“We’re almost there, so there’s no need for a hint.”
He slowed the vehicle as they approached the back of one of the buildings. An oversize bald man and a lean tall one stood in front of a small shack in the large alley that separated the high rises. Both wore in black and if Greg had human eyes, they would’ve been difficult to see in the dark. Behind the men and the shack was a city garage. As Greg navigated toward the entrance, the husky bald guy held up his hand.
Greg stopped the car and shifted the gear into park.
“Are we getting out?” Alexi asked.
“Yes, and you can store your purse under the seat. You won’t need it.”
Alexi raised a brow, then followed his advice without further hesitation.
Greg left the car and with his heightened hearing he immediately heard music playing from the building nearby. He stepped in front of tall man who reminded him of Frankenstein with his sunken eyes and skin sticking to his bones.
“Evening, sir,” Frankenstein said as he held his palm up.
Greg quickly withdrew his wallet from his pocket. The stench of the zombie tested his gag reflex. He hurried to locate money.
“Busy tonight?” Greg asked as he placed a ten-dollar bill in the zombie’s palm.
“Not too much,” Frankenstein said.
Alexi stepped from around the front of the car, holding her arms close to her chest.
“Chilly?” Greg asked, offering her his hand.
She accepted it and moved closer. “A little. Are we going to a club?”
Of course she’d heard the faint music too. Humans couldn’t hear it, but anyone with sensitive hearing could.
“Yes.” He gripped her hand and noticed it felt cooler from earlier, not that it bothered him. He’d never pass on the chance to touch her soft skin. “It’s a club for people like us. Right now, two exist in the city. This is one of them.”
He led the way to the building where black railing surrounded a cutout portion in the ground.
“They have a few in Chicago. I never went to one though.”
“I’ve been here a few times. It’s decent.”
Side by side, they descended the concrete stairs until they reached a steel door. Muffled music sounded from behind it. Greg knocked.
Alexi squeezed his hand briefly, drawing his attention. “What’s the name?”
“Nightlife.”
The door swung open and the music blared. A tall female with pale skin and dark red lips greeted them. Her tight black clothes clung to her body as if someone painted them on her.
She smiled, revealing her two canines. “Please, come in.” She gestured as stepped to the side and held the door.
Greg held Alexi’s hand tight as he escorted her down the hall. The painted black walls and lack of lighting made it difficult to see, but his eyes adjusted quickly. He turned the corner, and led Alexi down another dark passageway. Lights from the club spilled in and helped guide them. At the end of the hall, they stepped into a wide-open room with a tall ceiling.
“Wow.” Alexi tapped his arm, and he stopped.
He followed her gaze as she scanned the room, starting with the bar against the far wall. Half the stools were vacant. Two waiters and two waitresses, all dressed in black, worked behind the counter. The decor was black and red with mirrors placed at eye level on the walls. She continued to the staircase and tilted her head back.
“What’s upstairs?”
“Just tables and rooms to socialize. There’s a small bar up there too, but no where near the size of the one on the main floor.”
She glanced at the dance floor. “It’s not too crowded tonight.”
Men and women danced, some in groups and others as couples. Compared to the weekends, the club wasn’t nearly as packed. Like humans, supernatural creatures had regular jobs during the week. Then on weekends, many spent their time socializing at clubs.
He tugged her hand. “Come on. I’ll buy you a drink.”
They passed up patrons sitting at round tables and headed for the bar. The music was a constant stream, one song mixing into another. Enjoying the Erasure tune, Greg tapped his free hand on his leg. Eighties night was always his favorite.
Greg found a spot with a couple available stools and released Alexi’s hand. “What would you like?”
Before Alexi could answer, a stocky woman with short, blonde hair approached from behind the counter. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“A glass of red wine is fine,” Alexi said as she sat on the stool.
Greg withdrew his wallet. “They serve vampires here. You can order blood types.”
“That’s okay. I fed before I left the hotel.”
He slid a couple of bills over the counter toward the waitress. “A Heineken and a glass of red wine, please.”
