Chapter 1: Jasper

Jasper was leaning against the counter with a confident smile then smoothly slid onto one of the stools. He was nonchalant in a way cannot be learned. He lazily turned to his right, scanning the filling bar, catching various curious eyes. It was difficult not to notice him.

He had a nice built, not overly, just enough to see the outline of his muscles through his white shirt, which seemed he possessed from before the time of constant workout, and by now it was groaning against every move he made. He made it look tempting with the unbuttoned top that most likely had been begging to be released after a long day of tough business meetings. He was lean, casually sitting on the barstool, his longs legs in beige suit pants; more like a carefully composed photo shoot. Even though the bar was not full yet, there had been plenty of eyes that followed his features looking for some inevitable fault when traveled up to his face, finding none. It was just like all, his dark blond hair perfectly framing his face, his features unexpectedly delicate and skin that women would kill for, his hazel eyes sparkling with self-confidence.

It was early, not even six-thirty, and suddenly he thought whether it would have been better to have returned home, maybe to change… but the idea was momentarily put on hold as a tall and bored looking bartender appeared in front of him. Jasper ordered a drink in a polite manner and returned to his thoughts.

He was enjoying his time alone greatly, like he always did, especially in a place, where no one knew him. The idea of being a spy in incognito during dangerous times came to his mind, and an involuntary smile curled at the corner of his mouth. Being among strangers was exciting and liberating for him at the same time.

To his mood it added the fact that he also had a great day, no, an excellent day, closing more deals than even he expected, and as a glass of wine was placed in front of him, he felt like celebrating.

At work, he had been recognized and envied at the same time, and he had to admit with guilty satisfaction that he had been enjoying both. His colleagues loved him; his bosses his natural competence, his male colleagues his good-humored, easy-going nature, and the swarms of females his teasing and flirtatious remarks, always stand-by to reciprocate.

Going home would have been a waste of time and might have spoilt his mood, he thought with a hint of remorse, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth that was quickly washed down with cabernet sauvignon.

He cleared his throat and nodded into the direction of the bartender, who was about one fifth through polishing a rack of glasses with such sad monotonousness that was exhausting to watch.

Jasper smiled and raised his glass for attention then got into an easy conversation with him, directing it slowly and consciously towards him, witty jokes and blithe comments on nocturnal life, possible conquests, and some sort. The man, surprised by his interest and cordiality, relaxed further and talked about himself for once, more and more excitedly. It was like seeing someone waking up from a coma, his face slowly full of life, his body language all wired, all customers seemingly having forgotten. Jasper listened with great attention, moving the conversation forward with small questions of remarkable expertise.

He loved people like pirates their treasure and did not mind the time and energy to dig deep enough to find their secrets. His curiosity and undivided attention made them fall in love with him over the first encounter without exception. He did not judge, was an exceptionally good listener and had an incredible talent to understand people`s needs. This is what made him able to climb the carrier ladder with remarkable skillfulness and by his early thirties he was managing a large number of people. He loved challenge. The thrill he soaked up like sailors, rum. Adrenaline was his chaser.

After a while, out of necessity, the bartender excused himself to serve others with a promise to return. Jasper nodded politely, had a sip of his wine, and turned his head slowly to his left to continue his exploration, in his eyes a playful smile for another second before it disappeared abruptly.

Green eyes looked up, as on cue; to lock with his from the half-lit corner of the end of the counter, eyes he long knew but has not seen for a while. They did not look pleasant as the others' he just saw seconds ago, albeit the curiosity was clearly in them, too.

Tousled dark bronze hair and a strong jawline belonged to the piercing eyes, which, he felt, saw deep into him like he was able to read his mind. He felt momentarily exposed under the scrutiny as a familiar shiver went down on his spine.

The man was tall and dangerously beautiful, concealed by his posture at some extent as he was bending over the counter. He wore his singular dark outfit and a dark expression that would, without doubt, swallow the place like a black hole in any second. Jasper flinched at the thought.

After the first dismay he quickly recomposed his expression to a smile he often used, raising his glass as a greeting, however his lightheartedness was lost. He felt to be intruded in his moment.

The man answered with a slight nod concealed by the dim light, then turned away with a deliberate movement to get a drink for himself, his expression cold. He was served immediately and wordlessly like it was a job to deliver before deadline.

There was something greatly intimidating about his presence that made people divert their attention quickly, more accurate observers to cringe. Jasper agreed more to the latter. As the man was sitting seemingly lost in thoughts, surrounded by his strange kind of energy, he seemed to be a lonely wolf forced into behaving among a flock of sheep.

Jasper grew uncomfortable. They were polar opposites.

He soon found interest in giving his full attention to the half-empty glass in front of him, his expression hazy. He closed his eyes, deliberately repressing the building tension inside him, drank up his wine in one gulp then looked around quickly.

It was an eclectic little space with seemingly random decoration items placed with perfect precision into harmony. Its industrial lamps hanging from the concrete ceiling to warm up the burgundy leather of the round boots and rustic wooden tabletops. The dark walls were decorated with black and white photos of well-known musicians captured in moments before fame. At the end of the bar, a small wooden stage was tempting the brave to play something melancholic attuned to the weather outside.

The bar seemed to be more packed by now, people arriving, greeting each other warmly, smiling and chatting, glasses tinkling and cutlery clinking in the dim golden light. The sounds started to blur into dull background noise.

At one of the booths, he saw a couple bending toward each other with wordless affection. They were taken out of their intimate moment by three more joining them, a tall bulky man with a handsome smile, a tall blond woman, who could have been just stepped down from a Vogue cover, and a blond man with watery blue eyes and puppy-like expression. They greeted each other with the tenderness of people who have known each other for lives long; intertwining their words like they were just picking up the tread of conversation left a moment ago.

Jasper was looking at them languidly with inexplicable bitterness.

The sound of a thunder sneaking through the gap of the opening door forced his eyes to shift and his mind out of the reverie, helping him to press the gushing thoughts back to his subconscious.

In the doorway a woman appeared, looking around seemingly lost. She was not too tall but possessed a delicate figure and a kind of grace, like she belonged to different times. Hiding behind her long wavy curtain of chocolate brown hair was a sign of discomfort, lack of self-confidence. She was clearly oblivious of the eyes fixed on her. As an instinct Jasper turned back to his left.