Jake

Music thumps loudly above. I can feel it thrumming through my body with each beat. Relaxed in a booth with a blonde on one side and a brunette on the other, I fight the urge to yawn.

The club is the worst place to fight sleep. To think it's not even ten yet. There's far too much life left in the night.

I shouldn't feel this bored. Even when I'm surrounded by people, listening to them share gossip about people I'll never meet, there's this hole that's always there. Always empty and waiting to be filled with something I don't have the slightest clue about.

Sighing softly under my breath, I don't think either woman notices as I grow more and more distant from whatever in the hell they're talking about.

I could distract myself by squeezing one of their thighs, making them squirm with desire. Make them forget all about their problems and ask me to help take care of them. Normally, that sounds like fun.

Instead, with another sigh manifesting in the pit of my stomach as I take in the room.

Bodies swarm the dance floor, their silhouettes coated by the mix of colors moving above them. Lights weave through the crowds, flashing to the beat of the music.

Every weekend, I'm normally found in the middle of the crowd. All the stress of my life bleeds right out whenever I dance.

Before these two women coaxed me to join them for a drink, I was already out there having one hell of a time.

Now I'm here with an empty glass on the table while hearing all about a cat named Freddy. What could I possibly ask for to make this night even more enjoyable?

God, I don't think I even remember either of these women's names. They introduced themselves, didn't they? If I have to guess, I simply agreed to join them because of their beauty. Bad call on my part.

Looking toward the bar, I immediately start planning my escape. If I send an excuse their way for a refill and they stay right here, I can get back to where I'm meant to be.

My planning goes to a halt when I see a familiar frame taking up one of the stools at the bar.

I've watched Eloise enough while she's buried in her baking to know what the back of her head looks like.

Color me surprised. Instead of begging Rhett and Nicolas to join me, I should've put my attention elsewhere. Toward someone who'd say yes, someone with a hunger for the nightlife.

I would never have pictured this woman going out like this. Hell, I'm delightfully surprised. And now, my evening is about to become a bit more interesting.

No longer wanting to feel bored, I uncurl my legs and move to stand much to their dismay.

"Please, if you'll excuse me. I've spotted someone I recognize." Giving an apologetic smile to save face for disrupting their pointless conversation, I pull away and make my way toward my next target before I lose sight of her.

As I approach the bar, I'm quick to realize Eloise isn't going anywhere. From the way she's cradling her glass, swiping the moisture with her thumb rather than shooting down the liquid, I can see she's in no rush to join the real fun out here.

Pausing for long enough to appreciate her appearance through the mirror across the bar, I take in her beauty. From the faraway look in her eyes, it seems she's even hardly here at all.

Looking like she could use some company, I eliminate the space between us.

Appearing behind her, I have to lean in close to be heard over our environment. I don't expect the sweet smell radiating off her neck, but it's not unwanted. Even when she's not slaying over her pastries, she carries around such a mouth-watering scent.

"It seems someone has good taste on what to do after a long day of work."

The way her shoulders jerk and she turns to look at me, I have to admit, I'm taken back a bit by seeing her up close. Inhaling sharply, I watch the way her expression turns to shock. Her lips form the perfect O as she realizes who's caught her.

"It's a shame you aren't already on the dance floor. Or, are you waiting to be invited?"

I shouldn't, not when I only brought her here for Nicolas. At the same time, I'm a man who can't help himself.

She is alone. If Nic wanted her as bad as he should, he'd be at her side or stalking some dark corner at least. Instead, Eloise is by her lonesome.

A rich laugh leaves her lips as her hand hovers over to her chest. "I don't dance."

"Yet, you came to one of Seattle's biggest clubs?" Taking in the empty seat next to her, I lean back and take in the crowd of people pressed together while enjoying themselves. "I may have to sway you otherwise. It would be a shame to miss such an opportunity."

"With you?" Eloise snorts as she signals down one of the bartenders for another drink. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"And why is that?" I suppose I didn't think this woman would throw herself at me, not when I signed her on with the company, but I'm nowhere near ready to give up. A dance is just that. What I'm asking for is nothing but innocent.

Her eyes flick in my direction for only a moment. "I came with someone. I don't think they'll appreciate me slipping off."

Not expecting her words, I straighten up a bit. This woman's been here for hardly but a short period, not enough time to gain any attention. Not to say I've been watching her all of the time, but if any of the employees tried to linger at her shop to strike up a conversation, then I think I would've noticed. If I hadn't, Nic would've.

There's no way that man could go five minutes without complaining.

"Well, by the looks of it, they must not be too good of company. They've left you alone to be snatched up by someone else." Leaning in, I notice the way her skin flushes beneath the purple light above us. "Am I wrong?"

Gracious for her new drink, she swallows half of it down with a gulp and a grimace. "In her defense, she did abandon me to dance with a guy."

There's this odd relieved sensation flooding my system. "Your assistant?"

