Page 18 of Bulletproof Love

Just then, the door opens, letting light into the dim space. I look over to see a guy lift his sunglasses on top of his head as he comes inside. He immediately looks out of place with his shiny dress shoes and perfectly tailored suit, covered by a long tan trench coat. I even get a whiff of cologne—the kind I’ve only ever smelled on testers at the mall.

Falin squirms in the stool beside me and I instantly know—this must be the guy. I don’t recognize him as one of Orlov’s dudes from the warehouse, but he has the same air about him.

“Follow my lead,” I say to Falin under my breath.

“What?”

Mr. Suit stalks toward us, a sly grin lining his lips. I sit up straight, pushing my chest out. If he wants to talk to Falin, he’s gotta get through me.

“Jasper, you need to leave now,” she hisses through clenched teeth, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Falin?” Suit asks as he reaches us. His smirk lifts into a full grin, showing off expensive-looking, stark-white veneers.

“Who are you?” I ask in my most menacing tone.

“Am Iinterruptingsomething?”

I move to stand but she grips my bad shoulder, digging her long nails in, and pushes me down. If I wasn’t so distracted trying to figure out this sketchy guy, I’d be incredibly turned on right now. Ah, who am I kidding? I’m always half-mast when Falin’s around.

“Not at all.” Standing, she adjusts her skirt and squeezes herself between our stools. I reach my arm out, effectively blocking her. She lets out an unamused laugh. “Give me one sec to talk to myfriendhere. Meet you outside.”

Suit’s smile falters and he checks his watch. “Okay, but make it quick. I only have fifteen minutes left on my lunch break.”

“I thought you were a CEO?” she asks, her brows narrowed in that fierce expression I’ve grown to obsess over.

He clears his throat. “I meant between meetings. I have a meeting with, uh, China soon.”

Even my bullshit detector is on red alert. She gives him a hard look and sighs. “Just wait outside, Jake. I’ll be right there.”

OnceJakeis out of earshot, she lets her grip loosen. I rub my shoulder. “Damn, that’s gonna leave a mark.” I raise a brow and add, “Not that I’m complaining.”

If looks could kill, I’d be a pile of brittle bones.

She rubs her temples with the tips of her fingers, letting loose a long sigh. “Are you determined to interfere with every single guy I try to meet?”

I stare at her, blinking, as my jaw practically unhinges. “This was a hook-up?” Pointing out the door, I laugh. “You and that dude? Are you serious?”

She shoves my shoulders hard enough to knock me off-kilter and pushes past me. “And what’s wrong with him, huh?” Her voice grows louder. “He has a cock and I bet he knows how to use it.”

I laugh. “Right? Because mind-blowing sex is going to happen during his ten minute lunch break from his ‘CEO job.’ The dude has probably never made a woman come in his life. Jesus, Falin, I thought you were meeting someone for…” I lower my voice. “For the job.”

“Why would you think that?” Her arms cross against her chest, pushing her tits together. I can’t help but stare. Did I say half-mast? I’m dangerously close to a fully up the flagpole situation. “My eyes are up here!”

I blink and meet her stormy gaze. “I don’t know. What else would you be doing?”

“Wow. So you think the only life I have has to involve you and the guys? Classic narcissist.” She checks the time on her phone. “Jake has a few more minutes and I intend tofullyuse them. Do not follow me.”

I grab her arm. “The hell you will. You think I’m gonna let you screw that lying piece of shit? Think again, sweetheart.”

“You don’t own me. I decide who I fuck, not you.” Her tone is full of venom as she struggles to pull from my grip.

The bartender, who until this second I’d forgotten existed, clears her throat. “Is everything okay?”

“No,” Falin says.

“Yes,” I say.

“Um, I think you two should leave,” she says tentatively. “I don’t need any trouble here. It’s only my first week.”

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