Tennessee Whiskey and Sapphire Dreams Chapter 1

Diablo James stood behind the mahogany bar as he wiped off glasses. He sighed to himself as his friend; Kobe Morgan worked on his account books. He needed a new bartender but most people did not want to work for him, because his customers were not country music singers as in most bars, but motorcycle gangs, and thugs. Diablo was not a criminal nor allowed any criminal activity in his bar, but he has a friend from childhood days that is the leader of a motorcycle gang, and he wanted a bar just for motorcycle gangs. Diablo came up with the idea of Tennessee Whiskey. It was a bar with a rustic country atmosphere where the gangs could meet. They could get to know one another, drink one another under the table, or play pool. They were getting close to time to open, and he did not want to work behind the bar, he wanted to visit his friend, and mingle with his customers like he always did at night. He made sure they were not to intoxicated to drive; if they were he called them a cab and sent them home. He pulled his shoulder length dark chestnut hair back with a leather string. He wore a tight white shirt advertising his bar; a pair of denim jeans encased his muscular torso. He had women fanning themselves over him all the time, but he paid them no attention. Because he was not interested in one night stands. 1

                                                                        Sapphire McKay stared at the help wanted sign in the window. She did not really want to work in a bar, but she was desperate, she needed a job. She had left Dallas, Texas when her father decided it was time for her to settle down and marry. He had the perfect man picked out for her, Barry Davis. She had packed a suitcase, drained her bank account, and left like a thief in the night. She drove to Nashville Tennessee in hopes of making her dream come true, but she was almost out of money, and could not even get a job singing. She sighed, brushing her waist length fiery red hair back out of her eyes and decided it was now or never. She pushed open the doors, walking inside the bar. It was located just three blocks from her small apartment in the poor side of Nashville, but it did not bother her. She was brave, or so that was what her five sisters always told her.2

“ May I help you?’ the deep masculine voice asked her as she looked around the bar. It had an antique rustic look with many Native American artifacts in it. A little dusty, and in need of a good cleaning.3

“ The name is Sapphire McKay, and I am here to apply for the job.” She told the man wiping the beer mugs down. 4

“ Look” Diablo drawled setting the mug down, and laying down the towel before walking out from behind the bar. “ This is not a job for a woman. The only customers I have are Motorcycle gangs, outlaws, and minor criminals. I do not think some one of your stature would like to work in a place like this.” 5

“ Please do not do my thinking for me.” She sparked walking closer to him. “ I am in need of a job, if I don’t have a job I can not pay the bills. I do not want to run back home to Dallas Texas with my tail tucked between my legs proving that I can not make it without daddy’s help.”6

“ Hell bent on succeeding that you would lower yourself to work in a place like this.” Diablo stated the fact as he sat on a barstool in front of her with his legs spread apart.7

“ It seems to me” She fired back letting her temper get the best of her as she walked closer to him. “ That you are judging me because I am petite, but let me assure you I can take care of myself to work in any place.”8

Diablo smirked as he grasped her hand and pulled her against his hard body, holding one arm around her tightly. He kissed her. He found her lips and then found himself flat on his back on the floor, where she had thrown him. Kobe chuckled at the sight of the great Diablo being thrown by a tiny woman.9

Sapphire stood over him with a smirk on her face, but could still feel his erotic lips on hers. She held out her hand offering to help him up, Diablo grabbed her hand and stood up. She watched him dust off the seat of his tight jeans. “ That cowboy is the way I handle the unwanted advances.”10

Diablo swore, as he looked her over from the top of her fiery red head to the small petite build that aroused him to no ends. “ Let us see what you can do, the name is Diablo James, not cowboy.”11

Sapphire walked behind the bar prepared for the hardest drink he could think of.12

“ How about sex on the beach?” He asked her going to stand beside Kobe.13

“ No, to gritty. It is best on a table, then you can use whip cream and chocolate syrup.”14

Diego stared at her, but her words made him imagine her nude body on his kitchen table as he lathered her with whip cream.  “ Just make the drink”15

“ Here you go, cowboy.” Sapphire drawled as she handed him the powerful mix drink.16

Diablo tasted it and could not find a fault with it. “ You’re hired. Six days a week, off on Sunday,17

Be here at five thirty to start getting ready for the night.”18

She smiled at him. “ Thank you, Diablo.”19

“ In my office, Red, we will fill out your paperwork.” Diablo stated as Kobe grinned at him.20

Sapphire followed him into his office, and watched his nice backside. He definitely would be in her dreams.21

He closed the door as soon as they were both inside. “ I just need to fill out the paperwork for your taxes, and social security. I may have criminals for the customers, but I like to do things honestly.”22

“ I would rather not fill them out. I need a job, but I know my father is looking for me, and I would rather not let him know where I am, because I can tell you he will be watching my social security number to find out where I am working.” Sapphire told him truthfully as she sat in a chair in front of his desk.23

