I sit up in my seat, shaking my head at him. “No, we don’t have time for that.”
Davian cocks a brow up. “Well, we certainly don’t have time for work when you’re unfocused.”
“I’m serious. As much as I’d like to go back, we have so much work to do. We must act fast with the successful launch of Bloodka.” I attempt to sound serious and put my foot down, only earning a chuckle from Davian.
“How about this, boss,” Davian says in a mocking tone before continuing on. “I will handle the marketing department and their ideas for the time being. You take a break and go to this human girl.”
I’m hesitant to accept his offer, but I know that Davian wants success for this company just as much as I do. He wouldn’t do anything that could risk our company’s future. It has been well over a year since I’ve had a vacation, so a little step back wouldn’t be too bad.
“Fine…but it’s not a full vacation, just a short break.” I let my shoulders fall slightly as I agree. “I’m going to head over to the bar shortly then. Is there anything you need from me before I leave?”
Davian shakes his head, and I leap up from my chair, collecting my things before making my way to the elevator across the room. I press the button for the main floor and wait, turning to face Davian in the meantime.
He sits in the chair, staring at me, with his head resting on a few of his fingers. His head is shaking slightly and tail whipping at his side, hitting the chair rhythmically.
I furrow my brows, waiting for him to say whatever it is that’s on his mind.
“I just don’t get it. A human? What do they have to offer other than sex?” Davian exasperates. “They are all the same, lacking any unique features or traits. Most of them are weak, or unimpressive.”
The ding of the elevator arriving sounds, so I spin around and walk into it. I turn and press the button for the main floor,looking over to where Davian sits. A mischievous grin crawls onto my face, and I can’t help myself but taunt him.
“I can’t wait for the day you fall for a human,” I call out as the elevator begins to close.
“Oh, fuck off, it’s never gonna happen…” Davian’s shout is muffled as the doors shut.
The descent feels like it’s taking longer than usual. I flick my wrist out and check my watch, tapping my foot impatiently. Almost nine. It may be a little early to arrive to a bar, but that means it shouldn’t be as busy. Hopefully she’s working tonight.
Ding. The elevator doors open and I rush out, saying polite hellos to my employees as I pass through the lobby. A few people try to stop me for conversation, but I just tap my watch and continue on. Surely, they understand I’m a busy man.
As I exit onto the sidewalk, my driver is waiting; Davian must’ve alerted him for me. I’ll have to thank him for that later, or maybe just taunt him about humans some more. We’ll see how I’m feeling.
I practically throw myself into the back of the car, telling Jeremy, “To The Lair, please.”
“Right away, boss,” he responds happily.
He pulls out into the road, starting our drive. Once we’re at the bar, he knows he’s welcome to come in and socialize as long as he doesn’t drink. I’m not going to stop him from mingling and having a good time; just not so good of a time that we get stranded.
We ride in silence, my eyes locked on the world as it passes by outside the window. The sidewalks in this part of town are bustling with life, everyone different from one another. My office’s location also has busy streets, but they carry a different feeling. Here, everything is a bit looser, with a dangerous vibe.
Jeremy slows the car down, pulling over right in front of the bar. I run my palms down my legs, wiping away the bit of sweatforming. I do not sweat over women, yet here I am, sweating over a woman. Davian would be so disappointed and would never let me live it down if he knew.
Mallorie is different, I meant it all the times I’ve said it to Davian. I could tell from the moment I spotted her. I feel it inside of me when I look at her, even when I just think of her. The way she glided across the bar, the smile she gave people as she took their orders. I want that smile to be mine, for the rest of time.
I exit the car quickly, standing only for a moment while Jeremy pulls away to find a proper parking spot. I run my hands down my shirt and adjust my collar, making sure everything is perfect. Flaws don’t go unnoticed by those around you, and I certainly don’t want Mallorie to notice any.
As I enter the bar, the noise level increases drastically, and my ability to see decreases slightly. It’s darker in here, with the lights low and the windows blacked out. It sets a tone while also hiding the time and blocking the sky. Smart decision on the owner’s part; not all vampires can walk in the sun. Fortunately for me, I am one of the lucky ones.
Slowly, I weave through the tables and groups of people and monsters, heading toward the bar. Peeking through the crowd, I see her warm blonde hair, making me increase the speed of my steps. Anything in my path is pushed aside. Nothing will stop me from reaching her.
Once I’m only a few steps away from the bar, I catch her gaze, those fierce eyes widening as they connect with mine. A smile creeps onto my lips as I continue my approach. She seems surprised to see me, even though she told me to come back—well, essentially, she did.
“You’re back,” she says breathily, the slight sweet rasp in her voice like music to my ears.
I slide onto a stool and lean against the bar toward her. “You seem surprised.”
This close, the faint scent of her blood fills my nose, making me crave her in every way possible. My eyes quickly travel over her, reminding me of her utter perfection in every way. Just looking at her makes me feral.
I’ve seen and been with countless women in my 176 years, but the spark Mallorie ignites in me is unlike any other, and she doesn’t even try to impress me. Her resistance to my charm makes me want her more. Something about her existence, her aura, draws me to her. It’s as if she was made just for me.
