Page 69 of Outspoken

“You think it's cool to tease me?” he says. “I waited half an hour, you bitch.” His grip tightens and he yanks Amber toward the archway.

She cries out, smacking his chest with her purse and trying to break free.

I'm quick to step forward, grabbing the guy’s shoulder and stopping him.

He turns with a snarl, still holding Amber’s wrist tightly. I grab his forearm and he releases her. We enter a stare-off. His eyes scan my body, mentally comparing our muscles and height. He steps away from Amber when it's clear that he won't win a physical fight with me.

I move so Amber is behind me, then I cross my arms, waiting.

“Fuck it,” the guy snaps and then disappears.

I turn to Amber, glancing at the red marks on her skin from that asshole. “You okay?”

She also scans my body, rubbing her wrist mindlessly. She nods, meeting my gaze and looking pleased. “Thanks.”

Her friend steps forward. “Hey, let's—”

“Ashley, go find Michelle,” Amber says quickly, still eyeing me.

“What if she left?”

“She didn’t. Go find her so you have someone to hang with. I'll text you later.”

“Fine.I’ll see if she’s still in the den.” Ashley stomps away.

“You sure she’ll be okay?” I ask, not liking that the guy from earlier is still around.

“Yeah. She’ll be with Michelle.”

I don’t know who Michelle is, but I pull out my phone to send Dustin a quick text. I give him a brief description of Ashley and tell him to look for her in the den, making sure no guys harass her.

Amber waits, happily checking me out as I finish my message. I can sense her doing it from the corner of my eyes and it makes me smile.

When I slip my phone back into my pocket, she tips her head, running a long, pink fingernail down the middle of my chest. “Thanks again for the rescue. You're a lifesaver.” She grabs another random bottle from the island and pours two shots. “Join me?”

I take the shot she offers, but don't knock it back. I set it on the island instead. “How about an icebreaker?”

“Mmm, like what?” After downing her shot, she glances at mine like she can't let the alcohol go to waste. But she doesn't make a move for it. “Two truths and a lie?”

“Tell me about your family. Any siblings?”

She rests her lower back against the island, brushing long blonde curls off her shoulder. Her already-tight tube dress strains against her chest, hugging every curve, and the way she smiles at me is doing things to my heart I can’t explain. I didn’t expect to come here and feel such an instant spark, so I pray this isn't Brody's sister. I know I just met him, but it feels like I'd be violating a major bro code if I made a move on his sister. I’m sure that would tank my chances of a job at his gym.

Amber gives me a playful look and my heart dances. Ireallywant to spend time with this beautiful woman and get to know her.

Please don’t be related to the intimidating guy at the strip club.

“One sibling,” she says. “You?”

“Three.”

“Big family. Are you the baby?”

I half-smile. “Second to last. Closer to a middle child. Does your sibling have a name?”

She crosses her arms with a pout, her tipsy blue eyes sparkling. “This is a weird icebreaker. Why do you want to know? Stalking me?”

I gravitate closer, like I suddenly fell into her orbit. I place my hand next to her on the island, my body leaning in until her floral perfume captivates my senses. “I’m sure you have a lot of admirers. I might be one of them.”

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