Page 3 of Thirsty for the Bartender

MALLORIE

What is wrong with me? Why would I give him my phone number? It’s my own fault that I let Cerise get into my head about it. Give it a chance , she told me. What could you possibly lose? she asked. Well, now I have my answer: my pride.

If only he had continued the cocky act like the first time I met him. Why would he jump up and involve himself when Cerise and I were having trouble with another vampire? Why did he have to look so good while doing it? I don’t want to have liked it, but I really, really did.

Pacing around my apartment, I check my phone. Still no message. I groan and throw it onto my couch, rubbing my face aggressively. I am not the type of person to wait around for someone’s text, so why am I anxiously awaiting one from him?

I need to calm down and get a grip. He has a booming new business; he’s probably busy. This also raises the question of what he sees in a bartender like me. Wealthy men rarely come to The Lair, and when they do, they’re looking for an easy fuck. Is that all he’s after?

Emris seems different though. I keep trying to deny it, but he is. Both times he’s been flirty, but interested in conversation. Forward, but not too pushy. His words and actions seem genuine. He’s intriguing and incredibly sexy, which is a problem for me. Why do I care so much about him texting me?

Buzz, Buzz.

My head snaps in the direction of my phone fast enough to make my neck hurt. I need to relax. It could be anybody texting me. It’s probably Cerise, seeing if I’ve heard from Emris yet.

I scoop up my phone quickly, the screen glowing with a single notification. My heart skips a beat at the sight of an unknown number, the message reading:

Hello gorgeous, I’m shocked you gave me your number last night.

At least he’s shocked I gave him my number. It makes sense after the fuss I put up about not answering his questions. Being secretive has protected me so far, and I’d like to stay safe, emotionally.

Trying not to type too fast or seem too eager, I send back:

I only did because you helped us out.

That sounds good and uninterested. Wait, is it too uninterested? Maybe he won’t be able to see through my dry texts. I don’t want to scare him off, as much as it pains me to admit.

Three dots pop up, my heart beating faster as I stare at them. It’s just a text message, why am I stressing so much about it? Emris is just a man, he’s nothing special. At least, I’m trying to convince myself that he isn’t.

The dots disappear, my lips turning down and palms sweating slightly. Oh gods, I shouldn’t have texted like that. What am I doing? In my head, I don’t want him, but at the same time, my heart—among other things—tells me I do.

Suddenly, my screen changes, a call incoming. It’s Emris’s number. My heart briefly stops and my frown disappears. Why is he calling me, instead of just responding to my text?

I let it ring for a moment before answering with, “Hello?”

“Hello Mallorie,” he purrs from the other end of the phone, sending a ripple of excitement running down my spine.

After a few seconds of silence, I ask, “Why did you call me?”

“I didn’t realize it was a crime.” He laughs, continuing on to explain himself. “I personally hate texting. Yes, I know that is such an old person thing to say, but I really despise it. It lacks a personal touch.”

I can’t hold in my laugh; it’s nice that he can poke fun at himself. It does make me wonder how old he really is, but with vampires, it’s always hard to tell. Is that something I can ask? Or is it offensive?

“Okay, I’ll cut you some slack then, old man,” I tease, earning a scoff through the phone. “Is there something I can help you with?”

He quickly responds, his silky voice bringing a warmth to me. “Yes, I am still looking to get that date with you.”

“What’s the proposal exactly? I won’t agree without some details.” It’s a lie, since I already know my answer.

“Well, for starters, me, you, dinner,” he begins, detailing our date. “On me, of course. I’d like for some of it to be a surprise though, if that’s alright with you.”

My heart is practically beating through my chest, a stupid grin on my lips. “I might be willing to take a risk for a surprise, but only if it’s a good one.”

“I assure you, it is,” he responds, sounding more excited.

“When?” I don’t take many days off of work, but I could always go out before my shift, I suppose. I’d just have to wake up early, which I’m not very good at.

“Tonight. I’ll send a driver to get you, if you are okay with that.”

