Page 21 of Safe and Sound

Flicking a lock of her dark hair over her shoulder, she stated, “I’d argue taking your ass down was.”

Fuck. Where had this woman been all my life? “If I can promise you no more lines directed at getting up your dress and into what I imagine is your sexy thong, would you have a drink?”

Pursing her lips, she sized me up again. “I suppose one drink wouldn’t hurt.”

If I had anything to do with it, there would be multiple drinks, some hot and sweaty dancing, and maybe dinner, which would be followed by an all-night fuckfest.

Flashing her a smile, I motioned to the bar. “Then let’s go.”

Chapter Five: Ava

When I executed my self-defense move on Dare, I never expected it to end with us getting drinks. Despite his cocky side, there was something endearing about him. Something that made me want to get to know him better. Even if it was just for the night, which I knew would have Nick breaking into the hallelujah chorus for breaking my sex drought.

Just as we reached the bar, we ran smack into Nick and the girls. At the sight of Dare’s hand at the small of my back, their eyes lit up. “Sorry we took so long. The bathroom lines were insane,” Lexie said while keeping her eyes focused on Dare.

“It’s okay.”

Dare glanced between me and my crew. Extending his hand, he said, “I’m Dare Kavanaugh.”

Nick immediately thrust his hand into Dare’s. “I’m Nick. Ava’s nephew.”

When Dare’s brows furrowed, I replied, “It’s a long story.” Pointing to the girls, I said, “That’s Dani and Lexie, my nieces.”

As he gave the girls his best panty-melting smile, Dare shook their hands. “Nice meeting you.”

“The pleasure is all ours,” Lexie gushed.

“I was just going to buy your aunt a drink. Would you like to join us?”

In perfect unison, the three shook their heads. “Nope. We’re good,” Nick replied.

“Are you sure? I co-own this club so I have liquor no one else gets.”

“Smooth,” I muttered to which Dare grinned.

Dani’s eyes popped wide. “Omg, you’re theowner?”

“I am. Along with four of my brothers.”

“Fuck me. There’s more of you,” Nick muttered.

Dare threw back his head and laughed heartily. “Aye, there’s five of us, but my youngest brother is only eighteen.”

“Any single ones?” Lexie asked.

“Besides me, there’s only the eighteen-year-old.”

“Pity,” she mused.

“Would it help if I told you Eamon was eighteen going on thirty?”

Lexie wrinkled her nose. “He’s still a baby.”

Dani waggled her brows. “There’s something to be said for breaking them in.”

“In Eamon’s case, he’s well broken in.”

“Even better,” Dani teased.

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