Jax Cassidy

SIREN’S SEDUCTION…

The siren lured him with a melodic song of heartache and pain; painting such vivid imagery Niko Chow couldn’t seem to push the tragic tale from his mind. He closed his eyes, soaking in the powerful, smoky voice filled with so much passion and conviction.

Donovan Matthews.

This stranger, this beautiful woman, was the reason he scoured every jazz club and trashy dive from Mexico to Los Angeles. The same woman he had overheard regulars affectionately nicknamed “Dove.”
All for a bloody promise.

Niko blew out a frustrated breath, opening his eyes with a slow ease. He re-adjusted to the dilapidated surroundings of dim, fluorescent, red lighting that hid some of the imperfections of the cramped lounge. Dusty shelves lined the outdated purple and red art deco décor complete with scuffed floors, mismatched furniture, and worn out bar stools and booths. The place was a real dump of the lowest caliber.

Niko wasn’t sure what possessed Dove to work at this shit hole anyway. He glanced over at the stage and the sultry voice pulled him back in like a wind tunnel, making it hard to resist visually drinking in his fill of those lush curves, big chocolate eyes, golden brown skin and silky raven’s curls.

Simply mesmerizing. Those were the words that came to mind when he stared at the shapely physique and seductive performance.

Dove.

The name fit the woman, yet the Ella Fitzgerald voice mingled with the Billie Holiday sex appeal had been an unexpected charm. His lips twitched in humor, a smile never completely forming. She was definitely not what he had imagined.

While playing detective, all he had to go by was a battered ten-year-old photograph. By the looks of it, the beauty on stage was no way the same wide-eyed, pigtailed girl from the photo he carried in his wallet.
Niko grabbed the glass of scotch and brought it up to his lips. He paused, frowning at the habit he had not been able to kick. The sharp peaty aroma hit his nostrils yet he inhaled deeply of the amber liquid as if it would quench his thirst. With a mournful gaze, he placed it back on the table.

How long had it been now?

Niko hadn’t stepped foot in a bar in eighteen months. Hadn’t touched a drop in what seemed like an eternity. The powerful urge often assaulted him, coaxing him to drown his troubles, his own demons. But what would that accomplish? Another stint at rehab and some more lost time he would have to make up later?

The image of Gabriella Matthews appeared like an apparition in his thoughts. A quiet beauty with swanlike grace, mocha skin, big brown eyes and an infectious smile. No, Gabe wouldn’t approve if he gave in. He damn well wasn’t going to fall off the wagon now. Not even for a triad of naked whores drenched in scotch.

Niko’s eyes returned to Dove, his eyebrows drew together, his lips stretched tight. Not even for the vixen squeezed into the skintight red ‘fuck-me’ number.

The torch song ended in a prolonged note, stirring something unfamiliar from deep inside. He shifted uncomfortably and rubbed his sweaty hands on his slacks. Had that feeling existed before? Niko zeroed in on her plump, scarlet lips and his cock jerked to life.

Hell, Niko didn’t need the scotch to feel the intoxication of the chanteuse. She proved more dangerous than the booze. Everything about her screamed addiction waiting to happen and he wasn’t ready to go there for two very valid reasons.

Feeling light-headed, Niko’s sudden need for air seemed appropriate at the moment. He stood up abruptly and pulled several bills from his inside jacket pocket, throwing it on the table.

His eyes drifted back to Dove for a quick glance before retiring for the night. This had been the routine the past three days. Watch but don’t speak. Don’t maintain eye contact.

Niko wasn’t a coward. No, he just couldn’t bring himself to deliver the tragic news. He wasn’t good at consoling anyone, let alone a stranger.
Christ, what did he know about relating to people? He had always been a loner. In fact, he could count the number of friends he had on one hand and still have some fingers left over.

You’re growing soft, Niko. Get the hell out while you can.

Niko should trust his conscience more often. He turned to leave only to be met with a disappointed glare from the ever-flamboyant Saban Liu. The petite Chinese man stood firmly planted in front of him. His intimidation tactics never worked on Niko, especially dressed in designer women’s attire.

Out of respect for their fifteen-year friendship Niko would not physically remove Saban from his path, although he certainly entertained the thought. He had to admit Saban made for an attractive member of the female persuasion. The man could carry off a sequined gown and designer shoes better than some of the society women he had known.
Saban had spent most of his life performing in drag and his reputation as a personal costumer had earned him an abundance of work with the elite entertainers.

With Saban’s signature dramatics, the man threw his perfectly manicured hands on hips in confrontation mode. “I’m ashamed to say your lack of initiative is unflattering. I thought you were much sexier when you were the brooding, take-charge type. I’m not liking the runaway bandit bit.”

“Not tonight, Saban.”

Saban scoffed, eyes flashing. “When will you be in the mood? For Heaven’s sake, you’ve been searching for her for months and now that you’ve found Dove you need to tell her the truth.”

“I’m leaving.” Niko pushed past him only to be face head on by the one person he had intended to avoid.

“So soon?” The smoky voice injected.

