spellbound (18+)

First Contact

He watched her from across the crowded room. Something about her caught his eyes since the moment he walked in.

Something about her. But he didn't approach her yet. Instead, he opted to watch her talk and giggle with her friends, her black dress shiny under the lights.

Her skin too...

He shifted. "Who is she," he murmured to his campion, who followed his gaze.

"Her? I'm not sure. Don't think she's from here."

Adrik licked his lips. "I see."

His campion, Danya raised a brow. "Should I introduce you two?"

Adrik just shook his head. "No. It's fine."

He wished he could look at something else. What a smile she had. And her eyes...

"Adrik," Danya called. "You've got a meeting in a few."

Adrik just nodded softly, tearing his eyes away from her. "Thank you," he murmured.

He got up, adjusting his clothing. "I'll leave now—"

"Oh, excuse me, I'm sorry."

He froze. This gathering wasn't supposed to have outsiders. And did she really have to approach him?

He smiled, turning around. "Am I in your way? I apologize."

Michelle just smiled at him. "No, it's my fault." She sat next to him. He sat back down.

Michelle looked up at the menu, frowning. Adrik looked away for a moment, pondering whether he should just get up and leave.

"Do you come here often," she asked, looking over at him.

He nodded. "Fairly often."

Michele shifted in her seat. "Any suggestions? This is my first time, and I'm not sure what these drinks are," she chuckled.

He smiled. "First time? I thought you were...new. Who showed you this place?"

She shrugged. "I stumbled across it actually. It looked fun, so I came back."

Adrik's lips quirked up. "I see. Do you enjoy the heavy taste of alcohol?"

"Not at all," she made a face.

He smirked. "Then coke. Everything here just tastes like liquor straight."

She smiled. "Thank you. I'm Michelle, by the way." She offered her hand.

He stared at it for a moment, before extending his own. "Michelle. I'm Adrik. You have a beautiful name. Suits you."

She shook his strong hand briefly. "Oh thanks. Your name is very unique. Russian?"

He nodded. "It is."

He sat back, as she sipped on her coke, swaying to the music in her seat.

"So are you new to the city," he asked, motioning for a drink to be brought to him.

Michelle nodded. "I am! Can you tell?" She chuckled.

He smirked. "It's just...I've never seen you before. And this isn't that big a city."

She smirked. "You're a charmer. I moved here last month. This is first day I actually got to go out on the town!"

"And you chose...this spot," a drink was set in front of him, his eyes intensely on hers.

"I chose this spot," she repeated with a shrug.

"What do you do?" He asked.

"I do clerical work. It's easy, pays well. What about you?"

Adrik narrowed his eyes. "This and that."

"That's vague," she snorted.

He smirked. "This is my bar, actually. That's why I can tell you with confidence, the food is shit. So I wouldn't even think about ordering those wings."

She wrinkled her nose, laughing the menu she was looking at away.

He chuckled lowly. "There is a nice restaurant though, if you're in the mood for wings. Pascal's. Better cocktails too. No need to worry yourself with this place."

Michelle turned to face him, making him look over her. His eyes narrowed despite himself. She was beautiful. Gorgeous.

"It seems like you don't want me here, Adrik."

He just shrugged. "I just think...you'd have a better time somewhere...befitting a lady. This place...is full of unsavory characters,"

He smiled. "Drunks and convicts are my clientele. They don't care much for the food, or the alcohol so long as it's potent." He shrugs. "Sustainable business model."

Michele crossed her legs, as Adrik clenched his jaw.

"Adrik," Danya warned looking at his watch.

"Right. Well, it's up to you what you'd like to do," he stood, adjusting his suit jacket. "Be safe, Michelle."

Michelle watched him grab his drink and through it back.

"And whatever you do, avoid the wings," he smirked, "that fucker can't cook to save his life."