“Tonight? How do you know I’m available on such short notice?” I argue, not wanting to reveal that I genuinely have no life or plans outside of work.

“Well, a little birdie told me you usually have Sundays off of work.”

Curse you, Cerise, but also, thank you. More so curse you, though. I’m not surprised she went behind my back to push this along. She’s just trying to be a good friend. I’ll have to send her a message with an update after this phone call.

“Fine, I’ll send you my address in a few minutes. How fancy is this place going to be?” I ask, walking over to my closet and beginning to look through my dresses.

His answer surprises me. “I’ll have the driver bring you a dress. He’ll get you at eight. I look forward to seeing you tonight, Mallorie.”

Before I can say anything else, he hangs up, leaving me speechless. For some reason, his rudeness here doesn’t bother me nearly as much as it would from anyone else. Instead, I can’t help but wonder what’s to come, my heart racing and excitement buzzing through me.

How does he know my size for the dress? I bet Cerise is behind this too, somehow. Regardless, I need to shower and get ready, since it’s already five o’clock. I don’t plan on sleeping with him on the first date, I really shouldn’t, but just in case, I want to be fresh and smooth.

The car slows to a stop in front of a massive building that has to be one of the biggest apartment buildings I’ve ever seen. It’s definitely way more expensive than I could ever afford, but I’m not surprised Emris would live here. Hopefully the size of the building isn’t compensating for anything.

I’m also not surprised with the dress Emris picked out for me tonight. Dark red, tight, and low-cut. It’s so stereotypical for a vampire that it’s almost comical. It fits me like a glove, and I won’t lie about loving it. To make it even better, it’s from Cerise’s label. He’s not only giving me a gift, but supporting my best friend’s business.

The driver opens the door for me and I slip out of the car, fixing my dress before I walk toward the building. As I get closer, I can see Emris waiting outside, wearing black dress pants and a charcoal-gray dress shirt, a few of the buttons at the top undone. Still dressed up, but with a relaxed feel. It fits him well, and it’s giving me a glimpse of his chiseled chest. He looks like he was carved by the gods.

“You look absolutely gorgeous.” Emris grins, his eyes sweeping over me.

My cheeks feel a bit warm, but I try to play it cool, simply responding with, “Well, you have good taste.”

“You,” he clarifies, extending a hand out to me, “make that dress what it is.”

My heart skips a beat. He really isn’t cocky or a jerk. Maybe I was wrong on my first judgement of him. I hope I was, because I’m starting to like him—and I rarely like anyone. There’s just something about him that I’m drawn to.

I slip my hand in his and let him lead me inside. Instantly, my breath is taken away, the high ceilings and marble floors making me feel very out of place. It is pristine and unlike anywhere I have ever been in New Bria. Actually, unlike any place I’ve been at all.

As we enter an elevator, I narrow my eyes at him. “So, where are we going?”

“You will see.” Grinning, he hits the button for the top floor.

I shoot him a side-eye and tease, “I hope you didn’t have me get all dressed up just to bring me back to your apartment.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Emris mock-gasps, shooting me a wink as he continues on. “Though, if you’d like to come in after our date, you’re more than welcome to.”

Wait, we aren’t going to his apartment? Where on earth are we going then? If this is someone else’s apartment building, then this is the weirdest first date I’ve ever been on. Maybe he’s worried I’m only after his money, so he doesn’t want me to see his apartment right away. Not that this place isn’t flashy as it is.

He leads me out of the elevator and down the hall, taking us to a large set of glass double doors, revealing the evening sky before us. He holds the door open for me, and I can’t hide my joy at the view.

“This is amazing,” I say, shooting him a smile over my shoulder.

There’s a small patio with lights and chairs, but beyond that is an incredible view of the cityscape. New Bria looks beautiful from up here, all of its little issues fading away. Emris clears his throat behind me, and I fight with myself to pry my eyes from the view.

“I’m glad you like the view, but this isn’t the surprise,” Emris says, extending a hand out to me again.

