Page 6

A smooth voice broke out over the pounding music. I’d been so wrapped in my head I’d missed Tex getting up. This was why I hated being at the club. Everything about it was out of order and a constant reminder of how displaced I was.

“Now you have one. Consider it an invitation to come back.” I turned on my heels and headed for the door. I’d have one of my men watch over Tex for the time being. Leaving took priority.

A calloused, hot hand wrapped around my wrist. Heat traveled up from the point of contact and sent sparks along my flesh. The fine hairs on the nape of my neck stood to attention, kickstarting my flight or fight instinct.

I twisted around, rotating my hand and breaking the hold. I gathered both of Tex’s wrists in my hands as I slammed him against the wall next to the door.

“Don’t touch me.”

Tex’s eyes were far bluer than the picture had captured. Flecks of baby blue mixed with cobalt, making his eyes look more like a gorgeous piece of glass.

“But you can touch me?” He arched a brow, not pushing back on my hold, although I saw it in his face. He wanted to shove me away. The muscle in his jaw ticked along with the twitch in his hands.

I moved close, and my beard brushed along his smooth face. “I can do as I please. If that’s a problem, then I suggest you stay far away from me.”

He attempted to break my hold, and I pulled back just enough to twist him around and slam him against the wall. Tex was not only bigger than me in muscle, but he was also taller than me by a few inches.

I enjoyed taking people by surprise when they underestimated me. They saw the glasses, groomed facial hair, and the nerdish look that made hunting more fun. Someone like Tex was my ideal prey.

“Be good,” I whispered just loud enough for him to hear over the music. I applied pressure between his shoulder blades, and he winced. Tex went still, and his right hand started to tremble.

Oh.I moved my hand over and pressed hard. I wonder how much he can take.

Sweat beaded on the back of his neck as he tried again to pull away. I shook my head. I couldn't get carried away, especially not here. I reluctantly pulled my hand away and watched as his hand dropped. He reached for the arm that was clearly in pain.

The door was opened for me, and I walked out of the bar. The moment the October air hit me and a chill settled over my agitated flesh, I calmed down a bit more. My ears still thumped with the music annoying me to no end. I’d have to find a more pleasing sound to drown it out.

One of the men pulled my car up to the curb and handed me the keys.

“It’s not a problem,” Tex said, stopping me in my tracks.

I glanced at the rookie cop as he answered what I’d previously said. I can do as I please. If that’s a problem then I suggest you stay far away from me. His pupils were dilated, and the way he licked his lips gave me all the answers I needed.

“Get in.” I slipped behind the wheel, and only a second passed as Tex looked back at the club and ran over to my passenger side.

He opened it up and hopped in. His foot instantly bounced once he was in a confined space with me. Tex’s large hands rested over his crotch. The moment he realized where I was looking, he stopped hiding the evidence of his arousal.

“Don’t get scared now.”

Tex whipped his head toward me. “I’m not. Don’t be a disappointment.”

Something close to laughter tried to break free, but I swallowed it down. This one is going to be fun.

I started the car, and Tex put his seatbelt on. I watched his every move waiting for him to grab his badge or point out the fact he was a cop. I pushed my glasses up on my nose before dragging my gaze up to meet his eyes.

“Don’t ask.”

I cocked a single brow at him.

“I’m a grown man. Yes, I know what I’m doing. This face of mine may look soft, but I can handle more than you think.”

Did he think I’d let him slip away?He’d already walked into the cage with free will. There was no leaving, not till I set him free.

“Bold words. Hope you aren’t all talk.”

“Same.” Tex grinned at me, showing off his pearly whites.

Cute. It was like looking at a kitten. Teeth and claws, but in the end, nothing more than prey.