While Sadie and Asher turned their attention to the new female patron at the bar, Jasper took the time he needed to cool himself down. He didn’t mean to snap at anyone. This ring was just a very sensitive topic for him. Not to mention, it is bound to his hand, and should it be removed, it would cause him physical pain. It was precious to him for multiple reasons, and he was overly protective. By the time Sadie came back with his second drink he was in a better head space. When she set down the drink, he looked up at her and winked in his normal way. “Thank you, my dear.” But then she asked him if he as alright and he nodded, his eyes shifting down as if he felt bad for his reaction. “Yeah. It’s just…”
But not much more could be said by Jasper as a male came out of the shadows of the bar and asked Sadie a question. Jasper tapped his ring against the glass and lifted it to his lips. He downed it in one, feeling the blood coursing through his veins. He turned to face the gentleman and said in an exasperated tone, “Excuse me, friend?” Jasper was tempted to place a hand on the man to show a position of dominance. But, as he lifted his hand to touch him, he noticed something. The man smelled like…Sadie. Jasper breathed in deeper and looked at the man as his eyebrows knitted together. “What the hell are you?”
But not much more could be said by Jasper as a male came out of the shadows of the bar and asked Sadie a question. Jasper tapped his ring against the glass and lifted it to his lips. He downed it in one, feeling the blood coursing through his veins. He turned to face the gentleman and said in an exasperated tone, “Excuse me, friend?” Jasper was tempted to place a hand on the man to show a position of dominance. But, as he lifted his hand to touch him, he noticed something. The man smelled like…Sadie. Jasper breathed in deeper and looked at the man as his eyebrows knitted together. “What the hell are you?”
As she finished cleaning up the mess, she heard Neriah introduce herself to Asher and smiled. She looked over to the brunettes, and what she saw made her happy for her friend. Good for you, Ace. She thought to herself as she looked away, but when she heard Neriah complain about Red, it made her snicker out loud. "I semi apologize for the eavesdropping, but to be fair, does 'occupational hazard' count for the rest of the apology?" She jokingly said as she looked back towards Neriah and Asher with a smile on her face before she finished Jasper's drink.
She had just placed the drink in front of Jasper when she looked at him. She saw that he had calmed down and even winked in his charming way at her, to which she smiled lovingly at him. He looked like he was just about to say something but was interrupted when she heard a newcomer speak. She looked over and saw a dark-haired man in a well tailored suit had sat directly next to Jasper. Sadie had checked on this man a few times when she was checking on the patrons in the booths, but he never said anything. What made him come over here? She thought to herself. But, then realized he had asked her a question, but before she replied, Jasper had. It got tense for a second, and then she looked directly at the man and inhaled deeply, taking in his scent. She scented a familiar smell, that of Creed's and her own, but slightly different. She looked into the man's eyes and felt something she was not sure of, but curious as to what it was. She broke eye contact with him and then looked at Jasper just as he asked the man what he was.
Without a second thought, she reached over the counter, and if Jasper allowed, she ran her hand up and down his arm, trying to calm him. In an affectionate way, hoping to get his attention off the man he was staring at. Sadie looked back at the dark-haired man and said, "Excuse me. He wasn't showing disdain. I think maybe you misunderstood the situation, don't you think?" She looked straight into his dark brown eyes with her blueish purple ones and waited for the atmosphere to calm.
She had just placed the drink in front of Jasper when she looked at him. She saw that he had calmed down and even winked in his charming way at her, to which she smiled lovingly at him. He looked like he was just about to say something but was interrupted when she heard a newcomer speak. She looked over and saw a dark-haired man in a well tailored suit had sat directly next to Jasper. Sadie had checked on this man a few times when she was checking on the patrons in the booths, but he never said anything. What made him come over here? She thought to herself. But, then realized he had asked her a question, but before she replied, Jasper had. It got tense for a second, and then she looked directly at the man and inhaled deeply, taking in his scent. She scented a familiar smell, that of Creed's and her own, but slightly different. She looked into the man's eyes and felt something she was not sure of, but curious as to what it was. She broke eye contact with him and then looked at Jasper just as he asked the man what he was.
Without a second thought, she reached over the counter, and if Jasper allowed, she ran her hand up and down his arm, trying to calm him. In an affectionate way, hoping to get his attention off the man he was staring at. Sadie looked back at the dark-haired man and said, "Excuse me. He wasn't showing disdain. I think maybe you misunderstood the situation, don't you think?" She looked straight into his dark brown eyes with her blueish purple ones and waited for the atmosphere to calm.
Asher could absolutely appreciate the way that this gorgeous woman wanted her attention, and as Asher had turned to her, she wanted to give it to her. After a momentary distraction, she learned the woman’s name. “Neriah.” Asher repeated softly, then her eyebrows rose. “And a doctor.” Asher said with impression, dark eyes scanning over the woman. “What do you study?” She asked curiously as she looked over her outfit.
When Neriah’s eyes moved to the TV, Asher had nearly forgotten it was on. Asher turned at it, and smirked. “Oh, yeah. Media is my game.” When Asher looked back at Neriah, she saw her eyes narrow and worried for a moment. Her lips smirked as she answered; “Technically, yes. I’m not a cop though, I’m the Authority Commissioner.” She had a variety of jobs that came with that title, but it was the easiest way for her to do the job she needed to do. Plus saying it just sounded and felt a little awesome.
Asher’s look become something between amusement and not at all shocked as Neriah informed her that she had attempted to speak with Red, but he hadn’t listened. Asher sighed slightly. “I apologize. He’s…Well.” Asher wasn’t one to outright disrespect Red, as many other people were, but she knew probably better than most exactly who Red was. “Well, if you like, why don’t you let me buy you that drink, and you tell me exactly how I can help you.” While the tone had grown seductive, the offer was real, if Neriah wished. Asher’s hand also didn’t remove itself from Neriah’s, and had even shifted lightly to better hold it.
As she waited for Neriah’s answer, her eyes caught the sight of another walking up to the bar, and she almost turned her head to it, but realized that this situation didn’t involve her. She kept an ear on it in case it turned sour, but kept her eyes trained on Neriah, and that seductive smile across her face.
