CHAPTER FOUR
Mystery Man
Jenna sniffed, finally sitting up as the strong arms holding her released their warm, comforting grip.
“I am so, so sorry about your shirt,” Jenna sniffed again, patting his wet black button-up. She looked up to see the man whose lap she had landed in and froze.
“Fuck the shirt, you’re breathing like a human again.” The man winked down at her.
Jenna’s mouth fell open in shock. It was him—the mystery man, the gorgeous, dark, rich, and incredibly handsome VIP booth man!
“It’s you!” Jenna blurted abruptly, awkwardly climbing out of his lap.
He stood after her, a small frown crossing his face.
“I’m sorry. I mean, hi,” Jenna said, sniffing and
wiping her face. “Thank you.” She accepted the handkerchief he pulled from his suit pocket.
“It’s a pleasure,” he said, watching her.
Jenna wiped her face, cringing at the black-smeared makeup staining the crisp white handkerchief. She probably looked like the walking dead.
“You don’t even need the makeup,” he said, as if reading her thoughts.
Jenna gazed up at him as he gave her a small smile. She smiled back, blushing.
“Here you go, sir.”
Jenna paused, lowering the handkerchief, and glanced toward one of his security guards, who handed him a glass. Spinning around, she noticed they were surrounded by his men, their backs all facing outward for privacy. Every couch and chair on the rooftop stood empty.
Had he told everyone to leave?
“Drink this,” he insisted, handing her the glass.
“What is it?” she asked hesitantly, accepting it.
“Sugar water,” he said, his gaze fixed on her.
Jenna looked down at the glass, grateful for the kind gesture. “I’m okay though, thank you.”
“No, you’re not. Drink. It’s not poison.”
“I didn’t think it was, but now that you mention it...” Jenna paused, a small smile playing on her lips.
“I wouldn’t kill you with poison,” he smirked.
Jenna’s eyes widened. The way he said it made it sound deadly, his eyes hardening ever so slightly as if he knew all about killing. Who was this man exactly?
“Why, because poison is a woman’s weapon?”
“No, because I don’t believe in killing women.”
He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Come,” he beckoned, walking toward the railing overlooking the city lights.
Together, they stood there, looking out and listening to the many sounds of the city. Jenna sipped her water, glancing behind her at the guards still stationed around them.
“They are necessary for my line of work, but they will not harm you.”
“What do you do?” Jenna asked, finishing the sugar water and placing the glass on a nearby table.
“Wouldn’t you love to know,” he said, looking at her.
She caught sight of his eyes again as they stared at each other. She had never been this close to the mystery man and decided it had been a waste of her life thus far.
The man was breathtaking—thick brown hair on top with perfectly shaved sides, dark and rich forest-green eyes flecked with gold beneath sexy hooded lids, and a face created by the gods, for the gods. He wore an all-black designer suit that fit him perfectly, accented with expensive solid gold cufflinks.
But under the suit, she could see the outline of a rock-hard body, muscles carved to perfection. No wonder his guards had to constantly push women back. He was beyond attractive up close, and his lips—they just begged to be kissed. She noticed a faint scar marking his top lip and curling up over his left nostril. She had to will herself not to reach out and touch it.
“See something you like?” came his deep voice.
Jenna blinked, realizing she had been staring at him.
“Shit, no, sorry.” Jenna giggled, looking away as a deep blush spread across her cheeks. She had just been caught drooling over him.
“Don’t be,” he chuckled. “What’s your name?”
“Jasmine,” Jenna said before she could think it through.
Jasmine? Really? She wasn’t a Disney princess, but it would have to do.
“Jasmine, want to talk about it?” His face turned serious, and if she could fantasize, he actually looked slightly concerned.
“Oh, no, I’ll be okay. Just boy trouble,” she lied again.
“Yeah, sure, and I’m a figment of your imagination,” he snorted, standing up from the railing. “Your tears are for something deeper, not something as petty as a man breaking your heart.”
“How would you know?”
“Your eyes. They tell a deeper story,” he leaned in slowly, studying her. “If it helps, I also had a rather depressing day.” He sighed, looking out over the city, the weight on his shoulders palpable.
Also shoot someone? Jenna thought.
“But my shirt will hold your secrets,” he smirked, lightening the mood as he took off his blazer. “Fetch me another,” he commanded one of his men, placing his blazer over the railing.
Jenna watched in fascination as he undid his wet button-up shirt, silently gulping when he pulled it off, exposing the rock-hard body she had known would be under there.
“Do you, uhm...” Jenna stumbled over her words, trying to look away. The man was beyond attractive. “Do you often rescue girls in distress?”
“No, never,” he said, walking toward her.
“So, I was just lucky?” Jenna was hypnotized by the way his hips moved, his perfect V-line disappearing into his black suit pants.
“So, you do actually like what you see,” he confirmed, stopping in front of her and hooking a finger under her chin to raise her eyes to his.