As I slip my hand in his and let him continue to lead me, I take one last longing glance backward at the view. I would’ve been content to sit and admire the scenery, have some drinks, and get to know him. Oh well, I guess.

We continue up a flight of stairs, a brief cool breeze tickling my skin as we reach the top platform. The air in my lungs leaves me, this new view even more breathtaking than the last. At the highest point of this building, nothing around it comes close. We can see everything, the entire city.

In the center of the rooftop, surrounded by warmly lit hanging lights, is a table for two. A white tablecloth covers it, already set with plates and utensils. A single rose sits in a vase in the middle. It’s literally my dream date.

“A beautiful view for my beautiful view,” Emris flirts, pulling my chair out for me.

This time, I don’t try to fight off the heat rising in my cheeks. “You say that to all the girls?” I tease.

“No one compares to you.” He takes his seat across from me. “The moment I laid eyes on you, I knew I was seeing Aphrodite in her human form.”

My heartbeat travels lower at his words, pulsing between my legs. His answer is smart, avoiding my question by using flattery, but he says it so genuinely, like he really means it.

I narrow my eyes at him, trying to figure out his endgame. “Are you just trying to get laid?”

“Well gorgeous, if you’re offering, I definitely won’t decline, but I am interested in much more than that with you,” he purrs, leaning forward on his one hand as he stares at me intently. “You completely captivate me, in every sense of the word. When your eyes meet mine, I am captured in your gaze, and I never want to escape.”

Unable to suppress the way his words make me feel, my cheeks flame. He really feels this way about me after only meeting me twice? I know vampires have heightened emotions, but I never expected them to be this extreme. The thing is, I think I’m starting to feel the same way.

He is quite the unique man, being so forward and somehow respectful at the same time. Knowing what he wants and going for it, without being demanding. He’s wealthy, a vampire, an entrepreneurial genius, and devilishly handsome. Somehow, he’s single, so something has to be wrong with him.

Wait, is he single? Oh gods, what if he’s married? Am I the other woman right now? Surely, he’s not. He’s not that kind of man, is he? I should just ask him, blunt and straightforward. If he gets defensive, I’ll know he’s hiding something.

“So, what’s wrong with you? Are you married?” I inquire, clasping my hands together on the table and leaning forward.

His eyes twinkle at me, not missing a beat as he answers. “I am not married or seeing anyone. Why does something have to be wrong with me?”

“It just makes no sense.” I search his face for any flicker of hidden emotions. “What does a man like you really see in a bartender from the nightlife sector of New Bria?”

A smile crawls across his lips as he softly says, “I see so much more than someone who pours drinks. There’s a fire in you, a drive stronger than most people possess or could ever wish to possess. I can feel it. I can see it.”

“Really?” is the only word I can seem to formulate. No one has ever told me things like he has tonight. I don’t know how to react.

Emris might just be the only person in the world who sees deeper than the flesh when he meets someone. Or he’s the world’s best seducer. My heart beats faster, my cheeks on fire, even now, just staring at him in silence as his words soak in, looping around in my brain.

“I want to know about you, what brought you to where you are now, what drives you crazy, both good and bad,” he coos, sitting up straight. “Will you tell me over dinner?”

I nod eagerly. As if on cue, three men in suits come up the stairs and onto the roof. Two hold silver platters, covered by lids, and the third carries two filled wine glasses. The platters are placed in front of us, as are the wine glasses.

I narrow my eyes at the glass, seeing what he’s chosen for my drink. A white wine, but it’s bubbling. I bet this is Cerise’s doing too, telling him my drink of choice, a white wine spritzer. His glass is filled with a dark-red liquid, but it doesn’t smell like any of the Bloodka.

“New drink?” I ask, taking a sip of mine and letting the bubbles dance across my tongue before swallowing it. “And how did you know I like this? A little birdie again?”

Emris sips as he stares at me, sending a tingle down my spine. “It’s a trial of blood-based wines we might release. And, yes, a little birdie may have whispered some hints into my ear.”

“Did this little birdie have cherry-red hair, by chance?” I tease, rolling my eyes as I take another sip to hide my smile.

