Page 11 of Dying Without You


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The club was made up of three areas. On the first floor, young adults gathered to dance beneath the colorful lights while the DJ spun the latest tracks. They also drank beers and cocktails and played games of pool and darts.

On the second floor, the crowd was more mature, dancing to a mix of new and classic tunes. Some enjoyed wine or whiskey, while others played board games like chess, checkers, or backgammon.

On the third floor, an older crowd enjoyed champagne and cognac while they played cards, craps, and roulette. The balcony offered a scenic view of the other levels. And the crowd conversed about business matters on balconies while observing the other patrons below them.

The elevator door dinged, opening on the second floor. Langston eased out and took in the scene.

The scent of expensive liquor, exotic perfumes, and colognes filled the air. Lights dancing off the crystals suspended from the ceiling sent sparkles across the room. The club was awash in a sea of neon and multicolored glows, and the walls were adorned with vibrant, abstract murals. All around, people laughed, enjoyed themselves, and celebrated life.

As if noticing him instantly, women’s heads turned as Langston strolled to the bar. Clad in a crisp white open-collared shirt with the first two buttons undone, Langston completed his casual attire with denim jeans and a pair of black Timberland boots. He eased through the crowd—nodding to and greeting women as they smiled and lightly touched his shoulder while acknowledging him back.

Jewelry sparkled against his dark skin—two gold herringbone necklaces, an onyx statement ring, diamond-stud earrings, and a gold Rolex watch. His distinct aroma emitted a subtle yet musky, masculine scent of spice.

“Hello.”

He glanced at the light-skinned woman with black lipstick, dark eyes, and a short bob on her head. Her smile held mischief, along with the way her eyes scanned his body, then settled on his face. With a polite smile, he dipped his head in response, then took his gaze to the bar. The music increased in volume, vibrating the walls and floors.

The bartender was busy mixing drinks, but the man seemed to understand and nodded when Langston’s gaze set upon him with an unspoken urgency.

“Cognac cocktail?”

“You know it.”

The bartender quickly mixed a cognac cocktail and handed it to Langston.

The music changed, and an announcer spoke, a woman with a distinctive voice meant to drive the patrons’ attention toward the stage.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. We have a special guest here to get you in the groove tonight. So grab your partner, pull them close, and enjoy ‘Meet Me At Midnight’ by the fabulous Lisa Sharpton!”

Applause, whispers, and whoops scattered around the room, and Langston turned just as Lisa cleared her throat and belted out the first words.

He watched her from the bar, captivated by her smooth voice, vocal transitions, opulent attire, and entrancing stage presence. Black wavy hair fell down her shoulders, a sparkling knee-length dress was cinched tightly around her, with a front slit that extended to the bottom of her panties. Long crystal-like earrings blinged with her limited movements and her dark eyes sparkled, even from her position.

In a trance, Langston approached the stage, drawn to Lisa’s presence like a moth to a flame. Her voice was like a siren’s call, and he couldn’t resist being so far away from her for a moment more.

As Langston moved closer, she noticed his approach, and bestowed an intimate smile on him, her eyes lighting up with recognition. He paused in the crowd, cutting off people who were dancing, as his lips spread into a gorgeous smile. Desire filled him as his gaze covered her body’s outline and images from his dreams assailed him with clear and vivid memories.

Heat flared from the soles of his feet, and although he’d known she was the one to ignite his flame, being in her company after she’d invaded his thoughts—his memories—night after night put her in delicious danger that she was unaware of.

She ended the song with a soaring note that captured the heart of everyone in attendance, and a round of applause exploded from the crowd. Langston was entranced, still in awe of Lisa’s performance.

As she stepped off the stage, Langston approached and held out a hand. She grabbed his fingers, and a blast of electrical energy shot through them.

“Hey,” he said, his voice gruff from the mingling of alcohol and desire.

“Hey,” she replied, a smile on her lips. “Did you like the show?”

“Absolutely. You have an incredible voice.” His gaze raked over her body. “And the dress fits you like a glove.”

Her laugh was a melodic lullaby, a smooth blend of chimes, bells, and harps. It was music to his ears, and it felt like his heart had taken flight, soaring into the galaxy of stars that twinkled in her eyes.

“Thank you.”

“Was it tailored?”

Her eyes arched. “The dress?”

“Yes.”

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