She nods and my smile grows. Admitting the truth all but confirms that I really can't leave her alone now. What if she gets scooped up by another man? I suppose if she meets someone, it'll help aid my plan along. At the same time, the thought of seeing her with an unfamiliar face while looking like this…well, it doesn't settle.

"You should join me at least during one song. Once you realize how enjoyable it is, how freeing, you'll never want to leave." That's how it is for me, anyway.

Every weekend, I'm out here. No one knows who I am, for the most part. I'd call it refreshing.

Seeing the contemplation behind her gaze, my heart thumps at the same beat as the current song. Even now, she's not ready to give me an immediate yes. The fact that there is the possibility of her saying no and telling me to go fuck off shouldn't be so exciting.

Popping her lips, she finishes her drink. "I suppose I can't sit here all night. Charity will kill me."

"We can't have that." The sensation of victory fills my chest as I move to stand. "I have to admit, I'd miss those morning muffins if she takes you out."

Another laugh leaves her and I'm feeling like I'm on a roll here.

Like a sinner at a church, I'll tell Nic all about tonight to keep my conscience clear. He won't mind one dance. As long as I keep my hands to myself, it'll keep his complaining to a minimum.

I can do that much.

Offering my hand, her fingers slide along mine as she accepts my offer. Unable to fight off a grin, I drag her away from the boring bar and lead her onto the dance floor.

The air is warmer, nearly suffocating. Bodies brush against ours as I lead us deeper and deeper.

One thing I've learned about this place; the more bodies there are, the more cover you have. Right now, I want to be out of sight. Off in our world without any distractions.

If someone tries to ruin my fun here, I won't be so keen to be friendly. This is a golden opportunity and I don't want any interruptions.

Once we come to a stop and I turn to face her, Eloise steps toward me. Her breath tickles my ear as her smile grows.

"I don't know much about this," she repeats, "so don't make fun. If you even think about it, I'm going right back to the bar."

"I would never." Unable to fight off my grin, I step toward her and leave nothing but a sliver of space between our bodies.

Normally, I'm used to being in complete control. Hell, I'm always more focused on my enjoyment than others.

There's something about the way Eloise slides her arms around my neck to meet me halfway that makes my grin falter. She's right here pressed up against me.

"Already throwing yourself at me?" I muse, shrugging off this small hiccup of surprise attempting to run through me.

Her nose wrinkles, her cheeks glowing under the colorful lights. "I've already messed up? Should I pull away?"

Planting my hands against her hips, our bodies connect as I secure her into place.

"No, this is perfectly fine. Trust me." Chest rumbling with amusement, I take in all the dancing couples around us.

Most are off doing their own thing, rubbing and grinding against their partners to the upbeat movement. No wonder why she thought this was the most natural thing.

Running my hands up her sides, all of my focus is on her reactions. I'll admit, she feels nice against my palms. Plump and warm, welcoming.

I don't think I'm going to be able to keep my hands to myself after all.

Her brows lift in surprise, and I'm thankful she doesn't pull away from shock. Rather, she shivers with anticipation. The swell of her breasts is impossible to ignore with every breath, as is the noise that leaves her lips when I cup her ass and squeeze.

She's soft and plump all while feeling like she was meant to be touched. Once I start, I don't want to stop. I want to map out every inch of her body and see which spots make her gasp.

There's a shift in her gaze, a hunger I've never noticed. Like a tiger hidden behind jungle leaves, I don't see the moment she's ready to pounce until she's itching to get closer.

Fuck the public setting. She's raking her nails against my shoulder blades, shamelessly nipping my ear as my name is the only thing to leave her lips.

This moment is no longer about dancing. She's not mimicking the couples around us. Rather, she's doing what feels right and I'm a bastard for feeding into this.

As each second creeps by, Nicolas moves more and more to the back of my mind. I'm starting to solely think about myself here.

Would Eloise give herself up if I asked sweetly enough? She's not someone to cave immediately, I've learned that much. What if I begged, would that make a difference?

She's got a fire burning inside of her, I noticed it the very first time I met her. Not just because of ambition, but something more. She seems like the type to take what she wants.

So, if Eloise doesn't want me, she'd make it clear as day. There's no denying she wants something.

Getting lost in everything that is this woman, I don't realize I've stopped dancing. So focused on letting her do what she wants, I feel the squeeze of her thighs as she hugs my leg.

Is it the song that's encouraging her to rub her pussy against my jeans, or is it the hunger I spotted in her gaze only moments ago?

Gripping her hips, I aid her movement as best as I can. This is a first for me. To be so boldly used to get off, I can't help but feed off her responses.

The way she pants against my ear, the music drowning out her pleasure.

Can she feel the way my cock is hardening, digging into the zipper of my jeans? At this rate, I'm going to have a permanent zig-zag pattern dug into my flesh as a constant reminder of this shared moment.

Her breath catches and suddenly, I can't think. Can't hear the music or feel the vibrations. All of my focus is on this woman and the demanding need to get her alone.

I want her. I want her now.

Even with the flushed cheeks and the way her bottom lip is caught between her teeth, I'm not buying the act.