“They may have had some red feathers. My memory is blurry.” Emris chuckles, briefly turning his attention to the men in suits and nodding.

They lift the lids from the platters, taking them away and disappearing from the rooftop. I look down at the plate in front of me, and instantly, my stomach growls. Cerise knows how much I love steak, and how I rarely buy it because it’s so expensive. Emris didn’t have just any steak prepared for me though. It’s filet mignon.

My eyes dart from the plate up to Emris, who wears a grin, before falling back to the plate. The steak is served with roasted vegetables—asparagus, carrots, and brussels sprouts. The aroma of the filet mignon and vegetables combine in the air to create a savory dream. I might literally be drooling.

“Please, dig in,” Emris tells me, lifting his fork and knife.

I follow suit, trying to maintain some semblance of manners. If I were home right now with this meal, I would absolutely devour it. Emris doesn’t need to see me manhandle a plate of meat, though this is definitely making me want to manhandle him.

He put in this much effort for our first date—bringing my dream date to life, and serving me my favorite foods. There’s a sweetness to him that I wasn’t expecting, and it makes me like him even more. So much so, we’re nearing uncharted territories for feelings.

“Are you from New Bria originally?” I ask after basically inhaling a few bites, then wiping the corners of my mouth with a napkin.

Emris smiles, his fangs pointing out from between his lips. “No, quite far away, actually. Though, I’ve spent many, many years here. I like this city.”

“How many years?” I nearly choke on my wine as I realize that’s potentially a rude question to ask a vampire.

“I’ve lived here for nearly thirty years now,” he answers, eyes twinkling with amusement as I try to regain my composure. “I am technically twenty-six, but I’ve been twenty-six for quite some time.”

Well, I figured he was going to be one of the older vampires around, considering his success. He does look younger, but that makes sense if he was turned at only twenty-six. I wonder just exactly how long he’s been around. I will not be asking that, though, not on the first date. Not like the answer will change anything.

“I like it here too,” I say, deciding to tell him a bit about myself in return. “I moved here when I turned eighteen, five years ago.”

Emris listens attentively, his eyes not wavering from me. “Why did you move here?”

Narrowing my eyes at him, I take another bite, using it as a buffer to debate how much I tell him. This is only our first date, and I’m still unsure what exactly his goal is. I do, however, think he is hot as hell and surprisingly sweeter than he looks.

“My parents weren’t very open-minded, and when they found out I didn’t share their values, every day became a living hell at home. So, I left,” I answer honestly, shrugging it off.

“I see. I understand that in some ways.” Emris’s tone softens again, drawing my eyes back up to him from my plate.

He looks almost sad, though not like he’s about to cry. His eyes are wider, sparkling with something different than flirtation and desire. Even with this look, he is stunning, more attractive than any man I’ve ever seen or met before. This soft side he’s giving me a peek of makes my heart ache for him.

“As you can imagine, my parents didn’t take it too well when I was turned. The times were different back then compared to now, so I don’t hold it against them,” Emris reveals.

Without thinking, I reach across the table, palm up and open for him to take. His eyes dart between my hand and face, his shoulders straightening as he drops his fork to slip his hand into mine.

His touch is cool, yet the same heat as before rushes through me as we make contact. I give a slight squeeze while his thumb traces circles on the side. His hands are soft, and much larger than mine. I wonder what else they can do.

“Are you done with your meal?” he asks, and I look down at my plate.

There’s barely anything left, just a few brussels sprouts that didn’t make the cut. It was just the right amount of food, and so delicious I thought I might be in heaven. I give him a nod.

“Would you like dessert?” He leans slightly forward, making my heart pound.

I angle toward him, my face only a foot away from his, trying to sound as seductive as I can when I whisper, “I was going to ask you that question.”

His eyes burn with something as he stares back at me, gaze darting from my eyes to my lips to my neck, then back up. He knows exactly what I’m offering, and I can tell it caught him off guard.

