As we all know, I am, unfortunately, no Stephenie Meyer – All Twilight Characters belong to her.


Prologue:

"The miserable have no other medicine
But only hope."
~
William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure

.

He's behind the bar serving drinks and I'm dancing seductively. Or at least it feels seductively in the haze from the many shots of Patron I've had.

I'm watching him as I sway my hips, waiting for him to look at me. I know he will. That's the thing about alcohol – it's the best confidence booster.

I watch him for a while before he turns; even the way his body moves as he serves people and makes small talk, causes my heart to beat a little faster. I continue to dance, deciding to look away at the sound of his laughter.

I feel a pang of something... jealousy? Even though he is completely unaware of my constant ogling.

Well at least I hope he is unaware.

I decide that I've had enough of the stupid game I am playing and want my drink, welcoming the promise of increased numbness. As I look up, our eyes lock and I blush under the intensity. The now unsurprising, but completely unique, buzz fills the air and fills me up with a woosh! of endorphins. My skin hums with the feel of his eyes scrutinizing my every move.

The song changes at that exact moment, and I allow my hips to sway again, moving with the rhythm, and lifting my arms into the air - giving him a little show. I look away from him as I do.

I have not had enough alcohol for that.

I can still feel his gaze on me. I can feel his eyes on my body, on every move I make and it pushes me on, increasing my bravery as I sway toward the floor and lift myself up again, nice and slow.

Did I mention that inebriation also makes you think you can do anything? And that includes dancing like a pro in an MTV video.

Before I know it the hum is gone and is replaced by arms coming around my waist from behind.

I freeze. The arms do not feel right. They are cold and hard. My entire body stiffens at the feel of them. There is a breath of hot air against my neck before the whispered words reach my ears.

"What a welcome home." He grabs my ass and grinds himself into me, making the bile rise in my throat.

I try to move away from him but his hold tightens on my hips.

"No baby. You'll finish what you start." I can feel his hard on pushing against me and I know what he is saying.

Chills move up my body, making me tremble.

Stupid, stupid, Bella! How could I let myself think that things were different. How could I let myself forget?

Yeah, reality is a bitch and it will bite you in the ass. I should know this!

"Yes, baby. I know you feel it too."

Oh god.

I look toward the bar, hoping that he had stopped watching before James came up behind me. I can't see him and I feel relieved and pathetic at the same time.

What were you doing, Bella?

I turn to face James, hoping not to see the dilated pupils I know are there.

There's no surprise. He looks down at me - smirk in place, eyes glazed.

It had been awhile and I was a fool to let myself enjoy it. I know that tonight is not going to end well.

I try to pull away again.

Right then Alice comes back from the bar and appears in my field of vision. She is completely unaware of how she is saving me - for the moment

"Hey James," she smiles as she passes me my drink.

"Alice." James nods.


A/N: Please let me know what you think and leave me a review :-)