Chapter 1: Introduction
The neon sign of the bar flickered on, casting an inviting glow against the brick wall of the alleyway. Sana stepped into the dimly lit interior, her heels clicking against the polished wooden floor. She smelled the mix of cigarettes, alcohol, and the faint scent of vanilla from the candles scattered on the tables. The air was thick with the hum of conversations, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. She spotted an empty bar stool at the far end of the counter and made her way towards it, her hips swaying gently with each deliberate step.
As she sat down, she caught the bartender's eye, signaling for a drink. While she waited, she scanned the crowd, her dark eyes lingering on the men around her. She wasn't here for small talk or casual flirting. She was here for something more.
Just as the bartender placed her glass of whiskey in front of her, she felt a presence behind her. Before she could turn around, a low voice whispered in her ear, "You're new here, aren't you?"
Sana turned to face the man who had spoken. He was tall, his broad shoulders barely fitting in the narrow space between her and the bar.
She noticed the muscles that rippled under his tight, black t-shirt and the short, blonde hair that gave him an almost military-like appearance. His blue eyes were intense, and she could feel the weight of his gaze as he took her in.
"What makes you think that?" she asked, accepting the challenge in his voice. She leaned back against the bar, crossing her legs to give him a better view.
He smirked, his eyes flicking down to her lips before meeting her gaze again. "Because if you were a regular, I'd have already seen you."
Sana raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips. "Is that so?
And what if I don't want to be seen?" Sana asked, her voice a low purr. She took a sip of her whiskey, her eyes never leaving his.
He leaned in closer, his breath hot on her ear. "I'm Noah. And I think you do want to be seen, especially by me."
Sana turned to face him fully, her legs brushing against his. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, and she let her gaze travel down to the bulge in his jeans. "Is that so, Noah?" she whispered, her lips inches from his.
"You're awfully presumptuous, aren't you?"
Noah chuckled, a low rumble that sent shivers down Sana's spine. "I'm not one for beating around the bush, sweetheart. I see something I want, I go for it."
Sana's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with challenge. "And what if I like it rough, Noah? What if I like it when a man takes control?"
Noah's eyes darkened, the blue turning into a deep, stormy color. He leaned in, his hands gripping her hips, pulling her closer. "Then you're in luck, sweetheart.
I like it rough too." Noah's voice was a low growl, his hands tightening on her hips as he leaned in, his breath hot on her ear. "I like it when a woman fights back, when she screams my name, when she comes so hard she can't walk straight."
Sana's breath hitched, her body responding to his words. She could feel the heat between her legs, the ache that was growing with each passing second. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with desire. "Is that a promise, Noah?"
Noah's lips curled into a wicked smile.