“ Just tell me one good reason I should not file your number besides the fact that your father is looking for you.” He groaned as he sat on his desk in front of her. “ Please tell me you’re at least twenty one”24

“ Twenty two actually. I left home because my father had an arranged marriage set up for me with the son of his banker friend. I told him I would not be involved in a arranged marriage an argument occured so I left, and I do not want to be found.” She told him stubbornly.25

“ I do not usually work this way but I will give you a month, and then I will get the necessary information.” He stated as he stood up, and she knew she wanted him to be her first, last and only.26

“ Okay, one month maybe by that time, I can find a husband.” She said humorously as she stood to her feet. She was glad she wore a pair of jeans, and a tee shirt since she got the job.27

“ Not in here you won’t find no one unless you like it rough.” He moved closer to her intending to walk past her.28

“ No, not rough just passionate, and spontaneous.” She smirked. She had the desire to run her hand over his hard chest. He had bronzed skin that made his brown eyes glow.29

He stopped in mid stride to look at her, and then she made the wrong move. She swatted his backside. He growled then pulled her up hard against him as he took her lips ravaging her mouth. She returned his kiss with equal passion. He ended the kiss, and walk towards the door.30

“ Sorry” he told her “ I am not looking for a wife; but if you ever decide you would like to lather me with whip cream then let me know, I could use a lover.” He spoke bluntly as he walked out the door.31

Sapphire just wanted love, and obviously, he could not give that to her, so she might as well make sure there were no more kisses that are mind-blowing. She left the room to find him deep in conversation with his friend. Sapphire sighed as she went to work.32

Kobe Morgan followed Diablo’s line of vision to Sapphire’s sexy derriere. He knew this woman was going to drive Diablo insane with lust. He lowered his glasses. “ So old friend what do you think of your new employee.”33

“ She will last until Thor shows up, and then she will quit.”34

Kobe smirked and decided to see how far Diablo would go with this new idea. “ A hundred bucks says she does not quit, but stays on.” Diablo stared at his best friend. “ You’re on, and when she quits I will buy the entire bar a round of drinks.”35

“ She is sure getting a rise from you. She didn’t hurt your pride when she threw you did she?”36

Kobe teased his dearest friend. Diablo laughed “ No my friend she is in search for a husband.”37

Sapphire worked on getting ready for the night when the band showed up. She watched them set up their music equipment and wished that she was going to be singing with them, but instead she would be behind the bar. She knew Diablo thought she was naive, and maybe she was, but she just could not stay and marry someone she did not even desire. Not even for the size of his bank account, or the loan, the bank would give her father. She wanted Diablo to be her first though, and she may have to take him up on his offer, but could she give herself to him without marriage. She was so deep in thought that she never even heard him walk up behind her.38

“ It is time to open.” He told her then walked away as the first of the customers started walking inside and ordering. She noticed there were no waitresses, which meant she would probably have to take some drinks to the tables herself.39

Sapphire stood rooted to the spot serving up drinks, when the man that had been there all afternoon came up in front of her.40

“ I am Kobe Morgan, I am Diablos friend.” He stated leaning towards her. “ Listen I would like a beer, but I have something to tell. Do not get mad get even.” 41

She gave him his beer. “ What would that be, Kobe?” She asked knowing she would not like the answer. “ Diablo and I have a wager, and I want to make sure I win.” He smirked and she liked him right away. “ What is it for?” She questioned as she gave another man a beer. “ He thinks you are going to quit before the night is over, and I say no you will not.”42

She swore “ You will keep your money.”43

“ Hitting on my new bartender, Kobe?” Diablo asked as he came to stand beside her.44

“No, cowboy.” Sapphire laughed “ He was warning me that you are the devil to work for, and that when you get drunk you have more arms than an octopus.” Diablo chuckled then swatted her backside making her jump. “ I owed you one.” He grinned as he walked away leaving her fuming.45

Kobe walked back to his chair, and knew Diablo had it bad. Everyone heard the roar of the motorcycles, and knew who was coming. Diablo started towards the door.46

The door swung open, and a large bald muscular man walked inside, tattoos covered his arms, and he wore a black leather vest over a white tank top with black leather chaps over his jeans. He was not fat, just all muscles.47

“ Who is the new broad?” The man looked at Diablo “ The name is Sapphire” She spoke before Diablo could answer. “ Is that how you categorize all women as broads.”48

“ Broads, Whores, and Saints.” He spoke sitting on the barstool in front of her as he gave her the once over.49

