She slowly sets down the green mixture in her lefthand as she takes the wine glass, glancing back and forth between me and the dipshit. “Thaaaanks…babe.”
Her eyebrows draw together, but she quickly relaxes when she eyes my suit from bottom to top, then finally rests on my eyes. Whatever she sees must put her at ease. Her hand lifts to adjust her hair, but I capture it in my own, bringing it to my lips and leaving a light kiss. I don’t know what’s gotten into me or why I feel the need to protect this woman, but at this point it’s the best thing that’s happened to me all day, so I’m going with it.
Dipshit tries to shove my shoulder to get back at her, but I take my glass and dump the whiskey all over his front, causing him to cuss and jump back. I haven’t taken my eyes off her, watching as the corner of her mouth lifts slightly, and I can’t help but smirk back. The guy starts yelling something at me, but I’m not listening. Instead I bend towards her ear, “If you want a ride home, I have a car service waiting out front. Driver’s name is Thomas. He will take you wherever you want to go.”
I watch as she seems to think about it, then she leans towards me. “And what if I want to stay?” Her voice makes me want to throw her over my shoulder and go home. Fuck the meeting.
What is wrong with me?I think it’s been too long since I’ve been with a woman.
I’m stunned for a moment, then I feel another shove on my shoulder, so I hold up a finger to the beautiful woman. I turn towards the smell of whiskey.The guy’s face is bright red like a tomato, his fists balled and ready to swing.
I stand my ground. It’s been a while since I’ve gotten in a fight, but I wouldn’t mind some free stress relief.
Ryder ruins my fun and comes up behind Dipshit, placing his hand roughly on the guy’s shoulder. The drunk idiot flinches and swings his balled hand towards Ryder.
Ryder catches his fist without even looking, a wicked smile stretching across his face as he looks down at the drunk. The idiot slowly lowers his arm when he realizes his eyes are at Ryder’s chest and he has to crane his neck to see him properly.
“I think you’re done here.” Ryder’s low tone promises violence if the man chooses to stay. Luckily, Dipshit shows some sense of self preservation and makes a run for the exit.
Ryder shrugs then glances between the woman and me. “Did you get Patty his drink?” When his eyes settle on me, I can tell this is going to end up being a bigger conversation later.Can’t wait.
“No, and I’d rather not work with that idiot if possible.”
The woman glances between us as we speak, slowly sipping the wine I handed her. I want to study every aspect of her, but unfortunately, I came here for business. Maybe she would wait for me.
Ryder throws his hands up in defeat. “I’ll try to find another option this week, but he might be thebest bet for this area. I’ll keep him happy and entertained until we know for sure.” He glances at her again with a curious look, but I make no move to introduce them since I have no idea what her name is. Ryder looks back and shrugs. “I’ll grab the drinks and head back over there. We better start the discussion soon before Patty ends up too drunk to sign anything.”
He makes his way to the bar holding out cash, and the bartender runs for him.
“Huh.” The lanky brunette watches him.
I look at Ryder, trying to figure out what she sees when I ask, “What?”
She shrugs. “I had no idea I had to wave my money at him like a stripper to get him to give me a drink.”
A laugh bubbles out of my mouth before I can stop it. “You hit up strip joints often then?”
Her lips turn up, and her eyes twinkle as she leans towards me, so I can hear her better. Her breath hits my ear, sending shivers down my spine. “Every night, well, except tonight obviously. I should have known better.” She smirks and sips the wine.
I hope she’s joking, but these days you never know. I gesture to her glass. “I hope red was the right choice. I couldn’t see what you were currently drinking to judge.”
“Red is great, actually.” She glances at the other glass she left on the bar. “That was full of bad decisions and I’ve made enough of those lately.”
I take in her words. “Sometimes bad decisions help usfeel alive.” She runs her fingers across her lips, and I can’t help but track the movement.
“Well, the night is young. Maybe I could make some more by the end.”
Her eyes bore through me to my soul, lighting me up from the inside out. The pulsing need to give her the world aches through me, but that’s not what everyone wants. I’ve learned that the hard way. But those deep brown eyes and long black lashes are making me forget…
CHAPTER 5
Alexandra
Flirtingwith this handsome man is helping me in ways I don’t think he could ever fully understand. Hell, I’m not sure I do. I just know I don’t feel guilty, and maybe that’s a bigger sign that my short relationship with Taylor was never meant to last.
His phone buzzes in his breast pocket, and when we look over to the VIP area, his business partner is waving wildly at him. I watch his shoulders drop before he gives me a sad smile. “I should probably get to my meeting. Maybe I can see you after if you choose to stay? If not, Thomas, my driver, will be out front. I don’t blame you if you decide to leave. I’d rather not be in Club X.” He pauses and his eyes travel the length of me. “Well, meeting you has turned my experience around.” He grazes his hand down my arm.
He looks back and groans, so I scan the area for Ash and Jaz, stopping dead when instead I see Taylor with theblonde. I reach out and grab suit guy’s arm on instinct, setting my glass on the bar, all but forgotten. I look back at him, we lock eyes and fuck is it intense, but I need to focus.
