Page 6 of Endlessly Raphael
Just then, someone catches my eye near the entrance.
“Well, well, what do we have here?”
Thorn leans towards me, gazing into the crowd. “What? Trouble?”
“I hope so. You don’t see the stunning man standing near the door like he owns the place?”
“Ooh, look at that morsel.” He shoves me in that direction. “Go get him. He’ll be scooped up quickly with this crowd.”
“I don’t chase, Thorn.”
“Well I do. I’m going to get the blond.”
I wave my hand goodbye as he ventures off and I focus all my attention on the pretty man up front. As if we’re the only two people in the room, he swivels in my direction, his face lighting up like he was intentionally looking for me. Then, with more swagger than should be legal, he saunters in my direction, the crowd parting for him like he’s a celebrity.
He’s wearing black leather pants and a silver tank top, with a slight build. His deep tan skin has something sparkly on it, catching the shimmering lights of the club as he approaches. His hair is long and wavy, brushing the tops of his shoulders. But it’s his eyes that draw me into his web. They’re a stunning light brown, like warmed honey swirling in a cup of tea. His features are literal perfection, his lips full and pink, shiny with some kind of gloss. He’s lined his eyes with black eyeliner, making the color pop even in the dim light of the club.
When he smiles, I nearly stumble from the brilliance. I’m also quite aware of the glimmer of mischief in his expression. I am very much the prey to his predator. How refreshing.
“Hello, handsome,” he says when he reaches me, extending his hand. “I’m Haven.”
“Haven.” I take his hand in mine, marveling at the softness of his skin. “I’m Raphael.”
Haven shimmies closer to me, brushing right up against my body. “Mm, I guess I’m a lucky man tonight.” His hand moves to my neck, and although he’s several inches shorter than me, I am completely enthralled. “Would you be up for an adventure, Raphael?”
“What kind of adventure?”
He leans in, rising on his toes so his lips are close to my ear. “The kind where you rearrange my insides.” As he finishes his tantalizing words, he drags his tongue up my cheek.
Effective. “Lead the way.”
Haven steps back, that gorgeous smile full of smug joy. “Take me somewhere.”
I nod, gripping the back of his neck and studying his face. The way he reacts will tell me everything I need to know about him. All I sense from his steady heartbeat and charming smile is desire. I can handle that.
I take my phone out of my pocket and dial Thorn while leading Haven to the door.
“Yeah?” Thorn answers, panting heavily, the sound of skin slapping skin evident.
“Damn, you move fast.”
He snickers. “I know what I like. What’s up?”
“I’m leaving.”
“Alone?”
“No.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear. See you.”
“Bye.”
Sliding my phone into my pocket, I glance at the man walking confidently with me to a destination unknown to him.
“Do you always trust strangers so easily?” I ask.
Haven shrugs. “I’m a good judge of character. Do you?”