Taken (Sinful Series - book 1)

Violet

A familiar aftershave engulfed her, before the object of her frustration casually sat beside her. Those cerulean eyes were the reason why she felt antsy; why she secretly hoped he would find her and whisk her away as he had done the night before. Not that she remembered much of it anyways.

“What are you doing here?” Violet asked the most ridiculous question of all.

“Oh, it’s nice to see you, too,” Landon greeted her smiling as if she had not just forgotten proper manners. Then he proceeded answering her question, “I thought I should check on you since you’ve never called.”

“Sorry. I totally forgot,” Violet replied allowing her eyes to linger on his face, taking in his perfectly styled hair. Her hands itched to run through those brown waves.

Now he was a specimen worth examining.

“Did you?” Landon’s shoulder bumped hers, as he leaned in and added, “We need to talk.”

“Sure,” Violet agreed trying to not sound as breathless as she felt.

“That doesn’t sound like you. Are you okay?” Landon inquired.

“And what do I sound like?” Violet wondered out loud.

“Like that. Sassy and upfront. Take no hostages, and believe in no bullshit kind of way,” Landon blurred.

Violet wished she was really that outspoken as he imagined her to be.

“Nothing evades you,” Violet replied putting her hands on the table and leaning in closer to him. Violet mind lingered on the warmth his body radiated, making her pause before she finally continued. “Fine. I will tell you. I was warned about you.”

“Oh, do tell.” Landon smirked leaning in as well, eager to hear the juicy bits of the gossip about him.

Violet smiled at his enthusiasm. She could bet from afar it looked like they were involved in far more intimate conversation than they were having. Violet decided she liked being in his personal space. He smelled good unlike all the rest of her prospects that reeked of sweat or too much perfume.

“Your name makes everyone tight-lipped. I still haven’t decided whether you are the boogieman or they are constipated,” Violet blurred and wanted to slap herself for not choosing more proper language. His presence brought out her bolder and much unpolished side.

Landon on the other hand didn’t seem to be phased by her word choice. He actually chuckled.

“I am a Fixer. The Boogieman, Superman or Wolferine – they all don’t have nothing on me.”

“I see you are so full of yourself,” Violet rolled her eyes at him. “But be that as it may, I never properly thanked you for last night. I appreciate you stepping in to help me out.”

“You’re welcome,” Landon replied then his attention suddenly shifted to the shirtless candidate approaching the VIP section. Although he didn’t move an inch he suddenly appeared much more intimidating. The candidate detected it the change as well and suddenly decided to change his trajectory. A small smile played on Landon’s lips.

“That was impressive,” Violet couldn’t hide her awe at Landon. “One look and he changed his mind so fast. Landon, I might keep you all night.”

“You already had me longer than most,” Landon quickly flirted back. Or so Violet thought. Violet was never good at figuring out stuff like that, and usually was the last to know if someone was indeed trying to flirt with her. She really wished she could effortlessly answer him with something equally enticing, but sadly her mind could not come with anything.

“Darn it, all that flirting is going to waste on me,” Violet tried figuring out if he would dispute he was flirting with her before the pause between them got more intense. When he didn’t, she smiled, keeping her heartbeat steady and her eyes on his sparkly blue ones. “Remind me, not to play poker with you.”

“You meant against me,” Landon corrected her, bathing her in his undivided attention.

“So you want to play poker with me… Boy, you’re naughty!” Violet jested back, only for Landon to raise his eyebrow at her in confusion. Violet blushed. The thing about flirting was it never came out naturally. Those who could do it effortlessly were some lucky souls who never really realized how good they had it. Violet was admittedly jealous of such individuals. She quickly explained for Landon’s benefit, “I never get picked for team-games. You see, I don’t have a game-face. On the rare occasion I do get a good hand, I can’t contain myself.”

“I can imagine,” Landon laughed.

“So other than a flirt and exceptional card player, who are you?”

“The boogie man,” Landon lowly whispered using her words.

This was a flirtation all right.

“Oh, come on,” Violet swatted his forearm then moved back away from him rather abruptly.

It wasn’t like she was scared of him, or that she wanted to keep her distance. On the contrary, her hands wanted to move up his forearm and feel all the muscles of his body. She hadn’t been this attracted to anyone since forever and it did scare her. Obviously, recent events reminded her too much of her old dreams of having her mate rescue her. She immediately pulled up her guard, shielding her once-broken heart.

“Where?” Landon held her eyes.

“What?” Violet was confused.

“You said come on. I am asking where,” Landon told her.