The desire within me, the need to feel him, touch him, it’s enough to make me throw out my own rules. Leaning closer, lifting myself out of my seat, I tease him by getting within kissing distance, but not making the final move.

He smiles, a small chuckle escaping him. It sends tingles throughout my body, and I have to fight every urge inside of me that wants to just plaster myself on those full lips of his. Instead, I wait, hovering there to see what he’ll do.

Slowly, he closes the remaining distance between us, his lips gently grazing mine, their touch cool. He presses his mouth to mine, kissing me softly, something I wouldn’t have expected from a man like him. From a vampire. His taste is sweet and makes me want more.

I lean into it, kissing him more intensely. He matches my energy, his soft kiss becoming more commanding, more demanding, like he’s been thirsty and deprived of water for centuries.

My stomach presses against the edge of the table as I sink into the kiss, my heart pounding, a fluttering beginning between my legs. The once cool air around us now feels hot, as if steam is forming around us.

My body moves on its own, rising from my chair while keeping my lips pressed to his, devouring each kiss. I find my way to his lap, sliding into it and wrapping my arms around his neck, my hands travelling up into his hair.

He grips my waist, squeezing but staying put. Respectful, even through the hunger of his kisses and lustful gaze, he doesn’t risk anything.

The problem is, I want him to risk everything.

I reach down, grabbing his wrist and guiding his hand away from my waist. As soon as I give him the green light, his hand moves up to my breast, squeezing and massaging it with a gentle intensity.

His other hand travels downward, gripping at my hip and pulling me closer. Our kisses become faster, his tongue begging for entrance to my mouth. I tease for a moment, denying him entry.

The sound he lets out sets me on fire, heat growing between my legs. His growl is practically a whimper. I part my lips more, allowing his tongue into my mouth. His sweetness turns savory, his tongue chasing mine.

Much to my dismay, his hand leaves my breast. There’s a crashing sound behind me, and before I can register what it is, both his hands are on my waist, hoisting me from his lap to sit on the edge of the table.

The gasp that leaves my lips gives him the opening he must’ve been hoping for. His lips move to my neck, sucking gently as he travels downward. My fingers intertwine in his hair.

His fingertips trace the straps on my dress, slowly pushing them off of my shoulders. I tilt my head back as his lips graze the skin on my collarbone, each touch sending chills through my bones.

I lace my fingers tighter, a silent plea for him to continue, but he pulls away, his hands firm on my hips. His eyes burn with desire, with an unquenchable fire, as he stares into me.

Slowly, he brings his lips to my ear, whispering in a husky voice, “You never rush a man when he’s having dessert.”

He nips at my earlobe, his fangs grazing my skin tenderly. Chills run through me again, a wave of excitement following closely. His kisses trail down the side of my neck once more, this time, each one with a slight nibble from his fangs.

Each pinch gives me a rush like nothing I’ve felt before, the danger yet security of being in his grasp giving me a high. I want him, and I want him to want me. Every tingle from his lips making me squirm more and more.

His cool hands pull at my dress, finding their way into my bra. He caresses me gently, his fingertips playing with my nipples, twisting and turning them, his touch soft yet eager and controlling, driving me crazy.

There’s a prick at my neck, his fangs ever so slightly pressing into my skin. I move back slightly, shaking my head at him and dropping my eyes down to my chest. He doesn’t hesitate, his lips leaving tiny kisses as they make their way to my nipple.

He sucks hard, his fingers matching pace on my other breast, and my head tips back as the sensation begins to overtake me. His tongue makes circles around my nipple, his fangs poking at me as he takes a nibble.

I let out a soft moan, and this only encourages him. He pulls off, switching to my other breast, one hand moving down to the hem of my dress while the other caresses my already sensitive nipple.

His pace picks up, sucking harder, hands travelling all over with intent. The bottom of my dress slides up, his hand gripping on my ass tightly, pulling me to the edge of the table. He tosses my leg to the other side of him, putting his hips between my knees to keep them separated, my dress riding up.

My arm quivers under me, shaking as he continues to tease me. I move my free hand from his hair down his back, my nails raking into him over his shirt. Once I reach his belt, I quickly travel to buckle, beginning to fumble with it.