When Neriah’s eyes moved to the TV, Asher had nearly forgotten it was on. Asher turned at it, and smirked. “Oh, yeah. Media is my game.” When Asher looked back at Neriah, she saw her eyes narrow and worried for a moment. Her lips smirked as she answered; “Technically, yes. I’m not a cop though, I’m the Authority Commissioner.” She had a variety of jobs that came with that title, but it was the easiest way for her to do the job she needed to do. Plus saying it just sounded and felt a little awesome.
Asher’s look become something between amusement and not at all shocked as Neriah informed her that she had attempted to speak with Red, but he hadn’t listened. Asher sighed slightly. “I apologize. He’s…Well.” Asher wasn’t one to outright disrespect Red, as many other people were, but she knew probably better than most exactly who Red was. “Well, if you like, why don’t you let me buy you that drink, and you tell me exactly how I can help you.” While the tone had grown seductive, the offer was real, if Neriah wished. Asher’s hand also didn’t remove itself from Neriah’s, and had even shifted lightly to better hold it.
As she waited for Neriah’s answer, her eyes caught the sight of another walking up to the bar, and she almost turned her head to it, but realized that this situation didn’t involve her. She kept an ear on it in case it turned sour, but kept her eyes trained on Neriah, and that seductive smile across her face.
His attention was on Sadie as he made his comment. His dark eyes looked at her softly, though every few seconds, if one was looking closely enough, there might be a whisp of gold in the iris. The corner of his mouth twitched into a smirk as he tore his eyes away from Sadie and looked at Jasper. His expression didn’t show anything more than amusement. “Yes, excuse you. I agree. Excuse your behavior.”
Still looking at Jasper, his eyes were drawn down to the movement of Sadie’s hand reaching across the bar to stroke Jasper’s arm. Fitzpatrick’s jaw could be seen working as he clenched and released it a few times, watching the show of affection. It was no surprise to him when Sadie came to Jasper’s aid and defended his actions. It was clear the man held some kind of power of her. She didn’t see what was so clear to him. Not looking at Sadie, keeping his eyes on Jasper he merely said, “Or perhaps you are so used to him acting this way with you it has become commonplace?”
Fitzpatrick heard the intake of breath from the man next to him. His smirk turned quickly into a smile as his eyes became shrewd. “I am not a what. I am a who. What I am, I think you know from your reaction, but we can go into the details of what I am in a more private setting. Who I am is the appropriate question of the moment.” His head turned, and his eyes rested on Sadie’s face. His demeanor changed, softened as he looked at her. “And who I am is a man desiring to ask a woman if she would be willing to take a moonlit walk with me when the bar closed.”
Still looking at Jasper, his eyes were drawn down to the movement of Sadie’s hand reaching across the bar to stroke Jasper’s arm. Fitzpatrick’s jaw could be seen working as he clenched and released it a few times, watching the show of affection. It was no surprise to him when Sadie came to Jasper’s aid and defended his actions. It was clear the man held some kind of power of her. She didn’t see what was so clear to him. Not looking at Sadie, keeping his eyes on Jasper he merely said, “Or perhaps you are so used to him acting this way with you it has become commonplace?”
Fitzpatrick heard the intake of breath from the man next to him. His smirk turned quickly into a smile as his eyes became shrewd. “I am not a what. I am a who. What I am, I think you know from your reaction, but we can go into the details of what I am in a more private setting. Who I am is the appropriate question of the moment.” His head turned, and his eyes rested on Sadie’s face. His demeanor changed, softened as he looked at her. “And who I am is a man desiring to ask a woman if she would be willing to take a moonlit walk with me when the bar closed.”
The fact that Asher was still holding Neriah’s hand, and she had even repositioned it so they would both be more comfortable made her heart sing. Asher inquired about her area of study, and she flushed a little, looking down at their hands as her lips parted slightly. She then looked up at Asher and said teasingly, “The weather.” She laughed softly then. “I am a professional storm chaser and meteorologist. But I have been known to sport a swimsuit and give the weather report.” With her free hand, Neriah picked up her drink and took a few sips. It was refreshing and hitting the spot. With the drink back on the bar, Neriah’s attention turned back to Asher.
She listened to Asher talk about her job and showed her interest and attention by nodding and smiling appropriately. When Asher gave her official title Neriah was impressed. “That sounds awfully important.” Then the topic turned to the police chief and the conversation could have gone one of two ways. One way was that Neriah could have brought up the very issue she was trying to avoid or, what she actually did, was take Asher’s hand in both of hers and shook her head. Her eyes were bright with appreciation as she said, “To the drink, yes. To the work talk, no. I can make an appointment and come visit your office tomorrow. Tonight, I don’t want to talk to the Commissioner. I want the hot brunette.” She lifted Asher’s hand in both of hers to cheek and brushed it over her soft skin. “Tell me what you do away from work.”
The situation behind Asher was getting a little intense. She was tempted to listen as it seemed like it might be some good drama. But she was more captivated by Asher than something to gossip about.
She listened to Asher talk about her job and showed her interest and attention by nodding and smiling appropriately. When Asher gave her official title Neriah was impressed. “That sounds awfully important.” Then the topic turned to the police chief and the conversation could have gone one of two ways. One way was that Neriah could have brought up the very issue she was trying to avoid or, what she actually did, was take Asher’s hand in both of hers and shook her head. Her eyes were bright with appreciation as she said, “To the drink, yes. To the work talk, no. I can make an appointment and come visit your office tomorrow. Tonight, I don’t want to talk to the Commissioner. I want the hot brunette.” She lifted Asher’s hand in both of hers to cheek and brushed it over her soft skin. “Tell me what you do away from work.”
The situation behind Asher was getting a little intense. She was tempted to listen as it seemed like it might be some good drama. But she was more captivated by Asher than something to gossip about.
