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I don’t recognize her, which is unusual in itself. Who is she, and why does she seem familiar?

After my father’s request, I asked Sullivan to make me a list of suitable women to marry. I’m sure she wasn’t on there.

Could she be married? That would be a hassle. But potentially, worth it.

I watch the blonde approach the bar, leaning against it with hunched shoulders as she waits to order, avoiding eye contact with those around her. Why is she so self-conscious?

The bartender sidles up to her, flashing a grin as he, without a doubt, tries out some pathetic line. His slimy gaze raking over her makes me want to stake my claim on her. Her posture remains closed off, angled away from him.

Good. Still, his obvious flirtation irks me. We’re in a club filled with inebriated people looking for one thing. I should hardly be surprised.

Yet, as he leans in closer, saying something to make her laugh, an unexpected spike of irritation lances through me. She tosses her hair, lips curved in an easy smile.

Is she enjoying his attention? No, her body language still screams discomfort. But why indulge him at all?

Too polite. She’s a person who would invite a bloody assassin if she thought it’d make them feel included.

My fingers tighten around the glass as the bartender prepares her drink with an unnecessary flourish, sliding it toward her with a wink. Find someone else. This one is mine.

I have no idea what her name is. However, I can’t stop watching as she grabs her drink, leaves the bar with her friend Mary, and walks towards a small table while chatting.

After they finish their drink, they walk onto the dance floor, melting into the crowd. Mary throws her head back, laughing as she moves to the pulsing beat. But the blonde seems more reserved, swaying hesitantly at first.

As another song comes on, she closes her eyes, losing herself in the rhythm and completely unaware of the effect she’s having on me.

The bass throbs through my veins as I can’t take my eyes off her curves. I would love to sink my fingers into the side of her hips while taking her from behind. Those luscious lips parted in breathless gasps as I trail kisses down her back...

I down the rest of my whiskey in one burning gulp.

Her hips rocking against me, her legs shaking… I’d make that perfect little ass sting with my handprint as I pound into her tight—

Fuck.

I need to get a grip before I embarrass myself like some hormone-addled teenager.

I can’t wait anymore. Connor needs to go down there. “Going to make a move or eye-fuck her all night?”

Connor rises beside me, eyes locked on Mary. “Watch how it’s done, cuz.”

“Better not screw up with your little obsession.”

“Never.”

Good.

Because I need her friend alone.

Connor gives me a mock salute before descending the steps onto the dance floor.

I slouch back, keeping him in my peripheral vision as he shows up behind Mary. They sway together to the music as Connor murmurs something in her ear.

Her blonde friend glances over, assessing the intrusion with a coy brief look. Mary throws her arms around her, giggling as they sway together. Then the blonde extracts herself, beelining for the bar.

I lean against the railing, tracking her movement through the crowd with hungry eyes. The sway of her hips as she moves is hypnotic, that little black dress leaving little to the imagination.

After exchanging words with the barkeeper, she turns slightly, peering over her shoulder to watch the people on the dancefloor.

My mouth goes dry looking at her. I ache to run my hands over the exposed skin, mapping every dip and hollow with my fingertips. I want to taste the whiskey on her tongue, to feel her lips against mine...

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