He chuckled. "As long as you're not a crazy drunk."
"I'm manageable."
"That doesn't reassure me whatsoever." Brian sighed.
I squeezed his hand. "Maybe this week, after my business trip, we could have an official date?" It felt weird to mention it, but I was a little excited to be able to go out with Brian. Liam was an amazing boyfriend, and it made me curious to see what Brian would be like, even though he'd shown levels of commitment and compassion before this moment.
"You and me at a nice resort in Dubai," he suggested.
"We aren't going to Dubai."
"Why not? It would be fun."
"As a date? That's a lifetime trip."
"Not for a billionaire." He winked.
"You won't be one if you go to Dubai every time you want to go out on a date." I laughed. He smirked, and the door opened, a couple exiting the bar.
We entered and continued our conversation as we scanned the place that wasn't as crowded as the many bars in the area at eleven o'clock at night.
"Can I bring Pix?"
"If he wants to go."
"You make it seem like I can ask for his opinion."
"Well, technically you can. Or just bribe him with bacon."
"Good point...still not going to remain a billionaire," I noted.
"I'll just work extra hard. Or I'll take some of Liam's money."
"That's stealing!" I exclaimed, and he chuckled.
"Not when it's family."
I shook my head. "He'll be pissed."
"He has to be nice to me. I'm the younger one."
"By what? Twenty seconds?" I snickered.
"Fifty-two to be exact."
"Spoiled!" I huffed. He smirked as we made our way to the bar. Alexander's back faced us as he worked on mixing cocktails.
I looked at the stage that was set up, making me wonder who was performing tonight.
"Huh? Sia...Brian. What are you two doing here?"
When I turned back, Alexander’s eyes were focused on us as he moved down to where we sat.
"I decided to take Sia on a date," Brian said confidently.
I hesitantly glanced at Alexander who wore a guarded expression at Brian's words. "Oh. That's nice. We were supposed to have a performance tonight, but the singer bailed," Alexander revealed, looking irritated.
"They didn't call?" I asked, trying to act like his simple answer and quick move to change the subject didn't annoy me.
"No. I had to hear it from their manager," Alexander muttered. "Anyway, what would you guys like? Usual for you, Sia?" he asked, his eyes locking onto mine.
I merely nodded and looked away toward the stage while Brian ordered a beer. When Alexander walked off, Brian reached out to hold my left hand that rested on my thigh.
"You okay?" he whispered.
"Yup. Just intrigued by the stage." Brian followed my gaze before he focused back on me.
"Do you sing or play an instrument?"
"I sing from time to time," I admitted, turning my attention back to him just as Alexander brought our drinks.
"Thanks," Brian stated, pulling out a 100-dollar bill and placing it on the tablet. Alexander shot him a look, but didn't complain, taking the bill and moving to the other side where a customer was asking for another drink.
I reached out for my Rosé and Brian picked up his pint of beer.
"Cheers?" Brian suggested.
I smirked. "Cheers," I replied and clinked my glass with his. We both drank at least half of our glasses in one go before I returned to looking at the stage.
"I used to play the piano," Brian whispered and met my gaze with a softened expression.
"Do you still play?" I asked.
"Time to time. You haven't seen it yet, but there's a grand piano in one of the rooms in my place. I used to play for hours, especially when I had my anger tangents," he confessed.
"Did it help?"
"A lot, surprisingly. It was one of the few things where I could just close my eyes and let my mind wander with the melody I'd play with my fingers."
"I...liked to sing," I murmured. "A lot."
"You still do?"
"Sometimes...in the shower. I actually used to sing for this bar when musicians bailed. It happens a lot because Alexander's bar is more for higher class shifters and isn't crowded. Some musicians assume they won't make money here and bail last minute to go elsewhere that appears to be more promising," I explained.
"Was it...like a therapy for you?" His eyes lowered to his beer. "Piano playing, or music in general, is kind of like anger management therapy for me. I'm not good at expressing my emotions, and I try to push people away so they don't get hurt. Some say I'm just a loner, but with the incident that happened, you can tell why I try not to bring anyone close."
