Chapter 10 Celeste
CHAPTER TEN
CELESTE
“What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.” - Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Although Italy was amazing, I’m glad to be home.
There’s too much to get done between the club, The Hansley Corporation, and eliminating every single person who has gone against my father.
I made a call to get the true autopsy report for my father.
Something tells me it was staged and I won’t stop until I can prove it.
He was healthy, thriving, and hadn’t been sick in years.
I also heard of my stepmom snooping around the mansion.
All of that is tomorrow's issue because tonight, my focus is on the hot as hell FBI agent.
I've been counting down the hours to see those gorgeous icy-blue eyes.
Finishing the last of my makeup, I apply deep red lipstick, making sure it lines perfectly on my lips.
Spraying on my favorite perfume, I finish up by strapping on my heels.
Looking at myself in the mirror, my short black dress stops above my knees and hugs my curves in all the right places.
Shrugging on my black leather jacket, I grab my crossbody purse and head out of my room.
“Damn, cuz, who you fucking tonight?” Antonio howls as I get to the bottom of the stairs.
“Yeah, you look like you’re on a mission for some good dick. Is it Mr. Officer? Is he going to cuff you to the bed?” Larson follows with the inappropriate comments.
These two unsufferable pricks can’t help but meddle in my business. Can’t a girl look nice without the assumption of dressing up for a man? Who left these asswipes with me?
“I’m a little disturbed, and I wouldn’t be telling my cousin and someone I consider a brother who I’m fucking. That’s why I have Blakely. But if you must know, I’m meeting Alaric for a drink.” I flip them off, heading to the door.
“Speaking of Blakely, please text the bitch back so she stops blowing up my phone. She’s missing her butt buddy. Want me to drive you and stay in the shadows in case you need a getaway car?” Antonio rises from the couch to follow me.
I know he’s half-way joking but I wouldn’t put it past him to do it anyways. He’s extremely protective, even though he’s well aware that I can handle my own.
“Absolutely not. I’m capable of driving myself. I need a night without shadows and to feel normal for once. I’ll text her now and tell her to leave you alone. But you know, you could take her out. I know you have a thing for each other…” I wag my eyebrows at him.
He rolls his eyes at me before he shoves my shoulder. I don’t miss the tint of red that surfaces at the mention of actually taking her out. For someone who doesn’t flinch at getting shot, he sure is a chicken shit when it comes to her.
“Mind your business. Text me if you need anything.” He dismisses me by turning back to the TV, clicking the volume button up. I chuckle to myself as I walk out.
I arrive at Patent Pending Speakeasy finding a spot right up front.
As I get out of the car, I adjust my dress and butterflies start fluttering in my stomach.
Oh god, what’s gotten into me? Taking a deep breath, I give security the password and head inside.
Instantly, I spot a god of a man sitting at the bar.
As if he can hear my thoughts, he turns my way and a smile lights up his handsome face.
His hair is disheveled but not in a bum way but in a sex-appeal way.
He has a nice button down, black dress shirt that’s so tight around his muscular arms, one move may break the material.
The top two buttons are undone, teasing the chiseled chest that I know is underneath.
The sleeves are rolled up showcasing his ink and nice black slacks.
And those legs, fuck me, I didn’t realize how built this man is.
I squeeze my thighs together, realizing I’m wet just looking at him. I snap out of my trance and approach as he pulls out a chair for me next to him. What a gentleman; I could get used to this.
“You look absolutely beautiful. I gotta keep my eye out for the other males who, no doubt, are drooling after you.” His eyes devour me from head to toe.
My toes curl at the way he looks at me. It feels like I’m in high school talking to my crush for the first time. I feel like a total giddy girl. Play it cool, Celeste.
“Good thing I have you to protect me and keep them away,” I tease as I make myself comfortable in the cushioned chair.
“Welcome to Patent Pending. What can I get for you tonight?” the bartender greets us by placing a napkin in front of each of us.
“Bourbon neat, please,” I responded.
No way in hell you would see me ordering a fruity tuti drink. I love the fire that burns down my throat, which will distract me from the ache between my thighs.
“I’ll have the same,” Alaric orders. “How was your flight?” He turns toward me, giving me his full attention.
