Serenade

Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE

- Saronna -

I walked into one of many "Electro Swing" clubs here in Austria. The room is filled with smoke and exotic, masculine cologne. The lights are dim almost giving the sea of bodies the illusion of being shadows. This is my first time going to one and I can feel the ominous atmosphere. I adjust my blood red slightly flared dress and the clips I have keeping my short Afro pulled back elegantly.

Ignoring the curious looks that I've been receiving since I arrived, I spot an empty table right next to the stage. A man is playing a string bass by himself and I sway in my seat to the upbeat jazzy music all the while looking at him. But I'm a harmonic daze really. My mind begins to wander.

I think of how the European atmosphere is so much different than it's American opposite.

People sit quite close together and there is an undertone of mystique that seems to exist everywhere I go here in Austria. This is my first time traveling out of the country and I absolutely love it.

Finally noticing the music has stopped and the roar of applause, I raise my gaze only to be met with dark, piercing eyes. They're full of emotion and it's like a thunderstorm in the orbs. While his gaze is intense, I hold my stare and make no movement. You'd think his eyes turned me to stone...it is anything but.

I feel flushed and I take in his almost black hair, muscular, towering frame that isn't bulky but rather sleek but equally as strong. His string bass playing is wonderful; it's obvious he's spent quite a while playing.

All I can do is look at him. A pang of insecurity invades my thoughts. I'm heavyset, black, and have short and kinky hair. The women in here are much more beautiful than me with their sleek bodies and model-like faces. Damn them!

I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn to see a blonde offering me a dance. His smile is disarming so why not?

Giving the bassist one more look, I make my way to the dancefloor and sway. Music starts playing once again but at a much quicker, almost angry tempo with twists and turns. The blonde's hands are gripping my hips tightly and I catch a glimpse of who's playing such angry music: it's the same man. He's playing trumpet now.

His eyes bore into mine until I'm spun around and almost kissed by blondie. His green eyes almost seem to glow and I squirm under his gaze.

His massive erection pokes my pudgy stomach because he's so tall. I try to back up a bit, but he pulls me closer.

He whispers something in his language that I can barely hear. But his voice is husky.

Looking around, I notice men and women eyeing me...hungrily? No that can't be right. Blondie runs his hands up and down my hips and backside, his emerald eyes almost entrancing me.

But I know better: he just wants a piece of ass.

"No, this can't happen" I whisper trying to dodge his advances. It's not like he can speak English anyway.

"But I want it to..." he whispers huskily in my ear. So the fool can speak English!

He ignores my previous comment and tries to kiss on my neck. I feel his teeth lightly scrape the tender flesh.

I'm pressed fully against his erection.

Fucking creep! I punch him roughly in the chest and leave the club not bothering to retrieve the clips that have fallen from my coarse hair.

I need to get away from Mr. Touchy-Feely.

As I walk towards my new apartment and notice curious looks from other people on the street. They don't look at each other, they're all focused on me.