Jessica stood outside the bar and took a deep breath. She hated this place. Hated everything it stood for. But at the same time, loved it. Smoke and loud music met her immediately as she pulled the door open and stepped into the small run-down room.
"Hey Jez!" Matt waved to her from behind the bar. "Jose?"
"Make it Morgan, tonight." She replied. "Jose and I got into a bit of trouble last time."
Jessica made small talk with the younger man as she sipped her drink, a bit too quickly. At her request for another one, Matt gave her an odd look.
"What?" she asked, noticing his confusion.
"Last time I saw you down the first one that quick was last weekend."
"Yup," was all she replied. But, there was no chance of last weekend repeating itself. At least, she hoped not. It had been a good night, up until she started making out with the boss's brother. John had walked into the bar that night just as she and Justin were locking lips, and he'd been furious. Luckily he had been out of the office all this week, or it would have been unbearable for her.
She downed the second one just as quickly, and requested a third. "Make it a straight shot?" She said to Matt's turned back. She watched him nod his head.
"Expecting my brother again?" a low voice asked from behind her. She could feel his glare without having to turn around. "Or would you prefer my father? Or best friend?"
Jessica downed the shot and turned to John. Anger and regret battled within her as she stared into his dark angry eyes. Looking away, she tossed some money on the counter for Matt and pushed herself off the bar stool, walking towards the door.
She was shaking as she stepped out into the night, the sound of her own pounding heart covering up the sound of John's footsteps. He reached his hand out, startling her as he put it on her shoulder.
"We need to talk," he stated, his control on his anger barely held in check. At her resigned nod, he guided her towards his home, just a few blocks away. They walked in silence, each step closer feeling like a step closer to her doom.
Within minutes they were standing inside his living room. Jessica could feel the tension, and his anger.