He stood and walked toward her, and she met him halfway.
“Rachel, you came.” He took her hand and her skin tingled.
His accent stirred her, generating heat in her core.
She tilted her head. “You sound surprised.” She had to raise her voice to be heard over the music.
He assessed her. “Just glad to see you.” He caressed her palm. “You look radiant.”
“Thanks.” A smile spread across her face. Radiant. No doubt she’d replay those words in her head later. It wasn’t every day she heard anything like that, well, not from someone who made her bones turn to kindling when he praised her that way.
“What can I get you to drink?” He turned and led her toward the bar.
She glanced at a drink menu with the clever-sounding concoctions that often amused her. Something that took off the edge would be welcome. One drink was on special tonight, a concoction with champagne, vodka, dark raspberries, and more, called “A Forbidden Attraction.” Is that what this was with Mattias?
It had to be. Someone like her couldn’t have it any other way.
Maybe she’d have to stop it tomorrow, but for tonight—for one night—why not see if she could roll the dice in her favor?
“I’ll take a Forbidden Attraction, please.”
Mattias appraised her with an amused expression and then nodded. “Good choice.”
At the bar, he spoke to the bartender, one of the massive men she’d seen him with before. “Lucan, can we have two Forbidden Attractions?”
Lucan chuckled. “A mixed drink, Mattias? That’s unlike you.”
“It’s a special occasion,” Mattias said.
“And what’s that?”
“I’m here with a beautiful woman.” He coaxed her closer to the bar. “Rachel, this is my brother, Lucan.”
She pulled her gaze from Mattias to Lucan, noting the physical similarities with their features—and their obvious massive physical bodies.
“Nice to meet you,” she said.
Lucan nodded, “Same here.”
After he grabbed two tall glasses, Mattias turned her and pointed at a man with long blond hair across the club—the other guy she’d seen him with. “And that’s my oldest brother, Danton.”
Lucan returned with the drinks. After they took the drinks and thanked him, they walked away from the bar.
She stiffened. “Wait, don’t we have to pay for these?”
He grinned. “No, we’re good. A perk of my years of service here.” He pointed to tables at the back of the club. “Why don’t we head there? It will be easier to hear each other without having to shout.”
They sat across from each other at a small black table. She leaned back in the chair and then forward. After crossing her legs, she soon uncrossed them. She sipped her drink, hoping it would shave the edge off of her nervousness. Mattias watched her, a ghost of a smile on his face.
“What is it?” she asked.
He leaned back in his chair. “I’m trying to figure out what it could be that’s unnerving you.”
She bit her lip and then swirled her drink with a straw. “What makes you think I’m unnerved?”
“Body language.”
She resisted the urge to squirm in her chair. “I’m just—it’s—it’s nothing.” The last time she was here her anxiety was heightened due to the coming full moon. Without that looming, she attributed her self-consciousness to being around Mattias.
As they chatted on harmless observations over their drinks, her unease diminished.
The DJ announced, “It’s time to get out here and love your neighbor. “
“I know how you can shake those nerves off,” Mattias said. “Let’s dance.”
“What?” He couldn’t be serious.
“Dance. You know, moving your body to a song,” he teased.
She groaned and then laughed. “I know what a dance is.”
He took her hand and led her onto the dance floor before she could protest. Once they were wedged amid all those hot, swaying bodies, he faced her.
“I can’t,” she said.
“Can’t what?”
She glanced around at the people around her. They all moved as if they felt the music. It energized them. If she tried that, she’d look like an awkward gazelle trying to balance on a beach ball.
“Dance,” she said.
He peered at her with disbelief. “You sure? Let’s give it a go.”
“Uh—um.”
“Just try it with me.” He put his hands on her hips and swayed before her. “Smooth and steady, like this.” He moved his hips, encouraging her to do the same.
“Mattias—”
“What is it?”
With the way his body moved before hers, she lost track of the protest that had been forming on her lips. Maybe this wouldn’t be so terrible for a minute or two.
“Never mind,” she said.
He pushed his long black hair out of the way and then draped one of her arms around his shoulders. She followed with the other. The strands of his hair fell over her fingers. Then he returned his hand to her waist and they resumed moving.
“Enjoy yourself.”
She exhaled, relaxing her shoulders. At least, he hadn’t said, Forget it. You’re right, this was a bad idea. Let’s abandon the attempt. As they continued to move, some of the tension drifted from her muscles.
“Ignore everyone else. This moment is just for you and me.”
How could she forget that dozens of people surrounded them? Were they questioning why someone without any natural rhythm came out to humiliate herself out on the dance floor? She glanced around, but nobody was paying a grain of attention. They were too caught up in their dance partner, or if out there on their own, enjoying themselves too much to notice others. Could she manage to reach that state? It seemed so—free.
“Close your eyes,” he said. “And just follow your body’s natural reaction.”
Yikes, she might hurt someone to be left unchecked out here. Yet, he held her, and her arms remained steady on his muscular shoulders, so she wouldn’t risk harming anyone with her flailing arms.
