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Ava stood close to the door of the congested club. The Dragon was in full swing. Was it always like this? She’d never gone clubbing before. Looking around, she was unsure if she should go further inside or turn around and make a run for it. Perhaps it wasn’t the best idea for her to go out alone in a new city. She pulled self-consciously at the wickedly short, skintight black dress she wore.
Now, she wondered what had possessed her to purchase the garment. Then she remembered. She had gone out with a co-worker years ago, and was coerced into buying the skimpy outfit. It had hung at the back of her closet never being worn again until tonight. If she was going to seek adventure and new experiences, this was the dress to be worn. Ava would never be caught dead wearing the hot number otherwise.
With a gulp, she threw caution to the wind and stepped forward, praying that she didn’t trip in her heels. Wearing scrubs and flats every day, she had pretty much forgotten how to walk in heels. As she made her way to the bar, she felt eyes on her, too many male eyes. She didn’t know how to react to the attention because her experience with flirting and men, in general, was seriously lacking.
“Oh, wow. I’m so out of my comfort zone here.” And that was good because that was her motive. Ava let out a breath when she reached the bar. Finally. Maybe a little liquid courage would help her relax. But she had to be careful. Not being a drinker, she was a lightweight.
A pretty red-head, with breasts that Ava wasn’t certain, were real, approached her. She wore a bright smile, showing off white teeth. “Hey, sugar what can I get you?” she asked in a southern drawl.
Ava forced her gaze away from the woman’s chest. “Uh, something with vodka I guess.” Her cheeks colored. She had no idea what to order.
The woman smiled. “You’re new at this, huh?”
“God, it’s that obvious?”
“It sure is. I’ll have to keep an eye on you tonight. Make sure you don’t get into any trouble.”
“Oh, uh you don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine.” Ava wondered if all Texans were as nice as the bartender.
The woman cocked a brow, seemingly unconvinced. “Let me guess, you’re new around these parts.”
“That’s obvious too, huh?”
The woman nodded giving another giggle. “I’m Kristin. Welcome to The Dragon. I haven’t seen you in here before. Everybody in Houston, hell probably in all of Texas, has passed through this joint. I’m good at remembering faces. In the five years I’ve worked here I’ve never seen you so you must be new in town.”
“Or I’ve been hiding under a rock and just discovered this place tonight.”
Kristin chuckled. “A sense of humor. I like.”
Ava grinned, feeling more relaxed. “Okay, you got me. I’m new in town. I’m thinking about settling down here.”
“There’s no place like Texas, darling.” Kristin gave her a once over. “You’re pretty. I think you would look sweet in our uniform. If you’re interested, I could get you a job here.”
Ava’s brows shot up. Wow, just like that. She glanced at one of the waitresses passing by, carrying a tray. The slender blonde wore a tight orange t-shirt that showed a sliver of abdomen, with the tiniest black shorts Ava had ever seen. The uniform matched the black and flame-like orange of the club’s décor and was completed with black heels. Kristin thought she would look good in that? Holy shit. As if I have the confidence to pull that outfit off.
“Uh, and all of the waitresses wear the uniform?”
“The bartenders too, honey. With your figure, you would make a killing out of tips.” Kristin winked. “I’ll get you a vodka something while you think about it.”
Ava squirmed on her stool as she examined her surroundings. She had decided to get something temporary, and waitressing had crossed her mind, but a place like this? There was a couple dancing that looked like they were about to have sex right there, for goodness sake. When her father made her promise to have fun, she was sure he didn’t mean in a place like The Dragon.
She nibbled her lower lip. It would only be for a little while until she obtained her nursing license in the state. Her gaze swung to Kristin filling a glass she assumed was hers. It was placed in front of her.
“Here you are, a nice cosmopolitan. I went easy on the vodka. Did you drive here?”
“Actually, I took a cab.” She came fully prepared to consume alcohol.”
“Nice. Let’s see how you do with this drink and then I’ll consider making you another one. And let me know what you decide on the job offer.”
Ava laughed. “That sounds good and I will.” She kept an eye on Kristin until she disappeared. It was good to know she already had a friend —well, an acquaintance for the time being. Hopefully, she and Kristin would become good friends. She seemed like a nice woman.
