“Fine. Tell me who you are.” His stare pinned me in place.
Swallowing, I didn’t take my eyes off him as I thought about my reply. I’d never had to explain myself to anyone. “Who are you, James?”
He shook his head, a small smile on his face, as he laughed softly. “I’m a protector.”
I cut him off. “Do you think I need protecting?”
“I don’t know,” he replied.
“I have four older brothers who have made it their life’s mission to make sure I’m protected. It’s the last thing I need in my life.”
“Can I finish?” he asked, taking a deep breath and tilting his head.
“Yes,” I said, gulping hard and searching for some moisture in my now parched mouth.
“As I was saying, I’m a natural protector. That’s why I joined the agency. I’m loyal to the core. I know what I want in life, and I never give up until I get it. There’s nothing better than a good chase. Once I have my mind set on something, I’ll stop at nothing to get what I want.”
“Am I your goal?” I asked, smirking and feeling a little playful.
“What if I said yes?” James asked, moving his face closer to mine.
“I’d say you better have a new game plan.”
“Are you a secret lesbian?” he teased, the corner of his mouth twitching.
“No! Fuck!” I hissed. “I mean, more power to anyone who loves vadge, but I’m all about cock, baby.”
He closed his eyes, his breath skidding across my face as he blew the air out of his lungs. “If you talk about cock one more time, I’m taking you upstairs and fucking you until you can’t scream anymore.”
“That sounds creepy.”
His chest shook as a laugh fell from his lips. “You have to be the most difficult female I have ever met.”
“Maybe I’m more woman than you can handle,” I purred, running my hand down his chest. Underneath my fingertips, I could feel his muscles flexing. I splayed my palm against his shirt, letting my hand rest against his rock-hard pec.
“Doll, I’m more man than you’ve ever had. That I can guarantee.”
The air between us crackled. Like it did in the movies. Sparks were probably visible to any guest milling around the bar area.
“Izzy,” Mia said, interrupting my moment with James.
I blinked slowly, looking over his shoulder and smiling at her. “Hey, Mia.”
“Who do we have here?” she asked, a grin on her face.
“Mia, this is Jimmy, Thomas’s friend.”
His eyes flashed before he turned to face her. “Mia, it’s nice to meet you. I’m James.” He held out his hand, waiting for her touch.
“James, I’m Mike’s girl.” She slid her hand into his palm, shaking it slowly.
“I’d say you’re more than a girl.” He pulled her hand to his mouth and placed a soft kiss on the top.
She laughed, her cheeks turning red. Did he have this effect on all women? “You know what I mean,” she said, batting her eyelashes.
Thank Christ Mike wasn’t here to see Mia blushing and flirting with Jimmy boy.
“Mike’s a very lucky man,” James replied, releasing her hand.
