Hank sat at his usual bar. Many would have thought that it was Molly's, but that was where he went with the team. This one, was the one he went to when he felt like being alone. It was a bit rowdy but the alcohol was good and cheap. It was also way quieter than Molly's. Sometimes, Molly's was too full of people and too loud, and after a hard day at work, especially when it had been a rough case, peace and quiet were what he needed. The patrons all came from different backgrounds. Some recommendable and others much less. They all knew Hank and who he was, but even though he often went there not being a cop, they respected him. They all knew what he was capable of, on and off duty.
It was late, nearing midnight. He was on his third Whiskey, maybe fourth. He had stopped counting. He knew his limits, most of the time at least, and was always sure he'd be able to get home. He was talking to Joe, the bartender when he saw a woman enter and sit down at the bar, a couple stools away from him. He lifted an eyebrow as he looked at her. She definitely wasn't the kind of woman who hung out around this kind of bar. She was in her early forties, medium height, long brown hair and the most amazing brown eyes he had ever seen. She was wearing a pair of black jeans, black boots, a white button-down shirt and a leather jacket. Her hair was down, her makeup was perfect and enhanced her beauty and she was wearing studded earrings that added an extra sparkle to her eyes.
Her presence in the bar hadn't gone unnoticed. Most men were looking her over. Hank watched as Joe walked over to her from behind the counter.
"What can I get you"?
"A Martini, no ice, thank you", she said to Joe with a nice warm and welcoming smile that captured Hank.
"Coming right up", said Joe inevitably under her charm.
Hank continued drinking his Whiskey as he discreetly kept an eye on her.
Joe served her then returned towards Hank. "Charming".
"Indeed", replied Hank.
A few men stood from their booth and headed over to the bar. Hank knew them, they hung out at the social club and they were generally up to no good. They placed themselves around her and pretended to order drinks from Joe.
"You looking for a good time"? asked one of them clearly invading her personal space.
Hank watched. She didn't even flinch and she didn't seem the slightest bit afraid or rattled.
"Didn't your mother teach you better manners"? she replied.
Hank smiled. At least she knew how to retort.
Vincenzo, looked at her. He was hardly a man to, let a woman put him back in his place or accept rejection.
"Where I come from, a woman usually keeps her mouth shut and spreads her legs when a man offers her a good time".
"That is so machoistic of you, why am I not surprised".
Tito leaned in closer to her. "If he's not your type, maybe I am. I'll give you a night to remember".
"I'm afraid I'm not interested".
"Well, unfortunately for you", said Vincenzo, "I am and I never talk no for an answer".
The woman kept her eyes straight forward only looking at the men through the reflection of the bar mirror opposite her. "I'm not sure how other woman react in your presence, but right now, you standing so close to me, makes me want to puke".
The other guys laughed, as well as Hank in silence. He really enjoyed watching how she fended for herself.
Vincenzo grabbed her hand violently and brought it down towards his groin. He gave a grin of victory as he placed her hand on his hardening manhood. She tightened her hand around it.
"That's it baby, I knew you wouldn't be able to resist".
Suddenly his face changed as her hand tightened even harder and she started to twist it upwards.
He removed her hand and keeled over in pain. She couldn't have seen it, but Hank could, the rage in Vincenzo's eyes. Hank stood from his stool just as Vincenzo straightened up and armed his hand back, ready to slap her.
"Enough"! said Hank. "Seems to me she's told you she's not interested, Vincenzo. Take a hike".
Vincenzo gave Hank one look and it was enough for him to understand what was going to happen if he didn't.
Vincenzo looked at her. "I'll be seeing you around".
"Don't hold your breath", she said as she took a sip of her Martini.
Vincenzo and his men walked away and out of the bar. Once they were gone, she took her eyes off the mirror and turned her head to look at Hank. He was almost 6 feet tall, in his mid-fifties and well built. He had dark hair, with the sides becoming greyish, and amazing brown eyes, his look on her was soft and he was giving her a crooked smile.
"I'm impressed", he said. "I've never known a woman to say no to that guy and do it so calmly".
She smiled at him. "I grew up with older brothers and learned a few tricks. Thanks for stepping in".
Hank shrugged. "In all honesty, I don't think you needed me to, but I'm glad I could be of some assistance".
She smiled then cocked her head to the side as she looked at him. "Can I offer you a drink"? she asked.
"Only if you let me offer you one after".
"Deal. Another Whiskey"? she asked.
He nodded. She called over the bartender. "Another round for both, please".
Joe nodded and smiled. Hank was not one to run after the ladies but he still had his A-game.
Hank put his hand out. "Hank".
She took his hand and shook it. "Ness".
"It's a pleasure to meet you Ness".
"Same here, Hank".
Joe came back with their drinks.