An hour later, Ava was bopping to the fast-paced rhythm resounding in the club. With alcohol in her system, she felt extra adventurous and found herself on the dance floor. The darkened room loaned her more courage as her movements evolved from awkward side steps to a sexier sway. Giggles erupted from her throat. She felt ridiculous because she considered herself the worst dancer. But her inhibitions had fled so she continued.
Lifting her hands, she began to mimic the sensual women she saw in music videos. Lifting her hair and letting it fall, she turned her head from side to side while her hips undulated. Her eyes were closed as she let the music move through her. It was like she was the only one on the dance floor. She felt free. It dawned on her that she had been missing out on the fun of clubbing and dancing her entire life. She would definitely be doing it again.
Ava felt a warm body behind her but paid no attention, assuming it was another dancer that got too close. When the body didn’t move away, but closer and hands palmed her waist, her eyes flew open and she whirled around. She came face to face with a scary looking man. He was bulky, bald, and leather clad with tattoos all over.
Ava gulped. “Uh, excuse me.” She attempted to pull away but his hands tightened. The leer he gave her made her uncomfortable.
“Come on, sweetheart. You looked awfully lonely dancing by yourself.”
“Oh, no. I was fine. I’m fine. I’m going to uh, head back to the bar.” Once again, her attempt at escape was futile. The man refused to let her go. To her dismay, he pulled her closer, ignoring her struggle.
*****
ZAC STOOD IN THE DARKEST corner of the club, watching the mystery woman. For the past hour, he watched her chat and laugh with Kristin while she sipped her drink. Who knew a woman drinking could be so sexy? Her every movement had him fascinated. He’d been bewitched the instant he set eyes on her. It was her, his woman, his mate.
He felt the connection with every fiber of his being. God, she was perfect. And he was like a creepy stalker watching her from the darkness. If only he was more like Mason, he would have walked up to her and struck up a conversation. But he wasn’t a charming, easy talker like his friend. Sure, he’d been with plenty of women, but the thought of interacting with the mystery woman made him nervous.
Zac grunted. When was the last time he could say he was nervous? Never. The woman got up and sauntered to the dance floor. He sucked in a breath as she began to move, the sensual sway of her hips hypnotizing him. His beast shifted beneath the surface, turned on by the woman it desperately wanted. Zac had to rein in his dragon, reminding it that it was in a crowded room. He was so focused on the woman that he didn’t notice the man that approached her until he began groping her as if she was his.
Zac’s eyes flashed a golden yellow and a growl rumbled in his chest. Blinking rapidly, he took several deep breaths, willing his beast not to take over. If it did, he could possibly burn the entire building to the ground. The woman’s distress was apparent and Zac recognized the man harassing her as the leader of a well-known motorcycle gang. Muttering a curse, he pushed through the crowd. When he neared the couple on the dance floor, he heard his mystery woman say, “Please, let me go. I’m here with someone.”
Her harasser laughed. “I’ve been watching you, baby. I didn’t see you come in with anyone.”
Through clenched teeth, Zac reached for the woman, gently pulling her to his side. “She’s here with me, Benny.” Two pairs of eyes flew to his. A set of the prettiest blue eyes he’d ever seen stared up at him with surprise, while Benny glared with contempt.
“Is there a problem here?” It was Mason, standing behind the gang leader, radiating menace. All he needed was a word from Zac to break Benny’s jaw.
“No problem, right Benny?” Zac’s cold stare landed on the shorter man.
He smirked. “No problem. He looked from Zac to Mason and then at the woman. “We’ll meet again, sweetheart.” With a grin, he disappeared into the crowd.
Zac felt his mystery woman shudder slightly and nearly pulled her closer into his warmth. He glanced at Mason who was studying the woman with interest. There was blatant lust in his gaze and Zac suddenly had the urge to whisk the woman off, away from his friend’s lecherous stare. Then she spoke and his attention returned to her completely.
“Th-thank you both so much.”
The breathy quality of her voice made his beast stir. Before he could speak, Mason stepped forward. “You’re very welcome. Your boyfriend is crazy for allowing a gorgeous creature such as yourself to dance alone.”
She blushed. “I don’t have—I came here alone.”
“Ah, let me buy you a drink then.”
“Okay.”
And just like that, Zac missed his chance. In that moment, he honestly could have murdered his best friend. Damn him. The charming bastard. He watched the woman walk away and his heart dropped, but then she turned and smiled.
“Are you coming?”
His heart lifted and he grinned, following her.