The waitress took the money. “Coming right up.”
Greg seated himself on the stool next to Alexi. Movement under the counter caught his attention. She tapped her hand on her thigh in beat with the music. His gaze continued to her long legs. He tried not to spend too much time eye drooling, but her toned calves were sexy.
“Is this eighties night or something?” she asked, forcing him to look up.
“It is.”
“I love music. The eighties had a variety of styles. This is nice. It’s Book of Love, right?”
“Yeah. Do you–”
“Here you are.” The waitress set the glass in front of Alexi and a green bottle closer to Greg.
“Thank you,” he replied, then picked up his beer and took a drink.
He turned his attention back to Alexi and stared in awe of her. A vampire sipping wine in a nightclub while eighties music played. Not just any vamp, but the one he longed for. He’d never get her lovely image out of his mind. Even more shocking, she recognized the music and seemed to enjoy it. How lucky could he be? The luckiest.
She set her glass on the counter. “Where you about to ask me a question?”
He swallowed as he nodded. “Do you like many bands from the eighties?”
A smile spread across her face, warming him. “I followed a few bands, not literally, but I’m familiar with them.”
“Who is your favorite?”
She gave a casual wave of her hand. “I could name off at least thirty different bands and singers. That decade was one of my favorites. It amazes me how music has changed from century to century, well, even decades.” She lifted her wine as she moved her head in beat with the music. “Oh wow, A Flock of Seagulls. This is a great song I never tire of hearing.”
He raised his beer in a toast to her. “One of my favorites.”
The luckiest man in the world didn’t come close to defining how he felt at the moment. Sipping on his beer, he wondered if he were dreaming. Alexi knew music. Wow. Maybe she’d want to dance. The mere thought motivated him to find the answer as soon as he downed his beer.
“What bands do you like?” she asked, holding her glass.
“I have several favorites. I like pop rock, some hard rock and a lot of New Wave.”
He finished the last of his drink, then set the bottle on the counter. The urge to grab her hand and lead her to the dance floor was one he could hardly contain. He glanced over his shoulder and surveyed the area. Men and women swayed their arms and hips. The semicrowded floor offered plenty of room for them. He turned his attention back to Alexi and the sight of her sleek legs jarred his thoughts from dancing. Such strong, beautiful legs. If only he could touch them again. And kiss them. Maybe bite them too.
Her foot twitched, a good sign she enjoyed the music. “This was a really good idea.”
He looked up and swallowed.
“I saw that.” She grinned.
“What?”
“You were staring at my legs.”
His cheeks warmed. Thank goodness he had dark hair to conceal some of his embarrassment. “I was. I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize. You’ve made your position with
me quite clear.”
He ran a hand through his hair. Position? Dear God, he could think of many he’d like with her.
“Would you like to dance?” He rose to his feet.
“Well–”
“Come on, it will be fun.” Getting closer to her would definitely rank as enjoyable.
She took one last sip of her wine. “Okay.”
He waited as she brushed her hands over her hips and smoothed her skirt. When she lifted her head, he offered his hand. When she accepted it, he gave her a light squeeze and headed for the dance floor with another shot of elation flowing through him. Halfway to the dance floor, he felt a tap on his arm.
“I have to warn you, I’m feeling a little tipsy.”
“Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ll stay close by.”
She smiled and as he stared at her lips, he fought the yearning to kiss them. He knew if he did he’d probably end up ruining the entire night for her. No, he’d have to wait for the right moment.
Greg escorted her with his hand clasped to hers. The neon lights above the ceiling flashed on and off in slow intervals, lighting up the dance floor. When he’d reached a spacious area near the back corner, he twisted to face her.
“I love this song,” she said as she swayed her hips and arms. Not even a second later, she started singing along to Depeche Mode’s Never Let Me Down Again.