“Don’t be fresh now,” Violet felt her cheeks flush in deeper red if that was even possible so she quickly reached for her drink. The cold liquid had a different kind of a burn going down her throat and making her body feel tingly. Landon disapprovingly eyed her drink. Violet never considered herself a drinker, but certainly could see his prospective. “This is home. These folks are my peeps. Nobody will slip me anything.”

“I wouldn’t be so certain,” Landon darkly replied.

Violet held his eyes a little longer then rested her glass.

“How do you know I didn’t slip you the Creed?” He asked.

“You wouldn’t touch Creed, much less use it on someone,” Violet replied and at his surprised look, she tapped the side of her nose, leaning into him, despite her better judgement. “Your nose flares when you talk about Creed. You’re angered and disgusted by it at the same time.”

“You have quite an insight,” Landon told her. A small smile pulled at her lips at his compliment. “So what’s up with this meat parade?”

Violet laughed at his description. Jack had gone above and beyond organizing this event. Violet decided he had done this more for himself than for Violet’s sake. If he had stopped to think of what she might have wanted, he would have never made this task such a public parade of shirtless males in front of her. Violet decided she was far more intrigued by her fully-dressed companion than if the ‘meat parade’ in front of her even if there were naked.

“Seeing something you like?” Violet teased him. Now that was a good come back.

“Yes,” Landon replied shortly.

Her comment backfired. His eyes never left hers, speaking of a deeper connection, and threatening to swallow her whole. Contrary to the heat in his gaze, his overall body language remained distant. It only meant he was not interested in her as a woman, but he was using his sexual charisma to tease, flirt and get his way. Violet reminded herself she shouldn’t be surprised. All men were created the same way.

“The flirting is flattering, but unnecessary,” Violet told him.

She could deal with Landon being deliciously handsome if he was not obtainable. His attempt to use his charm was working far too good. She was attracted to him.

“Yes, I forgot. You prefer your men shirtless,” Landon teased her.

“Breathless,” Violet corrected him.

“They might die on you,” Landon jested with her words.

“What’s life without some excitement,” Violet countered.

“Dangerous,” Landon chuckled.

“That’s a big compliment coming from you, Mr. Boogieman.” Violet replied. She wanted to pat herself on the shoulder for thinking about it. It was a really good solid comeback.

“It is,” Landon agreed, “But if you knew me any better, you wouldn’t be jesting with me, but running in the opposite direction.”

“I would kill for some peace and quiet,” Violet admitted.

“To do your grocery list,” Landon pulled her grocery list from under her hands. Violet rolled her eyes.

“A girl gotta’ eat,” Violet told him. His smile was broader now and mischief sparkled in his eyes. “Oh, stop it.” She playfully swatted at his hand. His callused hand moved over her hand, trapping on his forearm.

“Please, now that I know you cook, I am keeping you,” Landon sported a much deeper focus now, which made her ache in a different kind of way. The thought of him keeping her did not scare her. No, she was scared he would change his mind.

“Be careful now,” she spoke for both of their benefit, then warned him. “Two nights in a row, people will start talking.”

“Would you care?” Landon dismissed her teasing reference to what he had told her the night before.

“If I cared what people thought, I wouldn’t be working in Velvet, would I?”

“Touche,” Landon nodded his surrender, “I know now why so many high ranked shifters frequent Velvet. They actively seek you, and beauty while comforting, is not what they are after.”

“Ouch,” Violet replied, and didn’t have to fake the hurt at his statement. Who didn’t like to hear a handsome guy call them beautiful? Or did he call her beautiful? Violet wondered at his convoluted way to express what he wanted. “Even though I think flirty Landon was over the top, I’d take him over this insensitive Landon.”

“Give awkward Landon. I am usually better at expressing myself,” Landon told her astonished at his own choice of words. “Your understanding of people and their situations combined with your forwardness make you more desirable than anyone in this establishment.”

“I wouldn’t go so far. But yes, flattery will get you places.” Violet encouraged him, finishing her glass. He continued eyeing her now empty glass with an unspoken question she already knew. “Maybe I do want a repeat from last night, so I can tell you how unacceptable it was to manhandle me in Inferno.”

“You were going to leave a tip double the size of your bill. You don’t go around doing that without catching fire for it. Especially not in Inferno.” Landon explained himself.

“It was to cover any bouncer services.” Violet admitted.

“Oh.” Landon chuckled, rubbing his neck while his cheeks colored as he realized he was the reason for Violet to need a bouncer to begin with. “And here I only thought of getting you home safe.”