"So four older brothers. Must not have been easy every day".
She smiled. "I was the youngest and the only girl. They gave me a hard time for sure, but as I grew older and started to date guys, they actually became very protective of me and they taught me a few things".
"Too bad you have to use what they taught you".
He looked at her. "Although, I'm curious, what is a woman like you doing here, in a bar like this"?
"It was the first one I ran into".
"So you're not from Chicago, I take it"?
"No. East Coast. I just moved here recently".
He nodded. "Well, trust me, there are better bars and establishments in Chicago".
She smiled. "And is the company there as good as here"?
"Oh don't worry, you won't run into Vincenzo in any of those", he said smiling back.
She bit her lip. "Actually, I was talking about you".
He flashed a smile at her. "Then yes".
There was something about her that made him feel good. The way she looked at him and smiled at him. He hadn't smiled so much in one evening.
"Another round"? asked Hank.
"A deal's a deal".
When Joe returned with the drinks, she looked at him. "Do you think you could call me a cab"?
Before Joe could respond, Hank stepped in. "I've seen that you can take care of yourself, but I don't think that here and that this hour, it's reasonable. I'll take you".
She leaned in. "I appreciate it, but I don't know you".
Joe looked at her. "Oh you'll be safe with Hank, more than with any guy in this bar, myself included, or any random cab driver".
She looked at Joe than at Hank for a few seconds. "Alright then".
After their last round, they walked outside. Generally, Ness could hold her own when it came to booze, but with the fatigue of the past days, it was slightly going to her head and when that usually happened, she had an easier time handling her feelings and emotions.
Hank walked by her side as he chaperoned her towards the car. It was undeniable, he was attracted to her. More than he had ever been attracted to any woman since Camille had died. He hated the fact that when it came to work, he could play hardball but when it came to women, he clamed up.
"Nice ride", said Ness as she arrived at the passenger side of the car.
"Thanks", he said as he opened the passenger door for her. His hand accidently touched her thigh and sent electric waves through his entire body. She must have felt something too. The wind blew and he caught the smell of either her vanilla shampoo or body lotion.
He got behind the wheel, even more attracted to her. "So, where to"?
She leaned over and looked at him. "Do you always follow the rules Hank? Or do you sometimes bend or break them? Do what is wrong or what you know is wrong and you shouldn't do"?
His eyes were locked on her lips as she talked. The were full, plump and juicy. "It's happened more than once. Why do you ask"?
"Because I'm about to do something I've never done before".
"What's that"? he asked his eyes locked on hers.
"Ask you to take me back to your place".
It was more than he needed to hear. He put the car in gear and drove off. As he hadn't asked her for her address, she knew what was to come next.
He hesitated. He had never brought another woman into his home other than Camille. After all these years, maybe it was time.
When they walked into his house, he gallantly took off her leather jacket. She stood against the wall as she watched him put it on the coat stand and do the same with his. When he walked back towards her, seeing her so beautiful he let go of his inhibitions. He positioned himself in front of her and placed one of his hands on the wall. He leaned in, his heart beating a 100 mph, pounding in his chest. She kept her eyes locked on his as he got closer. It wasn't until his lips met hers that she closed them.
Her lips were soft, warm and welcoming. He kissed her softly at first, just as much a test for him than for her. He wanted to see if he could go through with it and if she wanted more. He only pulled back slightly each time to come back for more. Realizing they both wanted more, their kissing became more passionate and demanding. At first lips parted, each time a bit more and when her tongue met his halfway, he was conquered. Still kissing her, he started to unbutton her shirt. When he reached the last button, he loved what he saw. He gently caressed her neck and trailed his way down to her chest. He then suddenly realized that they were still in the hallway. He pulled back and smiled at her. He took her hand gently and led her upstairs.
He gently removed her shirt and kept discovering her, with his hands and mouth. Her breathing was getting faster and he could hear low moans of pleasure escape her mouth. When he had fully undressed her and given her all the attention she deserved, she did the same to him. Their attraction for one another, their desire, their pleasure was mutual so when he finally slid inside her, she welcomed him fully. It was so intense that neither one of them held back. Her nails dug into his back as she moaned, he bit her collar bone, changing from one position to the other, with every thrust, her back arched as her hips met his. They climaxed together in pure ecstasy and he pulled her into him as they both heaved and caught their breaths. They remained like that silent in twisted sheets. Both of them knew that words were unnecessary and that it would have somehow ruined the moment.
Hank must have fallen asleep as she had recuperated her head on his chest and him caressing her back, because, he didn't recall her removing herself from his embrace. When the alarm on his phone rang telling him it was half past six, he opened his eyes. He looked around the room, then stood, put on his boxers and headed downstairs. His leather jacket was the only one on the coat stand.
She was gone!