Page 51 of Austin

We’re a couple of yards away from the red Hellcat when Austin pulls me into him and whispers into my ear, “Go ask him a question, flirt with him to distract him, so I can get access to his car.”

I’m fighting the chill his breath left on my skin as he nudges me toward the driver who’s standing inside his open car door.

“You’re joking, right?” I ask Austin, stepping back into him.

“No. Come on. You look sexy as hell. It won’t be hard. Get over there.”

While I like being told I look good, I wasn’t expecting to be whored out because of it. I step back as I let out an exasperated breath and place my hands on my hips. “This is a first. My date wants me to go flirt with someone else.”

He growls low under his breath as he pulls me back into him. His lips skim the skin under my ear as he says, “You just confirmed this is a date, which means that I’ll be getting somewhere with you. Second base will be here real soon.”

“That’s right. We’re tracking the curb. That also means I get another one of your secrets.” I eye him.

“A deal’s a deal. Now, go flirt with that guy.” He smacks my ass as he pushes me away from him.

I’m not one to take orders from a man, so I walk forward with my own mission in mind. If Austin thinks he can use me as bait, I’m gonna show him just how desirable of a catch I really am. I mean, my ass does look spectacular in these pants.

I bite my lower lip as I think about how to get this guy’s attention. I’ve never been one to put myself out there like this, but knowing Austin is watching gives me a little bit of showmanship.

The driver of the Hellcat is short with dusty-blond hair and brown eyes. He’s attractive with his strong build and denim jacket. If I were any other girl, I might think he was cute enough to date. Too bad I currently have a thing for blue-eyed bad boys in oversize sweatshirts.

I catch the guy’s attention as I walk up close to his car, daintily running my finger along the edge, swaying my hips as I curve around the front. I lean forward onto the hood with my breasts falling lightly out of my shirt and my ass perched high in the air. I look up to see if he’s watching.

He is.

“Nice race,” I say, straightening out my posture and playing with my hair like a teenager.

“You watchin’ me?” the guy responds, stepping away from his door, toward me.

“Maybe not you as much as I was your car. Want to show me what’s under here?”

I place my hands back on the hood of the car, plumping my breasts together to put them on display. His eyes go directly to my chest.

He comes up closer to me, taking a stance behind me, and places his hand on my waist. My back stiffens as I realize this is probably not the best idea I’ve ever had—and I recently found myself roaming the streets of the ghetto while being stalked by a hooded stranger whose car I climbed into.

His mouth rises up to meet my ear as he drawls, “Name’s Keith. What’s yours, pretty little bird?”

“None of your damn business,” Austin demands, pulling on my forearm and turning me to face him.

The guy’s eyes widen at the size—I mean, sight of Austin. He holds up his hands in surrender and moves away from us. “Hey, it’s all good. I’m not wantin’ any trouble tonight. She came over here, lookin’ all sexy and askin’ ’bout my car.”

“Asking about your fucking engine is not an invitation to fuck!” Austin steps up to Keith, venom pouring off him as he glares down at the guy who looks like he’s shell-shocked.

“My bad, man.” Keith steps back even further. “I won’t disrespect your woman again.”

“Good answer,” Austin spits. Then, he says to me without even looking at me, “Let’s go.”

I stand my ground. Two seconds ago, I was pissed at the little man for putting his hands on me without my permission. Now, I’m pissed off at Austin for acting like a possessive asshole when he’s the one who asked me to flirt with the guy in the first place!

“No.” My eyes narrow as I place my hands on my hips and watch his back as he stalks away.

He stops and turns slowly toward me, as if he can’t believe I’m actually giving him back talk right now. “Excuse me?”

Keith laughs from his spot near the Hellcat. “Ouch, bro. I’d say I’m not the problem you have on your hands tonight.”

“Back off,” Austin bites back, pointing his finger to him, but his eyes that are cast in shadow from his hat are steady on mine.

“Wow. Issues much?” I storm away, my heels teetering on the gravel as I head toward his truck. I can hear him right on my tail, so once we’re out of earshot from Keith and the crowd, I turn and yell, “What the hell was that about?”