Page 23 of Bad Business

“God, you’re beautiful.”

With a growl of satisfaction, he lifts me off my feet and carries me to the bed. We collapse onto the mattress, our hands and mouths exploring each other with a hunger that can’t be denied. As we lose ourselves in each other, the problems waiting for us fade away. There is only Dallas and me, two souls giving into the burning connection between us. It’s a feeling unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and I know in my heart that this is where I’m supposed to be.

“You’re amazing, Willow,” Dallas whispers. Holding me close, his fingers gently stroking my hair. “I’m falling in love with you.” He presses his lips to mine, his tongue claiming ownership with each dip into my mouth. With his forehead pressed against mine, he whispers his promise. “We’re going to be okay, Willow,” he murmurs. “No matter what happens, we’ll get through it together.”

10

DALLAS

As much as I didn’t want to, Willow convinced me it was time to go back to work. Her nanny has been given strict instructions not to leave the house. Granted, the man stationed outside in his car is another layer of protection, but I can’t help the unease I feel leaving Juniper home at night.

I begged Willow to stay home, but she insisted on being here, which is why I am currently standing on the second floor, my elbows resting on the railing, with my eyes firmly watching the woman who has derailed me.

Willow has no idea just how beautiful she is—it's refreshing to find a woman who isn’t looking for the next status quo. I watch as she practically glides around the bar, serving customers like it’s second nature. But knowing what I do now, this job is beneath her, and I want… no, I need to make sure she gets back to the person she was. I laugh to myself thinking about how her prior profession isn’t much different from a bartender—they both have to listen to people droll on about their lives.

Needing to be close to her, I amble down to the lower floor and slip onto a barstool. The club is fairly busy tonight, but that doesn’t stop me from focusing all my attention on Willow. Carlos, my head of security, steps beside the bar.

“How’s it going, Boss? Everything good?”

Glancing over at him, I smile. “It's fine, Carlos.” He furrows his brow at me as if he wants to ask me something more. “What is it, Carlos? You look like you have something to say.”

“No, sir… Um.” He straightens his spine. “It's just, I’m not used to seeing you on the floor this much.” He clears his throat. “I worried I wasn’t doing something I should.”

It hits me that he thinks I am down here to see about his work ethic. Laughing, I say, “I can assure you, I am not down here spying on you. You’ve been nothing but excellent in your job, Carlos.” My eyes track Willow, and he follows my gaze.

“Oh, I see.” He chuckles. “She’s definitely a beautiful woman.”

“That she is.”

Carlos’s eyes widen a fraction just as a set of red nails slide over my shoulder. The disgusting smell of Clarissa’s perfume fills my senses, and I jerk out of her hold to turn and face her.

“Clarissa.”

“Hi, Dallas.” She pushes between my legs and presses her hands against my chest. “Haven’t seen you around lately.” Her long red nail dips between the buttons of my shirt while her other hand smooths down the front and cups my dick. “I really want to see you again.”

Growling, I move to grab her arm, but a flash of dark hair shoves between me and Clarrisa, shoving her back.

“I suggest you find someone else to ‘see’,” Willow practically growls, her hands clenched at her sides as her ass nestles against my crotch. “Dallas is no longer an option.”

“Who in the fuck are you?” Clarrisa seethes. “Maybe you should take your fat ass behind the bar where you belong.”

Not able to help myself, I slip my arm around Willow’s front and cup her pussy over the thin material of her dress. Clarissa’s eyes follow my movement, making her narrow her gaze on us.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” She steps forward. “She won’t give you what you need. A woman like her is too vanilla for a man like you, Dallas. When you realize that, give me a call.”

Willow stiffens at her words, but what she does next shocks the fuck out of me.

“I can keep him plenty entertained, don’t you worry a thing, skank.”

She turns into my arms and fumbles with the zipper of my pants. Slipping her hand inside, she wraps her fingers around my shaft. Grabbing her wrist, I force her to let go and tug it out.

“No.”

Misunderstanding my intentions, she jerks her hand out of mine and steps back.

“See… already he’s realizing you’re not up to speed.”

Willow blinks back tears and starts to move around me, but I halt her steps.

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