Page 21 of Act of Passion

“Well if I’m nae getting sex, can I least get a dance?” asked Striker as he put his hand out toEdee.

“I’ll dance with you if you convince Brooke to come out and dance too,” said Edee, a knowing smile on herface.

Striker set his sights onBrooke.

Brooke didn’t want to see what the man would do next. She lifted a hand, stopping him before he opened his mouth and something suggestive fell out. “Go dance with her. I’ll be out in a minute. Ipromise.”

“Guid enough for me.” Striker turned and picked up Edee, making her laugh as he carried her to the dancefloor.

Another ’80s song came on and Brooke had to wonder what deal Boomer had worked out with theDJ.

Rurik whistled and she glanced over as he lifted an unopened bottle of vodka. “Liquidcourage?”

“No,” said Maliksternly.

Brooke ignored him and nodded to Rurik. One second he had the bottle in his hand and the next it was coming at her at a high rate of speed. Without thought, she stood as much as she could in the booth and grabbed it, keeping it from hitting her or anyoneelse.

A half second later, Malik’s hand was over hers, as if he were catching the bottle aswell.

A round of gasps surroundedthem.

Garth eyed Corbin. “Did she just get to that bottle before Malikdid?”

Corbin gaped at her. “Yes.”

Malik snarled as he glared down at Rurik, taking the bottle and flinging it at the drunk Russian, who caught it with ease before falling out of the booth, holding the bottle in theair.

Duke hoisted the man up. “Way to save theliquor.”

“Yes,” said Rurik, taking a seat next to Dukeagain.

Anger poured offMalik.

Brooke touched his back. “Stop. He was trying to give me the bottle so I could have a drink before I went out on that dance floor and made a fool of myself. He wasn’t trying to hurtanyone.”

“He’s too drunk to knowwhathe was doing,” snappedMalik.

Corbin stood and stared at Malik. No words were spoken but Malik nodded and calmedsomewhat.

Corbin looked to Brooke. “I’m with your friend. You haveveryfast reflexes. So much so that you managed to get the bottle before Malik did. That’s saying something,Brooke.”

She didn’tcomment.

Boomer danced his way to the table. He thumbed in the direction of Edee and Striker. “She sent me to retrieve you. She said,she gave in and danced with the asshole.A deal is a deal.Just so you know, Striker is the asshole in this story, notme.”

Brooke laughed softly as she eased out of the booth, stepping in the direction ofBoomer.

Boomer glanced past her cautiously. “Malik, take it easy. I won’t let anyone touchher.”

Brooke groaned. “He’s ridiculous, and I swear if he keeps up the displays of dominance I’m going to show him everything I learned in kickboxingclasses.”

“Please let me watch,” said Boomer, leading Brooke to the dance floor. True to his word, he pushed other men out of the way, getting Brooke to Edee and Strikerquickly.

Edee was in the process of forcing Striker to do the robot dance. Much to Brooke’s surprise, the guy gave in and did it. Brooke couldn’t contain her laughter at seeing the large man dancing in such away.

Edee yanked Boomer into the mix, leaving him no choice but to join in, which left Brooke cackling. “I have to visit the little girl’s room before I wet myselflaughing.”

Edee gave her a thumbs-up.

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