Page 3 of Undercover Desires

Kobe Rivera exudes an irresistible charm, and it’s apparent in his confident, cocky demeanor. He’s undoubtedly the most attractive man in the place, and he’s well aware of it. Withhis two brothers off the dating market, he’s practically a local celebrity, and I didn’t have to wait long in the lengthy line outside the club to figure that out. Every woman under forty seems to want a piece of him. Women vie for his attention, and men regard him with a mix of jealousy and curiosity. He’s the town’s biggest playboy, wealthier than Elon Musk and possessing more charisma than Ryan Gosling. The world is at his feet, but I intend to bring him to his knees.

It’s hard to believe my luck that this is my very first assignment. It’s thrilling and scary at the same time. It also makes me wish my father was still around. I would kill to share with him what I’m doing with my life.

I approach the bar near where Kobe is standing with the doll, head held high and shoulders back, feeling confident. It’s not long before the middle-aged bartender notices me. “What can I get for you, sweetheart?” He smiles kindly.

The nickname makes me cringe. “I’ll have a shot of tequila. Thanks, mate,” I reply, pulling up a stool so I can observe the crowd.

“Nice accent, are you Aussie?” He smirks, as if my accent makes me some sort of sparkly unicorn.

“Sure am.” I smile back at him sweetly. He places my shot down in front of me and I throw it back, placing the empty glass on the bar. From this spot I can see the entire room. The place is packed, and it’s even more noticeable from here. It’s a Friday night, and the dance floor is pumping with sweaty bodies rubbing up against one another. There is a roped-off golden staircase that leads to a mezzanine level. It’s dark and mysterious up there, and I wonder what you have to do to get into that part of the club. I bet that’s where all the action is.

“She’ll have another,” a deep male voice says from behind me.

I glance over my shoulder to see Mr. Smooth himself. Man, the accent works like a charm. It’s like fucking catnip to theseshmucks. He was chatting up Bimbo Barbie five seconds ago. “You’re too kind.” I flash my teeth in a sugary-sweet smile.

Our bartender—Henry, according to his name tag—places another shot in front of me. Kobe gives me a look like he’s challenging me to drink it. I suck it back. My lips twitch with the burn as it slides down. Challenge accepted. Bet I could drink this pussy under the table. I have been shooting tequila since I was seventeen.

“What’s your name? I haven’t seen you in my bar before?” His grin is sexy as sin. He’s used that line before, and he knows it works. Chicks probably flock to him over it.His bar. I want to roll my eyes, but I stop myself.

“You wouldn’t have. I flew in yesterday. This is my first American bar. Did you just say you own the place?” I look at him, wide-eyed. “Wow, I’m impressed,” I gush, playing along.

He taps the bar. “Another, Henry. And two for me, I need to catch up.”

“You’re playing a dangerous game, my friend,” I tell him with a chuckle. This was too easy. He’s ditched Barbie and pulls up a chair beside me, clearly fascinated.

“I’m up for the challenge.”

“I’m sure you are.” I grin. It’s hard not to. He’s a sexy mother fucker, even if I know what’s really behind those blue eyes.

He leans in closer, and his scent hits my nostrils; he smells divine. Fresh, like body wash and expensive fabric. “You flew in from Australia yesterday? What brings you here? Family, friends?” His eyes light up when he talks in a charming boy-next-door kind of way that makes me feel instantly comfortable around him.

“Neither. I needed a change of scenery. Things at home were boring. I wanted to explore the world, maybe learn a little about myself.” I shrug like it’s no big deal.

He raises a brow; he likes that answer. “How long are you here for?” He runs his hand up my thigh.

I swallow hard, his touch going right to my lady parts. He’s smooth, so damn smooth. “As long as I want. I have a work visa. I was hoping to find a job. Stay for a while in Palm Springs, then move on when I’m bored again.” I try to act like I’m easygoing, a drifter type, happy to blow in and out with the wind. It couldn’t be further from the truth, but I like the idea of being this girl. She sounds fun and reckless. The type of chick a guy like Kobe would be interested in getting to know.

His hand remains on my leg as he watches me talk, nodding along like I’m the most fascinating person in the room. “What kind of work can you do? I run a few businesses here in town. I’m sure I could find you something if you’re looking.”

My lips turn up at the side, excited at the prospect. This is all going way too easily. “I was hoping for some bar work. That’s what I was doing back home while I saved for my trip.” I look up at him like he could be my hero.

“You fill those bartender jobs you had advertised?” he calls over his shoulder in Henry’s direction.

“Yesterday.” He shrugs apologetically.

Kobe rubs his stubbly jaw. His eyes run the length of my body, from my long blonde hair right down my fitted white sheath dress, to the silver stiletto heels on my feet. Then back to my eyes. He smiles a knowing smile. It’s an ‘I’m going to get you a job so you’re so appreciative you suck my cock for the opportunity’kind of smile.

“What?” I say playfully, fluttering my lashes.

“You want to work here?” he asks, sounding a little too excited by the idea.

“Looks like I’m too late,” I say with a pout, trying to show my disappointment.

He stands, holding out a hand. “Come with me.”

I glance at Henry, wondering what he has in store for me. Henry shrugs again like he has no idea.

“I won’t bite, sugar. You want a job? Come with me, I’ll get you one.” His dark eyes challenge me to trust him.

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