Novel Experience

Lynn

Published by Mojocastle Press, LLC

Haymarket, Virginia

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

Novel Experience: Club Strigoi Book Two

ISBN: 978-1-60180-091-6

Copyright @ 2009 Sandy Lynn

Cover Art Copyright @ 2009 Stephanie Kelsey

All rights reserved.

Excluding legitimate review sites and review publications, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Copying, scanning, uploading, selling and distribution of this book via the Internet or any other means without permission from the publisher is illegal, punishable by law and will be prosecuted.

Available online at:

http://www.mojocastle.com/

Also By Sandy Lynn

Leigh: Drama Queen in Training Series

Beneath the Surface: Club Strigoi Book One

Novel Experience: Club Strigoi Book Two

Club Strigoi Shots

Everyday Masks

Dedication:

For those who believe Dreams and Fantasies can come true.

Prologue

Get off of me!

Bram was scanning the dance floor for trouble when he heard the shout. Most people continued with whatever they were doing, unable to hear the woman over the loud music. But he could hear her. Deciding to investigate it, Bram waved off another bouncer as he strode in the direction the sound had come from. The beat of the music never stopped, but he paid no attention to it as he drew closer to the disturbance.

I said get off of me! a brunette shouted at a pale man that held her arm. Looking completely out of place, she wore a pink shirt and blue jeans while surrounded by people dressed in much darker shades. But as far as Bram was concerned, that was no excuse for anyone to harass her.

Looking up at her face, Bram found himself unable to take his eyes off of her, and not because of her choice of fashion.

She is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, he thought dazedly. Her long brown hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail at the nape of her neck. Her skin wasn’t pale, but it was light and creamy and even in this light he could tell she wore only the faintest hints of makeup. Even the scowl on her face did not detract from her beauty.

Blue-gray eyes sparked as she tried to pry the hand off her arm. From what he could see due to her expression, he guessed that her lips were wonderfully full. As he stood there momentarily stunned by her, Bram wondered what it would be like to kiss those lips.

His cock began to stir immediately to life. And I thought after that dance with Lalita, nothing else that happened tonight would surprise me.

As he watched, a man tried to yank her close to him again. The woman struggled against his grip. Grabbing the collar of her shirt with his free hand, the man gave her no choice but to step closer or have the item ripped from her body. Bram began to growl. He didn’t stop to think; he simply reacted. Stepping in, he grabbed the man’s wrist and tightened his grip until the guy was looking at him instead of the brunette.

I believe the lady told you to release her. His tone was quiet, but there was no mistaking the command in it.

Min’ yer own fuckin’ business, the man slurred, his horrible breath blowing into Bram’s face.

To his credit, Bram did not flinch back or make any visible sign that he thought the man could strip paint from the walls. This is my business. And if you don’t release her now, I can guarantee you’ll be going home with a broken wrist. He squeezed the drunken man’s wrist until he felt the bone ready to snap.

The man paled noticeably. Nodding, he quickly opened his hand, releasing both the woman’s arm and her shirt.

As Bram turned to find out if she was all right, he caught a glimpse of a fist shooting toward him from the corner of his eye.

Why do drunk people always have to try to start bullshit instead of walking away when they are defeated? He easily dodged the blow and threw a punch of his own into the man’s gut. As always, he was very careful when hitting a human. The last thing Bram needed to do was kill the man--despite how tempted he was. The wind knocked out of him, the fool stumbled backwards.

I’ll be right back, he told the woman, making his voice as gentle as possible.

She nodded, her eyes never leaving her attacker as she unconsciously rubbed her arm. The process lifted her shirt’s sleeve just enough to allow him a glimpse of the bruises that were already beginning to appear.

Feeling his anger grow as the sleeve fell back into place, Bram picked the man up by his collar and got another, better smell of him. Without other humans to dilute the overpowering stench, he was tempted to throw the drunken man back onto the floor.

Gods, this man reeks of alcohol. This should never have been allowed to happen. He should never have been allowed in this club! Practically dragging the man through the dancers to the entrance, Bram tried his best not to get too close and have to breathe in his foul odor. At the door, Bram pulled him to his feet, then shoved the man roughly outside.

Damn, I hate it when a man doesn’t know how to take his liquor. Go sober up, he shouted at the man’s form as he landed in a heap outside the club’s front door. Carefully leashing his anger, he turned to the man responsible for managing the door that night.

Just my luck…a new guy. At least that explains why it happened.

Taking care to allow everyone waiting in line to hear, he spoke to the bouncer slowly so he could not be misunderstood. "We do not allow drunks to enter. His eyes narrowed as he continued. If they aren’t sober when they try to come in, tell them to go somewhere else. Or make them stand in line until they sober up. Do not allow another drunk into this club. Am I clear?" His voice was dangerously low and calm as he asked the final question.

Sure, Bram. Sorry about that, man, the guy apologized, nervousness oozing from every pore.

Bram narrowed his eyes until they were mere slits and stared at the bouncer until the man’s face turned yet another shade paler. He typically tried to avoid using intimidation with his employees, but this was a mistake he refused to allow to happen again. He’d worked too hard to make this a respectable club to allow its reputation to be ruined by a single employee who refused to do his job properly.

When he turned to go check on the woman, he saw Lalita standing behind him, looking a bit frazzled.

His tone became gentle. La, I didn’t know you were behind me…

I’m heading out. I just wanted to let you know. She was watching him, a strange expression on her face.

Bram’s nose twitched, and he smiled. Glad to know you and Gareth have kissed and made up. After the unwelcome stench coming from the man he’d just thrown out, the scent of Gareth and Lalita’s lovemaking was almost pleasant.

