Chapter 28 Chapter 28
The day flew by in a haze of clinking glasses and pulsing bass, my body still humming from the morning's confessions and Apollo’s lingering touch. Elena and I clocked in together, the club's dim lights casting shadows over the sticky bar top as we tied on our aprons. The air was thick with cheap perfume, sweat, and the faint metallic tang of spilled beer—familiar chaos that usually grounded me, but tonight, anticipation coiled tight in my gut, pussy already damp at the thought of Apollo walking in with his demon friend.
We pushed through the staff door, scanning the room. No Paul barking orders from his usual perch by the VIP stairs, his stern face nowhere in sight. Instead, Hayden lounged at the end of the bar, nursing a whiskey, his sharp eyes flicking over the crowd like a hawk. Hayden only showed when shit was about to hit the fan—firings or big-spending clients who demanded the red-carpet treatment. My full breasts strained against my tight black top as I leaned on the counter, nipples hardening from the cool draft snaking up my skirt.
Elena sidled up beside me, her ponytail swinging, worry creasing her brow. “Paul's never missed a shift. I wonder what happened to him.” Her voice cut through the thump of music, protective instincts flaring as she glanced toward the empty manager's spot.
Before I could answer, Hayden straightened, his gravelly voice booming over the noise. “Paul called in sick, ladies. Nothing to worry about—no one's getting canned tonight.” He flashed a rare smile, but his gaze lingered on me a beat too long, like he sensed the supernatural undercurrent swirling around my life now.
I smirked, grabbing a rag to wipe down the bar, the fabric rough against my palms. Emotions twisted inside—satisfaction at Paul's absence, a flicker of guilt for the fear Apollo must've instilled, but mostly that raw thrill of power.
“Not surprised he bailed after our run-in at the mall,” I murmured to Elena, voice low so only she heard. “Especially since Apollo paid him a visit that night. Dropped by his place, all horns, threats and nightmares. Bet the asshole's still shaking in his boots, dreaming of crimson skin and black eyes.” The bond thrummed faintly, Apollo’s distant amusement brushing my mind like a lover's whisper, stirring heat between my thighs.
Elena’s eyes widened, a mix of awe and caution flashing across her face. “Jesus, Adrianna. You two are playing with fire. I love it!” But she didn't press, just bumped my hip with hers, her support solid as we dove into the rush—pouring shots, flirting for tips, my curvy hips swaying to keep the crowd hooked.
Hours later, the club throbbed hotter, bodies grinding on the dance floor under strobe lights that painted everything in electric blue and red. My tank clung to my sweat-slicked skin, full tits bouncing as I mixed a rum and coke, when I felt him—Apollo’s presence slamming into the bond like a possessive wave, jealousy and hunger already simmering. I looked up, heart pounding, and there he was: striding through the crowd, crimson skin hidden under a glamour of tanned human flesh, elegant horns veiled, but those red eyes locked on me, devouring every inch. Beside him walked Levi—a tall, muscular demon with smooth crimson peeking at his collar, sinfully perfect body straining his shirt, exuding that same raw sexual magnetism that made my core clench.
Apollo leaned on the bar, broad shoulders flexing, his scent—musk and brimstone—cutting through the club's haze. “Two whiskeys, neat,” he ordered, voice a deep rumble that vibrated straight to my pussy. Then, with a grin flashing fangs just for me, he nodded to his friend. “Elena, Jenny—this is Levi. My best mate. Loyal as they come, body built to worship.” His telepathic voice slithered into my mind: “Play nice, my goddess. Or don't. Just know I'll make you pay for it later.”
Levi's gaze raked over me, confident and playful, his smooth crimson skin shimmering faintly under the lights. “Pleasure's all mine,” he drawled, voice like velvet over gravel, eyes dipping to my cleavage before meeting mine with a wink.
“I know, which is exactly why I am doing this,” I answered. I felt Apollo’s jealousy spark through the bond—hot, possessive, making my nipples peak against the thin fabric. Emotions surged: the romance of his devotion clashing with the thrill of tormenting him, my independence craving the tease. I leaned forward, tits nearly spilling out as I slid the drinks over to Levi, voice husky. “Cute. You are really cute, Levi. You see my girl Elena is single—I know she would love a demon with your kind of charm and looks. I know I would.” I shot Elena a conspiratorial glance, her cheeks flushing as she laughed with other customers, but my eyes locked on Apollo, daring him.
Levi chuckled, low and sinful, raising his glass. “Flattered.” He lifted his glass in a salute, and emptied his glass. “And you, Adrianna? Apollo warned me you're trouble, and I can see he was right—the best kind of trouble I hope.” His playful demeanor pulled me in, that supernatural seduction weaving through the air, body worship in every lingering look.
Apollo’s jaw tightened, black eyes flashing as he knocked back his whiskey, the bond flooding with possessive hunger—visions flickering of him pinning me later, cock slamming deep to reclaim what was his. But I pushed it, flirting bolder, trailing a finger along Levi's hand as I took his payment. “Trouble? Nah, just a girl who knows what she wants.” I sent and image to Apollo of him fucking me while Levi watched, “And right now, I want to see if you are the type of demon to live up to the hype.”
The glass in Apollo’s hand shattered as he tightened his grip. “Oh dear, baby, are you ok? Are you bleeding? We have a first-aid kit if you need it.”
“I am good.”
“You might want to watch your grip, you are stronger than you realize.” I said, smirking.
Elena watched, amused and cautious, as Apollo’s eyes glowed with jealousy and arousal. I knew that later on she would ask what it was that I was thinking that would provoke such a reaction from Apollo. But for now I continued pouring another round as the night pulsed on, tension coiling tighter, pretending nothing happened. I knew Apollo would make me pay tonight for antagonizing him, and my body started aching for the explosion I knew was coming.
The club's bass thrummed through my veins like a second heartbeat, urging me to move. I untied my apron, tossing it behind the bar with a wink at Elena, who arched her brow, grinned and shook her head, knowing I was about to turn up the heat. The crowd parted as I sauntered toward the stage, hips swaying in my short skirt, full tits bouncing with each step.