"Is that why you're so harsh at work?"
"Yes. Liam can be kind because he doesn't have all these random guys trying to kill him or fuck shit up. He's the good brother who brings people together. I’d rather look like the bad guy as long as it keeps everyone safe," he confessed.
"You don't look like a bad guy to me. Just an ass sometimes, but you have your reasons." I glanced at my glass of sparkling pink liquid and smiled.
"My childhood was rather dark. I guess...you could say I was alone a lot. So I used to sing. I had this tiny radio that ran on batteries which were a blessing because my room didn't have a plug for it. I'd listen to jazz and all these different songs that were...sad? Like ballads. I didn't know why, but I just enjoyed how their soft, sad melodies brought me hope. I wasn't in a good place mentally then, but listening to the words of those songs and hearing the slight hint of hope in their agonizing despair, made my life just a little more bearable."
Brian was quiet, and I glanced up to see the sadness in his eyes as he stared at me. I knew he didn't pity me, but it was nice to see him moved by my ramble of words.
"I miss singing in public though. Kind of like an empowering feeling when the room is silent, but it's a good silence because everyone is watching you." I smiled at the memory of my last performance in this bar and how a once chatty atmosphere went quiet when I began to sing.
"Why not go up there?"
"No music."
"Then I'll play on the piano that's here."
"You'll play on the piano just to give me a chance to sing?"
"We're on a date. I'm supposed to work on wooing you."
I laughed, shaking my head before I drank the rest of my glass of Rosé. "You're doing a good job," I whispered, leaning in to give him a gentle kiss on the lips.
He looked surprised by my move, but he quickly recovered as he gave me a firm kiss back. "What song are you feeling?"
"My Funny Valentine."
"Why?"
"When...I'm worried about how life is going into a direction I'm not prepared for, I like to sing it," I admitted. He nodded in understanding and took a slight glance over his shoulder to see Alexander cleaning a glass while looking at the people next to us.
Brian turned back and lifted his hand to caress my right cheek before he leaned in to kiss me again. This time it was longer than the last and filled with a level of emotion that I didn't expect to feel through a kiss. It was one of those kisses that told you 'everything was going to be okay' and that was what I needed. Just a little comfort knowing that the tension and awkwardness with my best friend would slowly disappear and we'd be back to our normal selves.
Brian broke the kiss and lowered his hand to offer it to me. "Then why don't you sing and let your feelings express themselves through the music. I'll be right there," he assured me with a magnificent smile that made his now golden eyes twinkle in the dim light.
A smile formed on my lips as I placed my hand in his. "Okay."
We slid off our stools and Brian finished his beer quickly before we moved towards the stage. I knew I didn't ask permission to go up there, but I did take a peek at Alexander who looked shocked that I was heading towards the stage with Brian.
A few of the regulars noticed my approach, and I could hear their sudden excitement.
"Oh man, you have to be quiet! That woman right there can sing." One of the regulars hushed a group of people.
"Ana darling. We get to be blessed with your voice tonight." Another regular hummed.
I gave them a sweet smile and we walked onto the stage. It didn't take long to set up, the equipment already ready to go.
Brian took a few moments to test out the piano to make sure it was in tune and lifted his head up from the ivory keys to give me an encouraging smile.
Someone dimmed the lights further, leaving the lights on center stage and the once busy, noisey bar was now quiet as everyone stared in our direction.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, and Brian began to play, doing an intro before I started to sing.
"My Funny Valentine. Sweet comic Valentine. You make me smile in my heart." The words flowed out with ease, echoing through the small place.
I opened my eyes as I continued to sing, my eyes landing on Alexander's. I poured my heart into the song, letting my voice do the talking between us. During our break, I realized all the little things I missed.
The way he'd come to wake me up and ended up in my bed to give me cuddles before I started the day. How he'd do his best to make breakfast, even after a long night at the bar. He'd do anything to brighten my day when it was a stressful workday through his silly text messages.
