a thousand instincts (#1)

Looks Good, Tastes Good (Part 2)

Aeress

"Did I take so long that she went to go find her own 'looks good, tastes good'?" the bartender laughed, pushing her water and lime forward. She thanked him with a smile and sipped on it. 

     She cleared her throat. "He a familiar?" 

     He took a towel and started wiping down the counter, though it was near spotless. "Yes, he is very delicious looking I might add. You don't have to worry about your friend. By the looks of it, she will be well taken care of..." He had a humorous knowing expression. 

     Aeress sighed. "So he's not a serial killer or anything of the sorts?" That made her a lot less stressed on her friend's behalf. 

     "People like that aren't allowed in here," he reassured her, "this place is very, very selective. You basically got to know a regular to get into this joint."

     "And let me guess," she took another sip, "there aren't many regulars?" 

     "Exactly." He nodded, slapping the towel over his shoulder. He held his hands against the countertop and scanned the area for customers. That night must have been a slow one. 

     "I have a question, Sir," Aeress leaned forward with her drink in hand, "is the crowd always this... delectable? It's like they aren't even human? Let me guess, vampires?" She raised her eyebrow in suggestion. 

     He laughed a hearty laugh, so contagious that she joined in. She should start a comedic career! "Something like that," he admitted with a bright smile, "but less glow in the sun and more hot, sweaty muscles. Trust me, working here is a treat." 

     "I was expecting ridicule," Aeress admitted, "so, is blondie over there single or is my friend getting played? Come on, spill the tea." 

     He grinned and looked over at them as they got impossibly closer. Talk about chemistry. "I have a feeling that his single status," he tilted his head in the direction of Shaya, "is about to change." 

     Aeress looked back again and really studied the male. He was handsome, very handsome actually. His suit most likely cost more than her car. She sipped her drink and couldn't decide whether to be happy about his prediction. "At least their babies will be gorgeous." 

     "That is a plus-be right back hun!" He went off to serve a newly arrived customer. Aeress was left alone. 

       And just then is when her bladder came to life, demanding that she find the nearest bathroom. Taking one long look at her friend who was obviously having a better time than her, she hurried off before she peed her pants. 

     She wasn't going to lie. On her way, she was eyeing every hot male, because why the hell not?! 

     Aeress was so focused on one that she hadn't notice the wall of muscle in her path. On impact, she instinctively placed her hands on this male's waist to steady herself. But this was a mistake as her wandering hand brushed against the cool metal surface of a weapon. 

    Her eyes widened and her face paled. Ah hell! 

    He hissed out a breath, and shoved her away. She was caught off guard and stumbled, looking up to find him reaching for his weapon. 

    Not wanting to die, she screamed, inching away, something not so easy when one was terrified. 

     His hand reached forward with his gun raised, and she covered her head, realizing they were too close for her to escape his bullet. 

    But instead of shooting her, he came forward and yanked at her hair, pulling her with him, making her the perfect shield. 

    And then he began to spray bullets, aiming at above. She looked up in time to see a flash of copper hair before the person took cover.