"Wow," the bouncer said. "You look great! I kind of thought you were a tomboy."
Krista didn't usually put much effort into her appearance. She favored comfortability over the ridiculous airbrushed images portrayed by fashion magazines and Hollywood. More importantly, she actually liked her face when it wasn't covered by fifteen layers of chemical combinations. Tonight, however, Krista was hoping to catch the attention of one super, sexy bartender. With all the eye candy he was used to seeing, she figured she'd have to go overboard for Damien to even notice her. Thus the outfit -- black knee boots, a tiny, black, pleated skirt, and a ripped wife-beater that showed off the edges of her black lace bra. As an added touch, she'd worn her long, light brown hair loose, letting it brush the top of her ass.
"I am," Krista said with a wink. "Just feeling a bit mischievous tonight, Brian."
Truthfully, she was way beyond mischievous. Krista was twenty eight years old and had never been in a serious relationship with a man. Her last relationship had survived just three short months before she broke it off. Like all the others, there had been something important missing. She wasn't sure what 'it' was, only it's importance. "If you need any company tonight, let me know," Brian said, grinning as he opened the door and held it for her. "I'd be happy to give you a hand -- or two if things get interesting."
"Save your pick up lines, Brian," Krista said. "We both know you bat for the other team."
"Girl, the way you look tonight," Brian said, looking her up and down, "I'd take my chances at the plate and worry about labels in the morning."
"You're sweet," Krista said, kissing him on the cheek.
"Yeah, yeah," Brian said, nodding towards the open door. "You might want to be careful on the dance floor, lest you flash that curvy ass of yours."
"I wore a sexy thong, just in case," Krista whispered in his ear, laughing as she walked through the door. Krista surveyed the room letting her eyes adjust to the darkness. It was eleven o'clock, and the club was already busy. The bass was booming -- a hard, steady beat that stirred her blood. She couldn't wait to dance away the stress of the week. It was at the top of her list -- after she made eyes at the sexy bartender, of course.
Krista pushed through the throng of people around the bar. When she reached the counter, her favorite bartender was nowhere to be seen. Disappointed, she ordered a drink from the other guy and laid a five on the counter.
"Never should have spent a whole hour getting ready," she said to herself when she realized Damien wasn't working that night.
Krista finished her drink in one long gulp and danced into the center of the floor. She let the music move her. Winding sensuously, her body caressed the air around her, seduction shimmering as sweat beaded on her skin. She didn't know why, but her personality seemed to morph into that of a temptress, seductive and sexy, when she danced.
***
Five drinks and several lame come-ons later, the bathroom beckoned. Krista moved towards the bathroom and figured she'd leave after. If she hurried, she could beat the rush of drunken yuppies, maybe even find a cab. She glanced over at the bar, shaking her head at the stragglers crowded around the bar trying to get their last calls.
Krista stepped into the bathroom, making her way through the dimly lit room when a hand came around her mouth and a knife pressed against her throat. She sobered instantly. Her heart beat doubled, adrenaline rushing through her body as the assailant pushed her into the wall near the door.
"Hello, Krista," the man whispered, his voice deep and husky.
Random thoughts raced through her brain. Who was he? Was his voice familiar? How did he know her name?
"Your timing is perfect," he said softly. "We should have plenty of time to get to know each other."
Fear made her heart drop into her stomach. There was only one thing he could want. "I'm going to let go of your mouth now, Krista," he said. "If you are quiet, I won't hurt you. But if you scream, things will get very -- unpleasant. Nod if you understand."
Krista nodded. Her eyes squeezed shut, tears leaking from the corners.
"Good girl," the attacker whispered as he let go of Krista's mouth. His breath was warm as it blew across her ear, creating a tiny shiver that snaked down her spine. Without warning, he grabbed her breast and squeezed it roughly, drawing a hiss from between her teeth. She was embarrassed to feel her nipples harden at his touch. "Now reach up slowly and lock the door."
"Please don't hurt me," Krista whispered, terrified. "Let me go and I'll never tell a soul."
"There's no fun in that," he said. "I've seen you dance. You're like liquid sex and I've wanted you for ages. The waiting has been so hard."
