My eyes drift to his tattoos before I can stop them, following the dark ink as it winds up his arms and disappears beneath his sleeves, leaving my imagination to do the rest.
I’ve never really understood the need for excessive tattoos. But the ink rests on his skin like it belongs there. Adding to his dangerous appeal.
Looking at him makes me feel inspired. Like he’s a dam that could burst at any moment. Flooding me. And maybe I’d end up dead or overwhelmed. But I’d very much like to know where it would lead.
Warning bells chime in my head but I ignore them. For once I don’t listen to my gut. I sidle up next to the stool he’s seated on, my body turned to face him despite the tension churning in its depth.
“Is there something on my face?” I ask the first logical question that pops into my head.
Especially since he hasn’t stopped staring.
His reply surprises me, “It’s a nice face,” he says with a shrug in a low, smooth voice.
Even that has an effect on me, sliding beneath my skin. A part of me hadn’t been expecting him to say something so flirty right out the gate. The man practically oozes danger. Which is made clear by the fact that Bryan hasn’t moved in five minutes. I’d been expecting something less refined from him, not a compliment.
Call it stereotypical, but I didn’t expect a man who looks like him to be gentlemanly.
When he stretches his hand towards me for a shake, I’m thrown off guard.
“I’m Rafaelle,” he introduces.
His eyes are devoid of any warmth, but the way his lips are pulled into a small smile is endearing enough that my guard lowers.
“Lily,” I reply blankly, telling him my stage name.
His eyebrows go up in disbelief, “What’s your actual name?” he questions, the tone of a man used to getting whatever he wants. It’s gruff and commanding.
I huff out an annoyed breath, surprised he called me out on it.
“Liliana,” I bite out.
My full name isn’t exactly a secret. It’s just easier to go by Lily. Anonymity is a song I lived and breathed by growing up. A lesson my mother drilled into my head. Although I’ve never really been sure why.
After I moved away from home, I became a little bit looser with exposing my identity. Whoever mama is running from, they haven’t caught up yet. Perhaps they’ve given up on the chase. Or maybe no one was ever chasing and she’s just paranoid.
“That’s better,” Rafaelle says, satisfied. “Take a seat, Liliana. Let me buy you a drink.”
“Actually, I’m supposed to be behind the bar,” I inform him. “It’s my job.”
I’m trying not to be too rattled by the conversation and his obvious interest in me. And God help me, I’m just as interested.
I usually stay far away from the patrons at this bar. It has to do with not shitting where you eat and all that bullshit.
But even I can admit, it would be almost impossible to stay away from a man like Rafaelle.
He shrugs, the movement smooth and easy before looking up at Bryan who is staring at me with a barely concealed worry in his eyes.
“He’ll handle it. Am I right?”
There’s an element of danger in his tone. And his eyes promise a lot of pain should Bryan refuse him. The air in the room grows slightly chiller as he stares down my co-worker. Who I immediately feel bad for. He shouldn’t have to be threatened into taking over my shift for me. And no matter how handsome or menacing this man is, he doesn’t get to call the shots.
“Actually, I’ll handle it. It’s my job after all,” I state.
His eyes narrow as they land on me. I fight the urge to turn around and bolt. Not because I’m scared but he’s so intense. I’m worried he’ll consume me with one look.
“Sit down, Liliana.”
My name sounds nice on his lips. He pronounces it in a sexy way, drawing out every syllable like each one counts in some way. His tone grates on my nerves though.
