Ambers.
It was the man from the banister on the top floor!
“Are you alright?”
“I-I...” I could not speak.
From a distance I could not see all his features but up close... the man was devastatingly gorgeous. I spun around to face him fully since I only craned my neck.
He was tall with a strong and broad structure. He had long dark hair that passed his shoulders. He had two scars on his face, one on his left brow and the other on the right curve of his chin cutting through his perfectly groomed beard to the bottom of his jaw. He wore a black button down with the top two buttons undone and his sleeves expertly rolled up to his elbows. The skin of his exposed arms and chest were blessed with beautifully intricate tattoos.
The way he stared down at me, in all his glory, sent shivers down my spine. It reminded me of the striking gaze of a wild wolf on the prowl. There are only two words I would use to sum up and describe this man. Sexy and dangerous. And the two words I would use to describe what I feel currently...
Pure attraction.
“Miss?”
“I-I’m fine... thanks to you.”
“I’m glad I could be of assistance.”
“But why?
“Pardon?”
And here I thought I was sober. Nope. Here is the drunken stupor, now! Didn’t Mel say to just accept good things with a smile? Why am I trying to ruin this?
“Why did you help me?”
His gaze seemed to focus on me harder as he narrowed his eyes. He tilted his head back and eyed me beneath his nose. It looked to be demeaning but for some reason I did not take it that way. It is just because I am drunk but... I thought it was hot in a power move way.
“Would you have preferred that I let him strike you?”
“No.”
“Then why question it?”
I blinked at that. This was a very valid question.
“I think it is because I may be a bit drunk.”
“Hmm,” he hummed out. He held his hand out to me. It was an extremely large hand that wore an expensive-looking watch on the wrist and a black band on the middle finger.
So, he is not married...
“Why don’t we leave the dance floor, yes?”
I nodded and took his hand. He gently pulled me closer to his side and placed his other hand on the small of my back. I flinched at first and we both paused. I sent a reassuring smile to him, and his eyes dragged away. I did not flinch because I was startled. No, it was because of how warm and gentle this colossal man was being. Also, with how much I was liking it.
He led me to the VIP section in which I was sitting before and helped me into the booth. I scooted over and motioned for him to join me. He looked at the seat beside me and frowned.
I rolled my eyes. “It is not going to hurt you to sit, will it? I do not bite. I promise.”
“I do not believe you. You are very intoxicated.”
“Okay,” I said nodding at his logic. “So, I may bite, but only if you ask me nicely.”
“And if I were to ask you to,” he questioned.
I arched a brow at his forwardness. On a normal day, I would blush and stutter a bit. To be honest, on a normal day, those word would have never left my lips! But... today was not a normal day. With my system full of alcohol, I was not as flustered as usual. Okay, I was a little. But that is only because this man had my stomach in a fit of knots and my panties drenched.
“Well,” he pushed.
“Well...” I began. “That can be decided upon further discussion if you want. But that is only if you sit down.”
He sighed deeply, released a large puff of air out through his nostrils. All the while, he rotated and cracked a few things in his back and sat down opposite of me in the booth. I should have been more specific even though I know he knew what I meant. He released a hum as he situated himself in the seat. It amazed me how well I hear it in such a loud atmosphere, but I did. And that is honestly pushing it. I do not think I should even call it a hum when it was more like a growl.
He placed one hand on the table and the other on the back of the booth’s seat. I moved to look at his hands and could see that they were bruised and busted.
“What happened to your hands,” I asked. “Are you okay?”
His eyes fell to his hand which flexed under attention. Sighing again he rolled his eyes. “You were almost assaulted in my club, and you’re worried about whether or not my hands are okay?”
I blinked at him, mouth agape. “You own this place?”
No wonder he was on the top floor... He owned it! He gave me a curt nod and I sighed. Well, that still does not explain your hands.”
“Does it matter?”
“Do you still want the offer of biting on the table?”
He tilted his head up, again eying me beneath his nose. I almost gave in within that second until he smirked at me. His gaze hungrily rolled overr my body, and everywhere his eyes landed went up in flames.
“You are amusing.”
“Thanks,” I said as cool as a cucumber. The wonders of liquid courage. I would never have been able to pull off any of this shit if I had not drank. “I believe the best way to get through life is through laughter.”
“Interesting outlook.”
“I know. And you are stalling. Your hands, what happened to them?”
He inspected the back of his hands before balling them into fists.
“I busted them while working.”
“What were you working on?”
A project for a hobby of mine.”
“What kind of hobby?”
His eyes landed on me, hard and a bit annoyed. Though there was music blaring and people living loudly amongst us, there was silence between us. I could tell that he was not used to the interrogation I was performing on him. He tilted his head to the side and sat back in his seat.
“Murder.”
