Chapter 1
CHAPTER ONE
The door slammed shut as the last of the drunken crowd left the club. Without missing a beat, I threw my head back, downing a shot of vodka. It burned as it slid down my throat, but tonight I needed it. The club was a mess from the usual Saturday night party goers. The tables all held stacks of glasses, there were all sorts of liquids on the floor and the smell of sweat, alcohol and unnameable bodily fluids lingered in the air.
“Have fun cleaning up tonight Salem,” a deep voice echoed in my ear as a hand landed on my shoulder. I jumped at the sudden scare and gave Pete, my co-worker, the finger. He had his leather jacket slumped over his shoulder and keys in his hands. He gave me one of those flirty smiles before closing the door behind him.
I sighed. This was my usual Saturday night. Having to deal with drunk boys who wanted a good lay, then dealing with the aftermath of said drunk boys. I didn’t hate cleaning, but it wasn’t at the top of my favourite things to do list, especially that of unknown body fluids. Tonight, hadn’t been so bad, but it didn’t change the fact that I craved to be in bed.
My least favourite part about the night was emptying the bins. It meant I had to lug the stacks of rubbish into the alleyway, which always gave me the creeps. What if someone was lurking around, watching me as I did so? I wasn’t afraid of the dark per se, but I was afraid of what was lurking in it.
The cool breeze welcomed me to the secluded streets. Goosebumps were quick to rise on my skin, but they weren’t from the cold air. I lugged the heavy bags of rubbish out the door as quickly as I could, trying my best not to make a sound. The boom of the heavy door slamming shut behind me startled me. I quickly dropped the bags and raced over to it.
It was locked.
Crap...
I fiddled with the handle, hoping somehow the club hadn’t betrayed me in my time of fear. I quickly grew frustrated and kicked the door, but soon quickly froze. Shuffling came from behind me, more so the bins and bags of rubbish.
“Salem...” I heard a voice whisper.
I wasn’t going to take my chances.
I started pounding my fists on the heavy door, hoping someone would hear. My fear only rose when I realised that there would be no one inside.
“Fuck!” I practically screamed and kicked the door with my foot. If no one was letting me in, I’d just have to figure out a way to get in myself.
Just as I lifted my foot to kick the door once again, it opened from the other side and I stumbled in. Without thanking or having a look at my rescuer, I turned backed to the door and slammed it shut. I leaned back against the wood and closed my eyes as I tried to catch my breath.
Realising that I hadn’t paid any attention to my hero, I slowly opened my eyes. A man, only a few years older than me stood before me. I don’t think I had seen any one as perfect as him in my 22 years of existence. He had dark brown hair similar to mine which was thick and black, and stunning green eyes. His shoulders were broad, and his torso was strong with muscles. He had the body and looks of a god and he screamed sex.
“Hi,” I calmly stated, not taking my eyes off of his.
His lips curved up into a sly smirk, obviously full well knowing what kind of affect he had on girls. If I guessed correctly, he knew exactly how to use his charms to get whatever he wanted.
He looked towards the door, lifting his eyebrow for an explanation. I couldn’t believe that I had forgotten that I could’ve died only moments ago. I shivered, just thinking about what might’ve happened if the door hadn’t opened.
“There was something out there,” I whispered, looking away.
A few moments of silence went by.
“Wait, who the hell are you and what are you doing in my club?” I stated, realising I had no clue who this hot, sexy stranger was.
“Your club?” The sexy stranger’s voice echoed. It was deep and masculine and had me squeezing my thighs together. “This is my club, sweetheart.”
Oh, crap. This was my new boss? I knew Lector had been planning to sell but I wasn’t prepared for how fast it was all going to happen. It still didn’t explain what he was doing checking out ′his’ club at this time of night.
“Just making sure,” I said quietly, hoping that I hadn’t just gotten myself fired.
His lips curved up into that same smirk, as he openly checked me out. His eyes landed on my breasts where they stayed for an uncomfortable amount of time. I cleared my throat angrily.
“Well, boss, my shift has officially ended. I’ll be going home now.”
He stared at me and without his permission, I headed towards the bar to grab my leather jacket and keys. Knowing his eyes were on my ass, I swayed my hips as I made my way to the front door. Before stepping out, I looked back, twirling my keys in my hand.
“The bins need emptying,” I said in a sickly-sweet voice and slipped through the door.