She handed him a beer, and smiled. “ You may think I am naive but what is the difference.” He laughed. “ A broad gives it up for free, a whore gets paid to give it up, and a saint never gives it up.” She mulled that over as Diablo ask her for a beer. He wanted to ask her which category she would consider herself in. “ I guess that makes me a saint” She spoke as she handed him a beer. Thor laughed, making Sapphire laugh. He spoke “ The name is Thor and you have spirit.”50

He walked away with Diablo. She progressed through the night, and watched Kobe sitting with Thor and Diablo. They were all having a good time, and the band was good so she enjoyed herself until Diablo shouted for two more pitchers of beer. She filled them and then carried them to the table. The men took advantage of the fact that her hands were full and patted her backside, snickering as they did it. She sat the beer on the table; she stopped at Diablos chair, and told him. “ Spread your legs, cowboy.”51

Diablo spread his legs to see what she was going to do, and she stepped up on his chair. Sapphire looked around, placing her forefinger and thumb together she put them into her mouth, whistling loud enough that the band stopped playing, and the room became quiet. “ I would just like to say that this is my body, not yours to pat or pinch or rub on. I may be the only woman in here, but that does not give you the right to sample my body. How would you like it if I were your mother, sister, wife, or niece? Flirt with me, talk sexy to me, but keep your hands off, except you cowboy.” No one said a word and Diablo felt his jeans become too tight. Thor looked at her then offered her hand to help her down.52

“ You have fire, Little Red,” Thor told her as her feet hit the floor. “ If anyone messes with Little Red, They will answer to me.”  Diablo’s mouth hit the floor; he had never known Thor to ever let a woman get close to him.53

“ Just great” Diablo muttered to himself as he watched her walk away. Kobe held out his hand, and Diablo dug the money out of his pocket giving it to his friend. Thor watched the exchange arching his eyebrow in question. “ What is that all about?” He questioned Diablo.  Kobe filled their mugs with beer from the pitcher. “ Just a little bet that Diablo lost.” He gloated with a smirk making Diablo glare at him.54

“ We had a bet over how long Red would stay, and I lost.” Diablo muttered making Thor roar with laughter. “ The little saint getting to you?” Thor teased making Diablo grumble. “ No, she is not getting to me.” Diablo stood up and walked off from the table.55

“ Kobe, How about you and I make a little side bet?” Thor asked emptying his mug.56

“ What?” Kobe questioned laughing as he saw Diablo stand at the end of the bar watching Sapphire. “ I say in two weeks time Diablo has that hot little filly underneath him” Thor spoke as he looked at the man. “ Nah, I give it one week. She has Diablo hotter than hell.” Kobe laughed as he noticed Diablo making his way slowly towards the woman. “ A hundred?” Thor offered making Kobe nod; he knew his friend and this was like taking candy from a baby.57

Diablo walked towards Sapphire. He watched her drop something, and saw her bend over at the waist to pick it up making her jeans become taut over her sexy backside. He groaned knowing she was teasing the hell out of him, he could feel the hardness between his thighs.58

Sapphire felt when Diablo walked up behind her. She knew he was unhappy with her, but he was making it hard for her also. She continued to work; she felt him come beside her.59

“ I hope your happy” he growled softly “ you just cost me a hundred dollars.” She turned to look at him. “ I am because you had such little faith in me.” She replied smugly. “ You think that just because I am a woman I would run when things got rough, but what you do not understand is that I would rather work here more than I would rather run home and marry a man my father picked out for me.” 60

She reached to a shelf below the bar to get a towel, not realizing he was standing so close. She grazed his hardness, and jumped as he groaned. “ I am sorry, I did not know that you were so close.”61

“ You do realize that you are making it hard for me not to take you to my home after work, and lay you down on my table, stripping your clothes off, and ravishing your young body.” He growled again as he backed away from her.62

“ I do realize I am making something hard.” She giggled as he blushed, turned around and left.63

Sapphire left the bar at closing time, and walked the three blocks to her small apartment. She had the feeling someone was watching her. She opened her door and walked inside, sighing because she was dead tired. Her feet ached but her body was in overdrive. She closed and locked the door. Sapphire noticed the blinking light on her answering machine. She walked to the telephone, and hit the button to play her messages.64

“ Sapphire, I will not tell daddy where you are. You know we do not speak any more. I am glad you are safe, if you need anything- let Bryant and I know. Bye.” She heard Diamond, her older sister say, and smiled. Her father had an arranged marriage set up for Diamond, but Diamond ran away and married Bryant whom her father never liked.65

“ Sapphire, we would like to plan a family get together, and maybe you and father can work things out about Barry Davis.” Another sister, Garnet spoke and she groaned at the thought. She had hoped Diamond would not have given her number to any of her other three sisters.66

“ I am coming to get you.” The male voice growled making her jump. “ You’re mine, and I will have you.”67

She played the tape repeatedly hoping to recognize the voice but she could not place the owner,68