Saban whirled around, squealing in delight, “Dove! So glad you’ve decided to join the party. Let me introduce you to my friend.” He stepped aside and chirped, hands flailing in introduction. “Niko, Dove. Dove, Niko.”

Niko felt uncomfortable. He hadn’t expected meeting her so soon and something like a grunt escaped his lips in acknowledgement.

“My, aren’t we friendly.” Dove gave him a sarcastic smile.

“I was just leaving.” Niko growled.

“Not yet, handsome.” She placed a hand on his forearm.

“Saban tells me you’re buying me a drink. Seeing as you’ve been ogling me during every performance, I think it’s the least you can do. Besides, you wouldn’t disappoint a girl would you?”

Dove couldn’t believe she was talking to the stranger, let alone forcing her company on him. If Saban hadn’t mentioned he knew Niko she never would have had the nerve to speak to him.

How could she not find the man attractive? Niko was fresh blood in this joint. She had seen newbies come and go, but had easily picked him out of the crowd on that first night. Who could miss the full on badass black ensemble and attitude to match? A Chow Yun Fat fantasy come to life.

Gorgeous was an understatement. Niko possessed chiseled features, a strong determined jaw, and a body that could only be maintained by a strict workout regimen. He wasn’t bulky but lean in all the areas that counted most. His dark almond eyes and warm complexion against spiky charcoal hair revealed an even more exotic appeal up close.

Saban had called him Niko and the name appeared to be as interesting as the man. However, he apparently lacked social skills, but she could easily gawk at him all day without him saying a word. In fact, that seemed to be the routine from the beginning.

There was something to be said about dark and brooding strangers, they were a kind of trouble she didn’t need. Yet, she couldn’t help wanting to satiate the curiosity. Even now.

Niko motioned his head for her to take the seat across from him. His reserved nature should have put her off but there was a dark magnetism surrounding him that hooked her.

“Your weapon of choice?” He asked without any signs of friendliness.
She sat down, crossing her legs in a comfortable position before addressing him.

“Well, I’m sure you’re a man who can appreciate a girl with distinct tastes.” Dove flashed him her most innocent smile. “Ardbeg Ten. Straight up.”

Niko raised a brow in interest and her heart sped up a notch. She imagined they had just made progress.

Saban who had been standing in observation grinned from ear to ear in obvious approval. “Let me do the honors. I’ve got some last minute things to take care of, anyways. Why don’t you two cozy up…and talk.” He gave Niko a knowing look then hastily sashayed out of the picture.
If Dove didn’t know better, she would have assumed Saban was trying to play cupid again.

She placed her elbows on the table and clasped her hands together, leaning in toward him in an almost intimate gesture.

“Let me guess. You’re just passing through. Being a friend of Saban’s, he’s coerced you into coming here to get you out of the stuffy hotel. You’ve only frequented this place because you don’t have a desire to expand outside of the parameters of hotel and lobby dining. Am I correct?”

He paused for a long second and when he spoke she wasn’t prepared for his directness. “Tell me, Dove. Why are you here? Your talents are wasted in this…place.”

She pulled back and crossed her arms. “You get straight to the point, don’t ya? Well, I really think it’s none of your business.”

“Really?” Niko’s lips twitched. “But it is your business to make assumptions about me?”

A server briefly interrupted their discussion by setting the glass down in front of her. Dove eyed the generous portion of scotch. The drink would certainly knock her socks off. In truth, she wasn’t much of a drinker but this man made her feel like she should keep her guard up.
Dove wanted to change the subject. She was never good at small talk, especially about herself. She picked up the scotch as if she had done this motion a hundred times.

“Will you join me in a toast?”

Niko’s intense stare made her hands tremble and she hoped he hadn’t noticed her reaction.

“Unfortunately, I’ve made a vow not to drink…” He let the sentence hang. His emotionless expression didn’t hide the solemn tone.

A man with many secrets. He piqued her interest and Dove didn’t know how to assess his behavior. Niko frequented bars and yet he had no desire for a taste. Strange, but fascinating. What or who could have made him take such a vow?

“A shame.” She raised the glass. “I can respect keeping vows,” she added before taking a healthy swallow.

The liquid burned a path down her throat, constricting her breathing in the process. Her eyes threatened to water yet she maintained her composure without so much as a flinch from the effects of the strong alcohol. No way would she give him the satisfaction of seeing her make a fool of herself.

The knowing expression on Niko’s face made her come real close to disliking him.

He’s not going to get to me. She swallowed hard to prevent the need to gag from the harsh contents.

“I admire a woman who can appreciate a good scotch.” His voice held a hint of laughter.

Dove placed the untouched portion of the lethal drink on the table. When she could speak without her voice sounding scratchy she stated, “Looks could be deceiving.”

“It certainly could.” He gave her a lopsided smile that made her heart stop.

For a brief moment they were in their own subspace. She watched him through her lashes, her body blushing from his hard stare. His eyes sucked her in and made it hard for her to turn from the sexual energy between them.

A chill assaulted her and their moment dissipated all too soon. Even before Harry’s hand touched her shoulder Dove knew he didn’t like what he was seeing. She looked up and stared into the cold, steel blue eyes of her manager.

