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I had heard that he had worked with others who put corrupt businessmen behind bars and that he was trying to become even more powerful than he already was.
“Oh.” I wasn’t sure what his intention was with me. Actually, Iwassure and knew that no matter what he thought or wanted to do; I would be the one who came out winning in the end.
“What’s that look for?” he asked, a smug smile forming on his too handsome face.
“I don’t have a look.”
He chuckled, running two fingers along his mouth. “Yeah, you do. It’s that same look you used to get when you were thinking hard about something. It meant you had a mission and would do anything to complete it.”
It was my turn to glance at his mouth that time. A mouth I had felt against mine so many times, it was like his kisses were permanently imbedded in my skin. Even though that had been so long ago, I could still feel his lips against mine.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I brought the mug to my lips, giving him a wink over the rim and took a long swig.
He grinned, something flashing behind his dark eyes. “So, are you seeing anyone, Marley?”
“Nope.” I frowned when I realized that I was out of beer. “You?”
“Nope,” he answered. He sat back, rolling his sleeves up to his elbows, the veins in his thick arms, popping at the movement. He was bigger than the average size when we were kids but now, he was huge. His shoulders and chest were broad, his biceps stretching the material of his black dress shirt. He must have spent hours in the gym to become that size.
“Checking me out, Marley?” he asked, not meeting my gaze.
Cocky fucker. “Nope.” But I was. God, was I ever. My tongue tingled, itching to lick along those veins and feel him come undone for me. It had been so long since I had any physical contact, of course I would be reacting this way to him. Most men never paid any attention to me in this town. It was like I had a sign around my neck warning them to stay away.
“You know.” He ran his finger along the rim of his mug. “You’ve always been a shitty liar.”
“I didn’t have you to teach me how to be a good one,” I threw back at him.
His finger stopped, his dark eyes locking with mine. They hardened, challenging me, daring me to voice whatever else it was that I wanted to say.
Oh, don’t worry, baby. I’ll say everything to you.
But right now, I just wanted him to stew.
“So, Ricki told me about the candles you make.”
My heart swelled. “Oh?”
Atlas smiled. “I’m proud of you.”
Not that I needed it from him, I was still elated to hear the pride in his voice.
“Still seeing that fucker Dwight?”
A laugh escaped me. “For one, I haven’t dated Dwight in over a year and second, how the hell did you even know that I dated him?” Dwight Telford was a good guy, but he was too good. There wasn’t a bad bone about him, and it just didn’t do it for me. No, clearly, I was still hung up on the asshole sitting across from me.
“I have my ways.” Atlas winked, finishing off the rest of his beer. “Care for something stronger, Marley?” He purred out my name, sending a hot shiver racing down my spine.
I looked between him and the mugs between us. Sitting forward, I pushed my chest against the edge of the table and licked my lips.
His eyes dropped to my mouth, his nostrils flaring.
“I could always go for something…” I paused for added effect. “Harder.”
***
(Atlas)
Fucking hell.
