Page 149 of The Faking Game

And now she’s here, with all these people, all these men who can’t look away from her, and she’sbare?

Her eyes meet mine and her smile falters. I watch as she says something to the bartender and jumps off the chair with that hemline riding dangerously, tantalizingly,devastatinglyhigh. Grabs her drink… and walks our way.

Alex pulls out her chair. She smiles and sets down her fruity drink. “I’ll be right back,” she announces.

Then she disappears inside the bar.

The guards aren’t as close by tonight, and I see Rafe rise to follow her. I shake my head at him.

“I’ve got it,” I tell him.

The grateful nod he sends me is searing. If only he knew the real reason I get up and follow her into the darkness of the bar.

CHAPTER42

NORA

Inside, the bar is pretty dark and half empty. Most guests are sitting outside by the waves and open ocean. I wind through empty tables toward the restrooms. I’m nearly there when I hear the footsteps behind me, but I don’t turn.

He catches me around the waist a second later and pulls us into the nearest bathroom.

He took the bait.

I tuck my body into the curve of his. “Hi.”

“You’re playing a dangerous game.” He drags his mouth down my cheek, down to my neck. I tip my head back to give him better access. “And not a very subtle one.”

“Subtle enough,” I say. “You’re the only one I’m playing with.”

“Theonlyone? You were flirting.”

I turn in his grip. “Yes. I was really trying to be present and just enjoy the moment.” I grin at him. “He was attractive.”

West’s eyes are dark. “The poor guy won’t be able to sleep tonight.”

“All we did was talk for a bit.”

“Don’t underestimate yourself.” West dips his head and brushes his lips over mine. “And you did it in front of me.”

“Yes. You see…” I grip the fabric of his shirt. “The guy I’m pretending to date told me that he won’t take my virginity. So I’ll have to find someone who will.”

He closes his eyes on a groan. “You’re punishing me.”

“No. I’m practicing arguing, just like you told me to. Do you like it?”

“No.” His hands slide up my ribcage, and his thumb brushes the underside of my breast. “But you’ve been incredible today. You didn’t bat an eye at the challenges.”

“They were a lot,” I admit.

“Yes. Rafe was terrified for you. I had to tell him that you could handle it.”

“You did?”

“Yes.” West kisses me again, hot and insistent. His thumb moves higher and brushes the sensitive, taut nipple through the fabric. “You’re hard here.”

“Guess we both have that problem around each other.”

He groans, and his hands slide down to grip my waist. He lifts me up and puts me on the edge of the counter. “That’s it. Sit there for me, pretty girl.” He grips my knees and spreads them to make himself fit between, but he doesn’t look down.

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