by Katie Ball
“So, what does this mean for the two of you?”
“I don’t know. He said he would take me out on a date, but I don’t know if that is still going to happen. He might have got what he wanted last night. Not needing anything else from me.” Folding her arms over her chest, trying to protect herself. She didn’t want it to be done. Jane was a hopeless romantic, wanting that life changing love. The kind that will sweep you off your feet and adore you until the end of time. I didn’t see Zach as that kind of guy.
“If he doesn’t want anything else, then it’s his loss. Ok?” It was that simple. He would be lucky to have her as his other half.
“Your right. I know your right…but I still want him to like me.” Pulling her in for a hug. I knew what she craved. A family, to have a loving man by her side, children running around their feet. She longed for it. One day she would find her Mr. right. I just didn’t think Zach was it.
“It will all work out.” Some regulars plodded through the door, keeping us busy. Occupied by them, it helped keep my mind off of him.
Not.
He was all I could think about.
Plaguing my mind with images of him. Dreaming of him storming in here. Hands on my waist as he hoisted me up, wrapping my legs around him, pinning me down on one of the tables. Mouth on mine…all over my body. Hands as well, exploring all of me. Tearing at my clothes, wanting me naked and writhing underneath him. That’s where I wanted to be.
God, the things I dreamt of. The things he would do to me, I was having a hot sweat, suffocating in my lust for him. I needed a cold shower.
“Hazel.” Glancing up, I found Greta standing in front of me. Grinning at me, looking rather pleased with herself. She was a sweet woman. Petite frame, there really was nothing of her. Five foot nothing, no wonder she always wore heels. White hair curled to perfection. Turquoise eyes lighting up with laughter.
“Greta I wasn’t expecting to see you.” Nodding towards her friends who were sat patiently waiting at a table. They didn’t look entirely comfortable in here, not their scene obviously.
“Well, I thought I would get some pay back on my old man. Treat me and the girls to some drinks tonight.”
“So where is he tonight?” Chuckling about what her husband was enduring right now. This was going to be good.
“I left him at home. Our daughter brought our granddaughter over to stay for the night. His on-babysitting duty, he gets that joy tonight.” Pouring her drinks for her. Smirking about what Wilson would be dealing with tonight.
“I take it he’ll be having lots of fun then.” She nodded.
“You have no idea. My little Poppy is teething and on top of that, she has found her voice. Oh, and not forgetting the fact she is going through this really clingy phase…yeah, he’ll be having fun.” Poor Wilson. I dread to think what he did to earn such punishment.
Before I could ask, Greta questioned me instead.
“So…have you found yourself a nice man yet?” I felt like I was hearing his way too much just lately.
“You sound just like your husband.” It made me wonder if this was something, they had discussed between them? As long as they didn’t try to set me up with anyone. It would be fine.
“Well, have you?” Not letting it go that easily.
“No, I have not.” Wanting this line of questioning to end already.
“Well don’t look now but someone has his eyes on you. I don’t think he’s a good church going man though. I imagine he can be quite wicked.” Frowning at her, what was she talking about?
Peeking over my shoulder at the other end of the bar. Finding him within a split second. Drawn to him like a moth to the flame. Enthralled by that troublesome devil.
Shit.
I struggled to breathe. My chest was tightening up. Palms sweating. Trembles racing through me. Temperature spiking high. Heartbeat out of control, off the damn charts.
He was back. The president…the King. He was here, sitting on a stool. Eyes locked onto me.
Christ, were they were brighter today? Twinkling under the lights. So, enticing. They were heating me up. Cheeks blushing red. He was here on his own tonight. Why? What had brought him here? Still trying to look for Olly probably.
“Go get him.” Greta winked at me, trying to urge me towards him. She shouldn’t be encouraging this.
“Not going to happen, his bad news. Plus, there’s no way I’m his type.” She burst out laughing then.