As Jasper sat there staring in disbelief at the audacity of this guy, he felt something on his arm. Out of reaction he yanked his arm away from whatever was touching him. Did he know it was Sadie trying to comfort him, No. Did he care, No. Jasper saw red as a wave of anger crashed on top of his head. Who the fuck was this guy? Jasper rose from his chair, squaring his shoulders at his antagonist. “My behavior?” Jasper laughed to himself, his head rolling backward as he glanced up at the ceiling before looking back to his foe. “If you only knew the shit I have put up with for the last…” He bit his tongue. He had almost said centuries out loud, and that would have been impossible to explain.
Jasper lifted one of his eyebrows and looked at Sadie, curious what her response was going to be about him being an abuser. If ever there was a victim, it was him. He was the one who was trapped. He was the one who had to follow someone else’s life like a dog without a brain.
Looking back to the dark-haired male Jasper listened to his explanation on who he was. When it was over, he smiled sarcastically and stepped away from the bar. “If we were both gentlemen, I would suggest pistols at dawn. But, seeing how neither of us fit that description…” Jasper reached like he was going for his sword, but his hand found only air. He wasn’t permitted to where his sword I public. This angered him all over as his hand balled into an empty fist. Not wanting to deal with this situation any longer, he turned to Asher. He glanced at Neriah, “Pardon me. I don’t mean to interrupt.” He attention turned to Asher, “Would you walk back home with me? Make sure I don’t do anything stupid?”
Jasper lifted one of his eyebrows and looked at Sadie, curious what her response was going to be about him being an abuser. If ever there was a victim, it was him. He was the one who was trapped. He was the one who had to follow someone else’s life like a dog without a brain.
Looking back to the dark-haired male Jasper listened to his explanation on who he was. When it was over, he smiled sarcastically and stepped away from the bar. “If we were both gentlemen, I would suggest pistols at dawn. But, seeing how neither of us fit that description…” Jasper reached like he was going for his sword, but his hand found only air. He wasn’t permitted to where his sword I public. This angered him all over as his hand balled into an empty fist. Not wanting to deal with this situation any longer, he turned to Asher. He glanced at Neriah, “Pardon me. I don’t mean to interrupt.” He attention turned to Asher, “Would you walk back home with me? Make sure I don’t do anything stupid?”
Sadie had been looking straight into the eyes of the unknown man and could have sworn she saw hints of gold. She soon looked away from him as she saw Jasper yank his arm away from her, which made her jump slightly. She knew he was beyond pissed now and looked like he didn't care. She soon heard the comment of the dark-haired man and was about to reply, but Jasper spoke again. Hearing what Jasper had said sent a wave of remorse and pain through her chest because he was not wrong. He was trapped, and it was partially her fault. Though she inadvertently did it, she still caused it because she was selfish at the time.
She looked away from Jasper and glanced down to regroup her thoughts before she turned back towards the stranger."You do not know us or our situation. He has one rough night, and you assume that he automatically is abusive and shows disdain? I can assure you that if anyone has been abused the most, it would be Jasper. To which he never asked for. He has never done what you implied towards, sir." She looked back at Jasper, showing sympathy and understanding. Acknowledging that she would have to figure out how to break what they have long been bonded by. She looked away from Jasper before her emotions got the best of her and back towards the stranger.
Soon, she heard the man explainining to Jasper the difference about 'what' and 'who', which made him sound arrogant. Then he turned his dark eyes back on Sadie, which looked like they had softened and spoke his last part. Her eyes widened at his boldness because he clearly had an objective and from what it looked like. She was the objective, which made her even more confused since she had never met this man. Although, something within her was pulling towards him, and the mark behind her ear was slightly tingling. "Why the hell would I take a moonlit walk with you? Do you know me or something?"
As she waited for his response, she heard Jasper again and looked towards him. He looked beyond frustrated and done, to which he walked towards Asher and Neriah. He had asked Asher to walk back with him so he wouldn't do anything stupid. She was going to reply to him, but it was obvious he didn't want anything to do with her for at least the rest of the evening. So, she did what she thought was best for everyone, especially him. She went to cash out the drinks they had on Asher's tab, if she took Jasper home, and if Neriah followed Asher. She gave her the change from the bill given for the drink Neriah had. "Make it home safe, please. I hope we can talk when everything has calmed down. I am sorry for tonight." She spoke softly towards Jasper and looked at Asher with a sad, understanding smile. She turned away from them, so she didn't have to see them leave and asked the employee that was behind the bar to start the last call.
She needed a breather after that intense moment, so she let her employees up front know she would be in her office. As she walked towards the other end of the bar, she caught sight of the dark-haired man again. She couldn't help but look at him in curiosity and intrigue, even though he was rude and arrogant, especially to Jasper. If he was looking at her, he would see a ton of mixed emotions, and the main ones would be the confusion and intrigue. She turned her gaze away from the man and walked to her office. Upon entering, she left the door slightly ajar and went towards her desk chair and sat down. Staring out the huge window that had a moonlit ocean view and letting her thoughts run rampant.
She looked away from Jasper and glanced down to regroup her thoughts before she turned back towards the stranger."You do not know us or our situation. He has one rough night, and you assume that he automatically is abusive and shows disdain? I can assure you that if anyone has been abused the most, it would be Jasper. To which he never asked for. He has never done what you implied towards, sir." She looked back at Jasper, showing sympathy and understanding. Acknowledging that she would have to figure out how to break what they have long been bonded by. She looked away from Jasper before her emotions got the best of her and back towards the stranger.
Soon, she heard the man explainining to Jasper the difference about 'what' and 'who', which made him sound arrogant. Then he turned his dark eyes back on Sadie, which looked like they had softened and spoke his last part. Her eyes widened at his boldness because he clearly had an objective and from what it looked like. She was the objective, which made her even more confused since she had never met this man. Although, something within her was pulling towards him, and the mark behind her ear was slightly tingling. "Why the hell would I take a moonlit walk with you? Do you know me or something?"
As she waited for his response, she heard Jasper again and looked towards him. He looked beyond frustrated and done, to which he walked towards Asher and Neriah. He had asked Asher to walk back with him so he wouldn't do anything stupid. She was going to reply to him, but it was obvious he didn't want anything to do with her for at least the rest of the evening. So, she did what she thought was best for everyone, especially him. She went to cash out the drinks they had on Asher's tab, if she took Jasper home, and if Neriah followed Asher. She gave her the change from the bill given for the drink Neriah had. "Make it home safe, please. I hope we can talk when everything has calmed down. I am sorry for tonight." She spoke softly towards Jasper and looked at Asher with a sad, understanding smile. She turned away from them, so she didn't have to see them leave and asked the employee that was behind the bar to start the last call.
