Page 202 of Misrule
The Johnnie Outlaw had described would offer Emily a taste of her old lifestyle.ThisJohnnie would keep her mired right where she was.
She turned to him, snuggling close. As usual, he went rigid. Undeterred, she laid her head against his chest. “I’m all dressed up,” she pouted.
“And?” He wasn’t stepping away from her, but he wasn’t returning her affection either.
“My clothes will be wasted in a place like this.”
He gave her a disapproving look. “This is one of my favorite bars.”
Suspicion crept into her. “Really?” she asked, determined to get the upper hand. Perhaps, she’d just found the key. Her face falling, she cleared her throat and then made her lips tremble. “Oh,” she said in a small voice. “This is a favorite for you and Kendall.”
He scowled at her. “No. It’s a favorite ofmine. Kendall never liked this place.”
Damn it! She’d miscalculated. Thinking fast, she pasted a bright smile on her face. “Oh my goodness!” she gushed. “You’re sharing a special spot with me.”
More like testing her, but she didn’t think that would be good to point out.
If the exterior was so rough, what was it like inside?
Dressed as she was, she would stand out. She wore a tight red designer bandage dress with Louboutins on her feet, both gifts from Outlaw by using his money to make the purchases.
For makeup, she did a smoky eye and red lips, her dramatic look tools of seduction. Her blonde hair was styled in a slick ponytail. That way, Johnnie could see her face.
Since the scene in her apartment, he’d been quite the gentleman toward her. He hadn’t tried to steal a kiss or cop a feel. She’d pretended to listen while he droned on about his life and his woes and his brats. Honestly, if she’d been offered a million dollars, she wouldn’t be able to repeat a single thing he said. She just knew where to insert her ‘awws’, ‘sorrys’, and ‘it’ll be okays’, so he’d believe she hung onto his every word.
Now, they were on a date at his favorite place. She’d managed to rope him in, a new luxurious life within reach. It had to happen.
Itwouldhappen.
Emily grabbed Johnnie’s hand. “Shall we go in, Mr. Donovan?” she flirted, cooing the words.
He smiled, though his eyes were red-rimmed and tired. “Of course.”
Pulling his hand away, he placed it at the small of Emily’s back, then guided her past a row of bikes and into the establishment. The place smelled of stale smoke and spilled alcohol. It was small and crowded with tables, chairs, and an oversized bar.
“John Boy,” a gravelly voice called.
Emily didn’t see the owner of the voice, lost in a sea of faces and sounds.
Johnnie waved, receiving several in return.
She shimmied her hips as he led her through the maze of tables to the back of the place. She ignored the stares and hoots from horny bikers. While most women would be ashamed of this kind of attention, she loved it. She was a beautiful woman. Catcalls and stares came with the territory. Besides, the extra male attention validated her looks.
“Who greeted you when we walked in?” Emily asked as Johnnie held out her chair and allowed her to sit. “Or do you know?” she added as he sat in his own chair.
He shook his head. “It sounded like Marion, but I’m not sure.”
“Interesting name for a biker.”
He shrugged.
She clucked with sympathy, reached over and placed her hand against his forearm. “Have you started divorce proceedings yet?”
His muscles tensed underneath her fingertips.
“No.” He sounded pathetic.
Emily slumped her shoulders and moved her hand away from his arm. “You’re just stringing me along then? Once you get into my panties, you’re leaving?”
