Page 18 of Full Throttle

I refused to believe I could feel that way.

Hannah came in, and I waved as she hurried to an empty stall. “Chase is getting fresh drinks,” she called.

“Great.”

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders. That was settled. One more drink and I was out of there.

Except, Dom was waiting, leaning against the wall at the far end, his arms crossed. He looked intense. Focused. Determined. Sexy.

I swallowed heavily. Really sexy.

Dammit.

Somehow, his looking like that made me angry. I needed him remote. Uncaring. Not staring at me like he was starving and I was grade A meat he wanted to devour.

I marched toward him, poking him in the chest. It was like thumping a brick. “Listen, Salvatore. I’m not interested.”

“No?” he drawled.

“No. Go away. Stop following me.”

“Maybe I’m not waiting for you.”

My anger turned to rage so bright, I felt the red of it tinge my eyesight.

“That was fast, wasn’t it?”

“But it’s what you expect, isn’t it, Cherry Gallagher? That you’ll say no, and I’ll move on and pick someone else.” He leaned down, his voice a rumble in my ear I felt all the way through my body. “Here’s the deal, though. I don’t want anyone else. You’re all I think about. Fantasize about. Constantly.”

He eased back, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. “I don’t know who hurt you, but I’m not them. I’m not a player, pretty lady. And if you say no, I’ll respect that. But I think you want me as much as I want you.” He tilted his head. “But you’re used to putting yourself second. Denying yourself. Only, this time, you don’t have to.”

“I-I can’t.”

He smiled sadly. “Can’t or won’t?” He shrugged. “I suppose it doesn’t matter.” In a tender move I didn’t expect, he bent and brushed his lips on my forehead. “Take care, Cherry G.” He laughed, the sound brittle. “I miss you already.”

He began to move past me, and I grabbed his arm. He stopped, looking down. “What?”

I gave in to everything I was feeling. Wanting.

Him.

I flung my arms around his neck, and I kissed him.

DOM

Jesus, her mouth. I knew it would be addictive. Despite the snappy words, the constant denials, and her bitter tone at times, I knew she’d be sweet. The perfect aphrodisiac.

She whimpered as I slid my tongue along hers. Clutched at my neck as the kiss deepened, our tongues exploring, lips devouring, and taste buds on overdrive.

I groaned as she tugged on my hair. Bent and lifted her into my arms, backing her into the wall. She wrapped her legs around me, biting at my lips. Begged me silently for more.

Which I was happy to give her.

It didn’t matter we were in a bar. In a hallway. That her daughter and my coworker were around. All that mattered was she’d finally given in. Finally let me touch her. Kiss her.

And now, I wanted more.

I pulled back, meeting her dazed eyes. “I’m taking you home, Cherry G.”