CH 4 - ADAM

I study my reflection in the mirror: casual black suit pants and a white button-up, jacket hanging over my shoulder. It might be a little over the top for a downtown club, but this is for business after all. I slip on a gold watch that stands out in contrast against the black. I spritz on some light cologne and fix my cuffs.

Nine o'clock. I should probably head out in a minute. I sigh at this bullshit of a test my father decided to give me, rubbing a hand down my face. I lock up and slip behind the wheel of my car. The club is about a fifteen-minute drive from my house, and I make the whole trip in silence contemplating what tonight might bring.

I pull my car up to the curb outside of the new, hot club. Reluctantly, I turn off the ignition and step out, immediately hearing the club before I see it. I gently shut the door as loud EDM echoes around the street. I turn around and see people both strolling in and stumbling out of the big brick building.

The outside of the building is a confusing mix of rustic and modern with its crumbling red brick surrounding the slightly tinted glass doors. Through those tall double doors, I can see bright strobe lights showing off large crowds of people moving on the dance floor.

This is not the typical investment my father likes to make. I think, eyeing the club.

I stand back for a while, taking advantage of the warm May night to begin my research by observing the outside; the comings and goings of patrons, as well as the atmosphere surrounding the building. I lean on the hood of my car and silently observe. Up and down the street stands restaurants, tattoo parlors, and small shops selling clothes and other knickknacks.

It's a steady environment here, and people clearly enjoy themselves due to the smiles of inebriation on every face that walks out of the club. A square-nosed bouncer scrutinizes ID's, so clearly this place is stingy with underages. Good. Public underage drinking would be bad for Brinewick's reputation.

Finally, after twenty long minutes of this, I decide to go in. I skip the line, show my ID to the bouncer, assuming he will recognize my name, and head in without a second glance. The scent of sweat and booze hit me as soon as I walk in the door. The inside defies the somewhat dilapidated look the outer walls give off; everything sleek and smooth, the neon lights flashing brightly off the glass and acrylic. I saunter through the strobes, beelining straight ahead to the bar.

I have to admit, this place has some class, I think, noticing the top shelf liquor reflecting in the mirror behind the bar.

"Double of Bulleit," I tell the bartender. He nods and reaches up and behind him grabbing the bottle and pouring out a double shot. "Open tab." I slide my platinum card across the bar, and take my drink, smelling the orange and tobacco mix wafting out.

This is definitely a point in the invest column. Although I still don't know what prompted my father to want to buy a club, I am definitely seeing the appeal. I still haven't gathered any attention to myself, so I'd say I'm passing the so-called test so far.

I sit for a while, admiring the scene in front of me: half-naked women spinning and bending, showing off any curves they have, to anyone who will watch. Outfits ranging anywhere from jeans to dresses to khakis and even some other suits. So, I guess I'm not overdressed after all. I hadn't realized how long I have been sitting here until suddenly my phone buzzes in my pocket. A text from my father. This is just what I need.

Father: Hows the investment research?

Adam: Hot and sweaty.

Father: Son if you cannot take this seriously then we will have to reconsider you taking over the company.

Adam: I am taking this very seriously.

Father: Good. I expect a full report Monday morning.

Adam: Yes sir.

Dick.

I finish my drink in one swallow, motioning to the bartender for another. As I am about to finish this drink in another big swallow, a sudden flash of red catches my eye. From red lips to red shoes, this woman is the sexiest creature I have ever laid eyes on. Long, jet black hair cascades down her back, curled and sweaty from dancing. A perfect pair of full lips partly open, and above them, icy blue eyes shining brightly from the bar lights and contrasting her light skin tone. My eyes travel the rest of her body which is only covered by a little black dress. My gaze lingers on her chest for a moment; she's not too busty, the perfect size for each to fit into the palm of either hand. Her legs are slim and long, though I can't tell how long by the way they are tucked beneath the stool she is resting on. I feel my pants growing tighter the longer I stare at her bare skin, and teasing mouth.

Why this strange woman is having such a strong effect on me I don't know, but I can't seem to take my eyes from her. I shift my gaze back up to her hands, finally noticing that she is leaning unpleasantly close to another man. The unfamiliar twinge of jealousy flares in my gut. She can do much better than this lanky blonde boy. His smile is sleazy and assuming, but I don't think she notices. She lifts her glass up to her mouth to finish her drink, licking her lips as she places it back on the bar, her nails clicking on the dripping glass.

