He chuckles. “I don’t date. I fuck.” He waggles his brows, and I roll my eyes. “But I can pretend.”
What is it with made men being complete and utter sluts? I think the Italians and the Irish are more alike than they’d care to admit.
Finding two empty stools at a high table close to the bar, we settle down to enjoy our drinks. Conversation flows easily as we scan our surroundings. It’s busy up here too. All the booths at the back are occupied, and a heaving crowd throws shapes on the large dance floor. Beats thump through speakers from the DJ area downstairs.
It doesn’t take long for us to locate Liam. His crew of ten commandeers two large booths tucked into the corner. Girls have gravitated to the area like flies on shit, and the Irish are lapping up the attention. Buckets with beer, cider, and bottles of whiskey sit on the tables as servers work fast to remove empties and replace glasses.
“I’m going to go to the bathroom,” Owen says after taking a swig from his beer. “Look around like you’re bored. See if you can capture his eye.”
I nod, and he walks off. Licking my lips, I raise my glass to my mouth and toss my hair back as I subtly look around. I angle my body in the stool, sitting up straighter and ensuring he has a good view of my side profile.
I feel him watching me, but I don’t look over at first, casting my gaze around the room. Then I purposely turn in his direction, locking eyes. I dart my tongue out, wetting my lips, before I take a slow drink of my mojito. I look away and look back, deliberately fighting a smile and ensuring he sees it before I break eye contact again. We play this game for another few minutes, and I know I have his attention now. It’s an effort not to squirm at the way his gaze lingers on my chest, but I remind myself I’m just acting. My normal insecurities about my chest have to take a hike for this mission.
The blonde perched on his lap shoots daggers my way. Her big tits are practically shoved in his face as she attempts to reclaim his attention, but I already know she’s just someone he’s picked to screw. She doesn’t fit the profile, so she’s only a temporary distraction.
When Owen returns, I plaster a big smile on my face, giving him my full attention. “It worked,” he says, leaning in to kiss me.
“Like a charm,” I agree, grabbing the back of his head before he can pull away. Our lips collide in a firm kiss, and I angle my head and thrust my chest out as I wind my arms around his neck. Owen is a good kisser, and if this was a normal date, I’d probably screw him later.
“Wow. You’re really going for it,” he says a few minutes later, tugging on my earlobe with his teeth.
“Go big or go home is my motto tonight. I can’t afford to fuck this up.”
“Come on then.” His hands land on my hips as he helps me down from the stool. “By the way, you are fucking gorgeous. I should have said that already.”
“You don’t need to charm me, Owen, but I appreciate the compliment.”
“It’s no lie.” He smirks at Liam as we walk by his table, and I fake big doe eyes when I quickly look in his direction. Liam’s nostrils are flaring, and he’s gripping the edge of the table. I’d say we’ve definitely ignited his competitive spirit.
Owen and I put on the show of a lifetime on the dance floor. I’m conscious not to overdo it. Liam is looking for a lady, not a woman who gives it away to others on the regular, so it’s natural that I slap Owen’s hands away when he gets a bit too amorous.
“He’s watching us like a hawk, and he’s not happy,” Owen says, pulling me into his chest and squeezing my ass. “It’s time to force him to make a move. Are you ready?”
“Born ready,” I quip. I palm his face. “I was pretty nervous coming out tonight, but you’ve helped to put me at ease. Thank you.”
“I got to kiss a pretty girl, and hanging out with you was fun. Trust me when I say no thanks are necessary.” He presses a hard kiss to my mouth. “Maybe some time, when this is all over, we can go on a date for real.”
“I thought you didn’t date?” I lift a brow as we grind against one another, swaying to the music.
“I’d make an exception for you.”
A genuine smile spreads across my mouth. “Rain check then?”
“Yes please.” He moves his mouth to my ear. “He’s probably going to get me thrown out, but I can wait outside to ensure you make it home safely.”
I press my mouth to his ear as I shimmy my hips, conscious Liam is watching. “Don’t. He may want to escort me home, and I don’t want him trying anything with you if he sees you outside.”
“Are you sure?”
“One hundred percent.”
“Okay. Let’s do this.” He waggles his brows before turning me around so Liam is getting a front-row view. “I apologize in advance.” Owen’s left hand digs into my hip as he grinds against me from behind. He’s hard, and I’m a little turned on too. When he roughly grabs my boob with his free hand and fondles me in front of everyone, I don’t have to act when I stomp down hard on his foot and dig my elbow into his stomach. He releases me with an oomph as I let the full force of my anger through. I spin around and slam my palms into his chest, knowing Liam is on his way over here without having it confirmed.
“How dare you touch me without permission! I’m not some whore you can feel up in public. I’ve got more respect for myself. We’re done, and I never want to see you again.”
Heat warms me from behind, and all the fine hairs on the back of my neck lift.
“Let me handle this, miss,” a man with a deep voice says, and shivers skate over my skin. They’re not the good kind though. His voice exudes arrogance and possessiveness that isn’t even slightly attractive.
