Ever so gently, he tangled his fingers through the ends of my hair, as if he, too, was trying to do something to keep his nerves at bay. “I’m going to make you a deal, Joy.” His actions didn’t match his stern tone.
At that moment, Duke Hart reminded me of my father. Dad always had a way of being gentle with me before he scolded me.
“You tell me who that bald beast is, or I’ll give you your final paycheck tonight. We’ll part ways now.”
Fuck me. He sounded serious.
I didn’t know what to say or do. Cry, laugh, walk out, beg, kiss him? Whoa!
It didn’t seem as though crying would work on him. He was a hardened individual. I pictured him with a strong partner. Begging wouldn’t work. It would make me seem too weak, though men like Duke tortured their subjects into submission. Kissing him wouldn’t be appropriate, but it sure might be fun.
I was going to be true to who I really was. I thought about what Fallyn would do. I didn’t need to put on an act now that I’d decided on a course of action. I also couldn’t let him think he had me cornered.
“Then I guess I’ll take my paycheck and part ways.” I leaned forward, motioning for him to move so I could leave.
He didn’t budge, searching my face, those mahogany eyes sucking me in.
“Can I go?” My pulse shot through the roof. I was beating myself up inside, not only because I wanted to feel his lips on mine but because I was about to blow my assignment with nothing to show for it after one freaking week on the job.
He shook his head. “How much do you owe him?”
“Why do you care?” I touched the scruff on his jaw. “You gave me an ultimatum. That means you just fired me over something that is none of your business. I’m a good bartender. I do my job, and as much as I need the money, I won’t sell out my personal life for you or anyone.”
I barely had time to register his next movement when he cupped the sides of my face with a possessive grip and crashed his lips onto mine. The kiss was sudden and consuming, igniting a fierce desire within me.
His tongue explored my mouth, gentle yet demanding. I was lost in the moment, my body responding to his every movement. For a second, I forgot where we were, who we were supposed to be. Criminal and federal agent. Boss and employee.
His hands fell away from my cheeks, and he took a step back, his expression unreadable.
My heart raced, my breath coming in short gasps.
“I shouldn’t have done that,” he said, his voice brittle. “I’m sorry.”
“Am I fired or not?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t showing any sign that I was dying inside to have him kiss me again—or take me to his bed.
“No.” His fingers flew through his hair. “Tell me how much you owe him at least. You can borrow the money from me.”
You earned his respect. Or maybe he’s testing you. A man like him needs to see that. He needs to see how you tick. Let him do this. If you push too hard, he might send you packing.
“Two grand, but I’m paying you back.” I was cheering inside, relieved that I didn’t have to tuck my tail and tell my team I blew the ops gig.
“One more thing.” He closed the distance between us. “I want you to take self-defense classes. A guy like that is no match for you. I can protect you in the club, but once you leave here, you’re on your own.”
“Duke, I’m a big girl. I can handle myself.”
His lopsided grin tickled places that were soaking in lust. “My sister says that all the time.” He slid his hands along the sides of my thighs. “If you know how to fight, then you won’t mind showing me. That way I would feel better.”
“You won’t take no for an answer, will you?” The more time I spent with him, the better chance I had of gaining intel or—call me crazy—falling for him.
He touched my scar again as if he were fascinated with it. “No.”
I pushed out much-needed air from my lungs. “Fine. Tell me where and when. I’ll be glad to kick your ass.”
He laughed, the sound loose and dark, as he dragged his knuckles along my cheek. “We’ll see about that. Also, one thing you’ll learn about me, Joy, is I despise men who beat women.”
“Sounds to me like an asshole hurt a lady close to you. I don’t want to know,” I rushed out. “But I do want you to understand who I am. I don’t like ultimatums.”
“Clearly,” he volleyed back.
