Free ASCENSION by S. W. Frank Page A

neutralize it .
    The younger Alfonzo may have acted on impuls e without regard for those around him. He would have p ummeled Franky to the ground until he fell unconscious or died. Maturity and self-discipline taught him how to channel the anger, use it constructively. There were subversive techniques equally effective to a beat-down . Selange remained silent, Franky too. Alfonzo ’s eyebrow lifted severely . The fact she continued to avoid eye contact became amusin g. Why the guilty face if she hadn’t done anything wrong ? He wondered.
    “Enjoy your dance , babe?” He finally asked with a hint of sarcasm.
    Franky noticed the vein protruding from Alfonzo’s forehead . D espite his boss’ composure it was apparent at any minute he might spring into an attack . Franky stayed close to Sel a nge in the event Alfonzo’s temper flared. Alfonzo’s pupils constricted and there was a subtle twitch in the corner of his eye. Franky noticed these things because he was trained to. He spoke in acceptance of blame in an effort to redirect A lfonzo’s acrimony, “She was sitting alone and I asked her to dance. I hope you don’t mind?”
    The blue irises slowly came to rest on Franky. “Was I talking to you?”
    “No, but I see you ’ r e upset.”
    Alfonzo observed the protective stance the bodyguard took and smirked. He directed his attention to his wife ignoring Franky’s display of false courage , “ Let ’s dance babe. ”
    He got out of his seat and Franky stepped away from Selange as he reached for her hand. She took it and he led her toward the dance floor. To make room h e jostl ed other revelers along the way and claimed a few inches of floor space for them to dance . His actions were callous and cold. Completely out of character but he didn’t care.
    He held her tightly against him and lowered his face to the side of her ear. His lips brushed her earlobe and liquored breath fanned her neck. He whispered , “ You seem shocked to see me . ”
    “ I am . ”
    Her honesty didn’t surprise him. His black mood failed to intimidate his wife or censure her words. Alfonzo’s head raised to see her face, “Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to go out, I would ’ ve taken you ? ”
    “It was a last minute decision.”
    Alfonzo arms remained firmly around her waist as h e effortlessly danced to the sultry reggae song . His hand s slid up and down the curvature of her hips as he gyrated rhythmically to the beat . Selange felt breathless as the heat of his hands seared through her flesh.
    “You know I love you, right?” He said.
    He’d been drinking and she won dered exactly how much he witnessed . He must not have seen the kiss because if he had Franky would be sprawled out on the floor. No, he’d only observed the dance. “I do and I love you, too . ”
    “ Then where’s your wedding ring?”
    “ It’s home. I forgot it.”
    “Bull.”
    “Believe what you want.”
    “I can tell you’re lying.”
    “Fine, I’m lying. I left it home on purpose. Satisfied?”
    He frowned. “W hy are you provok ing me babe , what’s going on with you and Franky?”
    “Absolutely nothing . You’re not goi ng to believe the truth and I’m tired of you asking! ”
    “ Selange , why after everything we’ve been through are you pushing this hard at me…everything we’ve discussed about security …about Franky and you do this, por qu é el amor ? ”
    “Alfonzo, I don’t want another argument. I came out to enjoy myself. I can do that can’t I?”
    “You can do anything you want … ” There was pain behind the eyes and hurt in his voice, “ except disrespect me by putting on a public exhibition with your lover. Are you trying to punk me or what? ”
    She stopped, “ He’s not my lo ver so cut th e crap. You’re drunk.”
    “Am I?” He moved her easily, “Drunk or not I have eyes. You look guilty as hell, if you weren’t doing anything wrong why the sneaking around? Why not tell me you’re going? Name a