New Jack City: The Beginning
Flashback: “It” Happened One Night
The potent amber liquid seared the back of his throat even as it soothed his jangled nerves. A slow, sibilant hiss of satisfaction seeping past his lips, he silently noted how scotch always did the trick. Yet he couldn't help but wonder how much longer he could endure the cause that seemed to always result in his turning to this 'remedy.'
Seconds later, the faint hint of perfume—a subtle yet spicy fragrance—invaded his senses and drew his attention away from his musings and instead towards the statuesque stunner sauntering towards the bar. There was a measured grace in her movements; from the slow yet confident strides that carried her across the five-star hotel's marble floor to the slight yet sensual sway of her hips as she took a seat atop the bar stool two spaces away.
"What can I get you, Miss?" the bartender queried.
Her boredom was as evident as her beauty. In a move that was at once elegant and effortless, she swirled upon the bar stool, turning so that her back was to the bartender—who was doing his best to hide his obvious appreciation of the vision before him. Placing her palms firmly upon the mahogany countertop that was polished to near-blinding perfection, she sailed a glance the man's way, acknowledging his presence with a curious smile.
Her eyes made a slow journey past the strong hands cupping the crystal tumbler, noting how even the crisp, tailored shirt could not disguise the definition of the obviously well-toned arms housed beneath its sleeves. Next, came a brief lingering at the broad shoulders before her appreciative gaze finally came to rest upon his face. His was a handsome face, not beautiful. Handsome. Beauty would somehow negate the air of intensity that swirled about him.
"Save the dismal day, I'll have what the gentleman's having," the leggy beauty announced.
Head bowed, his gaze was focused on the contents of his glass; it seemed as if the mysteries to all life's questions rested at the bottom of his drink and he was determined to unearth each and every one. Her initial assessment was correct, she reasoned; on that she'd stake her hands, which were her life. Strong and silent he seemed, yet the language of his body sang a song that was ages old; one that she was all too familiar with. Then again, she hadn't lived in the midst of such dysfunction and decadence as she had and not honed the fine art of reading people. Her thoughts were interrupted by a smooth yet gravelly voice that was nothing short of spellbinding.
"Another round over here," the command was softly spoken, "and one for the lovely lady, also."
"I don't accept drinks from strangers," she declined. "But," her eyes alight with mischief, she added, "I reserve the right to bend the rules. Provided it's worth it."
"It is," he nodded.
~*~
Baby, let’s cruise
Away from here
Don’t be confused
The way is clear
And if you want
You got it forever
This is not a one-night stand, pretty baby
So, let the music take your mind
Just release and you will find
You’re gonna fly away
Glad you’re going my way
I love it when we’re cruisin’ together...
~*~
"Ohhh!" she sighed. "I love this song." Eyes closed, the honey-hued beauty threw her head back and began to slowly sway in time to the music. That was the beauty and power of music for her; the sense of total freedom and abandon it inspired. With that very thought in mind she turned her attention to the handsome stranger. "Would you like to dance?"
"With you?" he grinned. Certainly not a shy one, he thought.
"You see anyone else offering?" she challenged, returning his grin.
~*~
Oh, baby let's cruise
Let's float, let's glide
Oooohh
Let's open up and go inside
~*~
"So let me get this straight." He polished off his drink, a slow, sensual grin tickling his lips as he regarded the woman before him. Rising, he offered her his hand and led her to the dance floor. "You won't accept a drink from a stranger." They faced each other the dancing not quite cheek to cheek but not a wealth of space between them either. Briefly, his gaze drifted to her mouth and immediately thoughts of how sublime her lips would feel against his assaulted him. His eyes once again firmly locked with hers, his hand rested lightly at her hip, the silken fabric softly rippling beneath his touch. "But you'll dance with one?"
~*~
And if you want it you got it forever
I can just stay there inside you
And love you baby, ohhh
Let the music take your mind
Just release and you would find
~*~
"Correct me if I'm wrong." She leaned in to whisper in his ear, causing her cheek to brush briefly against his; the contrast of his lightly stubbled cheek against her smooth skin was exquisite. "But unless I'm mistaken, you did accept my offer. And you don't know me either. What, having second thoughts?" she teased drawing back to look at him. His eyes were piercing; varying from green to blue then almost back again. "Did I tempt you into breaking a cardinal rule?"
It was his turn to laugh now. It wasn't a hearty, gut-busting laugh; more like a chuckle. Still, it felt damn good to do. Laughing was but one of many things he'd not done in far too long.
"Nothing," he said, responding to her look of curiosity. "You can say I kinda have a thing about rules."
He dipped his head as he shook off the last vestiges of laughter. His gaze was intense, his voice slightly above a murmur. He wanted her closer. To feel her skin brush against his once more. His lips grazed her ear.
"I... you could say I tend to not follow them. How did you say earlier? 'I reserve the right to bend them.' A lot," he added as he drew back to face her once more. His hand left her hip, smoothly navigating the curves and ascending her back before slowly descending. "Provided it's worth it." A soft yet insistent press against the small of her back was not met with resistance.
~*~
We’re gonna fly away
Yeah, I'm glad you're going my way
I love it when we're cruising together
The music is made for love, cruising is made for love
I love it when we're cruising together
~*~
"It is," she nodded. "I'm Sabrina." He smiled again. That crooked, mysterious, almost cruel smile. And she knew she was lost. "Sabrina DeLane."
"Nice to meet you, Sabrina." His small half-smile gave way to one of full wattage as he watched her studying him.
A woman who’s confident and direct and makes no apologies for it? Hmmm… This, he thought to himself, is promising.
"I'm Jack," he said. "Jack Bauer..."
So very promising.
Song Credit: Cruisin’—Smokey Robinson