Harry gave her a disapproving frown. “Are you ready?”

“I’m catching up with an old friend.” She snapped, jutting her chin out in defiance.

“Perhaps you’ve forgotten we have plans tonight,” his tone clipped as if that was the end of the discussion.

Dove could tell by his expression that Harry wasn’t in the mood to argue or put up with her resistance. A part of her wanted to tell him to leave her alone but she knew it was a dangerous line to cross. She had paid the price before and she didn’t want to test him tonight.

Like an obedient child, Dove slid out of the chair without saying a word. She vowed to herself in that moment she would walk away when the time was right. She had to.

She smiled at Niko, feeling an odd sadness tug at her heart at being cheated out of time with him. “It was good seeing you again.”

Niko rose up in gentlemanly fashion and nodded in acknowledgement. “I hope we will meet again under different circumstances.” He raised a brow at Harry in annoyance at the intrusion.

“I don’t believe it would be welcomed.” Harry reached out and pulled Dove roughly beside him like a possession.

“Perhaps you should ask Dove what she would welcome.” Niko’s hard edge and poker face made him appear suddenly dangerous.

Harry tightened his grip on her waist and she flinched in reaction. Dove hoped Niko would discontinue the challenge before things got out of hand and she wasn’t ready to be witness to it. These days she grew tired of Harry’s anger and jealousy.

“Dove, my love, is it true you would welcome his company?” Harry waited expectantly for the answer she knew he wanted to hear.

She looked Niko in the eyes and for a brief minute she thought she witnessed a flicker of concern. Her pause made Harry’s body tense up.
Niko’s lips curved into a smile. “I believe the answer is in her lack of response.” He raised his hand out for Dove to take.

Harry shoved her roughly behind him to confront Niko. “You dare come into my place and disrespect me? You’re treading on dangerous territory.”

She watched Niko’s jaw tighten at Harry’s rough treatment.

“I suggest you curb your tone.”

“Are you threatening me?” Harry sneered.

Dove reached for Harry’s arm. “Let’s go Harry. We don’t want to be late.” She tugged at him to follow, but he threw his arm out of her grasp.

Harry glared at her in resentment. “Are you trying to protect him, Dove? Is there something I should know about?”

“No. There’s nothing going on. Please, let’s just go.” Her voice came out shakier than she had intended. She placed her hand on his chest and gave him her most seductive smile.

Harry grabbed her hand and squeezed it painfully. “I’ve never known you to try so hard to get me to leave.” He gave her a cruel smile before dropping her hand.

Niko spoke with a deadly calm. “A woman should be treated with respect, not as a property to be discarded without a thought when it suits you.” His words made her stomach tighten with a newfound respect.

Chivalry was not dead after all.

Without warning, Harry seized Dove’s wrist and shoved her at Niko.
Harry spat, “If the little whore wants to protect you, I would imagine your acquaintance is more that just friendly.”

Dove could tell Harry’s action snapped something inside of Niko. His calm demeanor was replaced by a dark cloud of anger. Without warning, he threw a punch that sent Harry sprawling on the floor. “I warned you about respecting women.”

Within seconds the bouncers reacted to the situation, quickly advancing toward Niko. A loud scream from across the room startled her and momentarily distracted the bouncers.

Saban’s hysterics was a diversion from the fight that had ensued. Still shocked by Niko’s reaction, Dove squealed when he swiftly scooped her up and threw her over his shoulder like a sack of rice.

“What are you doing? Let me down!” She commanded, panic setting in. Dove tried to kick her feet and used her fists to pound on his back in protest without much success. The death grip he held on her made it difficult to fight for freedom.

She felt helpless as Niko twisted left, then right to find the nearest escape route. The situation seemed to have escalated into total chaos.

Dove watched Harry stir from the floor, rubbing at his jaw as he tried to get up unsteadily. She hadn’t expected Niko’s punch to have so much power behind it and had been stunned by the action. A part of her was somewhat pleased that Harry would be on the receiving end of a punch.
When the bouncers lunged for him, Saban jumped in between to add further commotion. Dove wondered if the man was trying to help Niko and she didn’t know whether to be pissed off or grateful.

The bouncers looked at Saban as if they did not know how to handle him. This gave Niko ample opportunity to charge across the room. He sidestepped furniture and skillfully maneuvered his way around the panicked patrons in their haste to leave.

Niko pushed down the metal bar of the emergency exit and kicked the door closed behind him when they made it out. The shrill of the alarm was deafening as he took off down the alley with her firmly on his shoulder. He whipped around corners like a pro soccer player and headed straight for the parked car across the busy street.

He dropped her roughly on the seat of his convertible and hastily went around, jumping into the driver’s side without bothering to use the door. Niko shoved the key in the ignition and fired up the engine. They took off so fast that all she caught was a glimpse of Harry and the bouncers running after them. The men slowly faded into tiny specks in the distance, into the darkness.

Dove’s heart pounded hard against her chest. The fear seized her soul and she knew her life would never be the same again. The thought of reaching the point of no return filled her with a small kernel of hope.