Page 3 of Off-Limits Bad Boy

Struggling to keep my voice calm, I say, “Start working, or I swear—”

But he cuts me off. “Relax, boss lady. I'm on it.” He moves off to attend something else, thank goodness, leaving me to gather up the scattered mess of my thoughts while trying to make a game plan for both of us to survive the night.

With a glance, I see him talking to the bouncers, his effortless charm working on them, too, somehow. The guys look like they eat nails for breakfast, but he’s got them smiling and talking with animated expressions.

“We’ve got a long night ahead,” I whisper, steeling myself for hours of Kade’s relentless teasing and the undeniable pull I fight so hard to ignore.

At least he’s over there now, and I can turn my attention back to work. But he still sneaks back into my thoughts even as I try to banish him.

Chapter Two

Kade

“Another round, Kade?” Em’s words cut through my conversation with the guys, and I glance at her. The challenge in her voice is echoed in her eyes, and damn if I’m not going to rise to the occasion.

“Talk to you guys later,” I say before walking away from the guys and making my way to her. She’s holding up a bottle, tilting it toward my glass.

“That depends. Did you put something in my cup?” I ask.

She doesn’t miss a beat. “That depends, would that get you to shut up?”

I spread my hands wide. “You’re the one that called me over, remember?” I say, gesturing to the guys I was talking to a moment ago.

She’s quiet for a moment, the bottle in her hand still hovering over my glass.

“Are you sure you can serve?” I ask and her eyes narrow. So I throw some gasoline on that fire and bring my index finger to my lips. “I won’t tell,” I say softly.

Her voice cut through the din of the party, a playful challenge in her eyes.

She watches me, her brows arched, that little crease between them telling me she’s annoyed with me. Emma has always had a tell when she’s flustered – a slight flush on those high cheekbones, and God, if it wasn't the most adorable thing.

“Pour it,” I say with a nod at her.

“Ask nicely.” She’s challenging me again.

She has no idea she’s playing with fire.

I reach for the bottle, not looking away for a second. Taking the bottle from her, I pour the amber liquid with exaggerated care. I continue to watch her, letting the corners of my mouth twitch upwards just enough to acknowledge the game we were playing... or maybe that I’m winning.

It is a dangerous game, because truth be told, I’ve been on the losing end for a long time - she just doesn't know that. No matter how things began, or how they end, I lost the day I realized pigtails and scraped knees had turned into curves and quick wit.

“For a man that has to do everything himself, you sure aren’t pulling your weight around here.” There’s something dangerous in her eyes, but she’s wrong.

“Someone's got to keep you in line,” I say, putting the bottle down and picking up the glass. Bringing it to my nose, I swirl the liquid as if looking for something, just to upset her.

“There’s nothing in it,” she says as I lean back against the counter with a casualness I’m far from feeling. My heart thrums a wild rhythm against my ribs, but I smother it down, bury it under layers of bravado. Emma is forbidden territory – Alex’s sister, off-limits – and I'd sooner take a punch to the nose than cross that line.

But damn, if she didn't make it hard.

In more ways than one.

“Sounds like a personal problem,” I say, taking a sip.

Her brows furrow. “How is saying there’s nothing in it a personal prob-” She stops mid-word, suddenly catching the naughty nature of my words. She plants her hands on her hips, tilting her head in a cute gesture I don’t think she knows she does when she’s annoyed. “Keep dreaming, bad boy.”

I lift my drink like I’m saying cheers, and speak as a grin tugs the corners of my lips. “Only about you.” The crude nature of my comment might be the reason the hollow at the base of her throat bottoms out, or the slight intake of her breath, or the surprise flashing in her eyes.

And I know in that moment that she feels this undeniable spark, too.

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