Page 5 of Bear In Mind

I looked for Tiff on the dance floor, but the crowd had thickened too much, no longer giving me a clear view.Looking back at the guy, I quickly assessed him.He didn’t seem dangerous, and certainly didn’t fit the stereotype of a predator.Surveying the crowd once more, I gave in.“Okay.Thanks.”I doubted he would try anything with so many witnesses.After all, when I’d bucked, he’d backed down, proving he had some sense about him.

His smile was wider this time.“Great.”He stood.“You just wait right here, little lady.”

Where could I go?There was barely any room to force your way through the throng of bodies now.I didn’t know much about building codes, but certainly the bar was close to maximum occupancy, or over it.

Deep down, I was regretting not driving myself.I would have left by now if I had.But Tiffany had insistently deemed herself the designated driver so that I could get plastered.Apparently getting shit-faced drunk was her idea of celebrating.Then again, she was two years younger than me.Of course, she was also further in life than I was.She had a solid IT career, a car newer than five years old that she owned outright, and a wardrobe most skinny men would lust over.

I watched as he made his way into the masses, disappearing from my line of sight quickly.It made me wish I’d snagged another high top.I was beginning to feel a bit claustrophobic with all the bodies cutting off my view of the exits.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath.It was one night.I could handle one night.

Opening my eyes, I did my best to relax.It wasn’t too long after that the guy returned with our drinks.

Setting down a bright pink and orange concoction before me, he slid into the chair beside me again.“I figured you’d like the fruity stuff.”He took a long sip of his beer, staring intently at me.

Giving him a small smile, I lightly shook my head.“Thanks.”Lifting the short glass, I took a sip.A strong sour citrus taste hit my tongue.It wasn’t unpleasant, but it definitely wasn’t what I was expecting.

“I feel like I should know your name.We are drinkin’ buddies now, after all.”He held up his beer bottle.

Taking another sip, I nodded in agreement as I swallowed.“I’m Bryn.What’s your name?”

When had it gotten so hot in here?Perspiration began to lick my skin.I’d been a bit sweaty after dancing, but had since cooled off.Hadn’t I?

Suddenly, the noise level doubled.Everything seemed louder, closer and yet somehow further away.Conversations buzzed annoyingly, like a bee that wouldn’t stop flittering near your head.I winced, which had me swaying dizzily.

A strong hand closed around my forearm.

My vision blurred.I struggled to focus on the hand tightening around my skin, tearing at my flesh, shaking me.Oh, God.

My heart took off, racing rapidly.It beat wildly against my rib cage, threatening to beat its way out of my chest.

I gasped for air, feeling more than a little disoriented.I needed to get out of here.

The blurry figure yanked on me, sending pain shooting up my arm.The pain registered, but I couldn’t react.I couldn’t figure out how to stop it.

Panic shot to my surface.I tried to shove at the hand but my limbs didn’t respond.

Oh, God.

The room began to spin.It was loud, louder, even louder and then nothing.Everything went black.

Chapter Five

Bear

I scented her the second I stepped inside.

We’d just wrapped up a major development project and I’d agreed to buy the guys a round anywhere they wanted, and they wantedThe Shuck Shack.I had never been here before, and by the looks of it, I wouldn’t be coming here ever again.But I was a man of my word.

Just studying the beat up wooden exterior, in need of a good sand, stain and seal, I’d decided to bolt after one round.I waited for everyone else to file inside before making my way in, not wanting to be in here any longer than I had to be.

Until I scented my mate.

In all the years I’d known Bryn, I’d never known her to go to a bar.She was the kind of woman who stayed up late studying, not partying.

Being tall had its advantages.It made finding her in the crowd easier.

Catching sight of her at a table halfway across the room, I did a double take as some twerp gave her a drink.My bear growled, clawing at my insides.Fuck.

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