Chapter 1: Introduction
"Anyone sits on that stool gets free beer for the night," a man grumbled.
He sported a thick beard, and ink as black as his shaggy hair wrapped around his neck.
I wasn't about to argue. The dimly lit bar, a throwback from the seventies, welcomed me as I plopped down on the worn-out barstool. I tucked my long purple hair behind my ears and turned to the gruff voice that came from beyond the stained counter. The flickering neon lights cast eerie shadows across the biker's face.
A pair of piercing green eyes studied my face as the corner of his mouth twitched, as if he were deciphering a puzzle.
"You're new here, aren't you?" he asked, pushing a cold one in my direction.
"I am," I replied, gingerly lifting the glass and taking a sip. "Sky White. And yourself?"
He extended his tattoo-covered hand, and I shook it, wincing when the skin around his knuckles threatened to tear the delicate skin on mine. "Axel Black.
Nice to meet you, Sky."
I was curious about the mystery man before me, as the biker's eyes bore into me with an intensity that set my pulse racing. The weight of his gaze, however, felt like a protective embrace I hadn't known I craved.
His eyes flashed, a hint of mischief lighting his green irises. "I should tell you that I don't give free beer to just anyone, you know."
My nerves sparked under his touch, and I couldn't help but let out a breathy laugh.
The noise seemed to break the tension, and Axel's grin grew wider, as if he was in on a secret I was still unaware of.
"Why me?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
He leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against my neck as he whispered, "I've got a feeling you're about to discover something new, and I can't help but be drawn to it."
I shivered and tried to hold his gaze, but he didn't give me the opportunity.
Instead, his eyes trailed down my body, appraising me like a fine piece of art.
A curious heat crept up my neck and settled in my cheeks, as my heart thrummed its wild rhythm against my ribs. I wanted to be angry, but the excitement of someone paying attention to me, to what made me different, ignited a fire in my core.
"Are you done?" I challenged, staring at him with a newfound confidence.
Axel grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Oh, I'm just getting started."
He signaled for the bartender to bring us a fresh round, and we clinked glasses, savoring the taste of the ice-cold beer. Axel's gaze lingered on me, making me squirm in my seat.
"I've never seen eyes as blue as yours," he said, his voice low and velvety.
The way he looked at me, with unwavering intensity and curiosity, made my pulse race.