Chapter 1: Introduction
The low hum of voices, mingled with the soft strumming of a guitar, was punctuated by the clinking of ice against the side of glasses as bartenders went about their business. It was one of those idyllic bars in downtown New York City, wedged in the corner between a closed-down bookstore and a tattoo parlor. They had a rather questionable local following, but it made for great people-watching every now and then. Behind the bar, a large chalkboard boasted a long list of cocktails that promised to please any palette.
Aaliyah leaned over the glossy wooden surface, the curves of her body casting a long shadow over the menu. Her long, wavy chestnut hair tumbled over one shoulder, partly obscuring her as she scanned the options.
The seat next to Aaliyah was occupied by a man around his early forties, dressed neatly in a crisp navy-blue suit, tie loosened just enough to make him approachable. Mark was successful, charming, and incredibly intelligent, but tonight, he found himself rather captivated by the woman beside him.