Eloise Tanner. The woman who not only smells sweet, but looks like she tastes like it as well. She's the worst sort of poison. Lethal. One taste is enough to take a man out, I'm sure.

She lets out a frustrated groan, her movement not giving her what she needs.

"Jake." Barely audible, my name is the first thing to come from her mouth after panting up a storm. Her lips grazes my jaw, hardly brushing hard enough to be considered a kiss.

I've never been known as a man who shows restraint. When I want something, I take it without thinking about the consequences. Right now, I know what I want. Fuck, that's an understatement.

Leaning toward her, I breathe her in. "Would you like to find somewhere quieter?"

She's teased me with rejection once. That's all I need. One solid answer and I'll be able to move on. I'll place this moment as one I'm imagining and pretend I don't want to touch this woman as I please.

My hands are still on her hips, resting there while I act like I have patience.

Eloise smiles. Smiles. Her eyes look dazed, slow blinking. "Is there a place like that here?"

"Oh, you would be surprised." My lips brush her ear and she arches toward me, a sigh leaving her mouth. "Would you like me to share my favorite spot?"

Any spot that isn't in the middle of this dancefloor fits the bill. Somewhere where other men can't drink in her appeal and even consider taking her away from me.

When she doesn't answer me quickly enough, I squeeze her inner thigh. Needing to remind her of why I need somewhere less populated, she jerks when my thumb brushes slick skin.

Fuck. Fuck. My thoughts fizzle out once more and I barely register her nodding her head before I'm wrapping a hand around her wrist.

We're on the move. Brushing past couples pressed up against each other, I look past their heavy petting. Only moments ago, I'm sure we looked the very same.

Funny enough, I'm unfamiliar with this desperation filling my body. I'd laugh if the sensation wasn't so suffocating. Crawling up and growing higher and higher, I can't focus on anything but getting Eloise somewhere where the light doesn't shine so bright. Somewhere where the music doesn't make it impossible to think.

We hardly find the outer wall before I have Eloise pressed against the surface. Far less crowded, I don't have time to think about gaining any unwanted attention. Something like this isn't uncommon. Most people would have more decency. I don't have time for that.

A delicious moan leaves her lips as I tuck my hand between her thighs, right where it belongs. There's nothing more satisfying than watching her body arch against the wall as her eyes snap shut.

She's soaked. I'm surprised she didn't leave a damp spot from rubbing herself against me. Did a little dancing and light petting do this to her?

"When was the last time someone has touched you like this?" I'm panting against her throat, losing myself one stroke of my fingers at a time.

She bites down on her lip, whimpering. Refusing to answer, she parts her knees further. This poor dress of hers is too tight, making it difficult to touch her freely.

My determination has never been one to get taken down without much of a fight. Making sure to crowd her with my body to avoid catching any unwanted attention, I hike the dress higher up her plump thighs. Catching my knuckles on lace, I slip a hand inside.

"Was Nicolas the last one to slip his fingers inside?" I'm surprised by the tone of my voice. This hunger, this ache to know the answer. I hardly recognize myself. "Did your pussy get this wet for him too?"

Her eyes flutter open and the surprise is back. Despite her lips mouthing the answers, no sounds come out as I bury two fingers inside her wet folds. Every twitch and flutter of her walls only makes my hardening length more and more jealous of my fingers.

This is already pushing my luck. No way in hell can I fuck her in a place like this.

Her hips jerk with every stroke of my fingers. Thrusting both inside, she doesn't even need her clit played with before she's clamping down.

Grabbing her chin with my free hand, I kiss her. There's nothing polite about this kiss, either. Feeling like I'm a starving man, I swallow down her moans as she comes around my fingers.

This kiss keeps her from letting everyone inside know of what we've done. My chest rumbles in satisfaction as her legs tremble.

The background music creeps back in and I'm slowly pulling away. My breath is uneven, matching hers beat for beat. Heat rushes through my veins, the constant throb of need lurking behind every thought.

Skin stained with her juices, I appreciate my glistening digits for all but a moment before I suck them into my mouth. Needing to at least know what she tastes like, I groan inwardly.

Suddenly becoming aware of our surroundings, Eloise curses under her breath and fixes her dress. There's only so much she can do to save her disheveled state. Flushed and panting, her steps are hardly even.

I shouldn't take this as a compliment, but I do.

"So, are we taking this to my place or yours?"

"Neither." Shaking her head, she stumbles a step back. "I should not have done that."

I'd take offense to the rejection if she didn't look so indecisive. Between taking another step back and another one forward, I watch the conflict of her thoughts play out on her expression.

If she wants me, and I think she does, why is she trying to stay away?

"Can I get you a ride?" I offer up. If I have to let her go, I'd rather she get back home safely. I always have a driver on call in case I enjoy too many drinks.

Chewing on her lip, she considers my offer before nodding.

Even now, I'm mesmerized. Well, this is going to be a problem.

Now that I've gotten a taste of her, this is going to be a craving that will be hard to kick.