Greg watched and danced while holding her hand. Her head tilted and rocked gently. If he could hold on to her all night long, he would. Her touch, her voice, everything about her made his soul leap with joy, among other things. The continual expressions of delight on her face indicated she enjoyed his company too. He’d memorize the moment, this night, forever.
“My best friend, Cassandra, likes this band too. We used to listen to them quite a bit.”
He took a step closer to her. “How long have you been friends with her?”
“A long time, nearly two centuries.”
“Does she live in the States?”
“No, she lives in Europe. She visits on occasion.”
The song changed into one with a faster beat. Alexi let go of his hand and increased her movements. Greg followed along, staying in pace too. Everyone around them grooved with the music.
Raising her arms, she slid her hands underneath her hair and lifted it off her shoulders. Her dark eyes stared at him and his cock jumped to life. Damn, she looked hot, showing off her breasts. He couldn’t resist her lure this time and placed his hands on her hips. Slowly, he brought her close to his body. To his surprise, she didn’t pull away. In fact, her lips twisted into a naughty smile.
The next song came on and she lowered her arms. Still, they remained dancing within inches of each other and his hands fixed on her hips. Their bodies touched briefly, bumping into each other at just the right moment. His groin stiffened more, longing to do more bumping.
The music changed again, and this time Greg couldn’t resist singing. “I love Huey Lewis and the News. They’re one of my favorites.” Staring at the woman he loved, he sang along to Happy to Be Stuck With You.
Alexi smiled widely at him. She moved closer, placing her body next to his and wrapping her hands around his neck.
“You, Mr. Werewolf, are definitely a rare find.”
He lifted a brow and glided his hands up the sides of her body. “Mr. Werewolf?”
She laughed.
“Admit it.” He leaned in closer to her face. “You like me.”
“Maybe.” She gingerly touched one of his cheeks. “You are so soft.”
“You like it? I got tired of shaving.” He inched closer to her lips and breathed in the soft citrus and lime scent of her hair.
“It looks good on you.” She stayed close to him, keeping her palm on his cheek and coiling the other around the nape of his neck.
The music changed to a slower one. Greg recognized the Psychedelic Furs tune Heartbreak Beat instantly. He lowered his lips to her ear and softly sang the lyrics to her. She melted in his arms and relaxed completely against him. With her firm breasts pressed to his chest, he wondered if she could feel his heart beating fast. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. He never wanted to let go. God willing, he wouldn’t.
* * * *
Alexi’s knees weakened as Greg sang in her ear. The seductive tone of his voice sent shivers through her. She could listen to his vocal chords all night long and never tire of them. Below her navel, warmth coiled and every time he said the word love, she became wet with desire. With her body pressed to his, she felt as if she were in heaven. The man was everything she ever wanted, everything she dreamed and wished for when she gazed at the stars at night. And it wasn’t the liquor talking.
She had to have him. Maybe that part was the alcohol taking hold.
She felt warm in his arms. Safe, cozy, loved and honored. He respected her and wanted her trust. He worked for it with strong determination. She had to give him credit. He never faltered in his efforts.
The brush of his soft whiskers on her cheek sent little chills down her neck and to her breasts. Her nipples hardened and she ached for his touch. She fought the temptation to kiss him, but since they were so close, her resistance faded fast. Lower, something rigid touched her belly. He was without any doubt turned on just as much as she was, but he held himself back. Would he be able to keep his desire under control for long?
Part of her hoped he wouldn’t.
He glided his hands along her back, but failed to venture any lower. His delicate touch soothed her, but stirred a different need. She slid one hand down his shoulder to his heart. Past the clothing, flesh and bone, she felt the vibrant beat of life. And what an energetic beat his heart had.
She held her other hand around the back of his neck and slid her fingers up. For a werewolf, he had amazingly soft hair. She couldn’t resist anymore and buried her fingers into his thick, wavy locks. Pressing her forehead to his, she stared into his dazzling eyes. A strong desire beamed from him and it surprised her how he restrained himself. His hands continued to roam over her back and sides, coming close to her breasts but not too close. She licked her lips, enjoying the touch and feel of him. Her will power didn’t match his.