Not really. She looked uncomfortable at the confession.

Bram felt his anger returning. All this shit has to happen in one night? It’s not even Friday the thirteenth…or a full moon! La, did he… He left the question open, unable to bring himself to finish it.

No, he didn’t. I let him. I wanted him to. It’s just…everything’s so complicated. And right now I need some time away.

He shook his head. I never thought I’d see the day that you went running from anything. Damn, La, I need to write this on my calendar.

I’m not running from him, she said, a little too forcefully. Look, the stuff I have going on…it’s not just him. My parents are coming by soon, and Kaly is on one of her kicks again.

Bram nodded thoughtfully, then ruined the effect as his lips curved into a smile. You’re running from him. Try that shit on someone who doesn’t know you. I think you deliberately searched for a man to piss your parents and sisters off last time they came for a visit.

I did not. I can’t help it if the guy I happened to be interested in at the time was the complete opposite of everything they hold dear…

Bram laughed again. We’ll be here when you’re ready to come back, La. Don’t stay away too long. You’ll be missed, he told her honestly. Part of him expected her to ask him to pretend to be her boyfriend. She’d complained often enough about how much they wanted her to date a man exactly like him. But he was thankful she hadn’t. As much as he loved her as a friend, he couldn’t pretend to be her lover. Especially not now that she and Gareth had become a couple--and they were a couple, even if she refused to admit it.

Lalita hugged Bram and smiled as she looked up into his face. You’ll just miss the way I keep you hard as a rock, she teased him, her hand slipping down his body to his erection. One that, for once, she had not caused. Try to have fun without me. She gave him a lingering kiss on the cheek.

Bram chuckled as she walked away. He hoped she discovered whatever answers she was looking for soon.

But right now all I want is to get back to that beautiful brunette. He smiled. Maybe I can even get her number…

Did La come this way? Gareth asked through clenched teeth as he approached the door with a slight limp.

You just missed her. If you hurry, you might be able to catch up to her. Gareth gave the barest nod and quickly exited the building.

Bram just shook his head. He really didn’t want to know what was going on between those two. Those two are a mini soap opera. Will they or won’t they get together? Will they finally admit that no one else will ever be the one for them? Stay tuned tomorrow for the dramatic continuation of… As the Vampire Bites…

Just as he finally began to weave through the crowd to find the brunette, she literally ran into him on her way out.

Slow down, Speedy, he teased as he helped steady her so she wouldn’t fall. His hands lingered on her waist a few seconds longer than absolutely necessary. Sparks of electricity flashed over his body as he held her, enjoyed the feel of her beneath his hand.

Sorry. She pulled away then tried to walk around him.

That’s all right. I was just looking for you. I was coming back to find out if you were hurt.

That’s okay, I should have known better than to come in here, she mumbled.

Can I get you a drink or something? On the house, he quickly added. She can’t leave so soon, I just saw her. We just met… I don’t even know her name. Of all the rotten luck…

No thank you. I’m just going to go…

Will you at least tell me your name? Gods, what’s wrong with me? I’m acting like a teenager with a crush.

Dani. She was looking around nervously. Look, I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t think your girlfriend would like you getting me drinks or flirting with me.

My girlfriend? He searched his mind for anything that would make her think he had a girlfriend. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks. La. She must have seen me dancing with La. Oh, she’s not my girlfriend, just a really good friend of mine.

"Right… I should go before your ‘friend’ decides to come looking for you. I’ve had enough of being pushed around for one night."

This is your first time here. It has to be, or she’d know Lalita isn’t interested in me. Standing there with her, with Dani, the thought didn’t bother him as much as it had when La told him her heart belonged to Gareth such a short time ago.

She nodded, a look of annoyance on her face.

Dani, I’m sorry. Things like this never happen here. There is a strict code of conduct that all of the bouncers work hard to maintain.

She shrugged. I guess it didn’t help that I stick out like a sore thumb. She gave a half smile.

I think you look fine. Beautiful, not fine, beautiful. The things I’d like to do to you…

Thank you. But I really should go…

Feel free to come back anytime, he told her before she could move. He couldn’t let her leave without asking her to come back. He wanted to do anything he could to see her again.

Yeah, right, she laughed. Bram was positive it was a forced laugh, because it didn’t reach her eyes. The guy at the door barely let me in this time. And I don’t think I have anything in my wardrobe that will help me…blend in, she said, watching a woman dressed in a skintight black vinyl suit with at least three inch high heeled shoes walk past them.

If you ever want to come back, just tell the guy at the door that Bram invited you. I’ll make sure they know you have an open invitation.

Wow. You must really think I’m cute.

Bram stood there staring at her. Gods, I’m making a complete fool out of myself.

Dani laughed, a real laugh this time, and the sound went straight to his cock. I’ve heard how exclusive this club is. Giving me such an open invitation… Well, it’s very sweet and I’m flattered, really I am…

But?

But, I don’t know that I’ll ever come in here again.

Why did you come in this time? He was curious, wanting to know as much about this elusive Dani as he possibly could. He enjoyed listening to the sound of her voice, looking deep into her blue-gray eyes. They were eyes that he would gladly drown in. He wasn’t ready for their brief meeting to end. But he couldn’t keep her there against her will. Damn the luck.

Call it professional curiosity. With that, Dani stepped around Bram and continued through the door.

Remember, come back anytime, he couldn’t resist calling out despite the fact that she probably didn’t hear him.

Chapter One

Dani could not get the tall, handsome redhead out of her mind. She sat at the computer and stared at the screen,