She needed a breather after that intense moment, so she let her employees up front know she would be in her office. As she walked towards the other end of the bar, she caught sight of the dark-haired man again. She couldn't help but look at him in curiosity and intrigue, even though he was rude and arrogant, especially to Jasper. If he was looking at her, he would see a ton of mixed emotions, and the main ones would be the confusion and intrigue. She turned her gaze away from the man and walked to her office. Upon entering, she left the door slightly ajar and went towards her desk chair and sat down. Staring out the huge window that had a moonlit ocean view and letting her thoughts run rampant.
Out of all the things Asher had expected, the weather somehow wasn’t one of them. “That is fascinating. Is it—“ The question died in her throat, only to be replaced by a light blush as the idea of Neriah in a bikini floated across her mind. Asher’s free hand picked up her drink to wet her throat and to try again. “Is it difficult?” In reality, she knew the exact danger of chasing storms, as she was most often with the one who created them, but she really just wanted to make conversation.
Asher could only smile, and she wasn’t at all mad, when Neriah didn’t wish to speak about Red. This was not a surprise, given that hardly anyone ever wanted to talk about Red. Instead, Asher nodded. “Tomorrow, it is.” As Asher found her hand lifted, and placed against Neriah’s soft cheek, Asher’s fingers moved softly over her perfect skin. “You are beautiful, you know that?” Asher said this nearly in a whisper, almost entranced by her. That smile peaked once more as she was asked what she did outside of work. “Oh, well. I read, I take myself to dinner, I take the world’s longest bubble baths at the end of the long days.” She paused there, as prayer and practising magic didn’t seem like the greatest choices to reveal. “Really, whatever I want to do.” Her fingers ran lightly over Neriah’s face once again. “What is it you like to do?”
However, Asher wouldn’t yet find out what that was, as the anger that seeped from behind her finally reached a breaking point. Jasper had stood, and out of hundreds of years of reaction when it came to Jasper and Red. Asher turned automatically towards him to watch. It seemed for now to be only harsh words, and slapping tones, but Asher recognized that boiling pot this place was becoming. It was the reason that when Jasper turned to her, and asked her to walk him home, she nodded without hesitation. “Yes, of course I can.”
Turning back to Neriah again, she gave the woman an apologetic look. “I am so sorry, but I have to cut short today. But, please, anytime call me.” Asher dug into her bag, and pulled out her business card. “For business.” Once she took it, Asher waited a moment before asking for Neriah’s phone. Once Neriah had given it to her, Asher smiled softly as she entered her name and number, making sure it was saved before handing it back. With a seductive tone, she said; “That one is for pleasure.” Asher gently kissed Neriah’s hand she was holding before letting it go, and turning to Jasper.
“Come on. Let’s get you home.” She said gently as she got up. Carefully, she stepped towards the angry man, and used to tempers from those around her, guided him towards the exit, but she was prepared to stop at any moment if the action was necessary.
Asher could only smile, and she wasn’t at all mad, when Neriah didn’t wish to speak about Red. This was not a surprise, given that hardly anyone ever wanted to talk about Red. Instead, Asher nodded. “Tomorrow, it is.” As Asher found her hand lifted, and placed against Neriah’s soft cheek, Asher’s fingers moved softly over her perfect skin. “You are beautiful, you know that?” Asher said this nearly in a whisper, almost entranced by her. That smile peaked once more as she was asked what she did outside of work. “Oh, well. I read, I take myself to dinner, I take the world’s longest bubble baths at the end of the long days.” She paused there, as prayer and practising magic didn’t seem like the greatest choices to reveal. “Really, whatever I want to do.” Her fingers ran lightly over Neriah’s face once again. “What is it you like to do?”
However, Asher wouldn’t yet find out what that was, as the anger that seeped from behind her finally reached a breaking point. Jasper had stood, and out of hundreds of years of reaction when it came to Jasper and Red. Asher turned automatically towards him to watch. It seemed for now to be only harsh words, and slapping tones, but Asher recognized that boiling pot this place was becoming. It was the reason that when Jasper turned to her, and asked her to walk him home, she nodded without hesitation. “Yes, of course I can.”
Turning back to Neriah again, she gave the woman an apologetic look. “I am so sorry, but I have to cut short today. But, please, anytime call me.” Asher dug into her bag, and pulled out her business card. “For business.” Once she took it, Asher waited a moment before asking for Neriah’s phone. Once Neriah had given it to her, Asher smiled softly as she entered her name and number, making sure it was saved before handing it back. With a seductive tone, she said; “That one is for pleasure.” Asher gently kissed Neriah’s hand she was holding before letting it go, and turning to Jasper.
“Come on. Let’s get you home.” She said gently as she got up. Carefully, she stepped towards the angry man, and used to tempers from those around her, guided him towards the exit, but she was prepared to stop at any moment if the action was necessary.
Jasper's reaction was unexpected. Well, not completely. But watching him reach for a sword made Fitzpatrick smile. So many times he, himself, found himself reaching for a weapon he was no longer legally permitted to carry. He knew that muscle memory. Hell, he still had that muscle memory. The only thing that stopped him from mirroring Jasper when he reached for his hip was a resolution that Fitzpatrick was not going to reach to anything Jasper did. He knew he had ruffled some feathers but he was not sorry he did it. Jasper seemed to have appealed to Asher and they were going to leave together.
Sadie seemed distraught though, and that he didn't want. When she barked at him he stayed quiet, not out of guilt but because there was no point getting in argument with her too. He watched her though. He watched her ask the other person to take over the bar as she disappeared into what appeared to be her office. He threw some cash on the bar and stood. He smoothed out his suit and adjusted his bag. He then decided to be bold yet again.
