I know he’s half-way joking but I wouldn’t put it past him to do it anyways. He’s extremely protective, even though he’s well aware that I can handle my own.
“Absolutely not. I’m capable of driving myself. I need a night without shadows and to feel normal for once. I’ll text her now and tell her to leave you alone. But you know, you could take her out. I know you have a thing for each other…” I wag my eyebrows at him.
He rolls his eyes at me before he shoves my shoulder. I don’t miss the tint of red that surfaces at the mention of actually taking her out. For someone who doesn’t flinch at getting shot, he sure is a chicken shit when it comes to her.
“Mind your business. Text me if you need anything.” Hedismisses me by turning back to the TV, clicking the volume button up. I chuckle to myself as I walk out.
I arrive at Patent Pending Speakeasy finding a spot right up front. As I get out of the car, I adjust my dress and butterflies start fluttering in my stomach. Oh god, what’s gotten into me? Taking a deep breath, I give security the password and head inside. Instantly, I spot a god of a man sitting at the bar. As if he can hear my thoughts, he turns my way and a smile lights up his handsome face.
His hair is disheveled but not in a bum way but in a sex-appeal way. He has a nice button down, black dress shirt that’s so tight around his muscular arms, one move may break the material. The top two buttons are undone, teasing the chiseled chest that I know is underneath. The sleeves are rolled up showcasing his ink and nice black slacks. And those legs, fuck me, I didn’t realize how built this man is.
I squeeze my thighs together, realizing I’m wet just looking at him. I snap out of my trance and approach as he pulls out a chair for me next to him. What a gentleman; I could get used to this.
“You look absolutely beautiful. I gotta keep my eye out for the other males who, no doubt, are drooling after you.” His eyes devour me from head to toe.
My toes curl at the way he looks at me. It feels like I’m in high school talking to my crush for the first time. I feel like a total giddy girl. Play it cool, Celeste.
“Good thing I have you to protect me and keep them away,” I tease as I make myself comfortable in the cushioned chair.
“Welcome to Patent Pending. What can I get for you tonight?” the bartender greets us by placing a napkin in front of each of us.
“Bourbon neat, please,” I responded.
No way in hell you would see me ordering a fruity tuti drink. I love the fire that burns down my throat, which will distract me from the ache between my thighs.
“I’ll have the same,” Alaric orders. “How was your flight?” He turns toward me, giving me his full attention.
“It was long and I got stuck with my unbearable cousin and friend chatting nonstop. How was work?”
Looking at him closely, I notice how exhausted he is. He has circles under his eyes like he hasn’t been sleeping. You wouldn't notice unless you were really looking but I do. I also notice how tense he is and how he stiffens with the mention of work.
“It’s been a long day. Got a call this morning at 3:00 a.m to a body found at Times Square. It’s definitely something that you can’t get out of your head. She was young and he tortured her to the lengths of death and we were too late.” He stares off towards the bottles on the wall.
“I’m sorry you had to witness that. It’s not your fault, you know.” I place my hand on his shoulder trying to comfort him.
Finding her clearly struck something deeper within. I know the feeling.
“I know but if we would have caught him sooner, we could have saved her. They call him The Jawbraker and he’s been targeting young women who work in an industry that he believes is run by the devil.”
Interesting. The famous Jawbreaker going after strippers who are just trying to make a living. This bastard has had my girls on their toes, terrified to come and leave work. I’ve been dying to get captured by this asshole so I can strike fear and end this piece of shit. This may be an issue with Alaric after him, too.
“That’s horrible. The poor girl. I hope you catch him and put him behind bars before he hurts anyone else." I give himthe best reassurance I can, knowing damn well I need to get my hands on him before he does.
Maybe I can deliver his dead body to the doors of the agency.
“It’s fine. We’ll catch him but promise me, in case he steers off from his path, you’ll stay alert and be safe, please.” He turns toward me, giving me the “I care about you” eyes.
“Aw, seems like you worry for me, Alaric.” I bat my eyes at him.
He leans in close to me, his lips a breath from mine. “Of course I worry about you. I don’t want to lose you before I could really have you.” He pulls away from me with a teasing smile.
Why did he have to pull away? Why couldn’t he just kiss me? Fuck, I’m a puddle and he has me wrapped around his finger. Fuck me sideways.
“Who says you can have me? You sure are confident for someone you just met.”
My legs squeeze tighter together, trying to hide how hot he makes me. Suddenly, I’m burning up. Maybe my cousin was right.
“Then tell me, Celeste, why did your legs squeeze together when my mouth was so close to yours? Your body froze as if you were waiting for me to devour those plump, gorgeous lips of yours.” His hand brushes my thighs, causing goosebumps to scatter along my body.
