It was just a few minutes after 10:00 when I pulled into the parking lot. It had been a long day, and the last five hours had been spent in front of a computer at the university. My body felt tense and sore and I longed to workout, but the gym was closed ant the roads were wet from a day’s worth of rain and the dropping temperature meant that they would soon be too icy for a run. So instead I drove to Jack’s, where a merlot and a familiar crowd would help me unwind before making the long drive home.
The parking lot was full of people, laughing, flirting, trying to impress and attract the opposite sex. Quietly I made my way past the crowd and went in the back door.
There was a long hallway with polished hardwood floors and I looked though the windows of the bar as I made my way to the ladies room, looking for people I knew. In the ladies room an obviously drunken young woman stumbled as she smoothed her hair and went back in to resume her partying.
I watched her leave, her bare midriff was a bit out of shape but she seemed completely at ease and comfortable in her own skin. I admired her carefree confidence and turned my attention to my own reflection. I wore close-fitting black jeans and high-heeled black suede boots to add some height to my petite 5-foot, 3-inch frame. A silvery gray angora sweater that hugged my curves but didn’t show much skin completed the outfit.
With sober appraisal I looked at the woman in the mirror. Thick golden waves hung about my shoulders and my eyes were a pale icy blue. I put on some pink lipstick and smiled brightly at myself. The tension still showed on my face, but it was karaoke night and a drink and some socializing would soon bring about a real smile, I hoped.
The place was packed that night – standing room only. I eased my way into the crowd, heads turned to look and me and I felt uncomfortable, very self-conscious standing there alone.
I caught the bartender’s eye and he nodded at me. He poured a glass of merlot and set it at the edge of the bar. I eased up to the bar, my sides pressed against the men sitting there. “Would you like to start a tab tonight?” the bartender asked. “Yes, please,” I replied, knowing he was too busy now for conversation. I felt two big gentle hands on my shoulders and turned to see Derek. He gave me a boyish grin and caught me in a gentle hug.
Derek was a charmer with green eyes and dark hair. We had been close friends for almost a year. We had a deep affection for one another and had had several wild sexual encounters together. But we were both married, so I was content to enjoy his company whenever I could, and to dream about him when I couldn’t. At six feet tall and 175 pounds he had a commanding presence and was an alpha male in every sense of the term. His presence absolutely dominated the room and when he was near I felt safe and protected. He could send other men slinking away with one of his icy glares.
Derek moved away to mix with the crowd and I turned back to claim my drink. I pressed against the man sitting at the bar when I reached for the glass and he turned toward me and our eyes locked for a moment. His gaze smoldered with unabashed sexuality and I felt my face flush and turned away quickly. His intensity had frightened me, and to my shame, I felt myself getting wet. “You are such a hussy!” I mentally scolded myself. I looked for Derek and saw he had found a seat – at a table surrounded by beautiful young women. I hesitated and he smiled at me. He patted the seat next to him and pulled it close. The other girls glowered at me and I felt quite pleased. Feeling wicked I winked at Derek and brushed his thigh with my hand. He continued talking, captivating his admirers, but his fingers traced light circles on my knee. His hands were exquisite, long and elegant, and I longed to be alone with him and feel those warm hands all over me.
I sipped my wine slowly, but it had a strong effect on me. I began feeling dizzy and sleepy and feared that I might faint. I excused myself from the table to step outside for some fresh air. Mr. Intensity gazed at me from the bar and I walked up. He was powerfully built, handsome with a dark, perfectly trimmed goatee and short dark hair. Both of his ears were pierced and when he spoke I saw that his tongue was also pierced.
“Leaving so soon?” He purred in a deep mesmerizing voice.
“It’s been a long day,” I said, “ and it’s just hit me how tired I am.” The bartender asked me if I’d like another drink.
“No, thank you. I’d like to settle up now.”
“Your tab’s already been paid,” he said, indicating Mr. Intensity.
“Thank you,” I said nervously.
“I’m Jason,” He said extending his hand.
“Justine,” I replied, taking his hand. His grip was firm and his warm hand engulfed my smaller one. I pulled away and thanked him again. “Perhaps I’ll see you here again next Thursday?” I asked. He gave me a wicked grin and blushing again I left.
I went back into the ladies room, feeling dizzy and light-headed. I leaned over the sink and ran cold water over my hands and wrists, trying to refresh myself, but only feeling sleepier. I felt desperate to get to my car and lie down. I would need a nap before I’d be able to drive home. I walked out to the parking lot in a daze. Derek normally walked me to my car, but tonight I had left him without notice.
A hand gripped my arm and I was startled. It was Jason. “You scared me,” I said with a nervous laugh. He pulled me close. I tried to pull back but I felt like I was going to faint. Jason had a tight grip on my wrist and I jerked my hand down and away toward the thumb-side of his hand, but my slick-soled boots slipped on the ice and I fell hard. I lay there stunned on the ice for a moment. “This is a dream, just a bad dream.” And my senses failed me.
I felt cold. I raised my eyebrows in an attempt to open my eyes but I couldn’t. I tried to roll over, pull the covers over myself, but couldn’t move. I heard faint sounds of metal against metal and finally found the strength to open my eyes. I was lying on a narrow table in a small white room. There was a wide strap across my midsection over my arms and another across my thighs. Two smaller straps were fastened to my wrists. I was naked except for the small lace thong that I wore. “Am I in the hospital?” I wondered. A man was in the corner. He had a tray of instruments and shiny golden objects. Shelves on the wall contained bottle of alcohol, bandages, cotton balls, anatomy books and other items I couldn’t identify. “Am I hurt?” I wondered.
“What happened? Where am I?” I asked. The man turned around and smiled. Jason! I remembered.