AllFreeNovel
Share Us
This negotiation was not smooth by any means, but no blood was shed, and each party was satisfied, so that was a win . . . for now. With that finished, Sloan looked forward to spending the evening at the Sin Lounge, owned by the Coven and always a hot spot for the satisfaction Sloan sought. Unfortunately, although there were many handsome possibilities, he found none of them piqued his interest.
“Another?” Alistar leaned close and offered him another whiskey.
“Thanks, yes.” He said and took the drink.
“There are some fine-looking men and women here tonight.” He commented. “Many tourists looking for a little pleasure.” He smiled wickedly. Alistar loved tourists because they were up for anything, and they weren’t staying. Their lack of inhibition was most attractive.
"If you wish to try your luck, I can take over the bar for a few hours." Sloan offered, but Alistar shook his head with a smile.
"No, this is your night, Sloan. Enjoy, and just so you know, those two standing just inside the door haven't taken their eyes off you for the past thirty minutes. You could very likely have both." He chuckled and walked away to take care of another customer. Sloan glanced over at the two men by the door. They were checking him out, and their eyes lit up when Sloan began to give them a once over with his eyes.
He was just about to give them the go-ahead to approach when someone walked in and captured his attention. Suddenly, everyone seemed to fade into the background, and the only person he could see was the gorgeous red-haired man standing by the door, looking decidedly out of place.
Sloan straightened and nailed the guy with a dark, come closer stare, catching his attention immediately. He held Sloan's gaze for several seconds, obviously not certain he was the intended recipient, which just made him that much more desirable. There was something special about a young, handsome human who was unaware of his own appeal.
Not confident enough to approach, he instead walked to the bar and ordered a beer, and kept staring at it while stealing glances in Sloan's direction. Sloan's desire was becoming intense and sharpening with each shy glance. This man was one in a million, and tonight, he belonged to Sloan.
CHAPTER TWO
Paul had zero fun at the first four bars he went to. His attitude was probably playing a large part in his inability to enjoy himself, but he didn’t know how to shut down the feelings that were still playing havoc with his confidence.
While at the Sundowner Bar, he heard someone mention the Sin Lounge and comment on its sultry and mysterious aura. It was located further on the edge of downtown and would require walking several blocks, but Paul decided to check it out. He wasn't ready to admit defeat and go home just yet.
The walk was good for him, giving him time to clear his mind with the cool night air and allowed him time to prepare himself for the Sin Lounge. He’d heard of the place but had never been there before because Joshua thought it to be beneath him.
The Lounge had a reputation for being a pick-up palace, but as far as Paul was concerned, that sounded damn good right now. If the lights were low enough, maybe even he could get lucky. He pushed that line of thought out of his mind, refusing to lean into Joshua's criticisms and insults. With a deep breath, he stepped up to the black lacquer doors, pushed them open, and walked in.
The place was packed, and it smelled like sex and booze, and instantly, Paul had the urge to turn and leave. He didn't belong there. He would be seen as the imposter he was. There was no faking it in a place like this. Just when he was about to turn away, something grabbed his attention. Eyes the color of black onyx but with a light that flashed and burned caught and held him.
He could not look away, as a matter of fact; he could not move for a few seconds, so lost was he in the power of that gaze. Someone walked across his path, breaking the spell, and he was able to look around, but all he wanted to do was see if the adonis at the bar was still looking at him. Paul managed to keep his attention on the bar itself, walked up, and ordered a beer. He could feel the man standing several feet away to his right.
He wanted to look, but he resisted for about ten seconds, and then he began glancing to his right. He was there looking back, and the air was getting hot. This was an experience that was exhilarating and moving in a way that he never felt before. The man was moving in his direction, and he felt his heart speed up, and his breath was catching in his throat. This was it. He was going to speak to him, and Paul wasn't sure he had the ability to form words.
“Hello.” He said, and his voice rolled over Paul like a warm embrace. "Do you mind if I stand here next to you?" Paul had to respond. He had to say something.
"I don't mind." He answered probably too quickly and enthusiastically, but he didn't want the gorgeous man to leave. He was there talking to him, and Paul wanted to keep him as long as possible.
"Sloan." He stated and reached out his hand to Paul. Why was his breath coming out in short pants? He needed to calm down, or he'd scare this guy off. He was something else, something Paul had only ever admired from afar, and here he was talking to him.
“Paul.” He responded after a few seconds, and it was then he noticed Sloan had not released his hand. The warmth and the strength of his hand enveloped not only Paul’s hand, but he felt the effects right to his core. It was a feeling of having joined together in some way. Paul took the opportunity to really look at his companion.
Sloan was taller than him by at least three inches, and he had a body that put Joshua's toned, sculpted body to shame. The clothes were not the designers that Joshua praised and wore, but they had a classic cut and presence that spoke to his understanding of what looked good on him.
Black pants were perfectly tailored, a lovely gray shirt that moved with him like it was an extension of his body, and accessories that made everything come together impeccably. His hair was the blackest of black and swept back from his face, revealing the bone structure of a god. The best part of it was that it appeared effortless on his part.
He pulled out of his appraisal when suddenly Sloan smiled as he released Paul's hand. "Let me buy you a drink." He announced, and even though Paul said he had just purchased a beer, he persisted. "This isn't the night for a beer, Paul. This is the night for a traditional club offering." He told him.
“What would that be?” Paul played along.
“A French 75, champagne, gin and lemon juice.”
"Sounds fancy," Paul responded, not realizing how innocent he sounded. It brought another smile to that handsome face, and Paul was falling more and more under his spell.
"It is fancy, and you will love it." The drink arrived, and Sloan was right; he loved it. Paul finished about half of it, and then Sloan took it and set it on the bar. Then, Sloan took Paul's hand and led him out onto the dance floor. The music had a sensual beat that was perfect for dancing close. Sloan smelled so good, not like cologne or perfume, but a natural scent that was clean and earthy. Paul leaned into Sloan's embrace and breathed it in, loving it and loving how Sloan was holding him in his strong arms.
This felt like a dream, and then the music softened, and the swaying stilled, but Sloan did not release him. He was still held firmly to Sloan's chest, and Paul lifted his head from where he'd rested it on Sloan's shoulder to look up at the man who was bringing his every lovelorn dream to life. They'd danced into the darkened corner of the main room. There were so many people around, and yet Paul felt as if they were alone, just the two of them.
He didn't want this to end; the air was filled with anticipation and a sense of fulfillment. Paul clutched at Sloan's arms, holding him, not wanting this dance, this closeness to be over. The desire that was raging through him was something he'd never felt before.