The times I'd come home to a fun candlelit dinner, and how we'd joke about being together and enjoyed each other's company. All the times I'd fall asleep doing reports and scheduling and he'd carry me to bed without a single complaint.
I missed him...and it was like it finally clicked that I understood how lonely he must have been in return. No matter how chaotic life had been, I always made time for him. Yet, I was caught up in my own happiness and finding someone who'd easily accepted me, that I forgot about my best friend who'd been there from day one.
The song was coming to an end, and I never moved my eyes from his I finished. "Stay little Valentine, stayyyy. Each day is Valentine's Day," I finished, blinking back my tears.
The room was completely silent before everyone began to clap, many of the people rising to their feet. I gave them a appreciate smile as I bowed my head slightly and felt Brian's hand rub my back when he reached my side and looked at me. I glanced back at him and gave him a wide smile.
"Thank you," I whispered.
"Your welcome, Sia," he replied. We did a final bow before we walked off stage, and I slipped my hand in Brian's as we moved to the back entrance of the bar.
"I'm just gonna get some fresh air," I said softly.
"By yourself?"
"Ya. The rainy alley." I reminded him of the last place he'd found me during the storm.
He nodded, understanding I wanted a moment alone. "I'll be outside the bar waiting for you."
"Thank you, Brian," I murmured, going on my tiptoes to give him a deep kiss. His arm tightened around my waist as we took a minute to enjoy the sweet exchange before I pulled back.
He smiled gently at me. "Don't take too long, or I'll come to get you."
"Okay. Be right back."
It wasn't long till I was in the alley at the same place near the steps. I leaned against the wall and sighed, looking down toward the ground and letting the tears I'd been holding back fall.
I sobbed quietly, wishing it was raining so it would mute my whimpers and cries. I lifted my hands to wipe my tears that continued to fall and felt something stroke my head.
My eyes opened as I tilted my head back to see Alexander's glossy golden eyes, tears rolling down his flushed cheeks. "Dammit, Sia. Your songs always make me cry..." he whispered before he continued. "I missed you, silly."
I cried harder, and he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his hold. "I'm so sorry, Sia. So damn sorry. I was stupid and childish, and I just didn't want to be left behind. I love you so much. I really love you. I just had so much going on with my parents, and my anxiety kicked in and I ended up pushing you away. I'm sorry for not fighting for you. I'm seriously sorry." He tightened his hold around me. I nodded into his shoulder, unable to speak because of how happy I was.
It took a while for both of us to calm before I pulled back to apologize as well. "I'm sorry. So sorry for not acknowledging you. I didn't realize how lonely I was making you feel, and I was just having a hard time because I wanted you to be happy for me. I was childish too, and I didn't mean to hurt you. I missed you too, and I love you, Alexander Jackson. I don't want to lose you." I pulled him closer and into a passionate kiss.
He kissed me back and pressed me against the brick wall as he kissed me with so much love. It was as if we hadn't seen each other in months instead of the two and a half weeks we'd been separated.
We finally broke apart after we were both satisfied, and we shared a smile. "Let's go back before you get in trouble?"
"Brian's handling the fort."
"Huh? Brian? I asked in astonishment.
"Ya. Who knew he had bartender experience. He's handling it like a pro and told me to go after you," Alexander revealed. "He's surprisingly like Liam which is kinda weird."
"You've known Brian longer though?"
"Not that close though, remember?"
"Ah. Ya. Well, that's kinda cool," I admitted.
"Sia?"
"Hmm?"
"They...won't mind me sharing you too, right?" Alexander asked hesitantly as his cheeks tinted red.
I grinned and slapped his chest. "They've been waiting for you to be a man and sweep me away to Dubai," I teased.
"Dubai, huh. Are we going to do a group trip now?" Alexander suggested.
"That would be rather fun instead of going on one date over there." I laughed. Alexander grinned, nodding in agreement.
"Guess I owe them one?" Alexander concluded.
"You do," I whispered, sliding my hand in his. "Maybe give them free drinks next time or something."
