snapped up and he saw her, looking tentatively around the bar. She looked nervous. She should be. A couple of guys were already trying to offer her drinks. She was doing her best to decline them, he could see, but that wouldn't last for long.
Women did not come in here at this hour looking for a drink. Especially not looking like her. She should have known better.
Damn it.
He strode across the bar and shouldered aside two Spawns who were leaning over her. Her big aqua eyes widened as he closed his hand around her arm and pulled her with him to his spot at the bar. He lifted her up and deposited her on a stool and went back to sipping his beer. His tenth. He thought it was anyway.
Hell, he'd lost count after 7 shots and chasers. He slid his eyes sideways and watched as Donnie brought her a sea breeze without her asking. She sipped it daintily and tried to continue ignoring him. It was impressive, considering he was standing right next to her and staring at her. He turned his body toward her and tilted his head to the side, letting his eyes wander all over her. He wanted to look at her. He was a man, she was a woman. Why should he hide it?
She finally glanced at him and tried to smile. They both knew she was attracting unwanted attention from every corner of the bar. She was hot and she was new. Everyone wanted a taste.
"You shouldn't be here."
"I was- looking for Kaylie. I guess she left already?"
He didn't say anything, just looked her over, considering what kind of trouble he was about to get himself into. She crossed her legs nervously, revealing a long smooth thigh.
Screw it.
Jack grinned suddenly. She caught the look on his face and blanched. She thought he was laughing at her. But really he'd just decided to stop fighting it. He was going to have her beneath him. Maybe even tonight.
She crossed her arms over her chest, accidentally pushing them closer together. He stared at the luscious mounds where they pressed against each other, creating a deep cleavage.
Definitely tonight.
He tore his eyes away from her chest and looked at her beautiful face again. She looked absolutely mortified. He could see tears welling up in her eyes.
"I think I should- go home-"
He lifted her off the bar stool and set her on the floor, inches from his body. She looked up at him, utterly confused. He couldn't wait to take her home. He'd denied himself too long already. He took her hand and dragged her through the bar room. But not to the front.
He was taking her to the back.
**********
He held out his hand for her, his eyes willing her to obey him. She was about to toss her head and ignore him, like she always did when someone told her what to do. But there was something urgent in his eyes that made her pause. Before she knew it he had somehow dragged her out of the club and into the back alley. He leaned her body against the brick wall. Then he boxed her in, standing incredibly close to her. She could feel waves of heat coming off of him as she stared up at him.
He was always so calm. But he didn't look calm now. He looked angry. And something else… hungry. His eyes flicked to her rosebud lips and she felt her heart jump in her chest.
He wanted to kiss her. Again.
She swallowed nervously. She had been waiting for him to kiss her again all week. Would he? He hadn't been pleased to see her walk into the club tonight. Maybe if she apologized, he wouldn't
Larry Niven, Nancy Kress, Mercedes Lackey, Ken Liu, Brad R. Torgersen, C. L. Moore, Tina Gower