“Took a wad of cash from the guys at table eleven.”
“Gotcha. Where are you two headed?”
“A friend of mine wants me to meet her boyfriend, then we’re working,” Caroline replied.
Teddy’s eyebrows jumped to his forehead. “In those fancy duds? Go have fun. The insanity isn’t going anywhere.”
“He’s right,” Grey said.
“Take good care of my brother,” Teddy said to her.
“She’s been doin’ that for years.” Grey placed his hand on the small of her back and peered down at her. “You ready to show your frenemy who’s boss?”
“Frenemy?” Teddy asked. “I donotunderstand women.”
“It’s not our job to understand ‘em, brother,” Grey said. “It’s our job to love and protect them.”
In that moment, Caroline Austin fell in love with Greystone Santini.
GREYSTONE
On the rideto the club, Greystone fastened his hand around Caroline’s thigh. “For the next hour, we take a deep breath and chill. Then we work. Sound good?”
She kissed his cheek. “I don’t need to make Jennifer Leigh jealous. I just need my man.”
He locked eyes with her in the dimly-lit car. “You got me.”
Upon parking in the lot of the popular Arlington nightclub, Caroline texted her friend. Seconds later, her phone binged.
“They’re on the second floor,” she said.
They entered the Dungeon, the blaring music, and the smell of beer on tap and greasy bar food hijacking his senses.But it was the beautiful woman by his side who kept him grounded. He was doing this for her, but there were clear advantages for him. Beyond their physical connection, being with her felt familiar, yet new at the same time. Comforting, yet exciting.
He clasped her hand, led her through the crowded room where a sea of bodies swayed and bounced on the crowded dance floor. In the stairwell, he backed her against the wall at the base of the steps.
“I’ve been dyin’ to do this all night.” On a growl, he dipped down, kissed her, and his body roared to life.
She kissed him back and moaned into his mouth as he deepened their embrace. Being with her was what he wanted… what he needed.
When their kiss ended, he broke away. “Damn, you kiss me good.”
She shot him a smile. “We won’t stay long.”
He stole one more kiss before they made their way upstairs. On the second floor, the sultry music floated all around them. Here, the atmosphere was more chill, the vibe sexier, accentuated by the amber glow of dangling string lights. Tables filled the room while booths lined the walls. Though he appreciated this over the louder, chaotic first floor, he wasn’t interested in the strippers, especially when his dream girl was by his side.
“There she is,” Caroline said.
Greystone followed her gaze. Across the room, sitting alone at a four-top, was her friend. “What’s her name?”
“Jennifer Leigh. She goes by JL.”
Caroline pulled to a stop at the table and her friend glanced over, then couldn’t hide her surprise. She did a quick once-over of Caroline, rose, and hugged her.
“You made it,” JL said.
To Greystone’s surprise, JL’s smile was flat.
“Of course,” Caroline replied. “Do you remember Greyfrom my birthday party?” She swung her gaze to him. “This is JL.”