Sapphire moved around her small apartment checking the locks on the windows and double checking the door. She made her a cup of coffee hoping to calm her nerves, setting on the couch, she thought about Diablo, and her heart beat faster. She could see the tall, powerful body. The long chestnut locks that she would love to run her fingers through. She could imagine laying his nude strong body on her table, drizzling a trail of chocolate syrup, and whip cream down his long arousing body. She shook her head trying to dislodge the mental image as her telephone rang again. She let the answer machine pick it up not wanting to talk to anyone. “ Your mine, baby, I will have you.” The eerie voice made her shiver.69

The next morning Sapphire cleaned her home, and went grocery shopping. The two calls made her nervous, she kept looking over her shoulder. She got bored after her apartment was spotless so she cooked a roast with all the trimmings, carrots, potatoes and onions. She loaded the hot cooker in its carryall, put paper plates and the utensils with it, took the tape out of her answering machine and replaced it with a new one. She headed out the door walking the three blocks to the bar. She wore a pair of white jeans and a white tee shirt with Dale Earnhardt’s picture.70

Sapphire pushed the doors open with her elbow, making Diablo and Kobe look up from their conversation. “ Y’all hungry?” She asked as she sat the cooker on the bar. Diablo stared at her. She was definitely beautiful. “ I could use something to eat” He spoke as he walked towards her. “ What do we have?”71

“ Roast with potatoes, carrots and onions.” She took the items out of the carryall. “When you get a moment I would like to speak to you in my office, Sapphire.” Diablo told her softly.72

“ What are you doing here so early?” Kobe asked her as he came around to greet her. “ I was tired of sitting around the apartment, so I decided to cook some lunch for you.”73

“ I appreciate it, a home cooked meal. It sure beats carry out meals.” Kobe told her. “Your welcome. Let us get this over with Diablo so we can enjoy my meal. I slaved over a hot stove for you.”74

They walked into the room. Diablo closed the door behind them. “ Why in the hell did you not tell me you were walking home last night?” He yelled at her making her stare at him with disbelief. “ No I did not follow you home. Thor called me this morning threatening to whoop my tail for making you walk. He spotted you coming out the bar and when he realized that you were walking he decided to follow you to make sure you got home safe.”75

She sank in the chair as she handed him the tape. “ Listen to this and tell me if you can recognize the voice.” She told him. He went to his radio and placed it in the tape player. He listened to the tape, and when the chilling male voice came on, she saw him tense up. “ No I do not, how many times has this happened?” Sapphire looked at him. “ Just those two.” She stood up and started out the door. “ Thank you for listening I was hoping you might recognize the voice.” She walked out the door with Diablo hot on her heels. “ Look you are not safe where you live.” He stated loudly making Kobe look up from his plate.76

“ This is my problem.” Sapphire turned to look him in the eyes “ Not yours, so forget I mentioned it.” She started to walk away; Diablo grabbed her. “ You made it my problem when you let me hear that tape. I would not be a man if I did not try to protect you.”77

Sapphire shook her head. “ You are not my man so it is not your worry to protect me.”78

“ How about this idea then if you will not let me protect you.” Diablo sat on a barstool. “ I have an apartment over the bar I never use, unless Thor stays overnight. I will rent it to you, and you can cook us lunch. It is fully furnished. You can feel safer, and I will not worry when I go home at night.”79

“ I don’t know.” She stalled. Kobe interrupted. “ Please I do not get to many home cooked meals.” 80

Kobe knew something was wrong. “ What’s up?”81

“ Let’s just eat. I will think about it.” She laid out the plates and poured two beers.82

They ate in silence, and Sapphire thought about what Diablo had offered. The afternoon flew by and soon opening hour was upon them, she had still not made a decision, and Diablo was getting upset with her. She began to serve the patrons as Diablo kept his distance. The band was playing when he came up beside her. “ Have you decided?” he questioned her. She shook her head, making him growl. “ Are you stupid or do you get off by threatening telephone calls?”83

She glared at him. “ What do mean get off?”  He stared at her as Thor came in the door. She gave him a beer and he walked over to stand beside Kobe. “ I am sure you have been with a man before, you know a lot of sexy actions.” He leaned close to her making her temper rise. “ How would I know about getting off when I am a virgin, You idiot.” She screamed noticing the band had quit playing and the room had become quiet. Thor and Kobe chuckled when they noticed the crimson streaks on Diablo's face. 84

“ Thank you for embarrassing me. “ Sapphire said with tears in her eyes and fled to his office leaving him to serve drinks. She sat down behind his desk and dropped her head in her hands. She had not ever let anyone get to her the way Diablo had gotten to her. The door opened and she expected Diablo but Thor came walking inside carrying two beers.85