“It was long and I got stuck with my unbearable cousin and friend chatting nonstop. How was work?”
Looking at him closely, I notice how exhausted he is. He has circles under his eyes like he hasn’t been sleeping. You wouldn't notice unless you were really looking but I do. I also notice how tense he is and how he stiffens with the mention of work.
“It’s been a long day. Got a call this morning at 3:00 a.m to a body found at Times Square. It’s definitely something that you can’t get out of your head. She was young and he tortured her to the lengths of death and we were too late.” He stares off towards the bottles on the wall.
“I’m sorry you had to witness that. It’s not your fault, you know.” I place my hand on his shoulder trying to comfort him.
Finding her clearly struck something deeper within. I know the feeling.
“I know but if we would have caught him sooner, we could have saved her. They call him The Jawbraker and he’s been targeting young women who work in an industry that he believes is run by the devil.”
Interesting. The famous Jawbreaker going after strippers who are just trying to make a living.
This bastard has had my girls on their toes, terrified to come and leave work.
I’ve been dying to get captured by this asshole so I can strike fear and end this piece of shit.
This may be an issue with Alaric after him, too.
“That’s horrible. The poor girl. I hope you catch him and put him behind bars before he hurts anyone else." I give him the best reassurance I can, knowing damn well I need to get my hands on him before he does.
Maybe I can deliver his dead body to the doors of the agency.
“It’s fine. We’ll catch him but promise me, in case he steers off from his path, you’ll stay alert and be safe, please.” He turns toward me, giving me the “I care about you” eyes.
“Aw, seems like you worry for me, Alaric.” I bat my eyes at him.
He leans in close to me, his lips a breath from mine. “Of course I worry about you. I don’t want to lose you before I could really have you.” He pulls away from me with a teasing smile.
Why did he have to pull away? Why couldn’t he just kiss me? Fuck, I’m a puddle and he has me wrapped around his finger. Fuck me sideways.
“Who says you can have me? You sure are confident for someone you just met.”
My legs squeeze tighter together, trying to hide how hot he makes me. Suddenly, I’m burning up. Maybe my cousin was right.
“Then tell me, Celeste, why did your legs squeeze together when my mouth was so close to yours? Your body froze as if you were waiting for me to devour those plump, gorgeous lips of yours.” His hand brushes my thighs, causing goosebumps to scatter along my body.
Jesus fuck, this man. If he asked me to go home with him right now, I wouldn’t hesitate. His eyes bore into mine, challenging me to deny his observation.
“You haven’t even asked me what my favorite color is before trying to seduce me, Officer,” I challenge.
Two can play this game. I lean forward, exposing my cleavage, making sure they rest on my folded arms. This makes them perk up a little more for a better view.
“What’s your favorite color? While we’re at it, what’s your favorite movie and snack, too?”
His eyes never leave mine, trying so hard not to look down. Instead, he leans into me, a breath away, waiting for my answer.
“My favorite color is red, movie, Practical Magic, and my favorite snack is Zours. You?”
“My favorite color is blue. Movie is Viking, and snack is popcorn, for sure.” His eyes glow, answering the line of questions.
We spend the next couple hours answering questions about ourselves such as favorite place to travel, favorite food, childhood memories, and more.
It feels so natural with simple questions but also so personal.
Talking to him feels like I’ve known him for so long and it comes so easy.
He’s more interested in me as a person than trying to figure out what I do for a living, how much I make, or my demons I keep buried away.
After our last drink, I didn’t realize how tipsy I really am.
How many did we have? I turn to look at him but before I can react, his large hands cradle my face leaning in and kissing me.
It’s deep, full of emotion and, quite frankly, knocks me off my feet.
He pulls away, leaving the ghost of his lips against mine.
I need more of him; he can’t just leave me stranded wondering how his tongue feels and tastes like.
How his rough hands would feel against my body.
“Let’s catch a cab and get out of here.” His voice is deep and longing like he too doesn’t want this to end.
We catch a cab since both of us are way too drunk to drive and we head back to his place. We make it up the elevator and to his door. Once the door opens, he has me in his arms, his mouth devouring mine. He slams me against the wall as we fight for dominance with our tongues.