Kiley Harbison backed away from the larger man, not an easy task in the crowd that packed around the bar of the Void. Music blared from the stage on the level below them, dance floor overflowing onto the upper terrace and making the bottom two levels of trendy nightclub a nightmare to move through. His only thought was to get away from the thick, muscular man advancing on him threateningly. He was Jacob Alexander, drummer for Sable Poison, one of the two bands competing for endorsement by Pathway Records. Hazel eyes were drawn sharply, glaring at Kiley with violent intent. He was the picture of a punk rocker, dressed completely in leather that shined enough to match his glistening black hair.
Kiley knew he looked frail beside the other man, his own scraggly black hair drawn back in a loose ponytail. Thin and scrawny, he had a perpetually startled look on his face. Wire-rim glasses framed sparkling eyes and the life of him was there, his emotions clearly reflected in blue depths that could hide nothing. He was dressed in casual business attire for that was the reason he was here. He’d been scouting Sable Poison and Poisoned Kitten for the past three weeks, on assignment from Pathway Records to pick one band as a candidate for a professional record deal. The point of contention between the two men lied in Kiley’s choice, Poisoned Kitten.
Kiley’s bad luck reasserted itself as he fell backwards suddenly, tripping over a stray foot from someone in the crowd. His landing was a bit softer and higher than he expected the floor to be but he had no time to think as Jacob’s fist moved towards him. Hands raised reflexively, Kiley turned away as he imagined the impact the solid drummer’s hand would make with his face. Seconds passed and the expected blow never came. Opening one eye slightly, he peeked behind his raised arms. Jacob’s fist was caught securely by another man’s grip in a hold Kiley could imagine was causing Jacob some pain.
"I’m sure you’re disagreement can be settled without raising your fists."
Kiley turned to stare at the man who spoke, silently appraising the handsome man behind him. If muscle matched muscle, Kiley was sure this man would win out over Jacob. Close cropped red hair crowned his head, and Kiley read gentleness in the hard green depth that were focused past him on Jacob. His stomach gave a slight leap at the sight of the man, the other’s rugged handsomeness nearly causing Kiley to drool. Averting his mind to the situation at hand he stared at Jacob.
"The company’s decision is final. Harming me will only worsen your position."
Jacob glared at the two men, pulling his hand away violently. Turning abruptly he stormed off to disappear into the crowd. Kiley stared after him, shaking inwardly from the encounter though he fought to keep his reaction from showing on his face.
"You can get off my lap at any time."
Blushing, Kiley realized the soft thing he’d landed on was the other man. Jumping up quickly he turned to face his savior, face redder than flame and most certain he would die from embarrassment at any moment.
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