“ Little Red, I want to talk with you.” He spoke as he handed her a beer. She took a sip, and smiled wearily. “ I followed you home last night for one reason. You are a very sweet woman. I have always thought women were good for one thing, but when I met you last night. I knew you were different. Diablo told me about the tape and the offer that he made you. Is it so wrong for us to want to protect you? You maybe strong and spirited, honey but we know how drunks are. Hell I have been a drunk most of my life. I admire you for your honesty. Diablo did not mean to embarrass you. He is concerned for you. Take up his offer move in over the bar and let us make sure the jerk that is calling you does not get the chance to hurt you. My gang knows not to mess with you, but they will also protect you.”86

“ I will move in tomorrow.” She gave up the fight. “ I keep my phone number because my sister has it.” He nodded as he told her softly. “ You’re like a little sister to me, and I do not tell that to anyone.”87

He left the room, and she took another sip of her beer. She closed her eyes for a moment. She opened them to find Diablo in front of her. He knelt in front of her. “ I did not mean to embarrass you. I just wanted you to be aware that not all men are nice human beings.” She nodded unable to speak. “ We will help you move.” He kissed her softly letting his tongue dance with hers. The waltz of old. Sapphire wrapped her arms around him, and pulled him closer. He groaned as he pulled her out of the chair, and up against him, letting her feel his arousal. “ See what you do to me” He growled grabbing her hand, and placing it on his denim clad crotch. She felt his masculinity; he released her hand but she kept it in place stroking his maleness.  He pushed her away gently. “ This is not the time, nor the place.”88

Sapphire agreed and moved away walking to the door. “ Take me to my apartment tonight, so I can get some items, and I will stay in the apartment tonight.”89

“ No problem.” He stated as he tried to get himself under control.90

They returned to the bar, and Sapphire went back to work. They closed the bar down that night and Diablo took Sapphire to her apartment. She unlocked the door, and heard the telephone ringing. She let the answering machine pick it up, holding her breath; she was relieved to hear Diamond’s voice. She sat about getting some clothes, packing them in a suitcase. She went to the kitchen selecting some groceries out and putting them in a bag. She did the same with her cabinets. Diablo sat on her couch waiting for her to get her things together. “ I am ready.” Sapphire announced as she came in with her belongings. Diablo stood to his feet; helping her with the suitcase, and groceries. He carried them to the car as she locked up her apartment. She followed him to the car. Her eyes misted with tears; she felt like she had lost her freedom. Diablo pulled into the alley beside the bar, parking his car and cutting off the engine. “ I know you do not like this idea, Sapphire, but I do not like the idea of someone threatening you.” Diablo unbuckled his seatbelt, turning to face her as he took her hand in his.  “ Diablo, it is not that I do not appreciate the fact that you are helping me, but it took me two years to get out from under my father, and I do not want to get dependent on someone else.” He sighed running his long lean fingers through his hair. 91

“ I am just trying to keep you safe.” He kissed her and she moaned his name. When he released her he opened his door. “ Let me take you to see the apartment.”92

He led her through the bar, and up a small flight of stairs. He unlocked the door, turned and handed her the key. “ I hope you like it.” She looked around at the manly little apartment. “ You can put some feminine touches to it.” He replied tenderly, as he put his arm around her waist. She laid her head on his chest. “ It is not that bad.” He smiled down at her wanting her delectable body under him. He moved away. “ If you do not need me no longer. Goodnight, Sapphire.” He brushed his lips with hers. “ Goodnight Diablo, thank you for your kindness.”93

He started out the door when he looked over his shoulder; he saw the tears fall from Sapphire’s eyes. He had to have her under him tonight. He could not take any more. He closed the door, walked back to her; he swung her up in his arms making her gasp. He never spoke a word, just sought her lips with his. He released her long enough to take her jeans off her body, and took her panties off. She was not scared because she wanted him as bad as he desired her. He picked her up and walked towards the door; Her back was against the door as he plunged into her body with his hard aching tool. She cried out not from pain but from desire. He plunged into her body as he took her shirt yanking it from her chest, he released her breast from the lacy bra she was wearing and rolled the nipple in between his fingers. Her arms and legs were locked around him. “ I am sorry honey but I had to have you tonight.” She never replied just pulled his hair loose running her hand through the chestnut locks. He gave one last mighty shove inside her and then leaned into her, the door holding both of them up. “ I promise it will be better for you the next time.”94

“ I might learn to like this.” She leered at him, making him blush. He carried her to the couch letting her feet hit the floor, and she laid on the couch holding her arms open to him. He came to her. “ I want you again.” She murmured softly as she reached for him. “ Let us take a shower.” He spoke as he got to his feet pulling her up beside them.95

