Page 35 of Mechanic

“That’s it? That’s all I get?” I say a little too loudly, causing heads to swing in our direction.

“Sorry,” he says, not making eye contact and giving me no further explanation.

Silence falls over us again, so I turn my attention back to my food. Gypsy stops to check on us, refilling my water and Rod’s beer.

Every few minutes, I glance up into the mirror behind the bar to watch Rod.

The man is good-looking, panty-meltingly hot, in fact. His dark brown hair is a little shaggy and longer than expected for a man who exudes authority. The close-cropped beard has my fingers itching to touch it to see the texture. Is it soft? Course maybe? Is it the kind that will leave brush burns on the inside of my thighs after his head has been between my legs?

Shaking off that last thought, I continue my assessment of him. Rod’s clothes are high quality, indicating wealth. It’s his eyes, though, that gives me reason to pause. The light gray color is haunting, void of something unknown. A shout from the rowdy men playing pool shifts my attention.

Wiping my fingers off after finishing the last bite of my sandwich, I toss the crumpled-up napkin onto the empty plate.

Pulling my mixed drink closer, I absentmindedly stir the liquid with my straw, my thoughts jumbled.

Movement next to me causes my hand to pause. My eyes automatically flick to the mirror just in time to catch Rod rising to his feet and walking toward the pool tables.

Knowing there isn’t much time, I grab some cash from my pocket and toss it onto the bar, just as Gypsy tops to pick up my plate.

She gives me a questioning look as I jump to my feet. My words are jumbled and rushed in my haste to leave.

“It was good. Thanks. See you later.”

Gypsy raises a concerned brow, but I don’t wait around long enough for her to ask questions.

The crowd has grown since I first arrived, and I use it to my advantage. Skirting around larger groups of people milling around, talking and drinking. I hope that if Rod comes back before my escape, he won’t be able to see me. He unnerves me, but I can’t figure out the reason behind it.

Not daring a glance behind me, as soon as I clear the door, I break out into a run, heading to the back of the building.

I’m halfway up the stairs when I freeze mid-step. The deep, angry voice has me closing my eyes at getting caught. I was so close.

“So this is how you disappeared so fast the other night.”

Chapter 21

Roderick

Crossing my arms over my chest as I glare at Antonia from the bottom of a set of stairs behind the bar, my chest heaves.

How dare she?

I try to reign my temper in. Stepping into the restroom to wash my hands, my jaw became unhinged upon returning to my seat, only to find her gone. Looking around the bar, her blonde hair was easy to follow as she moved toward the door.

Antonia puts her foot, which had been suspended in mid-air, back down onto the step. Her only acknowledgment of my presence is that she stopped. She has yet to turn around to face me.

“You have occupied my thoughts since Saturday,” I confess, moving closer to the stairs.

She hasn’t moved, so I start ascending the steps, slowly so as not to spook her any more than she already is.

“I came here tonight, hoping I could find you.” Antonia’s breath hitches at my confession.

Now, standing directly behind her, the soft floral scent of her perfume floods my senses. It’s sweet and subtle. She is wearing just enough to notice, unlike some women who drown themselves in it.

Unable to stop myself, I brush her hair to the side, exposing her neck. Antonia’s pulse pounds, and her chest heaves. This proves that she is not unaffected by me.

Leaning forward, I place a soft kiss on her neck, just behind her ear. Antonia shivers in response.

My hands move to her hips as I urge her forward up the stairs. She hesitates, but after a heartbeat, she starts moving.

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