At least the perpetual gray rain had stopped, Shiv thought as she strode down the street. Her boots ground on the concrete as she walked, eyes alert in the city darkness, watching every corner, shadowed doorway, car she passed. She walked this way every day, but had no intention of being a victim from being oblivious to it. The city was never safe. She loved it.
Snarling erupted from the alley next to her and she spun to see two of the semi-feral dogs that roamed the streets tearing at each other in a tangle of teeth and wild enraged eyes. A third dog stalked around them, the white of its teeth almost glowing in the dim light, tail high, circling close. She realized the third was a bitch waiting for her mate to be decided. The crescendo of threat and violence changed tone as one dog’s voice became yowls of pain in counterpoint to the sudden drop in volume of the victor. She watched as they separated, pride and arousal in every line of the stronger male as he backed from his foe before turning to the bitch.
The dog growled low at him as he stalked her, their eyes locked on each other as they circled. She made him work for it, a dance of threat and enticement. Flashes of gold and green lit their faces as they circled and the dim streetlights caught their eyes. Shiv’s hand in the pocket of her coat slid over the front of her tight pants, pulling the seam into her clit. The throb almost startled her and she smiled to herself as she realized how involved she had gotten in the scene before her. Her breath was fast and short, and she started to turn away.
Her eyes fell on the other dog. Its eyes were on her, and it crouched, growling at her. She realized she stood in its only path out, and that it was in no mood to be patient. She backed a slow step, and it advanced. Another step and the flashing neon of a beer sign glared in her peripheral vision. Maybe it was a good time for a drink. She edged sideways, never looking from the beast’s glowing gold eyes burning into hers, knowing if she did the maddened creature would attack. It needed release as badly as she did. The thought almost made her laugh until it snarled and made a tentative lunge forward.
She gasped and her hand found the door handle. She pulled and turned around the door pulling it to behind her, catching her breath before looking up. Her breath froze in her throat for a moment until she realized that the amber eyes that burned into hers were human. A long moment later he smiled and she found herself released, dragging her eyes from his and laughing softly to herself. This was turning into one hell of an evening.
Shiv scanned the room, the long bar of polished wood, scattered tables, a few booths in back. It had an understated class about it, not pretentious but everything of good quality and cared for. She’d never come in here before, though she’d passed it twice a day for the last six months. She decided she liked it. There were a few people here and there, early for the evening drinkers, but a few left from the after work crowd. The barkeep moved about, doing whatever they did back there. She turned to see a coat rack beside her and set her bag down to remove her coat when she felt hands lifting it from her shoulders.
She half turned, glancing back, and realized it was him, the man from before. His golden brown eyes met hers much closer now, a subtle smile lighting them as he waited for her. “May I?” His voice was low and rich, carrying deep. His hands moved her coat and she turned back, letting him take it, suddenly drawing a deep breath again. What was wrong with her tonight, she wondered? Get a grip Shiv, she told herself. No reason to lose it over a dogfight and some guy hitting on you in a bar. Though he was a damn nice specimen, what she could remember of his face past those eyes.
She moved past him as he hung her coat for her, her eyes catching his hands on the collar of her coat as he reached for the rack. Large strong hands they were, disappearing into the sleeves of a heavy dark sweater. Her eyes made their way up his arms to broad shoulders. Even under the bulk of the sweater he must be strong. She moved to a free table, and turned to find him behind her, pulling out a chair for her as though he belonged with her. Arrogant bastard she thought, and caught that challenging glint in his eyes again. She knew if she refused he would walk away, but somehow she couldn’t do it. She couldn’t let him win…win what, she asked herself? “Thanks.” She sat down, wondering what in the hell she was doing.
“What will you drink?” the voice was at her ear, low and throaty, but when she glanced back he stood a step away, already moving around the table, those intent eyes watching her. Yes, he was handsome, strong features, a glint of even white teeth through sensuous lips. Scotch came to her mind and she almost said it, but stopped. “White wine would be nice, thank you.” Shiv knew she was edgy enough tonight without the scotch fumes clouding her mind. She watched him walk to the bar, enjoying the way he moved, sure and deliberate. Her pants tightened even more when she sat and she unconsciously straightened in her chair, the pressure on her groin reminding her it had only been moments and she was still very much aroused. With his form filling her eyes she doubted that would change any time soon.
Well why should it? She’d been working non-stop since she moved here, proving herself to this company. She was due some relaxation. Then she laughed at herself again. Picking up a stranger in a bar was relaxation? Not that she felt very relaxed. Her eyes traveled up his body as he turned with the drinks. It wasn’t until they reached his eyes that she realized he stood still for her, letting her look. Heat crawled up her neck as he met her look. There was no denying what flared between them. He stepped forward, eyes never leaving hers until he reached the table. A slight smile and he finally broke contact, setting the glasses down and sitting next to her. She drew in a ragged breath, reaching for the glass. The shaking of her hand convinced her to toy with the stem before trying to lift it. She kept her eyes firmly on the pale gold liquid, breathing slowly for a moment.
