The scent of cigarette smoke nearly asphyxiated Natalie as she stepped into the pool hall separated from the downtown by faux red brick and a solid black door. Making her way inside, she was met with the eyes of dozens of lustful men and women looking at her innocence as a challenge. It was clear by the flickering unsteadiness of her gaze as well as the fidgeting of her fingertips that she was not only uneasy but nervous. But it was not for the eyes falling to her with curiosity and their own wicked intent; it was to see Asher after their last encounter.
But as she attempted to scan the area of the hall, observing only 30 somethings all glancing to her with intrigue, she turned to leave prior to hearing her voice summoned by a familiar tone. It was not one she had known herself, but an a
