Bittersweet Dance of Love

Bittersweet Dance of Love Prologue

 However, she will not sit down at your table

In addition, I know that you cannot hold her hand

She won’t go home with you, cowboy

She is in love with a rodeo man

—Johnny Russell

As usual, the club was very busy that night, and Merlyn was working, as she had been doing every night since she turned eighteen. Her short, spiky hair with the purple and pink stripes, a characteristic of this tall and stunningly beautiful girl, sparkled joyously. 

    Uncle Sammy towered at the back of the bar counter, his old eyes not missing a single thing—especially where Merlyn was concerned. She flirted and smiled while moving swiftly between the few tables, bringing wishful smiles to many, night after night.

    Merwe van Greunen was hanging lazily against the bar counter, scrutinizing every single movement she made. His face was hard, and not a single emotion showed on it; only the longing in his blue-grey eyes was visible to Uncle Sammy. When he turned his back to all, ordering another drink, the mask fell over his eyes and his voice was nonchalant.

     “Place is busy tonight, Uncle. The universities will start again on Monday, and all will be quiet in this old town of ours.”

    Uncle Sammy gave him an affectionate smile. “When will your studies start again, Merwe?” Sammy liked the boy with his open eyes and a straightforward manner. He had grown up in front of him, the same as Merlyn.

    “I am leaving on Monday as well, Uncle. What is Merlyn going to do?” Merwe asked, turning slightly to the crowd who suddenly roared with laughter at his back. He stiffens and his breathing increase, showing his annoyance with everyone who are getting her attention.

    Merlyn darted away, moving to the counter. Her eyes caught Merwe’s, and slowly the smile faded. There were only those sparkling rare green eyes that held his like a band of steel.

    The moment felt like hours, but only seconds passed between them. His heart started racing. His love for this woman was unbearable to hold back, but he also knew that it was not him she wanted.

    It made him angry again and he wanted to lash out at her at once, but he only said with a civilized voice, “Evening, pixie.” His hand impulsively brushed her arm lightly.

    She gasped and blushed vividly before turning her attention to Uncle Sammy. “The same for table three, please, Uncle,” she said before she turned back to Merwe. Her gaze locked directly with him and they continued to look at each other. Her emerald eyes shine bright and reveal promises of love and affection alongside great pleasure that he only can dream of. Her luscious mouth fold into a shy smile though revealing any feelings from him. 

    “Hi Merwe. Almost time for you to go back to university again.”

    Her voice was strong and bright like the sun every morning, burning a path through his mind, settling warm and comfortably around his heart. The soft smell of roses reaches his nostrils and he inhaled sharply by the effect it has on his body. 

    Good grief! How is it possible to affect him in this way and between all the smoke and alcohol?

    “I am leaving on Monday,” he says and clear his throat. “What about you?” Merwe’s eyes settled on her wide mouth, which was vividly painted in purple. He wondered what purple lipstick would taste like and almost missed her reply.

    “Taking a gap year and working here at Uncle Sammy’s pub,” she replied, and she took the order from Uncle Sammy.

    He broodingly watched her doing her chores.

Merilyn felt jittery after the close contact with Merwe. Feel the hot burning sensation of his eyes following her every move. 

     How the simple brush of his fingers could unsettle her, irritates her and make her lost count of her surroundings. For her to survive as a waitress in this bar it is extremely important. To be alert and on the lookout for any drunken fool who wants more from her than just his drinks. This is an income for her and she have to do all she can to keep it going. Her nest egg is growing and she want it to be enough to go and study at the end of this year. 

    She sigh and balance the tray of drinks on her one hand before starting to hand them to the noisy drunk young men at table 3 when a hand grabs he on the arm, spilling the drinks all over the table.

            “Get a grip Jerry!” she shouted at him. Angry at herself for not concentrating and because of the mess all around them. She shoved at his arm but he seems confident to get her on his lap and pulled her with the other arm, laughing loudly at her discomfort.

            “Don’t be an i***t, Jerry!” She screeches but before she could do anything ells he was lifted from her by a strong arm, seeing Merwe and the anger on his face.

Merwe uttered a sigh and was preparing to leave the pub when he heard her angry voice and turned back with a start. Instantly he was next to her, pulling a drunken young fool to his feet. He flung him to the side, anger visible on his face.

    “Oh, come on, van Greunen,” he slurred. “She belongs to me tonight! I had her first; go get yourself a rich girl at varsity.” He laughed raucously before Merwe’s fist exploded against his jaw, leaving him lying motionless against the wall.

    Marilyn’s eyes were wide, first with shock and then with anger. She took Merwe’s arm and led him outside.

    Before she could say a word, he grabbed her hand and asked anxiously, “Are you okay, Merri? That prattling drunk will have a mother of a headache as well as a painful jaw in the morning. You are worth more than any of them could ever be.”

    “What do you know, Merwe? Maybe I am everybody’s next choice for the night! Why do you care, anyway? Go back to university and live your life like you are supposed to. I can look after myself as always. I do not need your help,” she angrily replied.

    She wanted to push him away, but Merwe’s anger rose like fire. He pulled her hard against his young body. While his hand moved through her short hair, he gripped tightly, pulling her head back and looking her squarely in the eyes. “

    Then you will not mind me taking a reward for my effort as well, Miss Brandos?” he replied harshly, taking her mouth angrily. His kiss was merciless, his mouth angry and demanding, while his tongue forced her lips apart and he kissed her as she had never been kissed before.

    Stunned by his brutal kiss, she tried to push him away but only found her arms sliding slowly around his neck. She sighed into his mouth and slowly but shyly reacted to his kiss.

    Her soft mouth and womanly sent intoxicated his senses, and a hoarse sound escaped from deep within his chest when she kissed him back. He had wanted to do this from the moment he saw her in high school. She tasted like he had always dreamed she would as their tongues collided in a dance of love. Merwe deepened the kiss when a rush of sensation strike through him, blotting out the anger he felt when his body weight pinned her against the wall.  He kissed her almost savagely, driving her head back against the wall and opening his mouth over hers without hesitation. Forcing his way into her sweet and spicy depths. His need for her was hard and intense against her soft body, and she leaned against him while her hands caressed his face and neck.

            At first, she wanted to fought him but instantly giving in and opened willingly, entwining her tongue with his into a pleasurable dance of exploration and need.

    Suddenly he pushed her away from him. Their breathing was fast and loud when their eyes met. Their nostrils flared wide. She too was trembling

    His voice was soft and harsh. “At least now you have something to compare them with, Merlyn.” He turned from her and walked to his car.

    Marilyn stood against the wall, frozen, stunned by his kiss, watching as he spun his car’s wheels angrily in an effort to get away from her as quickly as possible.