Page 9 of Caged Captain

“Let’s get out of here. This is no place for my angel,” I say, my voice low and deadly. I wrap my arm around Imogine’s shoulders and kiss the top of her head before guiding her to the passenger side of my car.

I open the door and help her inside, trying my damndest not to notice how short her dress is. Those creamy thighs are on display, making me both ravenous and insanely jealous of all the men who will be looking at her tonight.

Shaking my head of those thoughts, I close the door and go around the car, hopping in my seat and getting us the hell away from here. The closer we get to Eclipse, the more agitated and anxious I become. I steal a glance at Imogine, my eyes wandering up and down. While she was gorgeous for the fundraiser, this is a simpler look. Light eyeliner, berry pink lips, and a slight pink shimmer on her cheeks. Her hair is down this time, showing off her long, wavy locks.

“Is something wrong?” she asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I snap my attention back to the road and shake my head no.

“You said we were going to a fancy nightclub, right?”

“Correct.” I swallow thickly and keep my eyes trained on the road. After a few moments of silence, I sneak another peek at the woman who has captured my non-existent heart.

She’s tugging at the hem of her dress, trying to get it to cover more of her legs. When that doesn’t work, she folds her arms over her waist and turns her body away from me. I realize, all too late, that she’s self-conscious. All I’ve done is stare and growl at her, so it shouldn’t surprise me that she’s uncomfortable.

I’m no good at this shit. There’s a reason I haven’t had a serious relationship since… well, ever, I guess. Okay, there are multiple reasons, but this tops the list. I don’t know how to treat someone like Imogine. How can I possibly express these crazy thoughts spinning around in my head? Add to that the complicated situation we’re in and the even more complicated emotions rising in me, and I’m screwed. Completely at a loss. Floundering for a lifeline.

“This dress was included in the wardrobe that was dropped off yesterday. I thought it was what would fit our date the best, but I can change if–”

“The dress is sexy as hell, and I’m having a hard time concentrating on anything else,” I blurt.

Imogine gasps while I stare straight ahead, biting my tongue to avoid saying anything else stupid.

We don’t speak for the rest of the ride, but at least she doesn’t look uncomfortable anymore. She’s not tugging on her dress or trying to cover herself up. In fact, I think the little siren just arched her back to show off her ample chest.

A few minutes later, we pull into the private parking lot underneath the club. I get out of the car and open the door for Imogine, unable to pull my eyes away from her stunning form as she steps out and stands to her full height. I glance down at her feet, smiling when I see her matching teal slip-on flats with an open toe. Classy without killing her feet.

“I have a feeling you instructed Maria not to include heels in the dozens of outfits she bought for me?”

I shrug, offering her my arm. “A good boyfriend takes note of these things,” I say, smiling down at her.

She smirks and nudges me with her elbow, the playful gesture one more layer to this incredible woman.

Once inside, Imogine steps closer, tightening her hold on my arm. I suppose she’s probably never been here, or any nightclub,for that matter. She doesn’t seem like the type, nor does she have the extra time or money. Not that I’m judging; it’s just a fact. I know her father’s debts have kept her working all kinds of hours in service industry jobs to keep them afloat. It makes sense that this is an entirely foreign experience for her.

“You look incredible, and everyone here is jealous of me,” I whisper. It’s true, but what I don’t say is that I’m the one with the possessive streak who’s jealous of the eyes we’re attracting.

“Yeah, right,” she says in a sarcastic tone. “But thank you for trying to make me feel less awkward. I just want to do a good job.”

Right.Job. This is a job for her. And I have a mission to meet up with Grayson, the owner of Eclipse.

I lead us to the VIP room, where the lights are low and the music is loud. The bar at the other end of the room is outlined in neon lights, as are the private booths lining the walls. The dance floor is much more intimate here, with just a few couples taking advantage of the space.

“Marco! Over here. Oh good, you brought your girlfriend with you.” I don’t know how I feel about Grayson remembering Imogine from the fundraiser. That means he must have been thinking about her, which means I have to kill him now.

Jesus Christ, no. Stop it.I’m here to extend our unofficial contract of five percent of Eclipse’s profits in exchange for the family’s protection and brute force when necessary. That’s it.

“Grayson,” I greet, noticing the empty glass sitting in front of him. “Can I get you another drink before we get down to business?”

“Excellent idea!” the rotund Sicilian man exclaims, clearly on his fourth or fifth drink already.

Imogine and I walk up to the bar, where I order a round of drinks for us. I turn my back for all of thirty seconds, but bythe time I glance over my shoulder at Imogine, some fucker is hitting on her.

Adrenaline mixes with possessiveness, and I impulsively grab my woman’s hand and tug her into my chest. She’s breathless as her bright blue eyes shine up at me, those juicy lips parting slightly in invitation. I cup the back of her neck and weave my fingers through her hair as my lips meet hers. I’m completely fucked.

Imogine gasps, which allows me to slip my tongue in between her pouty lips and taste her for the first time. She's sweet like honey. Her small, soft hands crawl up my chest, making me growl into her mouth.

My hands slide down her sides, tracing over the swell of her breasts, the slight dip in her waist, and the curve of her deliciously wide hips. I grip her there, my fingers digging into her flesh. I almost release my hold on her, not wanting to cause Imogine any pain, but she moans and claws at my chest, letting me know she likes it rough.

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