He approached the door to Sadie's office and knocked. He didn't expect her answer. She might even tell him to go away. But he nudged the door with his hand and slipped inside. He closed the door behind him and flipped the lock, giving them some privacy. He faced her and looked at her with tenderness. "I understand I just pissed you off. But please understand, I traveled here from England just for the chance to meet you."
Sadie seemed distraught though, and that he didn't want. When she barked at him he stayed quiet, not out of guilt but because there was no point getting in argument with her too. He watched her though. He watched her ask the other person to take over the bar as she disappeared into what appeared to be her office. He threw some cash on the bar and stood. He smoothed out his suit and adjusted his bag. He then decided to be bold yet again.
He approached the door to Sadie's office and knocked. He didn't expect her answer. She might even tell him to go away. But he nudged the door with his hand and slipped inside. He closed the door behind him and flipped the lock, giving them some privacy. He faced her and looked at her with tenderness. "I understand I just pissed you off. But please understand, I traveled here from England just for the chance to meet you."
Neriah was ready to tell Asher that she would no longer need to take herself to dinner, or be alone in those bubble baths. But, before she could say anything to move this conversation from flirting in a bar to an actual date, they were interrupted by the dark-haired man Neriah originally thought Asher was with.
Neriah accepted Asher's business card and slipped it into her back pocket. When Asher asked for her phone, she gave it happily. The wallpaper of her phone was her in a very scanty bikini on the back of a boat posing suggestively. Had she set that as her wallpaper to use as enticement tonight? Abso-fucking-lutely. She hoped it gave Asher something to think about.
Her lips parted, wanting to ask Asher if she could come, too. But that felt too needy. "See you tomorrow." She turned her head to look behind the bar. Sadie was retreating to the back room. Mr. Rude Ass who pissed everyone off and messed up her evening was following. And now Asher was leaving to take her friend home. Well Fuck! She had just wanted to get laid tonight.
She fiddled with her drink as she debated going back to her condo, or the vandalized boat, or going somewhere else to find some fun.
Neriah accepted Asher's business card and slipped it into her back pocket. When Asher asked for her phone, she gave it happily. The wallpaper of her phone was her in a very scanty bikini on the back of a boat posing suggestively. Had she set that as her wallpaper to use as enticement tonight? Abso-fucking-lutely. She hoped it gave Asher something to think about.
Her lips parted, wanting to ask Asher if she could come, too. But that felt too needy. "See you tomorrow." She turned her head to look behind the bar. Sadie was retreating to the back room. Mr. Rude Ass who pissed everyone off and messed up her evening was following. And now Asher was leaving to take her friend home. Well Fuck! She had just wanted to get laid tonight.
She fiddled with her drink as she debated going back to her condo, or the vandalized boat, or going somewhere else to find some fun.
Jasper wasn't sure if he felt bad interrupting Asher and Neriah's conversation or not. He didn't know Asher to go for women. He had also never seen her flirt with anyone before either. He had spent very little pleasant time with her over the last century, so it was a possibility. But he was in a bad place mentally. If he ran into Red while in this state, Asher would be the only person to stop the potential bloodshed.
He waited for Asher and Neriah to say their words of parting before Asher was at his side. He paused at the door and watched as Sadie disappeared into her office. Moments later, Jasper saw his antagonist enter into the office behind her. It was then he let Asher pull him out of the bar. When the door shut behind him, he pulled out his phone and used a number he never thought he would.
"It's me. Don't hang up. Don't talk to me, fine. But listen. Some guy is in Sadie's office with her. Something is up. She's with me. Okay." He leaned on Asher, his heart starting to burn. "Get me home, please "
He waited for Asher and Neriah to say their words of parting before Asher was at his side. He paused at the door and watched as Sadie disappeared into her office. Moments later, Jasper saw his antagonist enter into the office behind her. It was then he let Asher pull him out of the bar. When the door shut behind him, he pulled out his phone and used a number he never thought he would.
"It's me. Don't hang up. Don't talk to me, fine. But listen. Some guy is in Sadie's office with her. Something is up. She's with me. Okay." He leaned on Asher, his heart starting to burn. "Get me home, please "
Sadie had just returned up front and had seen that Jasper and Asher were gone. She felt horrible about how all of that went down, which made her once again annoyed. She was unsure where Fitzpatrick went, though she felt that he wasn't far, just that he left the establishment. She was unsure how she felt him this intensely,
she just knew it. She soon plastered on a smile and walked behind the bar and checked on everything with her employees. Sadie saw Neriah still there what looked like to be debating something, so she walked over towards her. "Hey, sweets. Everything alright? You look like you are thinking real hard about something. Anything I can help you with?" She smiled at Neriah and waited for her to reply, and she would listen.
Although her smile was forced through the rest of the evening, no one would know. She pushed through, like she always had. After the bar closed for the evening would be when she had to have much needed conversations, even if it was going to hurt. So, until then, she would just keep herself busy and tend to her partrons and employees if they needed.
she just knew it. She soon plastered on a smile and walked behind the bar and checked on everything with her employees. Sadie saw Neriah still there what looked like to be debating something, so she walked over towards her. "Hey, sweets. Everything alright? You look like you are thinking real hard about something. Anything I can help you with?" She smiled at Neriah and waited for her to reply, and she would listen.
Although her smile was forced through the rest of the evening, no one would know. She pushed through, like she always had. After the bar closed for the evening would be when she had to have much needed conversations, even if it was going to hurt. So, until then, she would just keep herself busy and tend to her partrons and employees if they needed.
SLURP! Came the sound of Neriah finishing off the last of her drink. She was alone at the bar and desperately in need of another drink. She pushed the glass towards the edge of the bar and waited for someone to come check on her. When she saw Sadie plaster on that strained smile, Neriah tried to return it.
She pulled out her phone and fiddled with it a little bit as she waited for Sadie to come over. "Sadie? Have you ever heard that Tracy Byrd song,
Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo?"] She hit play on her phone and as the music played she said, "Line 'em up, baby. Ten shots of tequila."
She sang along softly to the music as the shot glasses were lined up and the golden booze poured. She looked at Sadie curiously. "Not to poke the bear, but who the fuck was that guy that took away my chance of getting laid tonight?" She was annoyed but at Sadie. She had just had a frustrating day and she remained frustrated.
