Chapter Five

Samuel counted at least four women he could add to the list, but this one was something different. She intrigued him beyond any other person. The confidence that floats off her in waves, was something he's never seen before. She didn't fall at his feet like the others. Nor did she try to seduce him the very second they came in contact.

This was going to be an interesting hunt for sure.

Samuel decided to leave her be for a while and try to pursue the other woman. He stood tall with his head held high as she spotted his new target. Long smooth legs, round hips, and a small waist. The dress she wore let him know she was only here for show. Wanting every other woman to believe she had what it takes to look this good all the time.

He slid into the seat next to hers at the bar, ignoring her presence at first. "Let me get one of the specials." He ordered once he got the bartenders attention. He kept his eyes straight, now looking at the television that sat above the bar. Some car commercial was playing.

"So what, I look like shit or something?" The woman asked, seemingly offended at his lack of response to her.

Samuel casually looked in her direction with a neutral stare. "I apologize, I figured someone of your high caliber wouldn't take notice of anyone that wasn't on your level." He said smoothly. He always knew how to speak to a woman. Always knew how to get their attention without them even knowing what was going on.

All he had to do was spew out a few smooth lines and semi-treat her like shit and she would be putty in his hands. He saw it deep in her eyes, she sought out approval from everyone.

The smug smile she had said it all, it was working and she was interested.

"You can't come and sit next to a beautiful lady and not compliment her. It's rude." Samuel rolled his eyes mentally. The fact she thought she was that beautiful was another reason for her to be on his list. Arrogance only got you so far. Sadly for her, it'll be the death of her.

"My apologies. You look very nice tonight." He started. "No one would ever know you got that dress from the thrift store." He grabbed his drink and walked away from the bar. He counted the seconds until he heard her heels hitting the floor to follow behind him.

"Um excuse you, you jerk. My dress is not from a thrift store. This is a top-line fashion." He heard her trying to argue. He didn't say anything and kept walking until he got to a good spot, one that was less crowded and stopped.

"I had to get you alone somehow." He smiled down at her. "That guy at the end of the bar was eyeing you like you were meat." It was a lie, but she would believe anything he had to say right now.

She shot a glance back at the bar seeing a man looking in their general direction, nursing a beer.

"What a creep. Thank you for saving me. How can I repay you?" The seduction was on and she was trying to work every angle now.

"How about a name and a dance?" Sam offered, holding his hand out for her to take.

"Bridgette." She said with a smile placing her hand in his.

Samuel led her onto the dance floor, allowing their bodies to rub together to the beat of the music. Bridgette. He finally had a name he could physically write on his list. It would take some time to fully work her over. Yet tonight she seemed more than willing to go home with him. He would have to find another day. Today he wanted the mystery woman. She was giving him a challenge; one he doesn't plan on backing down from.

He scanned the darkroom and found her in the far corner surrounded my bloodthirsty men. She didn't seem frightened at all, in fact, she wore a triumphant smile. As if she found her prey, only waiting for the right moment to strike.

Who was this woman and what were her secrets?

After a few more songs Samuel grew tired of the charade and left Bridgette on the dance floor pulling another male in his spot. She didn't seem to notice nor care. He carefully made his way over to the mystery woman, needing to find out her name. It was driving him mad.

"Sorry fellas, she's with me." He said smoothly as he took her hand in his and pulled her away from the group.

Many gave him challenging looks, while the others just took their loss and walked away.

"Excuse me but I belong to no one." She said once they were alone.

"You are right, you belong to no one but yourself and that's what intrigue me." He answered truthfully. "So tell me, Miss Ruby. What's a woman of your stature doing in a sleaze bath like this?" He asked sweeping his hand out gesturing to the room full of half-drunk adults grinding on each other. Doing everything in their drunken will, except having sex on the dance floor.

"First of all my name isn't Ruby it's Melany." She fired off as fire burned behind her eyes. Snatching away from his grip she continued with her wrath. "How would you know where I belong? How do I know you aren't apart of this sleaze bath?" She continued.

Only realizing her mistake after it was too late. She gave him a name, and it wasn't one she intended to give willingly.

"You son of a bitch!" She hissed through gritted teeth. The triumphant smile he held on his lips fueled her anger and curiosity.

"Hello Melany, I'm Samuel. Finally a pleasure to meet you." He said smugly holding a hand out for her to shake.

"Go to hell." She seethed preparing to walk away.

"Sorry to disappoint darling, but I'm already there. If you come with me, I can show you just what kind of Hell I can raise." He shot a wink her way and walked towards the door. If he played it right, her curiosity would eat away and she'd follow.

Then again, he could be reading this woman all wrong. She was the first real challenge since he started this ordeal. Many of his conquests never took this much work. Everything was meticulous and precise. He knew how to bend them to his will without them even knowing. He was curious to see what this woman was capable of.