She moved around the kitchen putting up the groceries she brought with her, in her terrycloth robe. She boiled some water for an instant cup of coffee. Diablo moved up behind her as she stood at the sink wrapping his arms around her. He kissed her neck; slipping his hand inside her robe, he caressed her breast. She turned finding his mouth with hers, backing him to her table. She pushed him on the table, letting his nude body lay across it. He was a muscular specimen. His body had large strong shoulders, and chest then tapering to a slender waist trailing to rock hard thighs and legs. She went to the refrigerator, opening it and taking out a can of whip cream. He watched her actions and knew things were fixing to become a little sticky. She sprayed the white foam on his hardened nipples then squirted a white trail until she reached his male member, and squirted some on it. She sat the can down and leaned over flicking his nipples tasting the white sweetness with her tongue she followed the trail as Diablo laid back enjoying the feel of her tongue as she lapped up the whip cream. She tasted his arousal taking it in to her mouth cleaning it from the frothy cream. She had always wanted to do this, but never dreamed she would have such a gorgeous specimen lying on her table. Diablo had to taste her. He raised up, but never got that far. She let her robe fall and he watched as she climbed up on top of him straddling him as she took him deep inside her. “ Darling, I have to ride you.” She whispered as she rode him, hard and fast. He bucked with each stroke meeting her rhythm and pace. He clutched her waist, and knew he had found his soul mate. Sex had never been this good with anyone. He groaned as he felt the96

Volcanic fire raging through his body with each thrust, the burning was spinning him out of control, and he could not take any more as she took him deep inside one last time, and collapsed against him.97

“ Do you think next time we can use the bed?” he questioned making her giggle.98

“ Oh yes but now we need another shower.” She leered at him. He chuckled but ogled her body.99

“ Not quite yet.” He spoke as she moved letting him up. He picked her up setting her on the table as he picked up the whip cream.100

He had to taste her. He sprayed her voluptuous breasts; he leaned over capturing her hard rosebud nub in his mouth flicking it with his tongue, as he tasted the sweetness of her breasts and the whip cream. He left a trail down her body, and then licked his way to the fiery triangle between her thighs. She writhed under him. He tasted her with lust. His tongue stroking as his fingers caressed her. He kissed his way back up her body, his lips moving upon hers as he entered her womanhood filling her with his overly enhanced masculinity. She moaned his name and grasped his buttocks, rising up to meet his strokes. She had never knew it could be this good, and she had desired him so much since she had first laid eyes on him. He picked her up and carried her into the bathroom where they showered one more time, and then they walked to the bed. She pulled back the covers and climbed in beside Diablo. “ You do want me to spend the night?” He asked her softly, and she nodded as he gathered her in his arms.101

            The next morning, Kobe stood behind the bar wondering what was happening, because he had noticed Diablo’s car in the alley. He heard the door open. He watched Thor walk inside. The two men begin to make small talk.102

Sapphire stirred stretching her arms, she realized she was totally nude, and Diablo was snoring softly beside her. She slid from the bed gently, she found her suitcase, and found a pair of black jeans with the new black shirt for the bar with “ Tennessee Whiskey” on the front. She went to the kitchen. She made breakfast placing it on platters, because she knew Kobe would be downstairs. “ I hope you at least made me a cup of coffee.” Diablo spoke behind her making her turn. He was dressed only in his tight blue jeans that rode low on his hips. “ I have, Diablo” She moved handing him the steaming cup of coffee. He set it on the table capturing her lips with his. “ Good morning, my Sapphire,” “ Good morning, Diablo. Thank you for staying with me last night.” He smiled at her. “ I would not have missed it for the world.” He sat as she finished her cooking, “ We need to move the rest of your things, then you will have the rest of the day to unpack because we are closed on Sunday’s.” 103

“ I do not have that much left to move.” She begin to pick up the platters “ Help me carry this food downstairs.” He took the platters and headed for the door, forgetting his half state of dress until he heard Kobe, and Thor greeting Sapphire. He blushed when they stared at him. “Here is the rest of the food.” He sat it on the bar, and turned to go and get the glasses of tea she had made when he heard Thor ask her “ Did you get settled in good?” He groaned they would never let him live it down.104

“ Um, yes, Diablo tucked me in real good.” She giggled at the blank look on both of the men’s faces. “ Damn Diablo could not even wait a week.” Kobe chuckled to himself. Diablo heard as he sat the glasses again. “ What do you mean, Kobe?” He questioned his friend making Kobe blush. Diablo knew immediately that Kobe and Thor had a bet on his making out with Sapphire. He decided to have a little fun with them. “ Fire,” He spoke using his nickname for her. “ Yes, Diablo?” She walked to him, and he squeezed her hand behind the bar. “ Did you enjoy our chess game last night?” He winked when she looked at him in shock. She realized that he had a reason to cover up their night. “ Yes, and the game of monopoly was fun, too. It’s too bad you had to sleep on the lumpy sofa.”105