I have the sudden urge to find out exactly what that tongue tastes like; to feel those nails digging into my shoulders. Fuuuuck.

I reach under the bar, adjusting myself as subtly as possible, while keeping my gaze riveted on her. The sound of her laugh floats through the air, watching her chest bounce as she does. The man slips an arm around her shoulder, whispering something in her ear. By the look of her reddening face, I imagine he's asking her to go home with him. Clenching my empty fist, I throw back my drink; the bartender ready to fill it back up as soon as I slam it down.

Don't go home with that fucker.

I sigh with relief, sipping from my glass now, as I watch her shyly shake her head no. He smiles, the action clearly forced, and grabs a napkin from the bar. Picking up an abandoned pen on the bar top, he writes something on the clean linen, presumably his phone number, and places it into her hand. He stands stiffly, leaving a lingering kiss on her cheek; one screaming of possessive desire.

For an unknown reason, that gesture has me fuming. I don't even know this woman, but the twist in my stomach overrules my head as she starts walking this way. Her stumbling gait clearly shows her inebriated state. I subtly turn my body, so one leg is out in the thin path she is walking. My eyes are glued to her swaying hips as she moves toward me.

Not seeing the subtle trap, I have laid, her shoe kicks against mine, forcing her to stumble, and fall right into my lap, one hand landing right on my crotch. I jump at the sudden pressure hitting me, my cock twitching as her hand shifts against it. She doesn't notice at first, but a moment later, I see her face redden, nearly to the color of her parted lips. She yanks her hand away, attempting to stand, but stumbles backward instead. I gently wrap her arms up in my hands, steadying her on her feet. She puts one hand— the one that, just a moment ago, had been pressed along my length— square on my chest. Her small frame is dwarfed by mine. She can't be any taller than five foot four against my six-two build; her eyes level with my chest.

"Oh fuck." She whispers breathless.

That's right beautiful.

She tilts her chin back to look up at me, ice blue eyes hooded and dripping with desire. I can't help from smirking down at her, overly pleased with her reaction to me.

"I'm so sorry," she says quickly.

"Don't worry about it," I wave a dismissive hand at her, "what's your name, beautiful?"

She quirks an eyebrow at the use of the pet name.

"Wouldn't you like to know." She replies in a teasing voice, apologetic tone totally lost from her lilting voice. Damn, she is sexy. I relax back the right way in my seat, placing my elbow on the bar, so I can lean towards her.

"Oh, I definitely would," I egg on slowly in the same teasing banter, running my eyes blatantly up and down her body. She takes a step towards me, pinning herself between my legs and the bar.

"How 'bout you earn it."

Fuck.

I motion to the bartender, and he walks over, waiting quietly for my new order, but I am looking straight at her, daring her with my eyes. To do what, I am not exactly sure, but anything to keep her little body against mine works well with me. She bites her lower lip— white teeth sinking into red flesh— then turns, smiling at the bartender.

"Whisky please. Rocks." Her gaze returns to me, and she raises her eyebrows.

"Make that two," I say, not leaving her gaze. A minute later he places the drinks in front of us, her hand immediately reaching out to bring it to her lips.

"Katherine," she says after taking a slow sip, "but my friends call me Kat."

"Adam, but everyone calls me Emilio."

"I think I'll stick with Adam," she replies haughtily, daring me to tell her otherwise. I lean in closer to her, trailing her body with my eyes again. I can't stop looking at her legs. She notices, and again raises an eyebrow.

"Killer dress," I grin, "deadly legs." She throws back the rest of her drink.

"You like?" She asks, but the confidence in her tone is slipping. A pink blush returning to her cheeks.

"I'd like to see them naked in my bed, wrapped around my waist." Her blush deepens at my blunt remark, but she scoffs.

"In your dreams," she retorts, rolling those gorgeous eyes all the way around.

I reach out, grabbing her chin roughly between my thumb and forefinger, pulling her face right in front of mine. To my immense satisfaction, her eyes widen in shock, as if no man has ever touched her like this before. I gently rub circles on her jaw with my thumb. Her skin is soft against my calloused fingers.

"What did you say?" I growl. She just stares for a moment before slapping my hand away. She takes a step back and starts to turn away, but I grip her arm, keeping her pulled against me. She looks at me with those big, innocent, blue eyes, her full, red lips pursed in question. "Run away, gattina," before I fuck you on this bar, I add in my head. I let go, and watch as she disappears back into the crowd, but I know I will find her again.

I need to.