Page 18 of Jack of Hearts
After admitting to Nate and Court that he wasn’t sure he could stay away from Madison, they’d had a long talk. Among the many things he loved about his brothers, they always listened, though they might not like what he had to say. And his attraction to Madison was one of those times. His feelings for Madison had surprised them because it was a first for Alex. Hell, it surprised him, too. But as much as he’d tried to resist her, he kept finding himself at her window. That couldn’t continue, and his brothers had agreed.
The new plan, if he could get her to agree, was that they would openly date. His brothers liked that, believing it would get him even closer to the family. Alex wanted to find out what, if anything, she knew about her cousin and uncle’s business. The obstacle to their dating would be Ramon, how he would react.
Nate believed that even if Ramon didn’t like it—which Alex was sure he wouldn’t—in his twisted mind, the man would think Alex had a set of big ones for going after Madison after being warned off.
“Why don’t you come in with us, have some drinks, play a little pool,” Ramon said when they arrived back at his house.
Trina trailed her fingers down his arm. “Who knows, I might even get you to break your no-fraternization policy.”
“If anyone could, it would be you, beautiful.” He squeezed her hand. “Gotta take a rain check, though. It’s almost closing time, and I need to get back to the bar, help my brothers kick out the drunks.” He picked up the duffel bag. “Besides, I want to get this money somewhere safe.”
“When are we going to meet these brothers of yours?” Trina asked. “I don’t trust anyone I don’t know.” Her gaze roamed over him. “Are they as hot as you?”
Alex laughed. “No, I’m the hottest of the bunch. Of course, if you asked them, they’d each claim the same. Sure, let’s set up a meeting.”
Ramon turned, facing the backseat. “Trina and I will come by your bar tomorrow night. Check the place out.”
“Cool,” Alex said. He winked at Trina. “You’re in for a treat.”
The woman actually licked her lips, and Alex had never in his life been so happy to get away from anyone.
“Trina’s going to be trouble,” Alex said. The bar was closed and he and his brothers were sitting in the office while he brought them up to speed. “One of you is going to have to step up and take her off my hands.”
Court gave an adamant shake of his head. “She-wolves scare the hell out of me.”
“I can handle her.” Nate grinned.
Cocky bastard. Alex eyed his older brother. If anyone could tame a she-wolf, it was Nate. “She’s all yours, bro. Be careful what you ask for, though.”
“Hello?” Madison held her phone to her ear, her heart fluttering like hummingbird wings at seeing Alex’s name on the screen.
“Hello, Madison.”
The way he said her name in that sexy way of his sent a thrill through her. “Be right back,” she said to her mother before walking to the stockroom.
“You there?”
She closed the door behind her. “I’m here.” Refusing to make it easy on him, she waited. It still grated that he’d taken off with Ramon and Trina to God knew where. Probably clubbing, and why hadn’t she been asked to come along? Not that Alex owed her any explanation, and she wasn’t about to ask him for one.
“How’s the store doing? Did you have a good opening?”
“Very.” She didn’t want to talk about the store.
“That’s good. I’ll have to drop by, see the place. You must be proud.”
“I am.” There was a long silence, and she pressed her lips together to keep from talking.
“Are you mad at me, Madison?”
Yes. “Why would I be?”
“I don’t know. Have lunch with me.”
“Where did you take off to with Trina and Ramon?” She was going to chop off her tongue. “Never mind. Not my business.”
“Ah, I understand now. Have lunch with me and I’ll tell you.”
“Honestly, Alex, I don’t really care.” And she would keep telling herself that until she believed it.