“I think your mistaken. Let me put it this way Hazel. If a man like that, looked at me the way his looking at you, I would tie him to the bed and never let him leave…no wait, I’d let him tie me to the bed.” Sudden realisation hit her then. Processing the words that had left her mouth. Eyes going wide with shock. Checking to make sure her friends didn’t overhear anything.
“My lord, what has gotten into me. Don’t mention this to any of those women over there or my husband. I am a good church going woman. I cannot be heard saying such things.” I had heard a lot worse. Though to put her mind at ease, I mimicked locking my lips with a key and throwing it over my shoulder.
“I won’t say a thing, bartender oath.” Sighing with relief. Pleased I wasn’t about to alert everyone to the fact that Greta had a wild side.
“Now go get that man. Before someone else does.” Adding before she left me to it. Giving me no choice but to turn around and face him.
Sauntering towards him. His eyes were hooked on to me, I had captured his entire focus. Seeing those glowing emerald jewels, I witnessed the lust in them. His eyes making it quite clear what he wanted. The look alone had my legs shaking, quivering for him. My stomach filled with burning hot knots. Tightening and constricting each time his eyes wandered up and down my nervous body.
A slow grin crept onto his face. That smirk should be illegal. I bet that’s how a lot of women got into trouble because of that look right there. Intoxicating. Alluring. Greedy.
Very dangerous indeed.
“Two nights in a row. What have we done to earn another visit?” Trying to remain calm, not wanting him to see my trembling hands. I didn’t want him to see just how badly he was affecting me. The last thing I wanted was for him to use it to his advantage.
“The feisty bartender captured my attention.” Holy fuck, really? He couldn’t be serious. No, he was messing with me.
It’s not like he wanted anything serious from me. At most, he was probably just after sex, nothing else. I would be a new toy for him play with, though I wouldn’t last long. Once he grew bored, he would chuck me off to the side, not even sparing me a second glance. I would be a fool to think a man like him could want anything else from someone like me.
“His not here.” Cutting to the chase, not wanting to beat around the bush. I was too tired for that crap.
“I know.” Eyeing him with suspicion.
“And how would you know that?” Unless he knew where Olly was. Had he found him? He must have.
“I have eyes everywhere, sweetheart. Nothing happens in this town without me knowing about it. If he showed up here, I would have been informed.” Of course, he would have little birdies all over the place, watching out for anything. Ready to inform the great King of Chaos.
So, if he wasn’t here for Olly…then was he really here for the feisty bartender? For me?
“Do you want something to drink?” Leaning on his elbows, resting on the bar. Watching me with keen interest, almost like he was in a trance.
“A beer please.” Keeping me eyes low as I poured him a drink. I didn’t want to be trapped by his hypnotising emerald eyes. I was hoping to keep my senses tonight.
Handing him his drink, praying that would be it. That he would go find a table and watch me from a distance.
I wasn’t that lucky though, he stayed right there.
“Cupcakes?” Frowning at him, wondering what the hell he was talking about.
“What?” Nodding towards something behind me. Following his line of sight, he was motioning towards my dis
play of cupcakes. Now, it made sense.
“Yes cupcakes. They go great with beer. You want one?” Why did I ask that? The words tumbled out my mouth before I could stop them. Why would a biker King want a damn cupcake? God, I sounded like a damn idiot.
“Why not.” Eyes widening slightly. Had I misheard him? He actually wanted one? He was full of surprises.
Wandering over to them, I gave him a choice. He of course, picked cookies and cream, one of the most popular ones. Placing it down in front of him, he admired it for a moment. A soft smile on the edge of his lips.
Then he ran one of his fingers around the edge of the frosting, coating his fingertip. I was frozen to the spot, unable to move. Shocked and entranced by his actions. Captivated by what he was doing. Yearning to see what he would do next.
Lifting it to his mouth. Eyes on mine. Maintaining the heated eye contact as he placed it between his lips. Sucking it clean. Holy fuck. My whole body trembled slightly. Legs clenching together, needing friction between them. I fought the urge to bite my lip. Blinded by the sudden hunger to lick the frosting off of him myself. Maybe from his fingers, or his lips, or maybe his body. I couldn’t quite decide which.