Kobe stared at them open mouthed. “ You mean you set up most of the night with a gorgeous woman, Diablo and you played monopoly?”106

Diablo chuckled at him. “ Hell no, Fire and I enjoyed banana splits with whip cream; lots of whip cream.”107

“ I am not believing this the one time I just knew I would win an easy bet with Thor. You eat banana splits and play monopoly.” He grumbled then told them of the bet, as he fixed his plate. “ So what happened to your shirt.”108

“ He lost it actually.” Sapphire said between bites. “ He ran out of money and could not pay me rent. I told him I liked his shirt, and he gave it to me for rent. I am wearing it now.” 109

They looked at the shirt she was wearing. They realized it was not the same shirt.110

Diablo laughed at Sapphire’s joke. “ Fire, should we put them out of their misery. Yes, I spent the night with her, and yes we made love, not that it is any of your business, but since both of you have lost the bet, maybe you will learn not to bet on our love life.”111

Sapphire stayed quiet, she had never dreamed that he would admit the night of passion with her as love. She loved him with every beat of her heart.112

Diablo left to get dressed after he ate, and Thor walked with him. Kobe left to take the rest of the dishes to the apartment, and Sapphire walked to the stage area where the band played. She sat on the barstool and picked up the guitar that was an extra. She stroked the strings softly, and delicately as she remembered one of the first love songs she had learned to play.” Help me make it through the night.” Sammi Smith was one of her favorite country singers. She did not realize that her voice carried until she finished the song, and heard the applause.113

Diablo stared at her, She had a beautiful voice, and he wondered why she was not singing some where instead of working at his bar. She put the guitar down with embarrassment. They left, and moved the rest of her things from her apartment. She talked to her landlord. The older woman understood. They left, and took her home. She sighed as she carried the last item in out of Kobe’s truck. Diablo walked back downstairs as she started to unpack. Life had been so easy before she had ever started working with Diablo.114

He had ignored her affectionately, and Sapphire felt like she was losing him, before she ever really had him. She placed the covers over her new light blue satin sheets, and flung herself down on it. She realized that he must have wanted a one-night stand; now she could be carrying the proof of his one night stand. She cried, her body shook softly with her sobs. She had left her family to find love instead of being stuck in a loveless marriage, and she goes crazy for the first man who pays her any attention, and shows some interest. Sapphire lay there wondering what to do with her life. Her father would find her sometime, and now she had a weirdo calling her.115

Diablo walked inside the apartment closing the door behind him. He looked for Sapphire, finding her lying across the bed. He desired her so much that he could feel the strain against the denim jeans he wore. He wanted her riding him again, and again, and again. He moved to the bed softly, lying down beside her. She never moved. Diablo heard the gentle sound of her breathing and knew that she was asleep. He kissed her eyelids making her moan softly. He left a trail of kisses down her face as she rolled over, and then started down her neck. He pushed the tee shirt up finding her without a bra. He kissed the ivory white mounds, and teased them. Sapphire woke with the most wonderful feeling. She felt the man beside her and whispered. “ You came to me.” 116

Diablo noticed the puffy eyelids, he moved back up her body, kissing her eyes, tasting the salt from her tears. “ Do not ever cry over me, I am just a holiday romance before you run back to your real life.” Diablo spoke scared that she would leave him. Everyone always left him, except for Thor and Kobe.117

“ This is my life.” Sapphire started to speak but he cut her words off with his kiss. He quickly stripped her, and himself then moved on top of her. Sapphire knew this would be the last time she held him in her arms, the last time she moaned his name in passion, the last time she would feel loved by anyone.118

She slept after he had made love to her, and he crept from the bed. He had to distance himself from her. He had to protect her.119

Sapphire woke the next morning, and knew that he had left the afternoon before when they had finished making love. She knew there would be no more. He would distance himself, and so would she.120

She moved around getting dressed and cooking lunch for them. She took it down stairs, placed it on the counter and then left the room. She called the Telephone Company to have her number transferred to the apartment, and decided to finish unpacking. She heard the phone ring, answering it on the second ring.121

“ Hello.” She spoke, and knew the caller.122

“ It is time for you to come home.” Brand McKay stated to her. “ The wedding is planned, and if you are not here, I will come and get you.”123

“ Father, I am of legal age to marry whom I want to, and you can not force me to marry Barry Davis. You might as well cancel the wedding, because I will not be there.” She shouted into the receiver.124

“ If I have to come after you. You will regret it daughter. I have a business deal arranged for when you marry. If this deal falls through because of your idealistic beliefs; I will disown you, and you will never see your mother or sisters again." He thundered into the telephone.125

“ No Father, You can not run my life for me. If mom and the girls let you run theirs that is their business, and if I never see them again then that will be on you.  The great, Brand McKay, who has never cared anything about his family, but the next business deal. If you hired someone to call me trying to scare me home, you can give him his final paycheck because it will not work.” Sapphire told him harshly. “ You have never loved any of us, and I will not allow you to ruin my life to help yours.”126