“Feel it.”
She closed her eyes—permitting herself to loosen up for once. The music seemed more pronounced as it pulsed around her, not just filling her ears, but penetrating beneath her skin. The seductive beat hammered, a command she couldn’t ignore. Her body seemed compelled to respond to its lead, and not just on her own, but sensing his body moving in conjunction with hers.
God, he was so close. His scent spoke of raw masculinity. And his presence was intoxicating. She could barely breathe, almost drowning in his raw, magnetic power. She couldn’t attribute her carnal response to the full moon this time.
She’d seen others enraptured in sensual dances. Never did she think she’d be a part of one.
Despite being under this spell, she’d never felt so free. One song faded into the next. When the singer chanted about walking the line between good and evil, she straightened. That was her struggle, wasn’t it? Trying to balance on a tightrope where she could fall at any moment to either side. Yet, whenever the full moon approached, it was like someone shook the rope and she fell, grasping onto it with sweaty hands, desperate not to fall into the chasm where there would be no return.
She stole a glance at Mattias. What was she doing here trying to be with him? Trying to convince him that she was someone she wasn’t? It wasn’t fair to lead him on for a hot encounter. Like she was a femme fatale because the truth was, she was truly dangerous. He deserved more. Any of the women here in this club would be a better partner. Despite all the outlandish outfits and styles around her, the gargoyle statues seemed to peer down at her to point out she was the most freakish thing there.
Coming here was a mistake.
She removed her arms from his shoulders and stepped back. “I’m sorry, but I have to go.”
Maneuvering her way through sweaty bodies and flailing arms, she ducked and twisted to escape. Goo
dness, she was so close to lighting a metaphorical match that could incinerate them both.
“Wait,” he called after her.
Why did she have these stupid heels on? She could move much quicker without them. When she finally broke from the dance floor, she rushed to the exit.
A massive blond man stepped before her, the same guy Mattias had pointed out as his brother, Danton.
“Is everything okay?” he asked.
“It’s fine. I’m fine,” she quickly responded.
“I’m Danton, Mattias’s brother.”
“Hi,” she squeaked. This wasn’t the time for family introductions, not when she wanted to escape the confines of the club.
“Did he do something to upset you?” Danton said.
“No, not at all.”
“Rachel, what happened?” Mattias caught up to her.
“Nothing,” she lied. Well, nothing that she’d admit to him. “I just need air.”
“I’ll go with you.”
Shit. As they left the main area, the music faded. He opened the heavy front door for her, and she stepped out. She gulped air, and then glanced at the sky. With the moon waning, she had almost a month before she had to worry about the inevitable change.
The door closed, cutting off their connection. It seemed to separate the freaks from the normal world. Which one did she belong in now? After what had happened in there, likely neither?
The distant drum of traffic hummed. She struggled with her conflict. She’d never felt so alive as she had moments ago dancing with Mattias, but that had to be an illusion.
“Just breathe,” Mattias said. He rubbed her back.
She closed her eyes, relishing the comfort of his gesture. Maybe, just maybe, she could make it work with him.
After she reopened them, she gave him a sheepish glance. “I’m okay now. You must think I’m a freak for running out like that.”
“No. I pushed you to go out there.” He offered his arm. “Would you like me to walk you home?”
“Yes.” She took a deep breath and took his arm. His presence conveyed warmth and strength, comforting her.
Could she salvage their disastrous date? Or, had she blown it?
Chapter 7
What had he done?
Mattias didn’t say much as he walked Rachel home from the warehouse district. She’d removed her heels and replaced them with what looked like ballet flats stashed in her purse. While his boots hit the pavement with a resounding echo, her tiny feet barely made a sound. Each movement forward of her left leg exposed an enticing flash of her thigh under the soft glow of the streetlights. He focused on the surroundings to distract himself from the enticing view.
The scenery shifted to a commercial landscape peppered with stores and restaurants on both sides of the main road. Although the restaurants were closed, scents from earlier meals lingered in the summer night. Few cars traveled at this late hour. Other than their passing and their steps, the night was quiet, which seemed to amplify the silence between them. He wasn’t sure what had upset her and wanted to be careful not to exacerbate it.
In the club, things seemed to be going so well. In fact, it had turned so damn hot on the dance floor, he was achingly hard. With her body’s heat mingling with his, he ached to get closer still. Touch her. Kiss her. Take her.
Was that it? Had he come on too strong?
It had to be. What else would explain the abrupt transition?
“Listen, Rachel. If I was out of line in there, I apologize.”
“No, no,” she said with a wave of her hand. “You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s me.” She gave him a sheepish grin. “I think I went in over my head.”
“How so?”
She motioned at her dress and waved the shoes in her hand. “This isn’t me.”
“The outfit?”
“Yes. I guess I thought I could play a role, but I botched it up.”
Mattias squeezed his lips tight as he sought to understand what she might mean. “What kind of role were you trying to play?”
She rolled her shoulders with a self-conscious shrug. “I wanted to look sexy for you tonight.”
