Page 6 of Devil's Valentine

My eyes go big and round as I look at her and glance toward the front of the bakery even though I can’t see the man in question. I whisper, “He’s hot?”

“Smoking hot,” Valerie giggles.

I swallow hard and then follow Valerie back out to the front of the bakery. With a glance down at my apron, I realize that I’m covered in flour, sugar, and some icing. It’s nothing new, but normally I put on a clean apron before I head out to the front of the bakery. I’m sure that my apron isn’t the only messy thing about me.

As I reach my hand up to where my curly hair is piled on top of my head, I can feel the tendrils that have come down and then there’s the sweat I can feel on my brow. It’s hot back in my kitchen with the ovens on and the amount of work I do in the back.

I step into the front of the bakery and freeze. The man standing in the middle of the seating area of Crescent Sugar is the hottest man I’ve ever seen. Hot, honestly, doesn’t even cover it. He looks like he’s stepped out of a magazine ad to sell jeans, t-shirts, and leather. His arms are cut, his shoulders are broad, and his jaw is sharp.

The only thing I can do is blink a few times as I take the man in. His hair is black and styled in a faux hawk that would look forced on anyone other than him. Why is my mouth so damn dry right now?

He’s looking around the bakery and I feel my cheeks heat. He looks out of place in my shop. While I didn’t go full girly with ruffles and pink in my bakery, it is more on the feminine side. He looks out of place, but at the same time, it’s almost as if he’s exactly where he’s supposed to be.

It doesn’t make any damn sense.

As he turns toward me from looking around, my gaze locks with his dark brown eyes and the breath he sucks in is audible. His hands flex and a thought flits through my mind—is he trying to stop himself from reaching for me?

I’ve never seen a man like him in real life. I had no doubt they existed, but to see one? I almost don’t even know where to look.

I want to take in every inch of his body. The way his jeans mold to his thighs is fucking sinful. I bet his ass is incredible and I can’t remember a time when I’ve ever checked out a man’s ass.

It’s clear he’s tall and I want to step closer to find out just how much taller he is than me. I’m not all that short at 5’7” and even with my curves, I have a feeling he would make me feel petite and dainty.

The man clears his throat and swallows hard before taking a step closer to the counter. “Are you Scarlett?”

His voice is a gentle rasp filled with something that I have no idea how to identify. I nod mutely and find myself moving around the counter and closer to him. It’s like I can’t stop it and I’m not sure if I want to.

“I’m Dean,” he blurts and then blinks before clearing his throat and shaking his head, “I mean Frenzy.”

“Frenzy?” Is that my voice? It’s much higher and tighter than it normally is.

The way a smile blooms on Frenzy’s face is sexy as hell. Or is it Dean? I’m confused. I’ve heard about road names before since I’ve spent a little bit of time around the Old Ladies of the club, but I always got the impression that road names were what wasexpected. I don’t think I’ve heard any of the brothers’ real names before.

“It’s my road name, Sugar,” he tilts his head to the side slightly like he’s studying me, “but I think that I’d rather you call me Dean.”

Holy shit.

“Nice to meet you?” It sounds more like a question than I intend it to sound, and I bite my lip to try to push away the embarrassment that washes over me. “I’m just not sure what you’re doing here, Dean.”

His dark eyes heat as he looks at me, his eyes trailing down my body and making me feel like his hands are mapping my curves. The way he’s looking at me makes it feel like my body is on fire. I’ve never felt this kind of attraction and I have no idea what to do with it or what to do about it.

“The Old Ladies were on a tear yesterday afternoon when they got to the clubhouse,” he starts to explain, and I find myself taking a step closer to him. His voice is rich with a hint of gravel that washes over me and has my pussy clenching on fucking nothing. “They brought the issues you’ve been having with vandalism and the break-in to the leadership of the club.”

My cheeks heat while pride and appreciation break free in my chest. The women took it to the club, just like they said they were going to do. It’s been a long time since someone has stood up for me and insisted at being at my side when it matters the most.

I love Valerie, and she has my back here at Crescent Sugar, but this feels bigger.

“The leadership wasn’t sure the club should be involved at first,” Frenzy rubs the back of his neck, his voice sheepish.

“I get it,” I hold my hand up to stop him from saying anything else. “I’m not part of the club and there’s no reason for anyone to get involved.” My shoulders slump and I feel defeat trying to take me down. “I’ve talked to the police every time there’s an incident. There’s nothing they can really do and have told me as much.”

Frenzy narrows his eyes, and his gaze hardens slightly as he stands up straighter. “The ladies can be very persuasive when they want to be, and they weren’t going to back down when it comes to you and whoever is targeting your bakery.”

“I’m sorry,” I blurt, “I didn’t ask them to do that.”

His face softens and my heart starts to pound in my chest. “I know, Sugar.”

I nod, but I’m unable to say anything. The way he’s looking at me makes me breathless. When he steps closer, almost erasing the little bit of distance between us, I want to step back, but I make myself hold my ground.

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