“Poked grumpy bear,” I huff out, glancing to the back of the bar for an escape. Of course, not one but two Stryker brothers are intent on ruining my night with their overbearing behavior.
Jagger strides across the bar and right up to me, the dark, deranged look in his eyes sending a chill over me instantly. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little scared of him right now. Also lying if I didn’t admit to the fact I’m also majorly turned on. “Out front now,” he growls, a no-shit tone in his voice.
I turn away from him. “Nope, I’m having a drink with my friends.”
“Come join us, Bro,” Asher calls to him.
Even though his brother is talking to him, I can feel the burn of Jagger’s eyes on me. I swallow the lump in my throat, kind of terrified to turn back to him. I catch sight of Becky, and she looks fascinated by the entire scene the guys are causing. Regret kicks in. Maybe I shouldn’t have been such a smartass when I was turning him down.
“Don’t keep me waiting,” he roars, his voice vibrating through me.
I glance at Ash and then the table of women who seem to find the grumpy asshole in front of me amusing. I don’t want to go anywhere with him right now, but I also don’t want to cause another scene in this place, and I already know Jagger isn’t the kind to back down when he wants something. “I’ll be back in a sec,” I tell the others.
Asher stands and helps me out of the booth. I don’t miss the way his eyes narrow on his brother. He might not be making a show of it, but he’s not happy with Jagger for stealing my attention. “Bring her back,” he warns him before pulling me in for a scorching kiss. When he eventually pulls back, I’m left with my heart in my throat and my head spinning. His lips twist up at the sides, all charming, as he squeezes my hand. “See you soon.”
I nod, not able to find words. I can’t glance back at the table because I don’t want to see their reaction to that. Asher is making it blatantly obvious that we are a thing. And I honestly don’t know what to make of it.
I accidentally lock eyes with Jagger and regret it immediately. He’s one scary motherfucker when he wants to be. He turns and strides back from the bar.
For a split second, I wonder if I should just make a run for it. I was just having fun, I don’t want him to sour my mood, but I’m also a glutton for punishment, and I’m kind of keen to see just how much I got under his skin by turning him down and what he’s going to do about it. I also need some air after that kiss.
I follow him through the front door, where I find him walking back, a bike helmet dangling from his tattooed fingers. “Put this on,” he demands as he shoves the helmet toward me.
I stare back at him, hands flying to my hips. “What? No, I’m not leaving here with you. I was making some new friends.”
“You have plenty of those already. Cruz, Ash, Sloane, and me.” He counts them out on his hand as if deciding four is enough. “You’re coming with me.” When I don’t take the helmet from his hands, he forces it onto my head.
I shove his chest. “Quit it. I know you’re pissed because I wouldn’t go into the private suite with you, but you don’t get to be all assholish about it.”
“Assholish?” His brow rises and his glare intensifies, his eyes running over my face in a way that sends goosebumps scattering over my skin. “Get on the bike before I pick you up and shove you on there.”
I cross my arms over my chest and plant my feet on the spot. “No!”
He takes a step closer to me, his eyes locking on mine again. “Stop being a brat.”
“Stop acting like my overbearing papa, it kills my libido,” I sass back. I can’t help it. He wants something from me, but instead of asking for it or talking to me like a normal person, he’s all bossy and aggressive about it. He needs to learn it’s not going to get him anywhere with me.
He sucks in a labored breath as if he’s trying to get his temper under control, and I’m pushing him to the brink. Well, good, I kind of hope I am. “You asked me for something tonight,” he says more quietly, his voice still holding the same edge.
I blink back at him, wondering where this is going.
He takes another step closer, closing the gap. Tension zaps between us, crazy and irrational but all-consuming. I can’t look away from him, can’t run. I crave being consumed by the insanity that is Jagger. “Demanded it of me. A proper date, no blindfold, or you won’tspend the night with me again. Those were your words, weren’t they?” His hand lands on my waist, and I jump. That makes him grin.
“What are you saying? You’re taking me on a date? It’s close to one am.”
His eyes light up, challenging me in the way they do. “You never said it had to be at a specific time.”
“I need to say goodbye to the girls and Ash.”
He leans in a little closer, his scent overwhelming me because it takes me right back to our time together in the VIP room. And that was hot, my greedy pussy is craving it again. “You need to get on that bike before I change my mind, flower.”
Fuck. My insides turn to liquid. I can’t be this close to him, his bossy-as-all-hell voice directing me. I just give in. I blink up at him, unable to move or do anything else.
“Five,” he counts.
“What are you doing?” I gasp, a thrill of fear and excitement racing through me.
“Four.” A psychotic grin spreads across his face.
