How much tequila had she enjoyed? He cocked his head to the side and studied her. What exactly was her enhancement? Sometimes humans surprised him. “Do you, ah, save souls?”
She grinned then, and it was like the sun appeared when he hadn’t realized he was sitting lost and alone in the dark. “Sounds like an admirable calling, but no. Sorry,” she said, folding her hands on the table. Her nails were long and unpainted. Strong with natural white tips.
He motioned for the blond waitress, and she hurried toward him, large breasts barely restrained by her tight shirt. “You want something?” she breathed.
He focused on the pixie. “Margarita?”
The woman nodded, her gaze remaining on his face. “Blended with salt.”
The waitress pouted but turned and swayed back to the bar.
“Logan.” He held out his hand.
“Mercy O’Malley.” She slid her small palm against his, and the shock of her touch almost made him growl. Electricity and enough heat to burn a forest. “Nice to meet you.” Her face registered no emotion.
Had she not just felt that jolt? That beyond-strange connection? He was never thrown off-balance, and he sure as shit didn’t like it.
He reclaimed his hand. The dossier he had on her was way too light, but he’d already known her name. He’d spent the day debating whether to cajole her from safety or just kidnap her. For some reason, he didn’t want to frighten somebody so delicate. “I did see you at the coffee shop, and I was definitely watching you tonight. But it’s a coincidence to find you at both places.” He tried to look harmless.
Both of her eyebrows now rose.
Harmless had never been his default setting. If she had half a brain, and it appeared that she did, she wouldn’t fall for his bullshit. He tried again. “Okay. I may have noticed the Paddy’s Bar logo on your coffee cup this morning.”
She frowned and then relief filtered across her sharp features. “Of course. I won the travel mug here last week during a trivia game.”
“I figured there’d be a chance to run into you here tonight and introduce myself. I haven’t been following you all day,” he said gently, lying his ass off.
“Oh, good.” She chuckled and leaned toward him just a little. “I wasn’t sure what to do if you had.”
Not approaching him would’ve been the smart move, but why tell her that? She was obviously innocent and trusting, which unfortunately suited his purposes just fine. But he wouldn’t let her get hurt. Ever. He felt attention and turned to see her two female friends looking their way. “You might want to let your friends know you’re okay,” he murmured.
“Oh.” She started and then turned, giving them a wave.
They nodded and settled back down to their drinks. At least she had a small amount of protection by having friends around. Not enough, though.
The waitress delivered the lime-green margarita and waited, sparkling eyes focused on Logan. “Can I get you anything else? Anything?”
A very quiet snort came from the woman across from Logan. He bit back a grin. “We’re good. Thanks.” The waitress moved away.
Mercy took a sip of her drink. “For a stalker, you’re cute.”
Nobody had ever called him cute. Not once in his life. He’d been oversized from day one, and he’d learned to fight and kill shortly thereafter. “Tell me about yourself, Mercy O’Malley.” Even her name was adorable. It was too bad he had to kidnap her. He took a drink of his beer.
She shrugged narrow shoulders. “Not much to tell. I’m the VP of Acquisitions for a private family trust. Pays the bills.”
Smart and humble. The woman was checking more boxes than he’d realized he had. “What do you do for fun?” He tried to keep his voice light, but it was getting late, and he had a job to do.
“This.” She swept her hand out to the still-boisterous patrons around the bar.
Her friends finished their drinks and stood, gesturing her toward the door. One female was a tall blonde and the other a shorter brunette, both wobbling a little.
Ah, shit. Now what?
Then she shook her head and motioned that she’d call them later. “We all live close, so they can walk home,” she said, focusing back on him. The friends left as if nothing was amiss.
Okay. Way too trusting and innocent. He couldn’t help but shake his head. While he didn’t have sisters, he had a mom, sisters-in-law, and a niece he’d die for. He’d already killed for them—more than once. “You probably shouldn’t remain by yourself in a bar with a guy you just met.” Yeah, he should just keep his damn mouth shut.
Her eyes lit up. “Aren’t you sweet? Don’t worry. I can take care of myself.” Her amusement filtered through the air between them.