Fuck…I was warring with the need within me. Struggling to stay where I was, not moving a single muscle. Watching him the entire time, fascinated by him. Willing him to do it again.
A naughty smirk appeared on his face. He knew what he was doing. The effect he was having on me, this was how he wanted me. Drowning in his seduction and that’s exactly what he was doing to me, seducing me. Inviting me to go to him. To let him have his way with me, promising pleasure like no other.
Not that I was an expert in that department.
He picked up the cake now, taking an almighty bite of it. Fuck, why was that so hot, seeing his jaw work…his throat…
Ok, I may be losing my mind.
“Holy shit, these are good. Who’s the baker?” Watching his eyes light up, sent tingles of joy racing through me. Not able to stop myself from smiling at his praise.
“You’re looking at her.” Unsure if I was joking or not.
“You made these?”
“Not what you were expecting?” Taking another bite as he kept his eyes locked with mine. Licking the crumbs off of his teasing lips. Why was I jealous right now? Wishing I could close the space between us and run my tongue along his lips.
“You sweetheart, are a damn dream.” I don’t know about that.
Once he finished the cupcake, he gave me a ravenous look, staring at me as if he were thinking of devouring me next.
“I’m Talon.” Holding his hand out to me, I couldn’t refuse him. Eager to know what his skin felt like. Was it soft, or was there a roughness there? Only one way to find out.
“Hazel.” Not able to resist, I placed my hand in his. Feeling his warm skin against mine. Giving me a firm squeeze. His finger gently stroked the skin over my pulse in my wrist, teasing me. Making me gulp from the sudden longing that surged through me. The air around us sharpened from the intensity of his hungry gaze. I could see he was already undressing me in his mind.
“Nice to meet you, Hazel…officially.” I was in trouble. After no time at all, I was already burning hot for this man. More than ready to offer myself up on a silver platter and let him have me however he wanted.
“Hazel!” Spinning around to find Jane whisper shouting at me, trying to get my attention. I could see the panic in her eyes. “Mama’s boy, incoming.”
When I glanced towards the door, I found a man hurrying towards her. Waving at her like a mad man, eyes wide with excitement. Slightly taller than Jane, dark hair, dark eyes. Not Jane’s type at all. Looked way too innocent, boyish even.
“Problem?” Talon questioned. Ready to step in and help by the looks of it, obviously picking up on Jane’s panic.
“Nothing we can’t handle. Enjoy your beer.” He raised an eyebrow at me.
“What are you going to do?” It was my turn to smirk at him, letting him in on my plan.
“I’ve got to go play lesbian to scare off a mama’s boy.” Grinning at me with sheer awe in those heavenly eyes of his. My stomach filled with butterflies from that look alone.
I left him there as I made a beeline for Jane.
This wasn’t the first time we had done this. No, Jane had needed my assistance quite a few times. Shitty guys who turned up hoping for another date or another round of mediocre sex. I was always there to help when she needed it.
What are best friends for?
“Hey babe.” Relief flooding her eyes as I stepped up next to her. Slipping her arm around my waist. Leaning into me, giving me a quick peck on my cheek.
“Perfect timing, this is Brady. I told you about him, right?” I knew how to play this, just like all the other times.
“Oh yeah, the guy from the other night. Nice to meet you Brady, I’m Hazel.” Smiling at us but the confusion was evident in his eyes.
“I didn’t realise you had a…a girlfriend?” Arching an eyebrow at him, hearing the judgement in his voice.
“Something wrong with that?” Realising his mistake then. Eyes bugling out of his head, holding his hands up in surrender.
“Of course not. It’s just I thought you were single Jane and…I thought you liked penis.” Biting down on the inside of my jaw to stop me from smiling. Trying so hard not to burst out laughing.
“Well, I was single, but Hazel came wandering back into my life and I realised just how much I missed her. She’s the one for me, I’m not going to let her go again.” A look of disappointment spread over his dejected face.
