Chapter 1 The Reunion

• Returning to that place was like reliving one of the most intense nights of my life.
• I never imagined that visiting a place so far from my social circle, in such a small city, would turn my life upside down.
• Returning to that place was like reliving one of the most intense nights of my life.
• That night, I never imagined that visiting a place so far from my social circle, in such a small city, would turn my life upside down.
• I remember feeling out of place as soon as I walked in. The people around me didn't seem to notice me, and that bothered me at first. But over time, I realized that they didn't care about my background or my story. They were just there to escape the complexities of the world.
• I chose a stool near the bar and asked the bartender for a strong drink to help me forget about Lionel. After six years in a relationship, the man that I once considered my whole world had suddenly decided that he wasn't ready for a more serious commitment.
• That breakup devastated me. My dreams of starting a family were shattered. At 36 years old, I had imagined being in a stable relationship with children around me, but it all ended inexplicably.
• The loud music filled the air, masking the inner turmoil I felt. The bar lights flickered, creating an atmosphere that could hide my tears if they dared to escape. I just wanted a refuge, a brief escape from my seemingly perfect life that had crumbled.
• The bartender served the drink and I took a sip, feeling the warmth of the alcohol spread through my body. I looked around, observing the unfamiliar faces that somehow shared my quest for relief. In that moment, I felt strangely connected to them, all of us seeking an escape from our own torments.
• As I drank my loneliness and pain, I thought about my shattered expectations. Six years of dedication, plans for a future together, all crumbling with a simple goodbye via text message. I wanted to understand why, something that would justify the end, but there were no explanations, just the emptiness and confusion now residing in my heart.
• I had no expectations for that night, until my eyes met those of a man at the end of the pub. His eyes were intriguing and sparked desire in my direction. His mischievous smile ignited a spark in my chest and I felt desired.
• I turned back to the bar, trying to clear my head; the alcohol was probably doing a stellar job. I took several deep breaths until I managed to ask the bartender for a new order.
• "A bourbon, please.” The bartender nodded and I looked back at my phone.
• I wanted to throw the damn thing, but I knew I would regret it. My clients were not to blame for my personal problems.
• "Mind if I sit here?" That voice made my whole body shiver and my throat dry up. It was a powerful, hoarse, and deep voice.
• I turned slowly, looking at the man who had been staring at me a few minutes ago.
• The air around him seemed electrified and his body exuded strength. He was strong, showing muscles and had beautiful tribal tattoos on his arms. His face was masculine, with a square jaw and trimmed beard, and his large golden eyes analyzed every part of my body without flinching.
• "Of course," I replied, finding my voice.
• "First time here?" He looked at me intently and then turned to the bartender who arrived with my bottle of water. He gestured to the man, who responded promptly.
• "I'm here on business," I said, smiling shyly. It had been a long time since I had been so impressed by someone as I was at that moment.
• The waiter handed me the beer and his eyes fixated on my lips, where the bottle rested. I saw his mischievous smile widen even more and I settled into the chair, blatantly trying to show off my assets.
• "I know this area well, if you want I can introduce you to some merchants with whom you can do business," I crossed my legs, letting my skirt ride up a little more.
• "It seems like construction is progressing in this region, maybe I'll accept your offer," I didn't recognize myself. My body seemed to be calling for the attention of that man.
• "Just tell me what you need." He leaned in a little closer, shamelessly taking in my scent. "And I can introduce you to whatever you want tonight." My hair stood on end again and I bit my lip, wishing to do something crazy that I had never done in my life.
• "Another tempting proposal, but can I trust you, sir...?" I tousled my blonde hair.
• "Jordan Reynolds. And you are?" He extended his hand and I shook it instantly.
• "Celine Jones," I smiled at his firm handshake.
• "What do you say we get out of here?" I watched as his finger possessively traced my arm and I liked his touch.
• "I think it's an excellent idea." Jordan pulled me closer, bringing my face towards his. I heard his chest vibrate with my response and a low growl escaped his lips.
• His scrutiny of my face was meticulous, looking for any sign that I wasn't so sure about this, but I was sure. I knew exactly how I wanted this night to end, even if I regretted it the next day.
• "Let's go!" He intertwined our fingers and made his way through the others, who were now watching us with interest. Jordan shook his head towards another man who was at the back of the bar and signaled to the others to stop staring at us.
• I smiled at the control that man exerted over the others and thought about how much I would like to be able to do that someday.
• Jordan stopped walking next to a silver car and turned towards me, his hands swiftly pulling me closer and he buried his nose in my neck, sharpening my senses.
• "I've never smelled anything like it," he whispered hoarsely with desire. His fingers entwined in my hair, pulling it to lift my face towards him. "Are you sure of what you want?" he asked, not giving me the option to deny it.
• "I want to know what you can teach me," I challenged him and the sparkle in his eyes intensified.
• Our lips met the next second and a moan tore through my chest. It was a deep carnal need. I had never felt it before. Jordan immobilized me against the car and rubbed against me, showing how willing his body was for me. I lifted a leg to improve the contact between us and he held it tightly, grunting again in approval.
• "Delicious." His lips trailed down my neck and I felt the urgency to get rid of that clothing. I needed more. I needed his touch to adorn my body.
• "Take me somewhere where I can get rid of this," I pointed to my blouse, whose first two buttons were already open. He took a step back and opened the car door, indicating for me to get in.
• "I don't think we'll get very far." I smiled, letting out a sigh, as my fingers slid over the buttons of my blouse, revealing my red bra.
• His breathing suddenly became heavy, in the dimness in the car, his eyes shone with a strange light as if he were under a spell.
• "Babe, you're a feast." He grinned and I swear I saw his fangs. Those glittering eyes wanted to devour me in half.
• "You're not so bad yourself."
• I pressed up against him, kissing away the rest of what he had to say.
• ~~~~~~~~~
• "Look who has decided to show up."
• Then a familiar voice pulled me out of my trance. When I looked up, there he was, two years later, with the same enigmatic posture and dominant power.
• "Jordan, we need to talk."
• I murmured in a thread of a voice, while searching for the right words to explain why I was there again.