A disappointed whine leaves my lips as his hand flies from my breast, grabbing onto my hand at his belt. He pulls off of me, my chest rising and falling fast as my legs press against either side of him.

The look he gives me makes my desire grow, the pure arousal in his eyes as he breathlessly stares into me. “No darling, tonight you are my dessert.”

Before I can protest, he moves my hand behind me, then whisks me forward by the hips. The motion has me lying, one arm pinned beneath my back. His fingertips trace the edge of my lace underwear, sending tingles running through me.

He lowers his head, pulling the hem of my dress up more to give himself a full view of my red underwear. A smirk dances across his lips, his eyes darting up to mine only for a brief second before lowering again.

“I’ll assume this is just a coincidence.” His tone is gravelly with hints of amusement.

I open my mouth to say something, but my mind goes blank, only a gasp escaping me as he kisses my inner thighs tenderly. His one hand travels under my leg, draping it over his shoulder as he grips my hip. His other hand finds its way to my clit, gently tracing circles over my underwear.

My free hand finds his hair again, running my fingers through it, intertwining tightly, and following his motions as he continues to suck on my inner thighs, moving closer and closer to my pussy. His fingertips press firmly into my clit, moving faster.

I can’t control my legs as they begin to squeeze tighter, his hair tickling my skin as I try to resist. He knows exactly what he’s doing to me. He has complete and utter control, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

His fingers loop around the edge of my underwear, ripping them off of me. I’ll be mad about it tomorrow. Right now, all I want is him. His touch. His pleasuring.

The now-familiar cool touch of his fingers sends electricity through me, the air tickling me where my soaking underwear just were. He trails kisses closer, kissing around my clit and making me tremble.

Another moan escapes my lips as he slides one finger inside me, his tongue finally connecting with my clit. My head tips completely back, my back arching as he puts another finger into me, pumping both as his tongue swirls around my clit.

I’ve never experienced a man’s touch like this, so precise and perfect. The way his tongue moves and lips suckle me makes my body shake, my chest rising and falling faster and faster as he picks up the pace.

My pussy pulsates around his fingers, only making him go deeper with each thrust. His tongue moves faster while he keeps sucking, the pleasure becoming unbearable. I try to say his name, but only gasps leave me.

He pulls back for a moment, still thrusting his fingers into me rhythmically as he orders, “I know you can do it. Say my name.”

“Em…” is all I can muster as he latches back onto my clit, the rest of his name dying on my tongue as it turns into a moan.

My back arches again, falling slightly as he pulls back once more. “C’mon, darling. I want to hear my name leave those perfect lips of yours.”

As he reattaches himself, I let out a whine, my legs squeezing around him. His fingers pound into me, his other hand gripping my ass so tightly it’ll probably bruise. It doesn’t matter though, none of it does. His touch is intoxicating.

“Emris,” I moan softly, so quietly I’m sure he can’t hear it from down there.

He must though, since he keeps up his pace inside me as his tongue swirls faster. A brief emptiness fills me as he removes his fingers, but it’s quickly replaced by his tongue as he laps at me.

His fingers swirl around my clit as he devours me. My grip on his hair tightens and I start to feel lightheaded, the euphoria becoming too much. Another moan leaves me, this one much more demanding than the others.

“Emris, I…” I try telling him I’m about to come, but another gasp leaves me, the sentence becoming an afterthought.

My eyes roll back in my head as his tongue swirls harder and deeper inside me, his fingers moving faster against my clit. I lose control of my limbs, my legs shaking around his head as he eats the life out of my pussy.

The utter bliss that explodes throughout me is addicting, and I lean totally back on the table, my back arched farther than I thought possible. He doesn’t stop touching me as his lips travel from my pussy to my inner thigh.

There’s an initial prick as his fangs break the skin, sinking into me. It doesn’t last long, the feeling of him sucking my blood only making my orgasm stronger. I shudder under him, moaning out again and riding this high as it takes me to another world.