Page 69 of Clinch'd

Her brows twitch and her smile fades, all of which I take in as Rafe turns to me and leans in so close his mouth brushes my ear, “Drink Minnie?”

Oh, so he wants to play a game? Okay, I’ll bite.

Smiling, I turn my cheek until our lips are brushing and say, “Mm, yes.”

His eyes widen before his lips curl in a smirk. With my job done, I settle in and prepare to be bored. Except the pretty woman eyeing Rafe like a giant chocolate bar carries my attention throughout the dinner.

Rafe ignores her but for a few sneaky glances and when he uses me as backup, I acquiesce.

It’s probably shitty but I like Rafe. Despite his warnings, he’s a nice guy and maybe this is my way of avenging a broken heart? Who knows but it’s better than the alternative.

Beast broods through the whole meal, which I believe consisted of five drinks while he ignored the plate before him. Doesn’t he have to watch what he eats and drinks? Or does he not care?

When we’re finished, he pushes back his chair and says, “Minnie.”

The brunette looks up and with a sheepish smile for Rafe, I push back from the table. His eyes gleam with humor and something else I can’t define before he grabs my hand, kisses the back, and says, “Be careful. Everyone in this damn circuit has an agenda, Minnie.”

Nodding, I go to pull away when a flashing light brings me around and I stare in horror at a fan. Is she going to post that shit on social media?

Rafe lets me go with a panty melting smile and I watch the twitterpated girl rush through the tables with her phone pressed against her chest.

Doomed. I’m fucking doomed.

Shaking my head, I wander back through the lobby and find Beast at the curb. His head is buried in his phone, and he looks up with a grunt.

“Where to now?” I ask and he opens the door.

“Club.”

“Oh, I thought—“

“You thought wrong. Bowery wants to see you.”

His gruff answer sends a chill down my spine and with a whimper, I slide into the seat, smoothing my hands down my dress. Did he call the asshole? Geez.

Beast joins me and I stare at the passing scenery before saying, “Rafe told me not to trust anyone. Is that true?”

Beast snorts but says, “Yes.”

“Not even you?” I whisper and turn my head.

His brows furrow and he tilts his head. “Not even me.”

The acknowledgment isn’t exactly a surprise, but I’m left with the sinking sensation that there’s more to this sordid story.

Of course, I already have so many questions without answers. What’s one more?

“What do they have on you?” I ask and Beast frowns. “I mean, you seem pretty cozy with Suit?”

I wave my arm and Beast snorts. “I do what I want, when I want.”

“Really? So, you wanted to drag my clingy ass from state to the state? To what…?”

His eyes flash but I raise my chin and with a grunt he says, “It’s complicated.”

When he stops there, I slap the seat between us and say, “That’s it?”

“Yeah,” he growls. “Why are you doing it?”

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