She pulled out her phone and fiddled with it a little bit as she waited for Sadie to come over. "Sadie? Have you ever heard that Tracy Byrd song,
Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo?"] She hit play on her phone and as the music played she said, "Line 'em up, baby. Ten shots of tequila."
She sang along softly to the music as the shot glasses were lined up and the golden booze poured. She looked at Sadie curiously. "Not to poke the bear, but who the fuck was that guy that took away my chance of getting laid tonight?" She was annoyed but at Sadie. She had just had a frustrating day and she remained frustrated.
Sadie started chuckling as she heard Neriah. "Yes, I have heard of that song and coming right up, Beautiful." As she grabbed the shot glasses and lined them up in front of Neriah, she grabbed the best tequila and started free pouring. She soon grabbed the salt and limes in case Neriah wanted to chase them. "There you go, Sweets." She grabbed the bottle and placed it back and went to grab a sanitized towel to clean up any mess she may have made. She put the towel back in the fresh sanitizer water and washed her hands.
She went back towards Neriah and heard the brunette ask who the hell Fitzpatrick was. Honestly, she wasn't exactly sure, so she answered as honestly as possible. "I barely met that man tonight, in all honesty. He seemed to have been drawn here because of me and then said a few things that made sense. I am sorry that he disrupted your evening." She gave Neriah vague answer but a sincere apologetic smile, hoping she saw that she was genuinely sorry. It may have ruined Neriah's chances for getting laid that evening, but it just changed everything that Sadie knew when Fitzpatrick made his appearance.
She went back towards Neriah and heard the brunette ask who the hell Fitzpatrick was. Honestly, she wasn't exactly sure, so she answered as honestly as possible. "I barely met that man tonight, in all honesty. He seemed to have been drawn here because of me and then said a few things that made sense. I am sorry that he disrupted your evening." She gave Neriah vague answer but a sincere apologetic smile, hoping she saw that she was genuinely sorry. It may have ruined Neriah's chances for getting laid that evening, but it just changed everything that Sadie knew when Fitzpatrick made his appearance.
She watched with impatient eyes as each shot glass was individually filled. She counted down the row: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. She watched Sadie put down lime wedges and some glass. A sly smile played on her red lips, “I’m taken them naked tonight, hot stuff.” She picked up the first shot glass and tossed it back. She had to close her eyes as she felt the liquor flood over her tongue. She couldn’t prevent the cringe her face pulled into until she swallowed. Once the burn was moving down her esophagus and pulled in a large breath and let it out. “That’s the medicine I needed.” She took the second shot much in the same way as the first. The empty shot glasses were turned upside down in front of Neriah.
Taking a short break before taking another shot, she looked at Sadie and sensed there was a story behind those words. “Drawn here because of you? That sounds spicy.” Neriah was perception but not a mind reader or anything close to it, but she was good at getting people to talk to her. “You have no reason to apologize for the actions of someone else. It was his approach that caused the drama, lady. But…” In a flirtatious way Neriah eyes Sadie hungrily, “Since I am not getting fucked tonight, maybe you can entertain me with the story?” Sometimes girls just needed to talk. Neriah was new. She didn’t know anyone. There would be no one to spill Sadie’s secrets too.
The third and fourth shot went down much like the first two, taking her a moment as her mouth seemed stunned by the sharp burn of the booze. But, by shot five, they were going down nice and smooth. “Whoa. I am feeling that tequila already.” Getting home was going to be fun.
Taking a short break before taking another shot, she looked at Sadie and sensed there was a story behind those words. “Drawn here because of you? That sounds spicy.” Neriah was perception but not a mind reader or anything close to it, but she was good at getting people to talk to her. “You have no reason to apologize for the actions of someone else. It was his approach that caused the drama, lady. But…” In a flirtatious way Neriah eyes Sadie hungrily, “Since I am not getting fucked tonight, maybe you can entertain me with the story?” Sometimes girls just needed to talk. Neriah was new. She didn’t know anyone. There would be no one to spill Sadie’s secrets too.
The third and fourth shot went down much like the first two, taking her a moment as her mouth seemed stunned by the sharp burn of the booze. But, by shot five, they were going down nice and smooth. “Whoa. I am feeling that tequila already.” Getting home was going to be fun.
She chuckled at Neriah as the woman down her first shot, with cringe on her face. Sadie knew it would go down smoother after the third or fourth shot, so she wasn't worried. She heard Neriah ask a question and wasn't real sure how much she could convey or if she even could. "Usually, the bartenders are listening to the spicy stuff, not because they want to but out of an occupational hazard.". She started chuckling some more and let Neriah finish talking before she started up. Though she didn't know Neriah, she didn't feel uncomfortable telling her the basics if she so wished.
Soon, Sadie heard Neriah ask her to tell her a story, which made a laugh escape her mouth and reply. "It's more like a novel that is series. The story is always changing and probably will continue to change." She paused and thought about giving her a run-through without giving away too much. She looked at Neriah and continued. "I can give you a summarization of a story that should entertain you." Before she could say more, she saw Neriah take two more shots and was amused. "That tequila isn't the watered down stuff, sweets. That's the good stuff and will sneak up on you."
She chuckled but then started thinking about who she could call to help Neriah home if she needed it. Then her thoughts went to Red and Jasper on how she would tell them what had happened, which made her heart hurt a tinge. Though meeting Fitzpatrick sent a mix of nervousness and excitement through her and eased the pain for a reason that was becoming clearer. She pushed the thoughts aside and looked back at Neriah. " I think the question would be where to start with a tale like this?"
Soon, Sadie heard Neriah ask her to tell her a story, which made a laugh escape her mouth and reply. "It's more like a novel that is series. The story is always changing and probably will continue to change." She paused and thought about giving her a run-through without giving away too much. She looked at Neriah and continued. "I can give you a summarization of a story that should entertain you." Before she could say more, she saw Neriah take two more shots and was amused. "That tequila isn't the watered down stuff, sweets. That's the good stuff and will sneak up on you."