“Thank you for that,” Violet told him.

“My pleasure,” he smiled. “Since you’ve been so honest with me, I will cut to the chase. I made some calls about you. I am curious to see if it was all true.”

He was intentionally vague and they both knew it. It was a negotiation tactic meant to keep her interest in their conversation, now that he had given up flirting. The transformation to his business persona was instantaneous. The mischievous smile and playfulness were gone for good, substituted by determination.

Violet waited for him to continue, and once he didn’t, she prompted him, “Disappointed?”

“Impressed,” Landon supplied. “Life gave you shitty lemons, and you made a limoncelo.”

“What’s wrong with plain lemonade?” Violet picked on his choice drink.

“Nothing, but you need something stronger to wash down the sourness life dealt you.” Landon’s words echoed of understanding, which could only come from personal experience. “I admire you for making something out of your life, no matter how unorthodox it was. I like the initiative.”

Although Violet was flattered at the recognition she had to play it safe and spin on the bartending story.

“I will have you know bartending is a hard work. Those drinks are not going to memorize or make by themselves. It’s definitely not the easy money or fun workplace they’ll have you believe,” Violet told him.

“You counsel,” Landon told her, stopping her monologue about bartending. “That’s why shifters come to you.”

Violet didn’t know what she hated more in his statement – the implication she would either wise not be sought out, or his assumption that was all she could do to retain someone’s attention. Either way she was impressed by how quickly he had come to the truth about her work in Velvet.

“You are impartial when you give advice, and uphold confidentiality as no one else. No Alpha had managed to convince you to join in a pack. It is not for the lack of trying. I can count a dozen or so Alphas and next in liners who would be thrilled, if you sought allegiance with them. Not many mateless she-wolves would pass up such heated looks.” Landon quickly summed up.

‘He knows. Now what?’ Violet mind raced as she had never had someone pay so much attention to the otherwise betraying details.

“I thought we agreed those looks are aimed at you,” Violet tried to change the subject and refocus the conversation on him. She was buying herself time to become more comfortable with the fact that he knew or at least guessed her story. Violet didn’t like how easily he had waltzed in her club and read her.

“The heated looks I get are from a different nature,” Landon explained then gave her a genuine smile. This wasn’t the smile of flirty Landon. It was a glimpse of the man behind all the many masks he effortlessly donned. Oddly, Violet was attracted to him. “You’re mateless and no-Alpha command works on you because your wolf is dormant. I am certainly not the first, nor the last person to put two and two together. When they finally stop ogling you, they’ll think about it too. You can’t hide long in plain sight. You need protection.” Landon whispered, twisting her hair around his index finger.

He definitely knew more than he led on. Violet didn’t know what she did not like more – him getting to the truth or her not being able to hide it long from him. She definitely didn’t like how her body was melting at his touch, betraying the independent woman she had tried so hard to become.

“I’m not interested in a mate,” Violet snapped, pulling her hair away from his reach.

“Did he die or reject you?”

“Does it matter?”

“Sure, it does. It’s the difference between knowing love and despair,” Landon continued. “Regardless, someone will always want to know what secrets reside in your head. They’ve already tried Creed once, what makes you think they won’t escalate from here on now. Jack and I may disagree in the execution, but the fact remains the same. You need someone to watch your six. That is only provided you want to live long enough to stick it up to your mate.”

“How….,” Violet started but something lodged in her throat and she couldn’t get the words out.

“It takes one to know one,” Landon softly replied, confirming her suspicion – he wasn’t mateless by choice.

“What’s in it for you?”

“You called me dangerous, and I am. I live for the challenge, and the adrenaline rush. I know those are selfish reasons compared to yours. But they work for me. I am not going to make their lives easy and just lay down to die. Where’s the fun in that?” Landon asked her.

“You’re crazy,” Violet concluded.

“Sanity is overrated these days,” Landon told her, his eyes sparkling with playfulness. “The way I see it, you need some help to finish off all the wonderful things you have planned. So let me help you.”

“Admitting you’re adrenaline-junkie doesn’t exactly breathe in confidence in your application,” Violet started.

“It sure doesn’t,” he interrupted her, shrugging. “But it reeks of honesty, and in the end of the day you call someone like me to get the job done because I’m a damn good Fixer. Please take no offense, but you can’t afford me. Yet you’re a firecracker, and I like that. So I am offering you barter. Help me take Creed off the market. In return, you will have my loyalty, first and foremost. I’ll even find who Creeded you, punish them accordingly, and throw in a bonus favor or two. Besides it’s going to be fun.”

