Page 10 of Filthy Savage
Way up.
“Can I buy you a drink?” he asks, and releases my hand.
I press my lips together and arch a brow, weighing how bad it’ll be if I’m too relaxed around this man. Then I think better of it. “I should probably lay off the alcohol. I’ve got a bit of a drive home.”
Axe idly drags his callused fingertip over the top of my hand that’s still resting on the counter. “I’d be happy to get you home safely tonight.”
“That’s really sweet of you, but I’m not looking for a designated rider—I mean driver,” I add quickly, jerking my hand out from under his electric touch. Maybe I am a little tipsy. Why else would I say something so spicy?
“I’d ride you home anytime,” he says with a grin.
“That was a slip of the tongue.”
“I got that. It’s still kinda cute… and sexy as hell.”
“Do you have to be so smug and cocky right now?” I ask. “Look, I’m sorry if I come off as rude, but I’m waiting for a friend, all right? That means I have to be here.” My eyes roam around to the bar entrance, wishing Dean would make his appearance so I can get the hell out of here and snap out of whatever spell Axe has me under.
“I like your honesty. All that spunk needs a better outlet. Something with less talking and more grinding.”
“Are you really going there?” I bark. I’m trying my best not to show how attracted I am to this man, but every inappropriate remark he makes causes the hairs at the base of my neck to stand on end. I press my thighs together to stop the throbbing in my core. Mr. Pussy Whisperer over there has a voice that’s hardwired to my body. Having him sit next to me is downright intoxicating.
“I get the impression that you like the idea a lot more than you care to admit. I can see it in your eyes.”
“You’re full of yourself, even if you’re right,” I say then immediately bite down on my lip for fueling him on. I desperately wish I was stronger than this. Maybe the trick is to keep my mouth shut. Dean will be here soon. Yes, silence is the best course of action. He can’t tempt silence.
Axe licks his lips. “What exactly are you afraid of?”
That question makes me swallow hard. “I’m not afraid of anything,” I squeak.
“Angel.” The sound of my name on Dean’s commanding voice coming from behind me makes me straighten up in my bar chair and whip my head around.
“Dean. Hi. I was wondering when you’d get here,” I say to him, but his eyes are locked onto Axe’s as they size each other up. The intense expressions on their faces are way too scary to be about me. These men have a history.
“Is this guy bothering you?” Dean asks, folding his arms as he gestures over at Axe.
“I’ve got a name, Roman,” Axe informs him.
“Right. Since we’re going with last names, I’ll stick to Voltaire. Angel, is Voltaire harassing you?”
For a second, I’m sure these walking, talking poster boys for testosterone will start fighting any minute now.
“Simmer down, boys. Dean, I have a message for you.” I inch off my bar chair and take a few steps away from the bar. “Unless the two of you want to trash this place, in which case, please wait until I’m safely in my car before you kick off the carousing.”
Axe is the first to break from their death stares. “I was just leaving.” He eases out of his seat, straightening up. “See you around, Angel.”
“I really don’t think you will,” I mutter. Most of that answer comes from that little voice in my head. It’s warning me not to give Axe an inch. And it knows best. There’s no doubt in my mind that if I let him, he’ll get under my skin until I’m dangerously addicted to him. And that’s a bad idea. We have nothing in common.
Well, one thing.
He wants to get in my pants, and I’d like someone to take them off every so often.
Axe shrugs one shoulder and turns. I’m a little regretful to see him leave the saloon with that swagger in his step I still can’t ignore.
“What did Sonya want?” Dean’s question brings me back to my senses.
“The message. Right.” I put Axe out of my mind and turn to face Dean, giving him Sonya’s update.
Dean nods. “And you’re sure she said up to two months?”
