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CHAPTER 1
MELISSA
The music is loud and the stench of the sweat, blood, and tears of the damned hits me as I push open the battered door.
I take a deep breath and almost change my mind, but this was my suggestion, and I can’t back out now.
I’m hoping like hell Katy is here because the thought of waiting alone isn’t doing a lot for my sanity.
Dark Shadows is the name of the bar, and I’m beginning to believe it deserves its name.
The lighting is dim except for the solitary bright light focused on the stage, which allows me to navigate my way past the crowded tables, their occupants riveted to the scene playing out in front of them.
A woman in a silver dress is expertly maneuvering a silver pole and her talent is admirable, although I’m guessing the observers are waiting to appreciate a different set of skills she has.
I inch my way to the bar where several stools are vacant. I should be safe enough here; I can always repeat the code name if I’m afraid. The one that gets me immediate help without alerting the person threatening me. Is it Karen, Lola perhaps, I can’t remember?
What the fuck is the name again?
My mind has emptied, and my heart is banging because I’m the stupid fool who thought it would be fun to dance on the wild side of life for an adrenalin rush.
I asked Katy to meet me here so we could check this place out. A couple of our friends have been here and spoken of it with excitement in their eyes.
It’s a place where money counts for nothing. Who you are, your family, your job, or how much money you have in the bank is inconsequential. It’s what you have between your thighs that interests the clientele and I’m already regretting my impulsive decision.
I glance around, desperately hoping Katy is merely late, and then a message flashes up on my phone that causes my heart to sink.
Sorry, honey. Jacob swung by and wants to take me to dinner. You know I can’t say no. This could be the moment I’ve been waiting for. Speak tomorrow and I’ll tell you all the sordid details. Sorry to dip out on you—again!
Fuck. Now what?
The bartender heads my way and nods respectfully.
“What can I get you?”
I almost say ‘nothing’. It’s on the tip of my tongue, but I’ve had a shitty day and was really looking forward to tonight.
“White wine, please.” I smile and fumble in my purse and then a deep voice says, “I’ll get that.”
I glance up and notice a man by my side, smiling into my eyes, his intentions obvious to anyone with half a brain.
“It’s okay, I–”
“I insist.” He says firmly and points to the stool with a commanding, “Sit.”
I really don’t want to get involved with this man. For one thing, he’s not my type. He must be the same height as me, with dirty blond hair that is swept back with some kind of oil. His blue eyes are piercing, and his shirt is open enough to reveal a gold medallion nestling against a puny body.
He stares at me with a gaze dripping with lust and I’m extremely uncomfortable when he whispers, “This is your lucky night.”
I shake my head and stutter, “I’m, um, meeting someone. I’m sorry, but, well, thanks for the drink and everything, but he’ll be here soon and won’t appreciate me talking to anyone else.”
“So, he’s the jealous type, huh?”
His eyes narrow and he shifts, his jacket opening slightly to reveal a gun nestling in a holster against his chest.
My eyes widen as he says in a low voice, “Then we should leave now before he gets here.”
“Leave?” My mouth dries as he grabs my wrist and pulls me toward him, growling, “Don’t say a word and do as I say. Nobody will help you here, anyway.”