“Greg.” She held his cheek in her palm.
“This is dangerous.” His warm breath tickled her lips. “I’m trying to keep my word.”
His heart thumped faster as he stared at her lips. He’d managed to stay in control so far, but if the hard muscle prodding her were anything to go by, he probably wouldn’t last much longer.
She swayed her body with his as he held her. For a while, it seemed as if nothing else existed. It was just the two of them, alone and in love. Yes, love.
She took his face into her hands. “Kiss me.”
He hesitated, but inched his mouth open. “I want to.”
“Do it.” She lightly touched her lips to his, teasing him. Her body buzzed with excitement, longing to taste him, to feel him, to devour him. “Kiss me.”
“Will this count against me?”
Dear Lord, would he just kiss her already?
“Only if you don’t.”
Not even a second later, he covered her mouth with his. He kissed her slowly until she slid her tongue into his mouth. He welcomed it and sucked on it with tender care. The hairs on his face tickled her, but she paid little attention, too in awe of his strong lips. Too much in need to devour him. She tried to control the exhilaration rushing through her, but it was too damn hard, especially when he squeezed her ass and pressed his erection against her. As the kiss grew with passion, the music faded and the only sounds Alexi heard were the beats of Greg’s heart and his breathing.
Time seemed to halt and the world around her grew dimmer. She melded her body to his, enjoying his kiss, his touch and his desire. Her body felt insanely alive, just like the night of the Welcoming party when they were alone in the bathroom and his tongue massaged her. She hadn’t been intimate with a man in such a long time that she’d forgotten wh
at passion felt like. Hell, she’d forgotten what a kiss could do. Now that she had Greg and it seemed he truly cared for her, she never wanted to let go of him.
He pried his lips from her. Between heavy breaths, he said, “Alexi.”
“I didn’t give permission to stop.” She gripped a portion of his wavy hair and sucked on his bottom lip.
He rested his forehead against hers. “Air. Need air.”
Greg’s breath hit her and she realized how feverish he was. His warmth excited her, tempted her to strip off her clothes, and his, and press her cool flesh to his body to steal his heat. The idea intrigued her, but not while standing on a dance floor surrounded by people.
While she gave him a moment to fill his lungs, she slid her hand down his chest. His heart pounded within his overheated body. He smelled of desire. And his arousal couldn’t be missed as she glanced at the bulge in his pants. She considered moving their relationship to a more private spot, preferably a bedroom instead of a public bathroom. The visit at the zoo had been wonderful. Spending time together at a club during eighties night was even more spectacular. Why not end on the date on a perfect note?
“Let’s go back to my place.”
The lump in his throat bobbled when he swallowed. “Are you sure?”
Alexi rubbed her cheek next to his to feel his soft hair, then gently kissed his lips. “Last chance.”
As if he had vampire speed, he grabbed her hand and led the way off the dance floor. She grinned at his prompt response. Typical of men–give an ultimatum and they listen.
She was about to step from the dance floor when the song Hold Me Now by the Thompson Twins came on. The tune was one of her favorites. She briefly considered stopping Greg so they could enjoy the song together, but the hungry desire within her burned for quick satisfaction.
Greg pulled her into the dark hall. Before they reached the adjoining hall where the hostess waited, he stopped and spun to face her.
“Are you sure about this? God knows I want you, but–”
Before he could say another word, Alexi confirmed her decision by pushing him to the wall and smothering him with a needy kiss. She hungered for him and every stroke of his tongue increased her appetite. Holding him against the wall, she brushed her breasts over his chest and rubbed her lower body against the hard muscle in his pants. Desire consumed her. Since she had more strength than he did, she could claim him if she wanted, take him to the bathroom and have her way with him. The thought roused her, but she wasn’t that kind of aggressive woman. She wanted a man with a pure heart to seduce her. She wanted tenderness seasoned with heated energy. With Greg, she’d found exactly what she longed for.
Welcome to the Neighborhood Page 15