Page 19 of Vicious Sabotage

She gripped the edge of the bar, forcing herself not to wiggle.

He stopped in front of her, his face on a level with hers. “You really don’t believe this break-in could be the result of you shooting that guy.”

She cocked her head, swiping her thick hair over one shoulder. “Not likely.”

“You’re cute.”

She narrowed her eyes. “I told you, I’m not cute. I’m mean. A badass.”

Something in his eyes shifted, but she didn’t have time to analyze the change because a knock sounded at the back door.

She moved to push off the bar, but he planted himself in front of her. “That will be my waitress. I have to let her in.”

“I am the only person opening a door around here.”

His deep, commanding tone washed over her…and then the absolute worst thing happened.

Her nipples shriveled into hard points.

Before she could gather her wits or question what the hell that was, he sauntered off to open the door.

Low voices sounded as Wolfe had a conversation with her waitress. There was no telling what he’d say to her.

With a sigh, Livia leaped off the bar to rescue her staff from Wolfe’s egomaniac ways.

Melanie, her daytime waitress, was staring at Wolfe like he was a slice of cake and it was her birthday. At Livia’s entrance, she shifted her gaze away from the SEAL’s hot body. A flush climbed her cheeks and even spread into her hairline, drawn back in a ponytail for work.

“Hi, Livia. You didn’t tell me Badlands got a new bouncer.”

She darted a glance at Wolfe. “It’s a new development.”

So are these hard nipples.

Shut up, body! I am in control here.

But are you?

Bringing her own mind to heel, Livia bobbed her head. “Do you want to get started by stocking the bar?”

Wolfe cleared his throat.

Livia swung her stare to his.

“Are you going to tell her about—”

“About that new whiskey shipment we just got in? I was just about to tell her.” Giving him a pointed look to convey that he should keep his mouth shut about the break-in, she tipped her head at Melanie. “Let me show you where I stacked the crates.”

As she walked away, she swore she felt Wolfe’s gaze burning into her.

When she and the waitress were in the stockroom, Melanie opened her eyes wide. “The new bouncer is…just…wow.”

Seeking to get her employee’s mind off the man who would not be sticking around Badlands—and her own mind off him too—she waved at the crates stacked in a corner.

“What did you say his name is again?”

“Uh…Wolfe.”

“Damn. He even has a hot name.”