Page 49 of Dangerous Men
They are, all three of them, all seated around the same table, chatting quietly amongst themselves. At least they’re supporting the store. Every time I sneak a glance, their little table is full of drinks and food from the café. I make a mental note to ask Jade if they’re tipping well.
I don’t speak to any of them again until just before we lock the doors for the night. We’re getting ready to shoo the last of our customers toward the door when Alec comes up to the register, a stack of hardcover books in hand.
I hate to admit it, but I have appreciated the extra income he’s been bringing to our store. But now that we’ve fooled around, it feels a little too transactional. Like I’m being bought.
I’m acutely aware of his gaze as I ring up his purchases and swipe his credit card. But I have no idea what to say to him. I keep quiet and keep my eyes on the register.
For better or for worse, he breaks the silence first.
“I have to go out of town for a few days,” Alec says. God, that voice. Every word he says is like fire in my veins, and I can’t help my reaction. I chew my lower lip, remembering all the dirty things he’d said to me in that voice last night. Remembering how much I’d liked it. “There's a …work problem in Empire City that requires my presence.”
“Oh?” I ask, trying to sound neutral. Play it cool, Sydney. “Well, I hope you make some time to enjoy yourself while you’re there.”
Alec’s amused look makes it clear I’m failing in my effort to appear nonchalant.
“I would love to take you out when I get back, Sydney,” he tells me. His eyes trace my lips as he says it. “If you would like that, too.”
“Just you?” I ask. I want the words to have a little bite to them, but I’m still a little shocked at how snappy I sound. Howbitchy.I look away quickly, but I don’t miss the slight smile that curves up Alec’s face, the quirk of his eyebrow.
“Just me,” he confirms. “I can bring Ashton, if you’d prefer the two of us. I don’t mind sharing. But I’d like to have you all to myself, at least for one night.”
I don’t mind sharing. The words send an unexpected thrill through me. But I fight through it.
It’s a shame. They should have listened to Sebastian, even though I hate to admit it. He was right. Theyarescaring me away.
“Listen,” I say, toying mindlessly with the thermal paper that feeds into our receipt printer. “I… had a lot of fun with you and Ash last night.”
“So did I.”
The desire in his voice is so thick it’s almost a physical presence between us. I tremble a little, hearing it.
“But…” I sigh, forcing myself to meet his gaze. “That’s not me, Alec. I don’t usually do that sort of thing.”
“Neither do I,” Alec admits.
I blink. Then cock my head to one side, letting my skepticism show.
“I don’t believe you,” I tell him, narrowing my eyes. There was no way. The way the two of them handled me, the way they moved together like that? That was practiced. That was… that was almostplanned.
Shit, was it planned?
“Oh, I’ve slept with plenty of women, Sydney,” Alec says. His tone makes it clear he’s not bragging, just stating a fact. “Ashton and I both. And yes, often together. But last night?” God, those eyes again, looking at me like he can see straight through my clothes and is picturing exactly how I look naked. “Last night was more than just that. Don’t you agree?”
I shake my head, willing my treacherous body to listen toreason. I want to believe him. But I’m not an idiot. I’m not the sort of girl who’s going to be so easily persuaded into falling head over heels in love with a man I just met. Especially after he just admitted that this is a regular occurrence for him.
No wonder he’s fine with sharing. Maybe that’s what’s normal for them.
But it’s notmynormal.
“I think we should slow down,” I say, putting a surety into the words I don’t exactly feel. “I’m not ready to just… just jump into bed with you, Alec. More than we already did, I mean. Until yesterday, I didn’t even know who you really were. What yourreal namewas.”
“Then we can slow down,” Alec says immediately. “If that’s what you need.”
I’m so shocked by his quick surrender, I stumble over my next words.
“I… what?” I ask.
“If you need time, if you need some space, that’s fine with me. I can respect that,” Alec says. He reaches out to take my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I can take it slow. I can match whatever pace you need, Sydney. I’m happy to wait for as long as it takes until you’re comfortable.”