The night was alive with the electric energy of the city, a backdrop of bustling streets and vibrant lights that set the stage for the unexpected convergence of four intriguing personalities. Jezebel, Melissa, Dexter, and Axel found themselves drawn together, united by the gravitational pull of curiosity and intrigue, their paths converging as they observed the unfolding scene before them. Jezebel leaned against the wall, her eyes veiled in amusement as she watched her brother, Abaddon, whisk Aurelia away in his arms. The playful glint in her eyes revealed a knowing smile—she was well aware of the dynamics at play between the two. Her gaze shifted to Melissa, the newest addition to the group, a woman of mystery whose aura was a blend of enigma and allure. Melissa's expression was a mix of fascination and assessment, her sharp eyes taking in every detail of the scene before her. She had been brought into this world unexpectedly, and now, her gaze locked onto Axel—his playful demeanor
The night unfolded like a dream, full of laughter and whispers of adventure. With Jezebel, Mel, and me, it was like stepping into a world of secrets and possibilities. Up on that rooftop bar, the music wrapped around us, and I danced like there was no tomorrow. We were a trio of unstoppable energy, united against anything that dared to intrude on our fun. But beneath the laughter and the music, something was different. I felt as if someone was there, lingering like shadows, keeping watch from a distance. It felt like they were guarding us, watching over us in their own mysterious way. The night held a sense of intrigue, like we were characters in a story just waiting to be discovered. As the hours passed, the mix of drinks and excitement blurred my senses. The night had an air of adventure, a whisper that urged me to step out of my comfort zone. And then she appeared. The carefree me, a new friend who felt strangely familiar, like a missing puzzle piece falling into place. And then
“Explain,” he hissed. “Now!” “It’s all their fault,” Axel snitched. “Jez and Dex cornered me after our meeting threatening me if I didn’t tell them about Aurelia. Then they forced me on this goose chase to find and follow to see if she were a threat!” Dexter's frustration grew, his features contorting with a mix of irritation and anger. “Ya have got to be kidding me! Ever heard the saying snitches get stitches? How many do ya want?” “Oh, go back to Britian”, Axel snapped. “Ye lickarse! One little look and you fall over ya self?” “I’ll deal with you both later.” Abaddon then turned and began to walk towards the three women before Dexter grabbed his arm. “You’re really going to confront them?” The trio of women, blissfully unaware of the looming confrontation, continued to enjoy their night out. As the hours passed, Aurelia's intoxication became evident, her laughter ringing through the air. Her new friend, a mysterious addition to the group, seemed equally jovial. Axel's gaze r
Under the veil of night, Axel and Dexter moved with a seamless blend of skill and stealth. Shadows clung to their forms as they trailed behind the trio of women, keeping a watchful eye from a safe distance. Their mission, born from the clandestine plans of intercepting Aurelia in efforts to learn more about her, demanded their utmost attention and precision.Dexter's piercing emerald eyes remained locked on the scene ahead, his sharp senses absorbing every detail. Axel, his usual playful demeanor subdued by the gravity of the situation, navigated the surroundings with a quiet intensity. The loud music and murmurs of the city surrounded them, a backdrop to the unfolding intrigue.The two stood in a dark corner of the rooftop bar, watching the women have their fun. Axel held his phone to his chest, waiting for any further communication from Jezebel. So far, there weren’t any tips along the lines of Aurelia being a danger, but they couldn’t be too sure. She could always just be a great a
The night had taken an unexpected turn, one that Aurelia and Melissa could not have foreseen as they embarked on their girls' night out. With Jezebel's presence added to the mix, the evening became an intriguing blend of newfound camaraderie and unspoken secrets. As they left the upscale clothing store, the trio walked side by side, the bustling city around them now carrying an air of mystery and anticipation. Jezebel's aura exuded both power and grace, a combination that was difficult to ignore. Aurelia couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and curiosity as she stole glances at the enigmatic woman beside her. "So, Jezebel," Melissa began, her tone casual as she attempted to initiate conversation. "What brings you to our city? Are you here for business?" Jezebel's lips curved into a knowing smile, her gaze flickering between Aurelia and Melissa. "You could say that. I'm here to explore new opportunities and perhaps make some new connections." Aurelia exchanged a glance with M
The bustling streets of the city seemed to come alive as Melissa and I strolled along, our laughter blending with the urban symphony of honking horns and distant chatter. The sun cast a warm, golden glow over the buildings, painting a picturesque scene of life in motion. I felt a sense of exhilaration, a break from my routine that promised a night of fun and camaraderie. "So, what's the plan for tonight, Lia?" Melissa asked, her hazel eyes twinkling with anticipation. I grinned, glancing at my friend. "Well, I thought we'd start with dinner at that new Italian restaurant downtown. Then, if you're up for it, instead of Don’s club, we could hit that new rooftop bar and dance the night away." Melissa's excitement was palpable as she clapped her hands together. "Yes, that sounds perfect! A little wine, good food, and dancing – what more could we ask for?" As we turned the corner, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a storefront window. My long black hair caught the sunlight in its