Page 2 of Enemy Boss

“You go on. Looks like you’re the one with something to prove.”

I can hardly admit that I don’t think I can make it the rest of the way down without hurting myself after I have been so adamant that I am just fine. I take a steadying breath and move down a step. So far, so good. I move down another one, but as soon as my already weak ankle hits the ground, pain flares up and my ankle rolls again. I don’t even have time to grab for the railing with my spare hand this time before the sexy stranger’s big warm hands are on me.

He stops me from falling, but instead of letting go of me, he lifts me into the air and throws me over his shoulder in a rather undignified fireman’s lift.

“Put me down this instant,” I demand, one hand thumping against his back and the other desperately trying to make sure I am not flashing my ass to the people coming and going from the club, some of whom are laughing at my predicament.

“Your ass is fine,” the man says. “In more ways than one.”

I ignore his strange compliment just like he ignores my command for him to put me down. I keep thumping weakly on his back as he moves down the steps, but the truth is, it’s at best a token protest. It’s good to get to the bottom of the stairs without further hurting my ankle and yes, I admit it, it feels good to be on his man’s shoulder, his arm around my legs. I like the strength of him, the way I feel safe propped high up here. I like the warm, masculine smell of him too. Very nice. Very, very nice.

We reach the bottom of the stairs, and he slaps one hand against my ass. I yelp in indignation rather than any pain as he sets me back on my feet.

“Now we’re acquainted, I should introduce myself. I’m Cullen,” he says.

“Max,” I reply. “Do you always spank people within seconds of meeting them?”

“Only if they’ve been naughty,” Cullen says, laughter twinkling in his eyes.

I swallow hard, his words leaving me speechless and despite myself, I’m wet and turned on. He probably sees my discomfort, but he has no idea how much I liked his words.

“I’m joking Max, relax,” he says.

I feel a bit silly, and I smile, forcing myself to stop showing myself up. He’s not flirting with me. He’s just trying to lighten the moment. “I much prefer my girls to be naughty. I would never punish them for that.”

Ok, maybe he is flirting with me.

“Well, I hate to disappoint you, but I’m most definitely a good girl,” I say.

“Obviously,” he says. “Because every good girl can be found falling out of a club at two am.”

“Ok, I agree that wasn’t my finest moment,” I say, smiling. “But I really am sober. That’s what makes it worse. If I was drunk, I probably wouldn’t have fallen.”

Cullen chuckles. “Or if you did, you wouldn’t have cared.”

“Exactly,” I agree.

“You’re leaving early. Is it bad in there?” he asks, jerking his head in the direction of the club.

“It’s bouncing, but when you’re sober, it’s awful. Too full, too loud, and way too sticky.”

“With a recommendation like that, I think I’ll give it a miss. Come on.”

He starts to walk but I don’t follow him. I’m not his little toy to boss around. He looks back over his shoulder at me.

“What?” he asks. “Are you waiting for me to carry you again?”

He starts back towards me, and I shake my head, knowing that he will actually pick me up.

“No,” I say. I lift one of my feet up and slip my shoe off. “Just getting rid of these.”

I slip the other one off and walk towards him, my shoes dangling from one hand. He’s walking in the direction of the taxi rank anyway so I may as well walk with him as walk alone. I tell myself that’s the only reason I am following him, the only reason I am still talking to him.

We are about half way to the taxi rank, crossing the parking lot for the club and the restaurants and bars that line the street alongside it, when he puts his hand in his pocket and pulls out a car key. He presses the fob and a sleek Audi beeps into life. Cullen veers away from me and heads for the car.

“See you around,” I say.

He frowns at me.

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