“ I have no daughter no longer by the name of Sapphire, I will make sure you regret ever crossing me.”127

She felt the tears stream her face, as she hung up the telephone. She never knew why her mother, Emerald allowed her father to mistreat them, but she did allow it. She sobbed in her hands, never hearing the man enter the room. “ I take it your father’s call was not a happy one.” Diablo stated as he stood at the door. She looked at him through tear dimmed eyes, and her anger erupted. “ What do you care, Your just a holiday romance for me.” She screamed tired of men hurting her. “ What does it matter if he has disowned me, because I will not marry Barry so his business deal can go through. Who cares if he threatened to come, get me and force me into marriage? Who really gives a damn if Sapphire McKay lives another day in this great world.” She stood up, and ran to the bathroom. She lost her lunch. She heaved and cried until she could not cry any longer. She washed her face as the ringing of her telephone. The answering machine kicked on, and she heard her father’s voice start to leave a message, but heard someone pick up the phone.128

“ Brand McKay, This is Diablo James.” He stated bluntly  “ I will advise you to leave Sapphire alone. She is marrying me, and I will not tolerate anyone hurting my future wife. She will be my bride Wednesday night. You and your family may attend the ceremony if you would like; otherwise quit calling to hurt her.” She heard him lay the receiver back into the cradle and knew when he went home tonight, she would leave again like a thief in the night, only this time she would be leaving her heart behind. 129

Sapphire walked out into the living room to find him sitting on the couch. “ We need to talk.” He spoke but she just stared in to space. He looked at her with concern. “ Fire, baby, it will be all right.”130

Diablo walked to her, taking her hand in his. He led her to the couch, sitting her down. “ We will be married, and everything will work itself out.” She was so cold, shivering not from the air, but something would not be right, nothing ever worked out for her. She was getting the husband she wanted, but not for the right reasons. He held her to him when the telephone started to ring. The answering machine came on to pick up the message. “ I am coming after you. You will be mine.” Diablo picked up the phone, but the line went dead.131

She never moved at all, she just continued to sat and stare into the great wide nothing. Diablo noticed the void look on her face.  “ Speak to me, Fire, do something. Yell, scream, curse whatever you want to do, but you are scaring me baby.” Diablo kneeled in front of her, and she never noticed. She had retreated inside herself. He looked into the blank eyes and wondered where she went? He hated to do it, but he had to. He slapped her cheek with his open palm. She jerked, and stared at him. “ Why in the hell did you do that?” She screamed as she rubbed her cheek. “You were in shock. I had to do something to bring you back.” He told her dryly. “ I guess you found you a husband after all.”132

Sapphire stared at him with disbelief. “ I am not marrying you, or anyone else.” She jumped to her feet and left the apartment with him dogging her steps. “ You are marrying me Wednesday night.” He screamed at her making Thor and Kobe jump up from their seats. “ I am not marrying you, I am not staying here and I quit.”133

“ You can’t quit because you were never legally hired.” He shouted as she started straightening chairs. “ I am leaving then, good day, this holiday romance is over.” She shouted stomping back up the stairs to the apartment. “ Like hell you are, Fire, damn if I knew that slapping you would have put you in this mood. I would have never done it.” He followed her. 134

Diablo found her with her suitcase and purse. She walked past him and started back to the bar.135

“ Well, If I knew that having sex with you would make you so damn possessive I would have slept with someone else.” She spoke in anger both of them forgetting about the two men at the bar.136

“Yea, if I had of known you were going to be such a basket case, I would have never slept with you in the first place.” 137

She stood at the door, and stared at him. Pain shone in her eyes. It killed him to know that he was the one to put it there. He started to speak when the door opened and Sapphire felt the gun at her head.138

“ Be very still” The familiar voice told her. “ Nobody better move or precious here will die.”139

Sapphire stared at Diablo; she could feel the fear in the room. “ I bet she is a hot little piece. I may just have to find out before I give her back to her old man.” The man rubbed her breast through the cotton shirt she wore. She was repulsed, and before she even had time to think he rubbed his hand between her legs. She looked at Diablo, and then became angry. She hip tossed the man but she heard the gun fire and felt the bullet. She fainted never seeing the three men charge at the man.140

Diablo felt his heart quit beating. He loved her, and now she was leaving him too. He gathered her in his arms as Kobe and Thor held the man down. Diablo took his cell phone out, calling the police and an ambulance. The rescue squad arrived and started work on Sapphire. She came to and moaned. “ My baby.”141

The paramedic sent a questioning look to Diablo. “ She might be pregnant.”142

They loaded her in the ambulance, heading straight to the hospital with Diablo right behind them.143