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If only for a little while.
He winked, as if knowing that I was somewhat desperate then moved back into the crowd. I took a deep breath, finding the only open barstool nestled all the way up against the wall near the restrooms. It gave me a perfect perch to view the crowd while allowing me to feel anonymous. After ordering a glass of wine, I closed my eyes and said a small prayer of thanks. I wasn’t religious, but it seemed like the appropriate thing to do. The band was taking a break, the noise level high. I heard laughter coming from everywhere, people having a good time.
I longed to find that one day, just being able to enjoy a night out without fear of being seen.
Or caught.
“Bourbon. Neat.”
The deep voice resonated through me like a tidal wave of heated water cascading across my naked skin. I’d recognize it anywhere. Every inch of my body responded as well, my skin prickling and my nipples swelling. My reaction was ridiculous, but it left my mouth dry and my heart racing. When I opened my eyes, I tried not to react openly. Maverick had crowded in next to me. For some reason, it was like I was noticing for the first time just how insanely gorgeous he was.
And how huge.
I’d been correct in my earlier assessment. He had to be six foot five, his arm muscles accentuated by the leather jacket he was wearing. He’d trimmed his beard and for some reason, I thought it made his jaw more pronounced, adding to his sex appeal.
What are you doing?
The little voice could nag me all she wanted but I was allowed to enjoy delicious eye candy. As long as that’s all I succumbed to. I was befuddled as to what to say to him.
I didn’t have an immediate chance, another guy appearing from the shadows. “Hey, sugar. Would you like to dance?”
Maverick bristled instantly but remained quiet.
I spun around on the barstool, trying to be polite. “No, but thank you.”
“Oh, come on. One dance. A lady as beautiful as you shouldn’t be alone,” the guy continued.
I was about ready to say I wasn’t alone then felt awkward. “I said no.”
The poor asshole made the mistake of putting his hand on my arm, almost pulling me off the barstool.
That’s when Maverick jerked into action. He had his hand wrapped around the guy’s throat, shoving him against the wall so fast I blinked and missed it. Then he slammed the dude twice more, inching closer.
“The lady doesn’t want to dance with you, asshole. Get it through your thick, fucking head.”
“Maverick,” I said as I moved behind him. “I can do this.”
Maverick snarled with the mystery man gurgled, clawing at my savior’s arms. A few people had gathered around, and I was certain they were going to start cheering.
“Shitholes like this need a reminder in how to treat a lady.” Maverick growled in a low, husky voice and the poor guy looked like he was going to piss in his pants.
“Maverick. Come on,” I admonished, but secretly inside I was thrilled he’d come to my defense.
Dear God, I didn’t need more light to know the poor guy was being choked to death.
“Say you won’t do it again.” Maverick was enjoying every second of squeezing the life out of the man.
The guy sputtered, flailing his arms as he tried to speak. “Na… I… won’t.”
“Let him go, Maverick.” Scorpion appeared out of nowhere, leaning against the bar with a grin on his face. “He’s harmless, albeit without manners. Frank. Just go home and sleep it off.”
Maverick refused to let go. I finally got in his face, planting my hands on my hips. “Hey, tracker boy. Let. Him. Go.”
That seemed to do the trick and Maverick finally released his hold, cursing under his breath. “Do it again and you and me are going to have a problem. Frank. Now, say you’re sorry.”
“I’m sa… sorry. I’m sorry.” Frank coughed and wheezed, keeping his eyes pinned on Maverick. I had to admit I was amused at the whole thing.
“Not to me, asshole. To the lady.”
