Page 1 of The Saviors: Part One

Chapter1

Chelsea

“Scotch on the rocks,” I tell my favorite bartender, Jason. He smiles knowingly and starts filling my order.

I’m at my favorite little bar in town, High Flyer, like every Friday night. Only because this is where my best friend, Amber, makes me go. I used to complain about it, but I’ve come to enjoy this place. It’s lowkey, and everyone is a regular, so they know how to read the ‘fuck off’ vibes rolling off me in waves.

I toss my long, blonde hair over my shoulder, looking for Amber. She likes to mingle to find her latest hookup. Even though that isn’t my style, I don’t begrudge her. I’d do the same if I were built like her, with long, curly, brown hair, a model-worthy body, and legs that seem to reach her chin.

I catch sight of her, laughing with a tall, muscular guy in the corner, and know it won’t be long until she’s coming to tell me she’s taking off with him. His hands are lingering on her body, and I shake my head with a smile. I wish I could be free like her, but I’m not built like that anymore. Too many things from my past have stopped me from being a normal, single twenty-four-year-old.

“Excuse me?” a voice says from behind me. Thinking they’re talking to someone else, I ignore it. “Excuse me?” the masculine voice says louder this time. Occasionally, a guy doesn’t pick up the vibe. I’m not a bitch, so I usually let them down gently. It’s not them. It’s one hundred percent me.

Suppressing a sigh, I turn toward the voice, and I’m met with the darkest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. They’re like the ocean, framed by long, black lashes for which girls pay top dollar. Dark eyebrows, high cheekbones, and a proud nose with a thin hoop through one nostril. He has full but not plump lips and a thin hoop in the corner of his bottom lip. Wavy, dark brown hair tops off the package.

Realizing I’m staring, I tilt my head to the side. “Yes?” I finally answer. I’ve never seen him before. He’s what Amber calls pretty, and that’s a high compliment coming from her.

“Is this seat taken?” he asks, gesturing to the bar stool beside me. His voice is deep and kind of raspy.

I surprise myself by shaking my head no. I don’t entertain anyone here; this is my space. My time away from normal, whatever normal is for me anymore.

He smiles, and it lights up his face, a dimple popping out on his right cheek. He sits down and props his arms on the bar top, making his tight V-neck shirt stretch on his arms, and I have to fight myself not to look.

Oh fuck. This dude is dangerous.

“What’s your name?” he asks, leaning in close so I can hear him over the music. His expensive cologne hits me, and I find myself leaning closer.

Lie.“Dawn. Yours?” I don’t know what tells me to lie, but I don’t want to be on a first-name basis with him. Dawn is my middle name, so it’s close enough. I don’t get a bad vibe from him, but something is making me keep my guard up.

“Sean,” he replies, still leaning close, but it’s not overwhelming.

“I haven’t seen you here before, Sean.”

“I’m new in town. Just moved here two weeks ago.” He finally turns toward me and rolls his teeth across his lip ring. “Are you from here?”

My eyes are riveted to his lips which I realize is his plan when my eyes snap to his, and he has a sly smile on his face. “All my life.”

Why am I entertaining this?I pick my drink up and drain it in one swallow, enjoying the burn on the way down.

He gestures to it. “Can I buy you another drink?”

This is the part where I need to say no.Say no, Chelsea.“Yes.”That was not a no!What the fuck is wrong with me? I know I’m not drunk because I’ve only had two drinks, and Amber always complains about my high alcohol tolerance.

He gives me that smile again and gestures for Jason. He walks over with a raised brow, and I just shrug. I don’t know what’s going on, either. I’ve been coming here long enough that Jason knows I don’t entertain god-like creatures, and I always leave alone.

“Two of whatever this gorgeous girl is having,” Sean tells Jason. Now I know he’s full of shit. Gorgeous?

I’m all tits, hips, thighs, and ass. My eyes are too big for my face, my face is too round, and my stomach hangs over the tight ass jeans Amber makes me wear. They’re paired with a tight, black shirt that comes up around my neck but has a teardrop cut out at my cleavage, which is probably why I have my guard up. Guys like him talk to girls like Amber. Not me. I’m probably the only option left here, or he wouldn’t be talking to me otherwise.

Jason sits our drinks down, still eyeing me when he walks away. Sean picks his drink up, swirling the ice around before taking a sip. It’s taking all my willpower not to look at his lips again. I need to get the fuck out of here.

“I’m going to go. Thanks for the drink,” I say, even though I haven’t touched it.

I stand up, and he gently grabs my arm to stop my retreat. “What just happened? I thought we were hitting it off.”

There’s no way I’m unloading my damage on this poor guy. “Nothing. We were. I just remembered I have to get up early.” Another lie. I don’t have shit to do tomorrow. I’m my own boss, and she allows for lazy Saturday mornings.

“At least finish your drink with me,” he persists.