"That works."
"Let's go back." I took a step forward, but Alexander tugged me back gently. I gave him a confused look and he smiled.
"You're okay, right?"
"Huh?" I asked.
"The incident."
"Oh that. I'm good! I don't remember what happened but at least I'm here, alive and well with my new boyfriend...wait, we're like...official now right?" I clarified, realizing he hadn't really asked me out.
He grinned and took a step forward to give me another hug. "Anastasia Hollister. Would you do me the honor of dating me?" he whispered into my ear. I smirked and leaned back to look into his happy golden eyes.
"I'd be honored to date you, Alexander," I murmured before he captured my mouth with his smooth lips.
I guess I got my funny Valentine back.
"Liam, I can't miss this meeting and use the excuse that my vampire lover wants to keep me chained up in his mansion because he thinks the outside world is unsafe." It was probably good I wasn't holding my cell phone because I would have hung up by now.
"Anastasia, it’s only because I care. I don’t want you getting hurt again,” Liam replied.
"First off, that was a scratch with a little, itsy bitsy bit of poison in it. It didn't kill me. Just made me dizzy and confused. Secondly, you know succubi are surprisingly hard to kill, which is NOT because of my amazing seduction powers that run through my blood." I lectured, looking in my rear view mirror at the empty country road behind my pink Lexus.
I sighed, hoping this trip would hurry the hell up. Sure, Liam and I were arguing, but I truly missed his presence.
"Sia."
I paused in my speech, loving the way Liam used my nickname and said it in that husky voice of his, doing the whole 'fuck this trip, my ass is turning this baby around for hot sex and chocolate dessert in bed afterward' thing as little tingles prickled through me. I wonder if this is what it’s like when I indirectly use my powers?
I inhaled deeply, keeping my eyes
straight ahead at the road before me. "Liam, I'm an adult. I’m a very independent woman who needs her freedom to continue doing the business I had to create to survive the madness of NYC. No one had sympathy then, and even after all these years it's still the same. It's just a business meeting. I would need a valid excuse to cancel," I explained in a softer tone.
Liam was quiet for a moment. "Then can I come over there? I won't be there exactly on time, but I'll be able to keep an eye on you when you leave your hotel room."
"You mean to be there out in the open? Or stalk me, like vampires love to do, spooking people."
"You know, you are ALSO a vampire and like to stalk just as much. Your best friend told me before you even asked," Liam countered. Fucking Alexander! Can't keep his mouth shut.
"That was different. I technically worked for you. Stalking is in my job description," I pointed out.
"As a secretary?" he said in a skeptical tone.
"Hey. Don't use that tone. Secretaries are the best stalkers to make sure you don't get clumsy, like Annie giving you black coffee instead of your usual six sugars, five creams, no foam, Venti latte in the mornings before your intense three-hour meetings. Not to mention the time you slept in and I had to search and reschedule everything to ensure you were set for the next week while you were off being a sexy vampire and sparkling everywhere."
"I don't sparkle,” he grumbled.
"That wasn't the point I was trying to make.” I shook my head. "Admit it. My stalking skills as your private secretary are the best," I stated proudly.
He chuckled, the sound making me relax. "Yes. My Anastasia is the best private secretary I've ever had and makes sure to meet all my needs. Every. Single. One, " he murmured, and I had to remind myself to breathe.
"Tease. I'm driving." I used my left hand to fan my burning face.
"I did no such thing. I'll be on my way. Be safe for me." He whispered the last sentence, making me smile.
"Yes, my love. I'll be fine. The cactus will ensure no one fucks with me in this wasteland," I joked.
"I love you," he spoke quietly.
I looked again into the rear view mirror before glancing out my left window.
"I love you t-"
Suddenly, my life flashed before my eyes as something crashed directly into the left side of my car. Slowly my car spun high above the ground; glass shards of all sizes drifted through the vehicle. My ears picked up on a scream, which I then realized came from me.
SEDUCE MY HEART Page 11
