The Hunt

She stood before the full length mirror, her critical eye searching for any imperfection. Her hair had been brushed to a high sheen, falling down her back like waves of black silk. Her reflection stared back at her with smokey, sultry eyes. She pursed her ruby lips and surveyed her closet again.

A manicured hand ran down a flirty black dress and a sexy blue number that plunged nearly to her navel. Finally, she withdrew an ivory sheath which hugged her curves nicely. She slipped her feet into towering heels and fastened a glistening diamond around her neck.

Satisfied with her image at last, she set out. She moved with purpose, her gait a seductive prowl. She relished the stares when she entered the crowded room. The bass pounded as she made her way to the bar.

The bartender smiled knowingly in her direction. Without being asked, he set a shot glass on the bar as she approached. She knocked it back, barely breaking stride. From her vantage point in the center of the dance floor, she had an excellent view of the place and everyone in it. While she rolled her hips and swayed to the music, she continued her hunt.

There!

Her mark was a reasonably handsome man, seated alone at the end of the bar. She wouldn't take the time to learn his name or why he was there alone. Such details were irrelevant anyway...

(His name was Kevin and his girlfriend had just left him. Despite being on deadline, he thought it was the perfect time to drown his sorrows in a bottle of tequila.) Kevin couldn't believe his luck when he noticed the most beautiful woman in the room staring at him. He gave her a shy smile and quickly looked away.

When he looked up, she was making her way toward him. Her arm brushed against his as she leaned over the bar to catch the bartender's attention. Kevin didn't notice as her eyes connected with the bartender's or how the bartender nodded in approval when her gaze slid back over to Kevin. The bartender pulled a bottle from the top shelf, pouring them each an extra large shot.

Kevin stared at the liquid, lime green and sparkling in the neon lights. He watched as the mysterious woman - Kristen, the bartender had called her - knocked back her drink. Kevin sipped at his tentatively, trying to discern the mystery drink.

Kristen sidled closer as he drank. She snaked her arms around Kevin's neck, smelling of rose and citrus. Her face inched closer to his. They were so close, he could almost taste the crimson lips looming before him. As she pressed her body against his, the fragrant floral bouquet of her perfume enveloped him. That was the last thing Kevin remembered before his world went black...