I never expected that a night out with some friends would leave me with my hands tied and my ankles cuffed. But then again, I suppose that's what I get for eyeing up the handsome stranger across the bar. As I grew bored of babysitting my drunken pals, I thought there would be no harm in grabbing a little something for myself. Just a little buzz to get me as energetic as my colleges. But that was when I saw the glimmer that changed my entire night's agenda. It was the first thing I noticed about him and the last thing I remember seeing before winding up where I am now. I glanced up at them across the bar, the deep, dark pools of mystery drew me in and inched me closer. The crooked grin brought me closer. His perfectly styled hair. Closer. His suave attire. Closer. I even caught a whiff of him before he spoke. Laundry detergent and cigarettes. It was oddly calming.
"Can I help you?" he chuckled. I was practically butter.
"Oh... I just... no... I never meant to... I was just... ahem, can I get you a drink?" I sputtered out. I was pathetic. Not even thirty seconds in and the stoic figure which had wooed me was already snickering at my social awkwardness. Perfect.
"Looks like I should be the one buying you a drink, don't you think?" He drew out every word just perfectly. Seductively. Maybe I still had a shot.
"I'd love one, thank you." Nice recovery. Please let this continue. As I looked over my shoulder, I found two of my friends already making out with each other while one shot me the thumbs up. I don't think he'll be meeting them tonight.
"So," he began, immediately drawing back my full attention, "how'd you find yourself here?"
"Oh, well, my mother grew up here, but when we moved to Cincinnati, I never felt like I fit in, so I moved back here on my own as soon as possible. It's pretty complicated, it's just nice to know you're instantly so interested." I smiled as I awaited his response.
"I... meant the bar..." Shit. Nice going, dumbass.
"Oh, I..." I started, my smile fading into a fumbling idiot's lips.
"No, but please... continue." He grinned and touched my hand softly. I knew what I was doing that night.
*****
The night went on. As did the conversation. As did the drinking. Well, on my end, anyway. In retrospect, I now realize how carefully and slowly he was drinking. Asking for the same drink for himself, but ordering me sex on the beach, long island ice tea, appletinis. And he drank his seltzer water, keeping the entire conversation in his control. Asking family background, where I used to live, where I went to school. Where I left my mark, and slowly deciding where he would leave his. Before I knew it, I had to use the restroom and only realized upon my ascension that the trip would not be too easy.
"Here, let me help you." He grabbed my body, wrapping one arm around my torso and practically lifting me and escorting me to the bathroom as if I was completely weightless.
"Oh... thank you..." I looked up into his eyes, staring until he gave me a tiny grin and took me into the ladies room.
As I exited, I noticed he was standing directly outside. Well, noticed is a strong word. I virtually fell into his arms and he decided that a cab ride home would be the best idea for me. He lowered me into the back seat of the cab and was about to send me on my way, when I grabbed his sleeve.
"Wait," I begged, "please come with me?" Just because I was drunk didn't mean I still didn't have my mission in mind. "I just... feel so... safe around you."
He grinned and looked down at my face. "I was hoping you would say that..."
The cunning bastard had me right where he wanted me. Relying on him, trusting him, heading back to
his
apartment.
*****
Speaking of, it really isn't much in here. From what I can see, he leads a simple life. A couple shirts hung in the closet as well as the couple more scattered on the floor. A small dresser with an old television on top. A bedside table with a small alarm and lamp. He lived for one thing only: to work for the chase. I couldn't exactly tell what kind of sheets he had considering that the bed I was sprawled across was covered in thick plastic wrap. My initial thought was not even to call out, but just accept my fate. As I went to say his name, I then realised I had no idea what his name was. Great.
"Oh good," I heard from behind me. I cocked my head to see him standing above me, walking to the foot of the bed, fully clothed, cigarette in one hand, riding crop in the other. "You're up. It's really no fun playing with some... little dead thing..."
