Chapter Two: Who is she?

Jaxson

I had been watching her from the shadows most of the night. It was hard not to be drawn to her, with her fiery red hair and perfect curves. But I knew I couldn't approach her. I promised myself I wouldn't. Then I saw her dancing with that sleazy man. He had her locked against him, not allowing her to move freely. I could see the frustration in her eyes as she tried to break free from his grasp. She was a caged bird, desperately wanting to spread her wings and fly.

But what caught my attention was not the dancing, but the way she moved even in the limited space she had. I could tell that if she was given the chance, she would be hypnotic on the dance floor. It was evident that she wasn't dancing for the sake of dancing, but to express herself. Her body language spoke volumes, and I couldn't help but wonder how she would move without being held down.

As she finally managed to break free from the man's grip, I saw a glimpse of a gypsy I had seen before. It was as if she had been confined to a cage, and now she was finally set free. Her movements were fluid and graceful, and it was clear that she was in her element. She didn't care about the people around her or the expectations of society. She danced for herself, and it was beautiful to watch.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her. In a world where everyone is expected to conform, she dared to be different. She was a free spirit, unbound by anyone else's rules. And as she left the man behind and danced her way off the floor, I couldn't help but feel a sense of envy. I wished I could be as carefree and unapologetically myself as she was.

That was until the sleazy man continued to follow her to the bar, I couldn't help but feel uneasy. She had been trying to get a drink and get away from him, but he just wouldn't take the hint. My protective instinct kicked in and I found myself making my way towards them, pushing through the crowded dance floor.

By the time I reached them, I heard her shouting at him to stop and get his hands off of her. Without a second thought, I stepped in and forcefully pulled him away from her. He stumbled back, clearly surprised by my sudden appearance.

I'm not usually one for violence, but when it comes to protecting someone I care about, I'll do whatever it takes. And right now, the monster inside of me was ready to come out. See, I may be known as a successful businessman and own one of the top companies in the city, but it's my dark dealings that really give me a reputation. And in this moment, I was glad to have that reputation.

I focused solely on the sleazy man, my eyes cold and unwavering. He asked who I was and I responded, "Jaxson." It was all it took for him to back away, clearly intimidated by my name. I made sure he left the bar before turning to the woman, who was still visibly shaken.

"Are you okay?" I asked, my tone softening. She laughs, and I swear my heart squeezes. It takes someone special to laugh at what just happened. I was expecting her to say yes to sitting with me, I really shouldn't have offered but I couldn't help it.

"So Jaxson, I'm Esmeralda." She extended her hand. I extended my hand to shake hers, thinking about her interesting name. Esmeralda. She reminded me of a gypsy when she was dancing, which made her name fitting since she seemed to have a free spirit about her. And then it hit me, the name from Victor Hugo's book. The same name that he had given to his gypsy character. I had always been drawn to that character for her spunk and determination.

"It's wonderful to meet you, Esmeralda," I said, trying to hide the surprise in my voice. "What's your drink?"

She hesitated for a moment before answering, "Umm, vodka soda."

I could tell by the hesitation that she was lying. "No, it's not." I watch the shock cross her face before her cheeks turn a deep red spreading down her neck, and if I wasn't trying to be a gentleman I would bet if I looked at her chest it would match.

I raised an eyebrow, curious as to why she would lie about something so simple. But before I could ask, she quickly corrected herself, "Manhattan."

That was a big jump from a vodka soda. I couldn't help but wonder if it was a money thing or if she was trying to impress me. It wasn't a money thing now that she was with me now, well kind of, but money didn't matter to me. I was just glad to have her company tonight.

I flagged down the bartender and he stopped what he was doing to take my order. I couldn't help but notice how he seemed to pay more attention to Esmeralda, his eyes lingering on her a little too long. I made a mental note to keep an eye on him.

"Damn he just stopped to come to you, I have been waiting for a while." She says smiling. "You must be a regular here." That gives me pause. She knows my name, yes, I am a regular as she says but that because this place is a side thing, I am doing I own it. It seems she has no idea who exactly I am. So, she can't be trying to impress me then.

"Something like that." Is all I say.

As I waited for our drinks, I couldn't help but study Esmeralda. She was beautiful, with her long head of fire hair and piercing green eyes. She had a confidence about her that was alluring, and I found myself wanting to know more about her.

When he brought back our drinks I handed her the drink, our fingers brushed against each other, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. I couldn't believe I was actually doing this. Asking her to join me had been a spur of the moment decision and now here we were, about to sit in a private booth together.

I placed my hand on her lower back, guiding her towards the booth. We sat down. She seemed a bit uncomfortable, her body tensing up. I tried to break the tension by asking her some easy, relaxed questions. I pretended to look around the bar, trying not to seem too eager to look at her.

"So, tell me about yourself," I said, trying to sound casual.

She smiled and started talking. "Not much to tell honestly, I umm well I'm just getting out of a toxic relationship, well marriage, but yea I didn't know it was toxic till it was ending." She didn't go on.

"What about work?" Trying to change the subject, the idea of her being married to someone toxic didn't sit right with me. Well, her being with anyone didn't sit right.

"Stay at home wife?" She says like it's a question. "I know it's pathetic, but I made the home. That's what we agreed on. At least I think we did. Thinking about it now it feels like an excuse he gave me to be so controlling."

I listened intently, hanging onto every word she said. Her voice was like music to my ears. But the words she was saying were not so much. I tried to keep calm on the outside while my inside wanted to explode.

I tried to engage. I tried to keep it casual but she seemed to need to get it out and so I let her. The more she talked the more she got closer to me. I could smell her perfume and it was something I would be trying to find a name for. Then she said something that really got my attention.

"We had been together since 11th grade in high school. Six years and you know he never made me cum?" She giggled. "Maybe I'm broken."

I don't think she knows what she just said. But I do know it's now my personal plan to change that.

"You are not broken, and I can prove that." And then I take her mouth, like I had been wanting to since first seeing the pouty pillows.