She chuckled but then started thinking about who she could call to help Neriah home if she needed it. Then her thoughts went to Red and Jasper on how she would tell them what had happened, which made her heart hurt a tinge. Though meeting Fitzpatrick sent a mix of nervousness and excitement through her and eased the pain for a reason that was becoming clearer. She pushed the thoughts aside and looked back at Neriah. " I think the question would be where to start with a tale like this?"
Aubree had finally, although it was difficult, managed to fall asleep and even stay asleep and dreamless for the last twenty-three minutes. She was almost into the edge of an actual sleep when her moments of peace were ruined by the scream of the sirens ripping past the open window of her condo. It startled the woman, whose head lifted from her sweater that she was using as a pillow. She really needed to hit the local Walmart, but she would get there. For now, she stood up, and slipped the black sweater back on the hook behind the door. She looked around the nearly empty room, and walked over to the portable stereo to shut it off for now. Sleeping in music was helping, but sleeping on her floor probably wasn’t.
She put the problem out of her mind as she stretched her body out, sighing in relief when her back popped out its cramp. She ran her fingers through her long hair, then dropped it again as she slid her wallet into the back pocket of her jeans. She slid her combat boots on, made sure her black t-shirt wasn’t entirely crumpled, and headed out after grabbing her keys. As she walked down the stairs, she stopped by the laundry room. It was empty now, but she couldn’t help the huge pang of guilt as she thought of that guy she had met.
She run over that scenario a thousand times since then, and she felt worse every time. She wasn’t normally like that. She was normally much more open and inclusive. She supposed that’s what happened when one’s entire world came crashing down, when ashes simmered just behind the skin, and every step forward was a forced look backwards into a thousand shattered mirrors. By the time she had returned for her clothes, he was gone, and she hadn’t seen him since. Blue eyes closed for a moment, her fist bouncing once then twice on the railing as she pushed further down. If she ever saw that guy again, she owed him an apology.
Before it consumed all over again, entangled around every nerve she had, she wanted to see if she could find him. On that thought, she realized she didn’t know anything about him. “Shit.” She whispered to herself. For now, since there didn’t seem to be much activity, she made her way down the street, and stumbled across the Black Anchor Bar. Well, a drink was as good as anything while she figured out her next moves. Pulling open the heavy door, Aubree stepped inside and saw a beautiful brunette woman, and a gorgeous blonde behind the bar.
Walking over to the bar, Aubree took a seat at it, but since it seemed the blonde and brunette were engaged in a conversation, and Aubree didn’t wish to be rude, she would wait patiently until she was acknowledged.
She put the problem out of her mind as she stretched her body out, sighing in relief when her back popped out its cramp. She ran her fingers through her long hair, then dropped it again as she slid her wallet into the back pocket of her jeans. She slid her combat boots on, made sure her black t-shirt wasn’t entirely crumpled, and headed out after grabbing her keys. As she walked down the stairs, she stopped by the laundry room. It was empty now, but she couldn’t help the huge pang of guilt as she thought of that guy she had met.
She run over that scenario a thousand times since then, and she felt worse every time. She wasn’t normally like that. She was normally much more open and inclusive. She supposed that’s what happened when one’s entire world came crashing down, when ashes simmered just behind the skin, and every step forward was a forced look backwards into a thousand shattered mirrors. By the time she had returned for her clothes, he was gone, and she hadn’t seen him since. Blue eyes closed for a moment, her fist bouncing once then twice on the railing as she pushed further down. If she ever saw that guy again, she owed him an apology.
Before it consumed all over again, entangled around every nerve she had, she wanted to see if she could find him. On that thought, she realized she didn’t know anything about him. “Shit.” She whispered to herself. For now, since there didn’t seem to be much activity, she made her way down the street, and stumbled across the Black Anchor Bar. Well, a drink was as good as anything while she figured out her next moves. Pulling open the heavy door, Aubree stepped inside and saw a beautiful brunette woman, and a gorgeous blonde behind the bar.
Walking over to the bar, Aubree took a seat at it, but since it seemed the blonde and brunette were engaged in a conversation, and Aubree didn’t wish to be rude, she would wait patiently until she was acknowledged.
Finally finishing the artwork on the surf board he bought a few days prior, Creed noticed the time. "Bloody hell." He mumbled to himself as he remembered the bar opening had been that evening. He gathered his art supplies and put them in his quarters of his sister's ship, then left towards his condo, needing to shower. After freshening up, he was dressed in a dark blue button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, dark blue jeans and boots, heading out towards The Black Anchor.
He walked the short trip towards the establishment and looked at the outside before entering. He had been told to stay away from the bar until the opening with a threat and a promise to follow through with that threat, if he so much as peeked. And knowing his sister, she would deliver. So, here he was seeing everything for the first time. He pulled open the sturdy front door, entered, and took a few steps in as he surveyed the area. He saw the pirate theme that was elegant and had a lounge feel towards it, instantly understanding what she had been going for. "Impressive, you little shit." He amusedly mumbled as he started to walk further in. He noticed Sadie was behind the bar talking to a brunette patron and then looked further down the bar and saw the familiar blonde Aubree sitting there. He hadn't seen her since the laundry room, but had wondered about her. He walked casually up to the bar and glanced at Sadie as he passed her, giving her a nod and smirk. He sat at the bar two seats away from Aubree and deliberated if he should say anything. He knew to keep his distance in case he made her uncomfortable, which he didn't want to do again. He knew Sadie would know what he wanted to drink, so he waited until she was able to tend to him. He glanced at Aubree and noticed she didn't have a drink yet, so he assumed she may have just gotten there.
After much deliberation, he turned towards Aubree and spoke. "You're not guarding the bar now, too. Are you?" He playfully asked and smiled as he remembered the beginning of their first encounter. He hoped he made her comfortable enough to make casual conversation, but if she didn't, that would be okay too. He waited for her to say something, if she wanted, and for his sister to bring him a drink.
