Page 43 of Wicked Rush

“God, yes,” she managed, her breath ragged. Exposed, it was the first time in months she’d been so honest.

Braelynn trembled as he skimmed the pad of his thumb over her wet peak. A fine mist sprayed through the multicolored lights and she blinked. With her eyes on his, she fought the overwhelming sense of loss as Lars retreated.

He adjusted the strap onto her shoulder, tugging the stretchy fabric over her bared flesh. Lars leaned into her, his lips brushing hers. Braelynn tasted the man who she’d dreamed about for months. So sweet was his essence, she thought she’d been drugged by his kiss.

“Very good, my little fox,” Lars praised, his lips on hers.

Braelynn’s thoughts raced as he repeated the possessive pet name he’d given her at the pool. She’d give anything to be his. She knew it was all going to come crashing down around her eventually. But for the ticking seconds, she’d embrace the feral animal she’d become. As she drifted into the hypnotic haze, a firm voice slammed her back into reality.

“Hey, who’s your friend?” Garrett asked.

“You remember Dr. Rollins,” Lars said.

“Yes, yes I do,” he stated flatly as his eyes landed on Braelynn’s.

She cringed under his hard gaze but forced herself to stand upright. Her face heated, and she adjusted her top. Please, for the love of all that is holy, he didn’t see what I just did.

“She’s the one from the beach,” Seth offered with a smile.

“I know who she is. I’m just surprised to see her here at Altura.”

The cold tone in his voice softened but Braelynn didn’t fall victim to the false sense of security. Underneath the niceties he simmered, and soon the questioning would begin.

“Hey, would you mind helping Chase over at the bar?” Garrett asked Lars. “He’s been fucking up the latest round of signature martinis, and I’ve been having a hard time finding Penny.”

“What’s going on with the bartenders?” Lars scanned the room.

“Mattie is out on a trip and Shelley has been filling in.”

“Shel’s not a bartender.” Lars gave a chuckle and raked his fingers through his hair.

“I know but she offered to do it. After the fire, you know how it is…hell, I’m not ready to let any new workers into Altura. Too soon,” Garrett commented freely, but as if he’d said too much, his candid demeanor turned cool. “Please go give her a few pointers. I’d love to talk with your unexpected date.”

“She’s someone who is very important to me,” Lars told him with a pointed stare. His tone of voice was serious, and Braelynn got the distinct feeling that they’d discussed her in private. She attempted to tame her paranoia. Lars hadn’t called the police. She reasoned that perhaps they’d discussed her in regards to the shooting incident long before this weekend.

“Is she now?” Screaming emanated from the bar area, flames bursting into the air out of a metal shaker. “It’s like she’s trying to burn the damn tent down. Please, Lars. I need you to get this under control. There’s not many of us here tonight but Shelley needs a hand.”

Lars gave a sigh, his eyes narrowing on Garrett. “Fine. But only because I don’t want anything else bad happening to Altura. But I’m telling you right now, G. Be nice to Braelynn. She’s my guest.”

Braelynn’s heart melted as Lars brushed a kiss to her cheek and gave her a wink. “I promise I’ll be back in just a few minutes. I’m going to be right over there.” He pointed. “You going to be okay for a minute?”

She nodded, not wanting to draw attention to her relationship with Garrett. Her anxiety spiked as he disappeared through the smoke, making his way toward the bar. Her eyes went to Garrett’s. He wasted no time addressing her, and she braced herself for the exchange.