Page 24 of Break Me
“Nothing you could ever say could bore me, Halle.”
She lifted her gaze, searching my eyes to see if I was being genuine, finally offering a half smile. “I thought the company was ready to settle. It’s testy since I still work for the fire department that Liam’s family sued. I understand their reasoning, but I didn’t want that and Sean wouldn’t have.”
“But you need the money.”
“I do,” she admitted. “But even if the check came through, I’d feel like that was blood money. I really would. I feel like it was my fault he died.”
“How so?”
She was struggling, even glancing over her shoulder as if concerned that Liam was watching us closely. “It’s nothing. You’re a stranger and I’m no hero.”
The way she lifted her eyebrows was as if daring me to respond otherwise.
“That’s where you’re wrong, Halle. What you did in saving my life almost no one else would even consider. I will be eternally grateful for your kindness, your professionalism, and the fact that you’re one tough woman. To my beautiful heroine.” I lifted my glass in a toast.
Halle wasn’t certain how to respond, but the light flush on her cheeks indicated she wasn’t ready to toss me to the wolves just yet. However, she wasn’t used to compliments. “The last time I checked, I don’t belong to you.”
I lifted my drink, taking the time to lick a few drops off the rim of my glass. “Then maybe you should look again. I won’t leave here without an answer.”
“To what question?” She leaned further over the bar and when I gathered a deep whiff of her enticing perfume, my balls grew heavy.
“To my question of you going out with me. One night.”
Without saying anything, she watched me toss back the entire volume of liquid. But I knew the moment I lowered my glass she wasn’t easily impressed. “Okay, Alexsey. I’ll go out with you, but on one condition.”
I thumped the glass on the surface of the bar exactly the way she had and leaned in so we were so close, our lips were almost touching. “And what’s that?”
Her breathing was labored and she took a few seconds to drag just the tip of her tongue across her bottom lip. “That once it’s finished, I’ll never have to see you again.” She remained whereshe was, our mouths so close I could almost taste the passion pink lip gloss slickening her soft lips.
“Deal.”
She took a deep breath, easing back with her eyes never leaving mine. The corners of her mouth upturned into a wicked, controlling smile. “I’m free tomorrow night if you are. I’d like to get this over with. No offense, of course.”
“None taken.” I stood slowly, pulling out my wallet and a business card. When I leaned over the bar, a slight hint of fear trickled across her lovely features. Whatever Liam had told her about me she’d listened to. I cocked my head, slowing my actions. When she didn’t flinch again, I tugged the cheap stick pen from behind her ear, using it to scribble on the back of my card.
She backed away so I wouldn’t try to touch her again.
I pulled out folded cash, placing the card on the money and slid that along with the pen across the surface of the bar. “Tomorrow night. I’ll pick you up at your house at seven. My number is on the back of my card if you should need anything.”
“I doubt I will.”
When I started to turn, I heard the tiniest noise. Was what I was hearing a slight moan? With the same smile on my face as she had on hers, I offered her one piece of advice.
“Be careful, Halle. You might find that you actually enjoy yourself and crave more. And don’t worry. I won’t hold a grudge. What I will do is provide you with everything you need and have been craving for a very. Long. Time.”
“And what exactly is that?”
“Feeling safe enough to surrender to your darkest desires.”
I left the bar without being hassled, although after reaching my SUV that was parked right across from the bar, I tipped my head, noticing Liam was standing outside. Watching me. If I had to guess, I’d say he would be on the phone within two minutes.
Another guess would be he’d contact one of the Papadakis brothers. Maybe he wasn’t working with them directly, but he certainly hadn’t appreciated the fact I’d walked into his bar. His reaction hadn’t simply been about decades of mistrust either.
Maybe I pushed the envelope by going to the bar, but I was drawn to Halle, much more so than I’d been with any woman. Her perfume lingered, staining my skin. Once inside the Mercedes, I pulled my hand to my nostrils, taking a deep whiff.
Sweet and spicy. Just like her.
A deep chuckle left my lips as I started the engine, immediately yanking out my phone, dialing Mikhail. I’d decided to head to my condo for the night. In the morning, I’d grill the fire inspector and meet with the insurance agent. But my brother needed to be made aware of my impromptu visit.