“Confidentiality…” Violet started, but her mind wondered about the bonus flavor, or two. Her mind wondered down a very slippery path. His constant playfulness was not helping it either.

“I can be as discreet as a church mouse,” Landon finished.

Somehow Violet doubted it. Landon had too much of an intimidating presence to simply fade in the background. He was by far the most intriguing conservationist tonight. Jack was not going to let her leave the club without a bodyguard so she might as well choose someone who could make staying alive fun again. If Jacob said he was the ultimate fixer, then his physical capabilities were not an issue. What stopped her from accepting his offer was not him, but the fact she did not trust herself around him. He had too much charm and swagger to sweep her off her feet, without even trying.

“I would never ask you to betray your client’s trust. I know how to keep my mouth shut, or else nobody would trust me to clean up their mess or problems.” Landon made his case reaching out to path her forearm.

She nodded, having no doubt he could keep his mouth shut. His hands – not so much. Surprisingly she didn’t mind the idea at all.

“I need to tag along with you and an introduction or two.”

She liked his honesty. It was refreshing to meet a male who did not waste her time in convoluted scheming. He needed introductions and he was confident enough to ask for it. He could have easily continued to use his charm to sway her mind, yet he chose the truth. It was nice and on that account alone she was inclined to agree with his proposal.

“I don’t really go to their events much… if ever.” Violet admitted.

“That’s simply because you never had the right company,” Landon grinned brightly at her.

She had to admit, she loved his attitude. Although she did not believe one person could solve all of her problems and social awkwardness, she liked the idea of having someone to go out with. Caleb had been the ultimate girlfriend, but as unmated gay wolf, he was often getting lucky and leaving Violet on her own. At least Landon would make sure nobody put things in her drink.

“I don’t believe it is that easy, but I can compromise. You get to pick three events per month. Anything else, I can veto. So choose wisely,” Violet negotiated.

“Deal. Then I have final say in regards to your security. I have to keep you alive long enough to complete my task now, don’t I?” Landon replied and Violet nodded her agreement, “Good. If I could figure what you do in Velvet in under twenty-four hours, others can too. Your knowledge makes you a target, and if they can’t coerce you to share, they can always torture you.” Landon’s words sobered her up.

“You have to work on your bedside manner,” Violet told him.

“I don’t sugarcoat things, nor do I do the handholding you, therapists, consider essential. I will tell you things like they are, and tell you what to do for your security, and expect you to follow my lead.” Landon told her.

“Just like you don’t sleep over?” Violet teased him.

“You got me,” Landon laughed. “I like your spirit. That sass you possess, reminds me of me, and I am pretty amazing.”

“Right,” Violet said stretching the word to show her disbelief.

“I’m glad you agree. So let’s make it official?” Landon ignored her remarked.

“Don’t you have important, well paid gigs lined up for before you to want to be my glorified babysitter?” Violet asked him.

“I do. When you achieve a certain point in your life, you become more appreciative of your time on this Earth and the ways you spent it.” Landon explained..

“It just happens you want to spend it with me out of all million and a half she wolves?” Violet questioned him again.

“Yes.”

“Just yes?”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. The movement focused Violet’s attention to his long eyelashes that almost reached his high cheekbones. Darn it, fate really had a vendetta against her, if he got to have those lavish ones, and all she ever got was a sparse set that despite advanced cosmetics could not still transform into average, much less lush as his.

Luckily, her staring could be interpreted as glaring. She told herself his physical appearance did not matter. But it did in a way.

Never again, Violet vowed to herself.

“I already told you my reasons. They haven’t changed just because you don’t like them. Now do we have a deal or not?” Landon asked, offering his hand for a handshake.

“Deal,” Violet slipped her hand in his and after a tight handshake. She could almost swear he brushed his thumb caressing the back of her hand, before he quickly pulled his hand out. She reluctantly let him go.

Landon took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Then he tugged the bottom of his T-shirt and before she knew it, he pulled it over his head.

“Seriously?” She asked him trying to keep her eyes on his face. Violet knew she would be not only staring but drooling if her eyes moved lower than his wide shoulders.

“When in Rome…” Landon started then quickly teased her. “Besides you can admit it. You secretly wondered.”

“Yeah, right,” Violet pretended to be sarcastic, while in fact she was embarrassed he had again read her mind.

“Now will you tell them I got the job, or should I?” Landon asked, thumbs pointing at the approaching group.

Violet sighed, dreading that conversation.