Page 5 of Wild Heart
But a few moments later, there’s movement on the stairs. A slim heel comes into view followed by a pair of luscious legs. She’s gripping the rail to steady herself. It can’t be easy descending stairs in those heels, but she still manages to look graceful.
My heart’s battering against my chest, and my dick grinds against my zipper as it hardens.
I drink her in. All eighteen years of her. Christ, she’s the same age as my daughter.
The thought has me running a hand through my hair as she saunters over to me.
I’m here to protect her, that’s all. I won’t do anything stupid like throw her over my shoulder and take her back to the club like I’m longing to do.
“Hey,” she says, tilting her head.
Most women her age would be shy talking to an older man, but she comes straight up to me, bold as anything.
“Hi.”
My gaze takes in her face now that we’re closer. Her plump lips are tinged with red lipstick, and her emerald green eyes are illuminated by colorful makeup. It’s pretty, but I long to run my thumb over it. To smudge it away and see how she looks without the paint.
“I’m Trina.”
She holds out a hand, and I resist the urge to raise my eyebrows. I shouldn’t be surprised she’s going under a false name tonight. She must have used a fake ID to get into the club.
“Hi Trina.” Her hand is cool in mine, her fingers soft. I clasp it too long, not wanting to let go. “I’m Raiden.”
We stare at each other, our gazes locked and our hands entwined. Electricity sparks between us, and heat spreads up my arm and courses through my body. I want to pull her close, to claim her plump lips. To take her away from here and equal parts tell her off for coming to a place like this and kiss her senseless.
Then I remember her age. Fuck. She’s eighteen, barely legal. I’ve got no right to fantasize over a woman who’s barely out of girlhood.
I drop her hand, and disappointment flashes across her face before she resets it in a well-used mask.
“What’s the occasion?” she asks.
I cock my head, wondering what she means. She turns to look around the club.
“You’re out with a bunch of men. Two over there.” She indicates the edge of the dance floor. “Two over there.” She indicates the booths. “And two hanging out by the restrooms.” She indicates Barrels and Travis, who I positioned by the bathrooms to make sure the ladies weren’t harassed if they needed the restroom.
“Someone should tell those two it’s not the best place to meet women. They come across as creepy.”
I smile despite myself. She’s observant, smart,andfunny.
“How do you know they’re with me?”
She tilts her head and half smiles. “Come on. You’re the only ones in here with beards and tattoos, and you’re about twice the age of the other clientele.”
I mock wince.
“I didn’t mean to offend you,” she says with a smile so sweet I almost beg her to insult me again.
“We’re at a bachelor party. My friend over there’s getting married.”
I indicate Arlo who’s dancing with Colter, making sure the dance floor is safe if the ladies decide to venture out there.
She bites her lower lip, thinking. “Then why are you all spread out around the club? Don’t you like each other?”
Damn, she’s too smart for her own good. But I can’t tell her it’s for her protection. That even though I only laid eyes on her a matter of minutes ago, she’s the same age as my daughter, and she’s the only daughter of a dangerous man, the feeling of protectiveness I have over her is so strong my chest hurts.
Instead, I change the subject.
“How about you? What occasion bought you out tonight?”
