Page 15 of Prince Charming

They both turned to watch Tag jump down from the boxing ring and prowl over.

Several thumps jolted in her chest as she watched him. His eyes didn’t leave her face. The once summer blue was now firing thunder, and when he reached them, he pointed a finger at his friend. “What have I told you?”

What was she missing?

Arson shrugged. “Relax, Prince Charming, no one needs a rescue here. I was only asking the Russian beauty out for lunch.”

“Honest to fucking God, Jase. Learn to read the room. Does it look like she’s interested? She doesn’t want some idiot crowding her. Get the fuck back.”

Frowning, the other man finally got it and moved his bulk away from Marianna.

“You okay, Anna?”

Anna? That was new and sent warmth to her kneecaps. She nodded and set to walk away. “Of course, Sir.”

She was several feet away when she caught Arson saying. “She calls you sir? Fucking hell, you gotta give me the green light, Tag. If you don’t want her, tap a brother in.”

“Shut your mouth.”

She heard no more because her feet moved fast until she was out of sight.

Her heart pounded. Not fear. Not quite nerves. Something else unexplainable. Reaching up to her throat, Marianna regulated her breathing.

Still hearingAnnain his grumbly voice.

She couldn’t think of him as Luke. She’d never used it, though he’d introduced himself as Luke Drake the first day they spoke.

It felt too intimate somehow when no one else used his given name.

Luke.

Prince Charming.

Tag.

Whatever guise he wore, the guy was unraveling Marianna against her will.

Maybe she should just give in and let himbefriendher brains out.

What could it hurt?

SIX

“She moves in her own way.” – Tag

It was the sound of soft classical music that brought Tag out of his office that night.

Two days since he’d warned Arson away from Marianna like an overprotective father.

Tag couldn’t say he’d ever heard prissy music in his gym before.

Usually, his manager, Joe, blasted hip-hop.

Yeah, his eyesight might be shit these days, but his hearing worked just fine.

The gym closed hours ago.

Only the wall spotlights casting shadows on the boxing ring and equipment.

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