“Can’t blame a girl,” she blushed, looking away. It must have been the moonlight playing tricks on her; the man was unnaturally good-looking.
“I don’t,” he said, his gaze never wavering. “The vision before me is just as pleasing.” He winked down at her.
She bit her lip, feeling the heat radiating off his smooth muscles, his scent intoxicating.
“I’m a mess,” Jenna whispered, looking up into his guarded eyes. She felt so exposed—her makeup was all but gone, her hair a tangle, and she was sure she looked like hell.
“What a beautiful mess you are,” he whispered, so close that she could feel his breath on her skin. He gently rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip. Jenna could see his chest rising and falling slightly faster than normal, matching her own. She looked up into his eyes, seeing the fire burning in them.
“You’re staring again,” came his husky voice. “I am no fool. I know you are hurt, and I will not touch you until you ask me to.” He whispered, pulling his hand away and fisting it at his side, resisting the urge to touch her again.
Jenna was about to step forward and kiss him. The look in his dark eyes was so inviting, a challenge daring her to accept, offering a world of more. She was really about to, when the roof door burst open and the two guards closest to it put their hands on their hip guns.
In that split second, Jenna panicked. Could it be the police? Had they found her? The man had almost made her forget her awful day.
But laughter followed, and Jenna sighed in relief as a group of men and their dates stumbled through, clearly intoxicated.
“The rooftop is reserved for a private event tonight,” one of the guards interjected firmly, his tone brooking no argument.
“Says who?” a drunken voice slurred from one of the girls. “This is the perfect make-out spot, Mr. Guard.”
“Haley?” Jenna called softly, sidestepping the half-
naked man to confirm the voice she had heard.
And there she stood, leaning on Larry, her giggles echoing in the night air.
“Jen. Jen?” Haley slurred, pushing away from Larry and swaying slightly as she approached Jenna. She wrapped Jenna in a lopsided hug before peering past her. “Who are you making out with up here?” Haley teased, oblivious as she hung onto Jenna.
“No one, just getting some fresh air,” Jenna replied awkwardly, trying to keep Haley from making a scene.
“Ooh, who’s the shirtless hunk?” Haley asked loudly, ignoring Jenna’s attempts to deflect attention.
Jenna winced as she was pulled around to face the half-naked man, who now wore a dark gray button-up shirt handed to him by one of the guards.
“Mystery man!” Haley gasped theatrically. “Hey, mystery man! Were you making out with my friend?” she called out, her voice carrying across the rooftop.
“Haley!” Jenna protested, trying to grab her friend’s arm, but three guards stepped forward, blocking her path. Glancing past them, Jenna found the mystery man looking at her with a smirk that sent a thrill down her spine.
“Haley!” Larry called out, appearing beside Jenna.
“Go stop her,” Jenna urged him, blushing furiously as the mystery man began to walk away toward the roof door. She glanced from him to Larry, then grabbed Haley before looking back at the man, who had paused near her.
“I think it’s time for roles to reverse. Perhaps you need to rescue your friend from them,” he suggested with a charming smile, his gaze moving from her eyes to her lips before returning up.
He reached out, brushing his knuckles gently against her cheek. Jenna closed her eyes, savoring the touch and the scent of him that enveloped her.
“Good night, gorgeous, Princess Jasmine,” he murmured. “Perhaps we will meet again.”
Jenna’s cheeks burned in embarrassment at having given him the silly false name. She realized she didn’t even know his real name.
But it was too late—he was already walking away, and Haley had suddenly wrapped herself around Jenna again like a sloth.
“Here, let me help,” Larry offered, trying to pry Haley off.
“No, I’ll take her home. She’s had too much to drink,” Jenna insisted, focusing on her friend and the chaotic scene around them.
“No, I haven’t,” Haley giggled, squeezing Jenna. “And I’m not going home! The night is still young!” she sang loudly, letting go and swaying her hips. “Hun, you still haven’t answered me. Who is the mystery man? Is he a good kisser?” she asked, wiggling her eyebrows.
“Hey! What about me?” Larry said, wrapping his arms around Haley’s waist and pulling her in for a greedy kiss.
Haley wrapped her arms around him, kissing back.
Jenna turned toward the roof door, now open, but the mystery man was gone. The roof was slowly filling with couples looking for some private time, and she feared she had lost hers with whoever her dark angel had been.
“Come, let’s go dancing!” Haley gripped Jenna’s arm, pulling her toward the door.
“I think we need to go home and talk,” Jenna said, trying to get Haley to listen. She really needed to say goodbye.
“Not a chance! It’s only ten p.m.!” Haley slurred, swaying as she pulled her along. “Come on, Jen! Don’t be a spoilsport!”
“Hun, we really need to speak first,” Jenna insisted.
“One dance!” Haley waved her hand dramatically, almost stomping in demand.
