Page 22 of Act of Passion

Brooke headed in the direction of the restroom and did what needed to be done. She exited the bathroom and was nearly to the dance floor when it suddenly felt as if spiders were crawling all over her again. She knew without looking that Mr. Rings was behind her. His hand fell upon hershoulder.

“We have big plans for you and the other,” he said, pressing against her. “Getting you here was so much easier than we ever expected it to be. I was against the farce. No need to waste any time or money. When we can take what we want—you.”

She stiffened. What did he mean bythat?

He laughed deeply in her ear. “And if you think they can protect you, you’re wrong. We have plans for themtoo.”

With that, he released his hold on her shoulder, and Brooke wasted no time running out and towards the dance floor. Strong arms caught her, and she nearly screamed until she realized the person holding her wasBoomer.

“Brooke?” he asked, concern on hisface.

She glanced behind her to find Mr. Rings and three of his men in suits walking out from the hall that led to the restrooms. He winked at her and adjusted his suitjacket.

Boomer kept hold of her. “What did he do? You’re scared. I can smellit.”

Smellit?

“I’m fine. He’s just a creep who tried to get under my skin,” she said, unsure she believed asmuch.

Boomer released her and locked gazes with her. “Did he threaten you or touch you in anyway?”

Biting her lower lip, she looked away; she’d never been good atlying.

“Shit,” whispered Boomer. “If Malik finds out, he will kill him—and no, I’m not embellishing. Malik will skin that asshat, probably alive. And then he’ll skin me for taking my eyes offyou.”

“Then we should probably not tell him,” she said, staying close to him, still shaken from the ordeal in thehallway.

“Not tell who what?” asked Malik as he walked up behindBoomer.

Boomer’s eyeswidened.

Brooke pushed past him and caught Malik’s arm, turning and tugging him onto the dance floor fully. She pointed up at him. “Laugh at my dancing, I dareyou.”

Heat flashed through his dark gaze as he drew her closer to him and began to move in sync with the music. Somehow Malik made dancing to ’80s music appear erotic. Gulping, Brooke realized just how sexually over her head she was with the man. Yet she still wanted him to be herfirst.

He lifted her arms, draping them over his shoulders, his hands finding her hips. He grinned but it faded fast as he sniffed near her shoulder—the very one Mr. Rings had grabbed her by. Malik’s expression hardened. “He fucking touched you again. His scent is onyou.”

“His scent?” sheasked.

He made a move to go towards Mr. Rings but she cupped his face, forcing him to keep his attention on her. “I’m tired of trying to control your temper. Thank you for a funevening.”

She walked away from him, only to find herself being spun around. He yanked her against him, his face going to the shoulder she’d been grabbed by. He nuzzled his face against her skin and then her neck. As he licked his way up her neck, she shivered and he put his lips to her ear, purringsoftly.

Instantly her bodyresponded.

He began to grind against her, one hand going into her hair as the other cupped her ass. He licked her ear and then kissed his way to her lips, tugging on her hairlightly.

Brooke thought she might honestly faint if he kept going. It took a second to remember to breathe. She did and felt lightheaded. She was vaguely aware of Malik inching her dress upslowly.

“Malik,” said Boomer, sounding close. “Don’t do this out here with her, where every man in the club can see. Unless you want Asshat getting a firsthand view of herass.”

Malik broke the kiss and she could have sworn there was amber in his eyes again. He glared at Boomer, snarling, sounding like a large-breedcat.

Boomer put his hands in the air. “I’m not saying it to get you going. I’m saying it so you take the show somewhereprivate.”

He continued to glare at hisfriend.

Brooke touched his chin. “Malik, I’mready.”

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