AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I roll my eyes. “What is he? A terrorist, a pirate or a playboy?”
“All of the above,” Kane comments in a dry voice.
We walk over to the bar, right at the edge of the VIP section, and order drinks. Meanwhile, I let my gaze wander over to Bartholomew Atkins. He’s looking right at me with obvious interest. I’m glad I chose to wear my emerald green dress with its plunging neckline. Seems like it’s caught his attention.Pervert.
When our drinks arrive, I take a sip and bat my lashes at Bart. Kane glowers, immediately picking up on what I’m doing.
“Sailor,” he growls. “Don’t even think about it.”
I turn my attention back to Kane and smile. “He clearly likes to be surrounded by women. I’m a woman in my sexiest dress. Maybe he’s looking for some more company. Don’t stifle me, dear.” To the outside observer, I probably look like I’m patronizing him. And maybe on some level I am. I like this protector side of Maddox. But that doesn’t mean I can’t have a little fun with it.
Kane’s gaze drops to my ample cleavage. “Dammit, no. You’re not going over there. That asshole is dangerous and-”
I clear my throat, pulling his not-so-brotherly stare back up to my face. “If I can get close to him, I can try to steal the virus back. Or at least get a lead on where it is.”
“She’s right,” Ryan says in our ears.
“Shut up, Mercer,” Kane grumbles. “She’s staying here with me.”
“We need to find out where the virus and DeLazzer are being held fast. Our time and options are limited. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.” I give his arm a reassuring squeeze.
In return, he gives me the scariest, most threatening look he can muster and I chuckle. Just as I’m about to walk away, he grabs my hand. “Be careful,” he hisses.
“Don’t worry, brother dear,” I say and toss him a wink. “I got this.” Then I turn around and saunter over to the big, burly guy guarding the velvet-roped entrance. He’s almost as big as Kane, but not quite. When he doesn’t make a move to let me in, I turn my attention to Bart and give him a little wave and a sexy smile full of promise. He motions for the guard/bouncer to allow me inside and when he unclips the rope, I swivel past the big brute with a flirty grin.
Here we go,I think, as I walk over to Bartholomew “Black Bart” Atkins. For being such a horrible person, he’s rather attractive with thick, dark hair and tan skin. But I don’t care for the way his shirt is mostly unbuttoned. Or the chains hanging around his neck and the chunky, gold rings on nearly every finger.Too slick.Growing up, he’s the guy my friends and I would’ve nicknamed Chachi.
Pushing my chest out, I pause in front of him and give him my best, ‘I’m a ditzy dumb blonde’ smile. “Hola,” I say. “I’m Ava.”
“A beautiful name for an even more beautiful woman,” he says smoothly in perfect English and stands up to tower over me. “I’m Bart.”
Bleck.I try not to puke in my mouth as he shakes my hand. I half expect him to try to kiss my knuckles, but he just stares at me, not letting go. “Oh, wow, you’re American,” I exclaim, pulling my hand away and pretending to be surprised. “I can’t tell you how nice it is to hear my own language.”
“What brings you to Seville, Ava?”
“Oh, you know– Daddy’s money.” I laugh, noticing the annoyed looks from the other women behind him.
He gives me a polite smile. “And who is the man over at the bar?”
I glance over my shoulder to see Kane watching us closely, a scowl on his face. “Who? Him?” I laugh again. “That’s just my overprotective brother, Lyle. Pay no attention to him. He’s nothing but a big stick in the mud. He’s not happy because I told him I was ditching him to find someone who likes to party. Do you like to party, Bart?” I bat my lashes again, knowing they’ll convey the message he wants to see.
His dark eyes narrow slightly, and I hope I didn’t lay it on too thick. “Sometimes,” he says carefully.
“Great,” I respond with an easy grin.
The music turns even livelier and couples fill the dance floor.
“Do you enjoy dancing?” Bart asks me.
“I love it,” I say enthusiastically.
When he holds his arm out, I link mine through his and let him guide me past the guard and onto the main dance floor. Wrapping his arms around me, he pulls me close and lowers his mouth to my ear. “Spanish music is full of spice and passion. I have a feeling you are, too.”
Oh, God.I struggle not to roll my eyes. But then he’s swinging me around in his arms, pulling my body flush against his, and letting the powerful beat of the music guide us. As we dance, I get glimpses of Kane at the bar. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him appear so angry. The expression on his face looks like he’s grinding nails with his molars.
“Wow,” Ryan says in my ear. “That is one hot dance you’re having there, Sailor. I think he likes you.”
“You fuckin’ think?” Kane growls.
