I was staring at her. The tall, muscular woman pouring shots as I ate. Everyone had gone to bed but Jess and I. For me it was because I hardly drank. For Jess it was because she constantly drank.
Jess fell into the chair across from me with a tray. She threw back a shot and leaned against the table. Her lazy eyes were somehow still that of a lion. I stilled in my chair.
"Have some drinks with me."
"I think you've had enough."
"Afraid I can't protect you?"
"That's not what I meant."
She moved forward subtly. Her fingertips ran up my arm, goosebumps illuminating my inner thoughts.
"You're beautiful."
My breath hitched. Jess propped up her head with the apple of her palm. Her fingers ran down my wrist to hold my hand.
"Jess."
"Let me take care of you tonight."
The haze of her presence faded just enough for me to think. I swallowed. Her satisfied smile served to make me even more nervous.
"Not like this."
"What do you mean?"
"You're drunk."
