Page 3 of Breaking the Alpha
She and Zoe exchanged an exasperated look but didn’t argue.Making a scene was the last thing Angelina wanted to do.Conflict led to raised voices, raised voices led to aggression, and aggression so easily led to violence.Playing nice was the best course of action, especially when she didn’t know how drunk the interlopers were.
Zoe was first to speak, placing her elbows on the table and reclaiming some of the space she’d lost.“I suppose it’s okay while you wait.I’m having a margarita.”
“A glass of chardonnay,” Angelina said, zipping up her purse and easing it between her and Cody.“What brings you gentlemen to The Aristo?”
As Jett started in on how the new hotel bar was the least hick place in Epson, she tuned him out, uninterested in the men’s animated discussion of their ‘rugged’ summer road trip through Middle America.She had no desire to placate the egos already swelling and stifling the air around her.
The server came by and the men placed an order for all of them, not a single genuine manner demonstrated by either of them while they emphatically insisted the new round of drinks go on their tab.
Zoe was holding up better.Her ability to smile and engage even the most irritating people was the reason she was fast-tracking her way to being the Midwest divisional overseer for The Aristo Coffee Bistro.
“You ladies should come with us to explore whatever passes for nightlife around here,” Cody said, giving her what he likely believed was a sexy smirk.
She didn’t have to meet Zoe’s eyes to know they were on the same page.“It’s been a long day.I don’t think either of us are up to hitting the club.”
Jett wasn’t discouraged in the least.“We’ll finish these up and head to our suite then.We can order in, watch a movie or something.Let you two relax.”
“We could help you unwind.Take care of you,” Cody offered, attempting to move the purse barrier she’d placed between them.He leaned in close to her ear.“I’ll take care of you all night if you let me, babe.”
“You know, a lot of guys say that,” a low voice interjected from the table behind them.“But all night is a promise most can’t deliver on because they don’t understand how to do it properly.”
She glanced up in time to see the gorgeous man behind the voice stand and lean against her booth, beer in hand.His dark brown hair was streaked with caramel and hung long over his undercut and in his eyes in a disheveled perfection.His skin was tanned and flawless, his cheekbones high.Even his five-o’clock shadow was impeccable.
Cody and Jett snorted.“Whatever, buddy,” Cody scoffed.“Pretty sure we were talking to the ladies here, not you.”
“Thing is, you’re making promises you probably can’t keep andthe ladiesshould know what they’re signing up for before they agree to be taken care of by two West Coast trust fund boys.”
His green eyes met hers and she saw the hint of a question in them, as though he was seeking permission.She gave him a subtle nod and he smirked, crouching down in front of their table and placing his hands on it.“Guys, I get it,” he said over the snarky comments Jett and Cody started making about their skills and lasting ability.“We all want to think we’re rock stars in the sack.But there’s a finesse to the promise of fucking all night.”
She looked over to Zoe, cracking a smile at the sight of her friend’s unapologetic interest.
“It starts simple,” he continued, extending his hand across the table to Zoe.“I’m River.”
“Zoe,” her friend replied with a grin.“And this is Angelina.”
River’s gaze turned to her and she caught a glimpse of playfulness behind the cocky front he was projecting.“Angelina,” he purred.“Just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?”Without waiting for a response, he addressed the furious man beside her.“Names, guys.Always start with names.It makes it a lot less awkward later in the evening.”
Cody signaled over his head for the server.“I think it’s time you leave.”
“Will do after this little lesson,” River replied, his expression comically serious.“Now, if you want to go the ‘I can go all night’ route, you need to be prepared to worship the Holy Trinity of Orgasms.You master all three, and you can confidently declare yourself ready to go all night.Keep in mind this hypothesis is still in clinical trials, so all statements made will require verification through further testing.”
Angelina burst out laughing, slamming her hand over her mouth to quiet herself when Jett attempted to take control of the situation.
“No one cares, dipshit,” Jett hissed.“Fuck off.”
“I care,” Zoe chimed in, her voice earnest despite her man-eating smile.“Please, River.Tell us more about your research methods.And your selection process for test subjects.”
Cody shoved his way out of the booth, his attempt to knock the rock-solid River off his feet failing miserably.Angelina felt a tear of laughter run down her face.Unable to speak, she fanned her face with her hands while River began explaining the first of the Holy Trinity orgasms.Jett sputtered and cursed, hitting his knee on the table as he extricated himself from the situation.
With their unwanted guests busily storming off, Zoe patted the empty seat beside her.“You, sir, are more than welcome to join us if you like.That was gold.”
He rose up with a grin, revealing well over six feet of muscled hotness hidden by a long-sleeved Henley and dark jeans.“Thanks, but no thanks.Enjoy your dick-free evening.”
Passing the bar on his way out, he set his full beer bottle on the counter, added something to the tip jar beside the till, and disappeared into the elevator.
*
River was stillgrinning like a fool when he entered his room.