“I see. Well, I can’t be mad if you’re happy. I’m just gutted, mummy was so looking forward to meeting you.” Struggling to hold back the laugh that was threatening to explode out of my chest. It didn’t help when I heard a little snicker from Talon. Glaring at him over my shoulder. All I saw was amusement in them sparkling emerald eyes.
“I’m sure you’ll find a nice girl who will make you happy. For what it’s worth, I am sorry.” Waving her off like her apologies weren’t necessary.
“It’s fine, thank you for being so fantastic.” I thought he was going to leave but he paused, taking one last longing glance at Jane. Eyes dropping down to stare at her chest.
“You look just like her. Your breasts, I mean…can I just get one last feel?” Jane’s jaw dropped in complete shock. He could not be serious.
Glaring at this creepy bastard.
“You have five seconds to get the fuck out before I start doing bodily damage to your sorry arse.” Terror in his eyes now. His jaw went slack, stuttering over his words.
Instead of saying anything else, he rushed for the door. Sprinting away from us, afraid for his health. Not wanting to risk being on the receiving end of my anger.
When he had vanished from sight, I couldn’t help but laugh at the whole situation.
“Don’t laugh.” Jane slapped my arm, but it didn’t stop the laughter from bubbling out of my chest.
“I’m sorry but come on…him? Seriously?” Throwing her hands in the air like she was wondering the same thing.
“I won’t make that mistake again.” She better not, I can’t keep doing this. Eventually someone is going to call our bluff and then what?
“Looks like your biker King is waiting for you.” Of course, he was. I was still feverish with need. It hadn’t calmed down and I doubt it would anytime soon. Having him watching me right now was probably not helping. A wild animal locked onto its next meal.
Jane went off to serve some regulars while I dealt with Talon, I couldn’t avoid him any longer.
“What’s so funny?” Noticing the little dimples in his cheeks as his smirk deepened.
“He definitely had a mummy fetish.” That much was obvious.
Needing to get to the bottom of why he was here. I leaned on the bar in front of him, instantly regretting it. It was a massive mistake; one I realised a little too late. Now, I was way too close to him. Able to breathe in
his heady scent.
“Why are you here Talon?” Needing an honest answer. It couldn’t just be about me.
“Because of you.” Our eyes locked in a dangerous dance filled with longing and desire.
“I’m not interested Talon. You’re wasting your time.” It was a lie. I wanted him…badly. It was frightening how intense my need was for him. I saw him for the first time yesterday and already I was swamped by sensual fantasies of me and him.
“Are you sure about that?” He could see right through me. Calling me out on my bullshit.
“I’m sure.” I could tell he wasn’t buying it. “Excuse me.” Deciding my best option was to make a quick escape.
Rushing away from him now, I made a trip to the cellar in the hope of hiding from that enticing man. I didn’t even need anything from in here but at least it was nice and chilled in here. Giving me a chance to cool off. Needing some cold relief from that fiery temptation, otherwise known as Talon.
Part of me hoped that when I went back out there, he had gone. Taking the hint. The other part of me longed to find him sat there waiting patiently for me.
I heard the footsteps approaching me. Probably Jane coming to see what the hell I was up to. Looking for details on that biker King. The impending interrogation was heading right for me now. Not what I needed right now.
Taking a quick peek at the door as someone moved into the room. My jaw dropped when I saw who it was.
Talon.
Coming straight for me. Bright emerald eyes swirling with untethered desire. No more running. I couldn’t even if I wanted to. My body was frozen to the spot. Legs not moving, feet unable to put space between us. All I could do was stand here and wait for the savage tempest to hit me.
“Talon-” He was on me before I could say another word. Hands cupping my face as he crushed those wicked lips against mine. Colliding with one another. Bringing the world to a sudden stop around us. Throwing me off balance. Having to reach out for Talon, needing to hold on to something. Anchoring me to this world. Afraid I would be swept up in the turbulent waves of his ferocious desire otherwise.