I'd finally made it home and crashed for a massive nap, I desperately needed to recharge. Luna had headed to the bar hours before I even woke up; Friday nights are her busiest, and the prep work is a beast.
My phone started buzzing on the nightstand. It was Logan.
"Hey, what's up?" I asked, still a little sleep-muddled.
"Hey! Nothing, I'm just about to head out and I was wondering if you wanted a ride?"
"Oh, yeah, sure. That sounds great. Thank you."
"No problem. I'll be there in about forty-five minutes, okay?"
"Perfect. Oh, wait, do you have my address, or should I text it to you?"
"I know it"
Theodore's voice cut through the line, cold and unprompted, before the call went dead. My stomach did a somersault. His voice alone was enough to ruin the vibe of my entire night.
I decided to go for a "cool but comfortable" look: baggy jeans, a black tank top, and my hair down, a rarity for me, but it felt right. I grabbed a jacket in case the Seattle mist turned into a chill, did my makeup, and sprayed on my favorite perfume.
While I waited for Logan, I spotted a Snickers bar on the counter practically begging me to eat it. They've been my all-time favorite since I was a kid. Just as I reached for it, my phone chimed.
L: we're downstairs
I grabbed my bag and headed out. The silver Aston Martin was idling at the curb, looking like a shark waiting in the shallows. Theodore was behind the wheel, his profile sharp and unreadable, while Logan was perched in the passenger seat. I climbed into the back, the smell of expensive leather and Theo's cologne hitting me instantly.
"You look great, Alexis," Logan said, turning around with a bright, effortless grin.
"Thank you so much." I gave him a genuine smile, trying to focus on his energy instead of the man driving.
Theodore didn't say a word. He remained quiet and emotionless, as usual. But as he pulled the car away from the curb, I looked up and caught his gaze in the rearview mirror. He was watching me.
The city lights of Seattle blurred past the windows, flickering across his face in strobes of blue and white. Every time a streetlamp hit him, those deep-ocean eyes of his seemed to pop, glowing with a strange, predatory intensity. He didn't look away when I caught him; he just kept tracking my reflection in the glass while he navigated the traffic.
I felt a sudden, sharp heat crawl up my neck. I couldn't deny it, he looked incredible. He'd traded the suit for navy pants and a polo that hugged his shoulders in all the right places.
Okay, Alexis. Stop it.
I forced myself to look out the side window, but I could still feel his eyes on me through the mirror for the entire ride.
When we arrived, the bar was the busiest I'd ever seen it. The music was thumping, the crowd was thick, and the energy was infectious. A smile spread across my face before I could stop it. I looked to my left and saw Theodore with a permanent scowl. I rolled my eyes and headed inside to find Luna.
She wasn't behind the bar, so I figured she was in the back office. I gave a quick knock.
"Come in!"
"Hey," I said, stepping inside.
"Hey! You made it!" Luna jumped up and pulled me into a hug.
"Yeah! Why do you sound so surprised?"
"Because you've been working non-stop lately for that asshole boss of yours."
I smiled. "Speaking of which, he's right outside. He actually gave me a ride."
"What? Really? Wow"
"Come with me," I said, grabbing her hand. "There's someone I want you to meet."
I dragged her back into the fray until I spotted Logan. "Oh, hey! Where did you run off to?" he asked.
"Just seeing my friend" I said
"Excuse you, I'm your best friend," Luna corrected, making me roll my eyes.
"Uh, no, you're not. I am," Logan fired back.
"Okay, big guy," she laughed.
"I am! Alexis, tell her!" It was hilarious watching a six-foot-tall man act like a seven-year-old child.
I looked at them both, amused. "Well, you both are. But I've known Luna longer, so..."
"I can't believe you just said that," Logan pouted. Luna just gave him a smug smirk. God, they were like children.
"There's a lot you don't know about me, Logan," I teased. "And a lot I don't know about you."
"Fine! Monday morning, I want every single detail of your life, and you'll get mine. Deal?"
"Deal"
I looked to my right, and the air left my lungs. Theodore was across the room, leaning into some girl, his lips grazing her neck. It looked so... unsanitary. As if he sensed my eyes on him, he pulled back and made direct eye contact with me. His gaze was heavy, and I wondered what the hell was actually going on in that head of his.
Two hours flew by. I danced with Luna and Logan until Logan ran off to "chase" someone, I actually think those two were bonding in their own weird way.
"I have to pee," I told Luna. She nodded, and I navigated my way toward the back.
I finished my business and stepped back out into the hallway, only to slam directly into a solid chest. Theodore.
"Sorry. Excuse me," I muttered, trying to brush past him. But he reached out, his hand firm on my shoulder, forcing me to stay.
"Where are you going?" he asked calmly.
"Back to the dance floor...?" I said, my heart starting to race. The eye contact was getting way too intense.
"Hmm." He didn't let go. Instead, he ran his fingers slowly up and down my arm. The touch was so gentle it left a trail of goosebumps in its wake. He reached up, twirling a strand of my hair around his fingers. My legs felt like lead; I couldn't move if I wanted to
"Are you drunk?" I managed to ask
"I don't drink in bars, doll"
Ew, not that again
"Don't ever call me that again, asshole," I snapped, finally finding the strength to push his hand away. I tried to compose myself to leave, but he wasn't done. He grabbed my shoulder again, pinning me in place.
He moved slowly, stepping around to stand directly behind me. I could feel the heat radiating off him. He leaned down, his lips inches from my ear.
"I think your time is better spent..." He paused, letting out a low, satisfied hum that vibrated through me. "...with me. Right now."
His voice was a whisper, dark and demanding. I felt the heat rush to my face. I couldn't speak. Why couldn't I speak?
What on God's green earth was happening to me? And more importantly, what was happening to him? Why was he suddenly all over me?
He pulled back, brushed past me, and disappeared into the crowd without another word.
I stood there alone, trying to process the last sixty seconds. But I know better than to trust a shark. Whatever he's planning, he's not getting away with it.
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