Page 14 of Wolf's Mark

CHAPTER 5

Sedona

It was impossible to gauge a man like Jackson Wolf.

Debonaire.

Highly educated.

Seductive as hell.

A playboy.

And arrogant? Absolutely, but he wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d pegged him for.

I had no idea about his intentions or how he’d managed to drive two assailants and car thieves away with a single look. Yes, that intrigued me, but I was a cautious girl and would remain so.

Being in his car, the most fabulous sports car I’d ever ridden in, had kept me uncomfortable.

He was too much, a person I couldn’t get a handle on, and I didn’t like that.

I’d never been to the small if not quaint bar he’d taken me to, guiding me through the tiny corner establishment as if he owned the place. The bartender had acknowledged him with a single nod and had sent a waitress over to our table within seconds.

After ordering, another awkward moment had settled in.

What was I supposed to say to him?

The work of my daily grind won over and I began peppering him with questions.

“Did you know those thieves? Did they realize you were dangerous? Are you dangerous? Did you threaten them?”

He was at ease, sitting back in his chair and acting as if he was drinking in the atmosphere. “Let’s see. I do not know those two men, although I know assholes like them. I do believe they knew I meant business. Yes, I’m very dangerous, but only to the sons of bitches who try and cross me in my business. Although my brothers might tell you differently. Threatening anyone isn’t my style. I’ve never needed to. Does that answer all your questions?”

“Only those that come to the forefront of my mind. I’m not certain I buy what you’re telling me.”

“You have me curious as well, Sedona.”

My vodka sour arrived within minutes. Switching to alcohol over wine wasn’t the best decision, but I was nervous.

Hell, I was perspiring and ladies didn’t do that around men.

According to Mattie anyway.

“Why curious? Because I didn’t fall at your feet? Because men like you don’t impress me, no matter how much you’re worth on the Fortune 500 list?”

“The Wolf family is listed on the Fortune100list, but who cares?”

Goddamn the man. Even his snarky replies were appealing.

“What are you curious about?” I pressed.

“What you do for a living. Something tells me you’re not a schoolteacher or salesclerk.”

“Good guess. My student loans will provide proof I’m neither. My work is handled in a stark, very dark environment. I get to play with cadavers, unveiling the harm they suffered before succumbing to fading away. I enjoy playing with intestines and draining blood. Does that sound like something you’re interested in?”

Yes, I was egging it on, but I couldn’t help myself. I wasn’t a pushover, no matter what the hottie thought.

Why was my inner core already heated to about a million degrees?

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