He rubbed his hand over his jaw. “I already thought you were stunning, but tonight you almost slayed me. So, mission accomplished.”
She peered at the sidewalk and smiled, and a delicious blush covered her cheeks. “Thanks. I guess I was trying to be like everyone else there in the club. They all look so unencumbered by life.” Raising her gaze ahead, she added, “For a while, I did. But, it’s just an illusion. My reality is quite different.”
“I think that’s the case for most people who visit the club. They leave daily troubles behind and find a way to escape into fantasy.”
They turned onto a residential road. He recognized some of the modest Cape Cod-style houses, some with picket fences and tended gardens.
“I suppose you’re right. I don’t know, Mattias. Perhaps it was a bad idea.”
His jaw tightened. “Not for me. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you, and don’t regret a second of it.”
“Even with me running out?”
He grinned. “Even better.”
“Mattias?” Her expression turned puzzled.
“It got us alone together sooner than I’d hoped.”
She laughed and playfully swatted his arm. It was the first time he’d heard her laugh. The musical sound sent warmth spreading through his chest. He’d broken through her wary veneer and made her laugh.
“Can we try again?” he asked.
She peered over at him, a hint of a smile still on her face. “Try what again exactly?”
“Our date.”
“Oh.” The smile vanished.
“What is it?”
“I should be upfront with you.”
He straightened and inhaled, awaiting what she’d say next.
“I’m not looking for a relationship.”
He exhaled. That wasn’t a problem. In fact, it was a good thing. It could keep things between them from getting complicated. “Neither am I.”
She peered closer at him. “What are you looking for? A hook up?”
He rolled his neck and rubbed the back of it. “I don’t know exactly, to tell you the truth. But I am interested in you. And I’d like to get to know you better.”
She bit her lip and glanced ahead. “My house is up ahead that way.”
“I remember.”
They walked in silence for a minute or so, passing one house after another as they neared hers. She hadn’t responded to his last statement. Was she considering it? Planning on inviting him in? Rehearsing how to blow him off? Her expression didn’t reveal anything, but she held his arm with a comfortable grasp. He didn’t push her, though. He’d already sensed that if he did so, she would run.
Maybe he was a fool for pursuing someone who didn’t want to be caught, but there was something about her he couldn’t resist. Something haunted her. He’d recognize that look anywhere, having seen it in the mirror every day. And she was hiding something, but what? The mystery added to her allure.
She paused in front of the white house with black shutters and fenced-in garden he recognized as hers.
With a nervous smile, she said, “How about we try this again tomorrow?”
Nice. She was giving them another chance. He resisted the urge to pump his fist and kept emotion from his response. “Sure.”
“I can make us dinner, here at my place.”
He rolled on his toes. “Sounds perfect. What can I bring?”
“How about white wine?”
He grinned. “I can handle that.”
She smiled in response. Their eyes met. For a heated moment, energy sizzled between them like they were back on the dance floor in Vamps. Only now they were alone, and the closeness of her house loomed as a tempting invitation.
Her tempting scent swirled around him, an infusion that stirred his beast. He yearned to lean in closer for a goodnight kiss. To taste those lips and
see if they felt as succulent as they appeared.
No need to push it. He’d made enough progress tonight with the promise of another date tomorrow. He forced himself to break free from her intoxicating presence.
Instead, he took her hand and kissed the back of it. “Until tomorrow.”
* * *
What are you doing?
Rachel stared at herself in the mirror the next morning and cringed.
Last night was a disaster. Why are you trying again tonight? You know this can’t go anywhere.
She knew. Of course, she knew. The damn moon reminded her of the reason every time she stepped outdoors. Other than that, a dozen reminders a day warned her that she was dangerous and too unfit to be in a relationship—despite how right it might have felt.
Her attempt at seduction had fallen as flat as if she’d broken one of her heels and landed on her ass. Her fear had turned that passionate dance from uncontrollably hot to arctic tundra. But, with Mattias coming to dinner tonight, it hadn’t been a complete failure.
She threw on yoga pants and a T-shirt and walked the mile and a half to the gym, replaying the events that had ended with her running out of the club. She attempted to chase the demons away in a spin class at the gym. It was difficult to beat herself up too much while distracted by her heart pounding and lungs gasping for air. Her muscles screamed from the hill climbs and it was exactly what she needed. After a few laps in the pool to stretch out her beaten body, she showered, turning the shower as hot as she could bear.
On the way home, she headed to the neighborhood grocery store she frequented. A lightness filled her, so different from the self-scolding on the way to the gym. Maybe in the comfort of her home she wouldn’t react like she had last night. Or, overreact might have been a better term. How he hadn’t let her run off boggled her. Wouldn’t most guys brush their hands of the basket case who blew hot and cold and then search for better company?
When he walked her home, his presence comforted her again. It had been so long since she’d let anyone close, partially in fear for their safety. Perhaps it was Mattias’s size—his massive physique indicated he could take on more than the average guy.
TORCH: Underground Encounters 9 Page 5
