I swear the room heats up by ten degrees as I drink in the most attractive man I’ve ever laid eyes on. Based on the controlled, predatory way he observes his surroundings, he may be one of the most dangerous too.
For a full three seconds, I forget how to breathe.
Chapter 2
Aurora
The man exuding danger sits alone at one corner of the bar, utterly still amid the chaos except for a single coin that dances between his long, nimble fingers. Back and forth, over and under. Thick brown hair with a hint of curl frames a harsh, angular face, like a sculptor carved his features from stone.
He doesn’t fit the lounge’s usual crowd. Everyone else is performative. Laughing too loud, trying too hard, aspiring to play the part of someone having the time of their lives. He simply exists, comfortable in his solitude, claiming the space around him without effort.
And damn, this huge man does take up a lot of space. Broad shoulders and chest. Long legs. Muscular build. Even sitting, he’s taller than most women. He must be well over six feet.
I prepare a tray full of drinks and carry them to the bachelor party. On my return trip to the bar, I think my heart ceases to beat.
His bright blue gaze pierces me as I approach, the coin continuously dancing between his fingers without him looking. Up close, I measure the breadth of his shoulders beneath a worn black leather jacket and the careful way he’s positionedhimself to monitor both exits. He tracks each newcomer before returning his attention to me.
Everything about this man screams “don’t fuck with me.” The kind of man my grandma always called bad news.
Then again, she said the same thing about wine. And everyone needs a good wine night once in a while.
“Your glass is almost empty.” I stop beside him. “Can I get you something else?”
He studies me, unhurried, a glimmer flaring in his otherwise chilly eyes as he finishes his meticulous perusal. Like a panther sizing up prey.
The corner of his mouth lifts in amusement. “Nice outfit.”
At those two little words, my skin overheats in both arousal and embarrassment. “Thanks. I decided to bring back a classic tonight. What do you think?” With one hand, I drop a little curtsy, remembering too late that I probably just offered him a VIP view straight down my dress.
The coin falters, then resumes its dance.
“No.” He shakes his head, eyes returning to mine. “You look good in it, but no. Maid doesn’t suit you.”
The comment catches me off guard. What does he see when he looks at me? A desperate waitress? A potential conquest? Worse?
I force a laugh. “Guess it’s a good thing I’m a cocktail waitress. Wearing the bachelor party special.” I gesture toward the rowdy group. “So, another drink?”
“Vodka soda.” Undertones of an Eastern European accent lace his low, guttural voice. “The good stuff you keep hidden under the bar.”
My mouth dries out when I imagine him using that throaty voice to whisper filthy words in my ear while we?—
No, Aurora. Do. Not. Go. There.
Doing my best to shake my lustful fantasies, I raise an eyebrow. “That’s an expensive order.” Is he trying to impress me, or is he really that serious about his vodka?
He doesn’t blink. “It is.”
A commotion from the bachelor party distracts me. One of the guys whistles before motioning me over.
I stiffen. “Apparently some people think I’m a dog,” I mutter before squaring my shoulders. “Sorry. I’ll be right back, and then I’ll get you that drink.”
His gaze slides to the rowdy group, then back to me, expression unreadable.
I get the sense this man’s not in the habit of waiting.
I scurry toward tonight’s VIP customers, cognizant of the man’s gaze burning a hole in my back. When I reach the bachelor party, they’re already digging into the mountainous platters of onion rings, burgers, and fries Rachel delivered.
I plaster on a cheerful smile. “How’s everything?”
