Read First (A Crescent Chronicles Novella) for Free Online

she wasn’t going anywhere, I slipped back inside to get us some drinks. There was a line at the bar, but the bartender served me immediately. I didn’t know him by name, but he definitely knew who I was. I ordered myself an Abita and decided to go with another Oasis for Allie. She seemed to like the last two. I listened to the band for a few seconds before heading back outside. Allie was exactly where I left her.
     
    “I got your drink for you.” I held out her glass.
     
    She seemed surprised. I guess she hadn’t noticed my absence. “My drink?”
     
    “You seemed to like it the other night.”
     
    “And you still aren’t going to tell me what’s in it?”
     
    “Nope.” No reason to reveal any of my cards yet.
     
    “Well, there are other ways of figuring it out.” She gave me a coy smile.
     
    “Are there now?” Now this was good. Things were finally moving in the right direction.  
     
    “Uh-huh.” Damn, a girl like that shouldn’t be allowed to look at a man that way. My jeans weren’t going to be my friend for long.
     
    “You care to share?”
     
    “Not right now.” She smiled and took a seat next to Owen. I stifled the growl I felt rising in my throat. To make matters worse, Hailey jumped into the empty seat next to her before I got the chance. That girl was looking for trouble. I shot her a dirty look. Jess let out a giggle. She was perched on Jared’s lap. He looked very pleased with the arrangement.
     
    The table was also occupied by a few guys I knew from Society events. One of them immediately jumped out of his seat and offered it to me.
     
    “That won’t be necessary. I’m sure Allie and I can share.” I looked right at her. If she was going to eye fuck me, I was going to do it right back.
     
    “You wish.”
     
    “Why? You afraid you might actually like it?” I taunted. I was getting frustrated. She obviously wanted me too. Why was she being so difficult?
     
    She shivered, and I loved that I had that effect on her. “Not a chance.”
     
    She stormed off inside. I gave her a few seconds head start before following her. She didn’t notice. Instead, she got distracted by the music. I watched her body move to the beat, completely oblivious to anyone or anything around her. My body rebelled at the thought of her so unprotected. Where was this coming from? She was just a girl.
     
    I ordered her another Oasis and waited until I saw her set aside her empty glass at the bar before approaching again. I leaned against the bar, waiting for her to notice. “I told you you’d like it here.”
     
    She turned to look up at me. “I admit it’s pretty cool. Who is this, by the way?”
     
    “Oh, it’s the Rebirth Brass Band. Heard of them?”
     
    “I don’t think so, but that isn’t surprising. I’m not exactly up on the New Orleans music scene. Anyway, what was that all about back there?”
     
    “What do you mean?”
     
    “Why do people act like you walk on water or something?”
     
    “How do you know I don’t?” I handed her the drink. She accepted it with a nod and took a long slow sip. My eyes went to her lips, so ready to know what they felt like. I was tired of waiting.
     
    “Don’t what?”
     
    “Walk on water.”
     
    “Wow, you are even cockier than I thought.”
     
    I laughed. She really said what was on her mind.
     
    “All right, I can’t walk on water, but I can do other things very, very well.” And I was ready to show her exactly what I meant.
     
    “Oh yeah?” She licked her lip, and I knew she was thinking the same thoughts as me.
     
    “Let me show you.” I leaned in and brushed my lips against hers gently, just long enough for her to think I wasn’t going to take it further. Without warning, I picked it up, crushing my lips into hers. She responded, and I wrapped her up in my arms, devouring the sweet taste of her mouth as her hands twisted in my hair. Every inch of me was on fire, begging for more. There was something special about