Like I said. You won’t like it.
Me:
I bet I will.
Another long pause. A million jumping dots. I close one eye, trying to focus, to shrink them back to their rightful number.
“That you, Gracie?”
At the sound of my name, I look up. My instinct to bolt quickly fizzles when a face I recognize splits into a big grin. Slicked-back shoulder-length dark blond hair, blue eyes, killer smile. And like most of the Sinners, tall, muscular, and a bit rough around the edges.
Smiling, I pocket my phone. “Hey, Tex. What are you doing so far from the clubhouse on a Friday night?”
“Just doing a little”—his focus drags to a pretty blond girl slinking past us—“sightseeing.”
Thesightsbeing the flood of female tourists looking for that last hoorah before leaving town after the festival wraps up tomorrow.
“You better get after it, then.” I nod to the door. “Last call soon. Wouldn’t want to hold you up.”
With another one of his pretty smiles, he steps closer, eyes dropping to my tits. “Oh, I’d much rather be talking to you. Looked like you were having fun in there. Those hips were doing a lot of work.”
I snort. “Absolutely not happening.”
“Oh, come on. You’re hot. I’m hot.” He grasps my hip, and suddenly, I’m pressed between him and the cold brick of the building. “I’m a lot of fun. Let me put something exciting between your legs.”
I can’t help but bark out a laugh. What a line. I’d almost be impressed if I hadn’t heard those exact words from every biker I’ve crossed looking to get laid. Tex cocks his head, amusement sparking in his eyes.
“Very original,” I say. “I’m not getting on your bike either.”
“Why not? I’d give you a good ride. On the pavement and after,” he says with a wink.
With a hand pressed to his muscular chest, I push him back. He doesn’t resist, but that smile of his doesn’t fade either.
“We don’t have to tell him, you know. Graves. I can keep a secret.”
A snort escapes me without my permission. “You think that’s why I don’t want to fuck you? Because of my brother?”
He shrugs. “Isn’t it? I mean, look at me.” He lifts his shirt, revealing a tight washboard stomach covered in tattoos and those pretty lines of muscle disappearing into his pants.
The giggle that slips from my mouth is involuntary, but once it starts, I can’t push it back in. For a second, Tex actually looks offended.
I clear my throat, trying to suppress my laughter. “I appreciate the show, Magic Mike, but you’re not my type.”
Another easy laugh. “I’m everyone’s type.”
“Hard pass.”
Grinning, he throws his hand up in surrender. “All right, all right. Offer still stands, though, if you ever wanna take me for a spin.”
As he disappears through the door to the bar, I shout, “Don’t hold your breath.”
“You sure you don’t want to take him up on that?” a deep, irritated voice asks.
I jump and whirl around, finding Decker standing a few feet from me. Deep scowl, amber eyes narrowed, jaw tight.
“Jesus, Linc.” I slap a hand to my chest. “Where the hell did you come from? And how’d you find me?”
He motions to the wooden gate that exits onto the street. “I’m a cop, Grace. I know how to put two and two together. The two being your new friends. Bex and Kat only party at a few places in town, and you said you weren’t at the clubhouse.”
