blow it out," Diego explained.

[isabellexlaurent]

Aside from a few families enjoying the last days of summer and the seagulls crying just out of view, Belle felt alone on the beach. The world before her narrowed to the warmth of the sand, the steady crash of waves, and the book before her. So engrossed with the text, Belle hadn't noticed the man rising from the waved.

She looked at him over her book, smile on her lips. She'd heard quite a bit regarding the ex-con who had the bad luck of being loyal to the wrong person. Such a sweet soul surviving Zamok meant that there was more to him than she initially thought. "By all means." She scooted aside, making room for him on her blanket.

[diego-alvarez]

Diego was familiar with the Queen of the night and her kind heart. Still, he was pleasantly surprised that she offered him a spot on the blanket next to her. Diego sat down on the edge, careful not to drip water over her things, and buried his toes in the sand. "Thank you," he said warmly. "If you don't mind... I'm wondering what this all feels like to you. It's just not that common to see, well, a vampire out here," he asked her a little sheepishly.

He looked at the book in her hands and tilted his head to try and read the title. "What are you reading? You have to tell me off if I'm asking too many questions, but I am on the lookout for new books to read." He had after all spent most of his time in prison reading anything he could get his hands on.

[jo-tag]

[isabellexlaurent]

Location: Beach

For years after she was turned, Isabelle mourned the loss of the sun. The ring for protection came soon enough after, but that brief period of time when she'd been confined fully to the shadows made her long for the warmth and brightness she'd so often taken for granted. The night was her natural habitat, but those fleeting moments of daylight when she could take off her heels and feel the warmth of the sand between her toes was indescribable. She came to love the way the light glinted off the waves momentarily blinding her. She'd admit to none of this, but on a quiet summer's day, the beach proved too tempting for her to simply ignore.

She'd spread out a blanket on the sand, laying out with a pair of glasses perched on her head and some tawdry novel in her hands. The sound of the surf soothed her into a state of reverie where none of the problems of the world could reach her. Her eyes grew heavy. She blinked once, twice, fighting the pull of slumber.

[diego-alvarez]

Before being locked up in Zamok he would never have believed that one could miss the view of the sea so much. Now, Diego often went to the harbour or the beach to look at the vast horizon. There was something so calming in the pull of the endless. It was the closest thing to flying when you didn't have any wings. Sometimes, like today, he also went for a swim.

The water dripped down from his hair and naked chest when he walked out of the sea. He noticed the leader of the Sisters of the Night and approached her with a surprised smile on his lips. He hadn't expected a vampire to enjoy the sun, for even with the sun rings he had heard that the bright light could be too much for them. "It's a fine day for the beach," he said softly, not wanting to startle her in her relaxed state. "May I join you, Ms Laurent? My name is Diego Alvarez."

[spiritvw]

Victoria enjoyed Ware when it was at its busiest, the energy of the patrons thrummed through her and after a successful hour, she emerged from one of the exclusive, invitation only games downstairs. She glided from the stairs, delicate hands sweeping down the wine red chiffon of her dress that hugged her hips and floated easily down over her legs where they disappeared entirely below the knee.

She spotted Diego by the door, the familiar host bringing a sly smile to the spirit elders lips as she took in his attire. “Are you going to update your sales pitch anytime soon?” Victoria asked him once his guest for the evening had moved away to the bar. She paused to study him, “Why haven’t I seen you in silk before, Diego?”

[diego-alvarez]

"Madam Wu," Diego's smile hitched only for a second, startled by the question, but he quickly regained his composure. "You're perfectly right, of course, I must sound like a broken record at this point. I hope you will allow me to make it up to you. An honoured guest such as you deserves a more personal welcome. Perhaps I can convince you to try one of our new drinks, I think I know just what you'll like."

He chuckled lightly, feeling the heat rise in his body at her comment, not to mention the way she looked in that gorgeous dress. "Señora, there are a lot of things you haven't seen me in," he murmured to her. "Tell me, how many of our esteemed guests have you ruined tonight just by wearing that dress?"