“Guess we’re dancing first, then some stargazing,”
Larry said with a wink at Jenna as the group headed toward the door.
Sighing, Jenna followed. She kept reminding herself that this was the last time she would see Haley for a long time before going into hiding. Perhaps letting loose on the dance floor with her best friend wouldn’t be so bad after all.
An hour later, Jenna floated on a cloud of tipsiness, the shots Larry and his friends had bought finally working their magic.
Across the room, she caught sight of the mystery man in his booth, surrounded by his usual entourage.
While everyone else drank and chatted, his intense gaze was fixed on her, sending a rush of heat through her veins. Each sip emboldened her, urging her to stride over and ask for a dance—or at least his name.
Downing another shot, Jenna tore her eyes away from his magnetic stare, thankful that Larry’s overly touchy friend had departed earlier with a claimed foot injury. She breathed a sigh of relief, glad to have dodged his unwelcome advances, and followed her friends back to the dance floor.
Tonight, she craved connection on her terms, wanting to choose who to let in and when. Even if it was just for tonight—a fleeting moment of feeling cherished before she inevitably fled.
The dance floor transformed beneath the shifting lights, morphing into an ethereal realm of outer space. Galaxies and twinkling stars swirled around them, casting a dreamlike glow. Jenna reveled in this surreal atmosphere, feeling almost invisible amidst the shimmering spectacle.
A beloved song reverberated through the venue, its beats prompting Jenna and Haley to go their separate ways, their hips swaying and hands raised high as they sang along, the music engulfing all other sounds.
Larry enveloped Haley in his arms, gripping her tightly as they locked lips and began grinding next to Jenna. Smiling to herself, Jenna closed her eyes, surrendering to the music’s rhythm, losing herself in its pulsating embrace.
Moments later, hands gently settled on Jenna’s hips, awaiting her response. With a sigh, she accepted the unspoken invitation, testing the stranger behind her. He drew nearer, matching her movements flawlessly as they swayed together.
His hands slid up her dress, finding their hold on her waist, guiding her with a practiced touch. One hand traced from her waist, up her side, and under her arm to her elbow, guiding her hand to the back of his neck. His chin nestled against her neck, the other hand securing her middle. As the tempo intensified, they moved as one.
Jenna grinned with delight, exhilarated by their effortless synchronization.
For once, she didn’t need to adjust her pace or stumble to keep up. This man anticipated her every move, dancing in perfect harmony with her. It was exhilarating, sending waves of pleasure through her as she bit her lower lip, feeling his undeniable arousal pressing against her lower back. She was just as turned on, tipsy, and, with the music, felt perfectly happy.
This was like sex on the dance floor—the kind of chemistry she had only seen in those sexy dance scenes in movies, but had always thought was impossible to find in real life.
As the songs changed and grew more intense, Jenna began to lose her breath. The strong, muscled man
behind her was beginning to sweat along with her, his lips gliding gently along her neck. He never took more, never moved his hands anywhere inappropriately, yet she almost begged him to.
Then a song came on that made Jenna almost scream with curiosity. His large hand gripped her dress, grinding with her in a way that sent electric shocks through her body. She had been avoiding turning around, fearful of the disappointment that might await her.
No man could move like this, be all muscle, and definitely be this gifted below the belt—well, from what she felt—and still be good-looking.
But the anticipation was too much. Letting go of him, she turned to face him, but the room was too dark, the lights still off.
He pulled her into him firmly, their legs intertwining as he draped her arms over his shoulders, trailing his fingers down her exposed arms, then down her back, holding her hips.
The man rested his forehead against hers. Jenna looked up, trying to see him, but the tiny stars reflecting on them kept shifting, obscuring his features. Yet, she could see the fire in his eyes—a fire that made her stomach explode with butterflies.
His breath was hot against her skin, and she could feel the tension between them mounting. His hands moved with deliberate slowness, exploring the curves of her body with a possessive grip. Her heart pounded at his
touch as his fingers brushed the hem of her dress, teasingly lifting it ever so slightly. Each movement sent waves of desire coursing through her.
“You are the fucking sexiest woman I have ever met,” he whispered into her ear, his lips brushing against her earlobe, his hot breath trailing down her neck.
“You make me want to do things to you that would shame the gods,” came his low growl, this time accompanied by his lips and tongue teasing her ear.
Jenna gasped at the intensity of the moment; she had never been more turned on in her life. Fuck how he looked—she wanted him to show her exactly how he would shame the gods.
They moved against each other in the darkness, both breathless, holding onto one another. Their lips hovered a mere breath away, their bodies bending and moving as one.
Then, just like that, she leaned in, her lips brushing against his.
Their lips met with a hunger that had been building all night. His kiss was fierce, consuming her entirely, his tongue exploring her mouth with a sensual urgency. She responded with equal fervor, her hands roaming over his back, feeling the rippling muscles beneath his shirt.