He walked the short trip towards the establishment and looked at the outside before entering. He had been told to stay away from the bar until the opening with a threat and a promise to follow through with that threat, if he so much as peeked. And knowing his sister, she would deliver. So, here he was seeing everything for the first time. He pulled open the sturdy front door, entered, and took a few steps in as he surveyed the area. He saw the pirate theme that was elegant and had a lounge feel towards it, instantly understanding what she had been going for. "Impressive, you little shit." He amusedly mumbled as he started to walk further in. He noticed Sadie was behind the bar talking to a brunette patron and then looked further down the bar and saw the familiar blonde Aubree sitting there. He hadn't seen her since the laundry room, but had wondered about her. He walked casually up to the bar and glanced at Sadie as he passed her, giving her a nod and smirk. He sat at the bar two seats away from Aubree and deliberated if he should say anything. He knew to keep his distance in case he made her uncomfortable, which he didn't want to do again. He knew Sadie would know what he wanted to drink, so he waited until she was able to tend to him. He glanced at Aubree and noticed she didn't have a drink yet, so he assumed she may have just gotten there.
After much deliberation, he turned towards Aubree and spoke. "You're not guarding the bar now, too. Are you?" He playfully asked and smiled as he remembered the beginning of their first encounter. He hoped he made her comfortable enough to make casual conversation, but if she didn't, that would be okay too. He waited for her to say something, if she wanted, and for his sister to bring him a drink.
Only two shots of the tequila remained, and she started feeling her cheeks go rosy and her head start to flutter. She put an easy smile on her lips and eyed Sadie. “Miniseries, movie, CliffsNotes, whatever you want to give me. I just need something to take my mind off of today.” She ran her fingers over one of the shot glasses in front of her, debating if finishing the last two would send her running to the bathroom.
The moment the blonde took a seat a few down from her, Neriah said, “Hey, stunning,” and slid one of the shots of tequila down the bar to her. The truth was, Neriah didn’t think she would actually be able to get them down. So why not share?
Minutes after the blonde, a guy walked in and it didn’t take him long to start chatting up the blonde girl. Neriah looked back to Sadie and whined in an incredibly drunken way, “I just wanted sex tonight.”
The moment the blonde took a seat a few down from her, Neriah said, “Hey, stunning,” and slid one of the shots of tequila down the bar to her. The truth was, Neriah didn’t think she would actually be able to get them down. So why not share?
Minutes after the blonde, a guy walked in and it didn’t take him long to start chatting up the blonde girl. Neriah looked back to Sadie and whined in an incredibly drunken way, “I just wanted sex tonight.”
Sadie chuckled at Neriah when she was talking about taking things off her mind from that day. "I mean the summarization might take a while too. Girl falls in love with two different men at the same time, while she is young herself. Some crazy ass shit happens, and they all end up somehow in a very unconventional relationship. Let just say one of the men was treated very harshly by the other. Over time, it became something that became the norm and seemed to never stray far from each. Or couldn't in reality. Then, in pops up a third man that could possibly alter everything that the trio has ever known." She chuckled softly, hoping that was enough to keep Neriah content. "Sorry, I may need an entire bottle of rum to tell that tale. But, alas, I don't drink on the job."
She smiled at Neriah and waited to see if she said anything else. As she waited, the front door opened and walked the beautiful blonde, Aubree, which she had just met at a bonfire. Sadie waited for Aubree to pick a seat she would be comfortable with and turned back towards Neriah. "Are you doing okay, Sweets?" Just as she asked, she looked up from Neriah as the front door opened again and walked in her brother, Creed. She saw him pause a little inside the door and look around the room. She smirked as she picked up what he mumbled under his breath about the bar. Her gaze broke from Creed as she heard Neriah talk to Aubree and saw the brunette slide a shot towards the blonde. "I will be right back with you. If you need anything, just holler for me."
She soon turned away, grabbed a whiskey glass, and the bottle of Macallan she had poured earlier for Asher. She knew what her brother would like and free poured a double shot for him. She was going to get Aubree's drink order when she brought Creed's to him. She had just turned around and grabbed a coaster when she heard him talk to Aubree. She snorted a laugh as she heard his comment and realized he had met Aubree before this. As she sat his glass in front of him, she spoke. "Now Jackie, it's called a 'bar guardian', and she is welcome to have that job if she would like. And you are late, big brother." She squinted playfully at him and soon smiled, showing she was joking. She turned to look at Aubree. "I am so glad you could come, Aubree. I see Neriah here offered you one of her shots." She smiled sweetly at Aubree and turned her gaze at Neriah when she heard her whining. She chuckled at the brunette. "The night is still young, gorgeous. That is still a possibility." She said and then gave her attention back to Aubree. "Would you like something else to go along with that shot, Beautiful?
She smiled at Neriah and waited to see if she said anything else. As she waited, the front door opened and walked the beautiful blonde, Aubree, which she had just met at a bonfire. Sadie waited for Aubree to pick a seat she would be comfortable with and turned back towards Neriah. "Are you doing okay, Sweets?" Just as she asked, she looked up from Neriah as the front door opened again and walked in her brother, Creed. She saw him pause a little inside the door and look around the room. She smirked as she picked up what he mumbled under his breath about the bar. Her gaze broke from Creed as she heard Neriah talk to Aubree and saw the brunette slide a shot towards the blonde. "I will be right back with you. If you need anything, just holler for me."
She soon turned away, grabbed a whiskey glass, and the bottle of Macallan she had poured earlier for Asher. She knew what her brother would like and free poured a double shot for him. She was going to get Aubree's drink order when she brought Creed's to him. She had just turned around and grabbed a coaster when she heard him talk to Aubree. She snorted a laugh as she heard his comment and realized he had met Aubree before this. As she sat his glass in front of him, she spoke. "Now Jackie, it's called a 'bar guardian', and she is welcome to have that job if she would like. And you are late, big brother." She squinted playfully at him and soon smiled, showing she was joking. She turned to look at Aubree. "I am so glad you could come, Aubree. I see Neriah here offered you one of her shots." She smiled sweetly at Aubree and turned her gaze at Neriah when she heard her whining. She chuckled at the brunette. "The night is still young, gorgeous. That is still a possibility." She said and then gave her attention back to Aubree. "Would you like something else to go along with that shot, Beautiful?
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