Predator

Chapter 1

Predator.

That's what pops in your head the moment he strolls into the bar. Your eyes run over him, taking in his black leather jacket, his bow-legged stance, and those flashing green eyes. Oh yes, he is definitely a predator, and definitely on the prowl.

And you definitely wanted to be his prey.

He saunters up to the bar like he owns the place, orders a scotch on the rocks, and then casually sips it while glancing around the room. When his eyes graze over you, you casually stretch your arms above your head to put your chest on display for him. His eyes widen a fraction, then he downs his drink and heads for the pool tables.

He plays pool for an hour or two, hustling a few college boys from out of town. You watch him move around with a masculine grace, but underneath all that cool poise is a slight hint of danger. You absentmindedly wonder what his back story is. He looks like he could be a model with those high cheekbones and chiseled arms, but you notice that his hands are calloused and shiver at the thought of those rough thumbs grazing over your nipples.

He notices you staring and looks you up and down with a smirk, then tosses you a wink. You blush from the roots of your hair to your toes, but manage to smile in his direction. He wins the final game, pockets the cash the boy shoves in his hand, then saunters over to you.

"Enjoying the view?" He asks boldly, and you grin sheepishly.

"It's one hell of a view." You admit, and he throws back his head and laughs. It's not warm or friendly, more of a forced reaction. You detect a coldness about him, a sense of superiority that he carries like a chip on his shoulder. To your surprise, it was a bit of a turn-on.

"You are lovely." He tells you, staring right into your eyes. "Hope I'm not being too forward, but a man can't help but think all kinds of dirty things about a body like that."

You blush again and tried to think of something clever or coy to say, but words seem to fail you.

"Can I buy you a drink?" He asks and you nod.

"Jack, straight up, please."

"That's a pretty strong drink for such a sweet little thing. Might go straight to your head."

You meet his dark stare head-on. "I certainly hope so." You sip your drink slowly, savoring the sweet burn as it runs down your throat and leaves a strong aftertaste.

"That looks good, can I have some?" He asks and you shove your drink towards him. Before you can react, his tongue is in your mouth, sampling a taste of the dark liquor off your lips.

"Mm, sweet and tangy." He murmurs as he pulls away. "Burns just a little."

"Something tells me you aren't afraid of getting burnt." You retort, downing your glass and motioning for another.

His eyes darken and that pink tongue flicks out to lick his bottom lip again. "No, I'm not afraid of a little fire, sweetheart." His hand slips into your hair and he pulls your body against him. "The real question is...are you?"

You swallow hard, trying to look confident and poised, but you're a mess of hot nerves. It'd been a long time since you've been with a man, and twice as long since a man had made you feel the way this one did. His eyes bore into yours, almost probing, searching for any hesitation on your part.

There isn't any. You may be nervous as hell but you already knew you were going home with this man the moment you laid eyes on him. It was just a matter of getting him to ask you.

"So, do you want to get out of here?" He asks, his voice barely above a whisper. Well, that was easy. "Or maybe you'd want to start slow and tell me your name first."