Page 83 of Bad Rio

Like a blinding flood of lights in a dark room, panic lit her brain.

She had to do something. But what?

In the mountains, Rio had taught her a few survival skills. She tried to recall them now.When in trouble,he’d said,adopt an offensive mindset. Transition from defensive to offensive mindset is essential.

Casting her gaze about, she saw waiters, a broad reception desk, potted plants—nothing to use as a weapon. Yet she needed to go on the offensive. She needed something!

What are your strengths, he’d asked her at the time.What can you use? Think!

And then he’d cupped her breasts.These are weapons, honey, never doubt it. Your confidence makes you wildly hot.

And all at once, she knew.

Pulling off her hat, she shoved it into her bag and shook out her long hair so it spread around her shoulders in all its thick glory. Shrugging out of her long sweater, she left only her fitted camisole. With her arms bare, the tiny top revealed her small waist and the rounded rising of her full breasts. She draped the sweater and hobo bag over her arm, making sure her chest was on full display.

Pasting on a smile, she threw back her head and told herself in a repeated mantra,I’m sexy. I’m hot. Men want me.In order for this to work, she had to believe it.Sexual confidence is wildly sexy, Rio had told her.

Walking in a swaying strut, she struck out for the two men, strolling with confidence.

****

“There you are,” Beccatrilled at Rio. “You’re not going anywhere, are you? I thought we were having a drink.” In her last couple of steps, her breasts bounced.

Shit!Rio grimaced. She must have followed him to the hotel. Her presence now made his task exponentially more challenging. Damn. It was difficult to think over the searing pain in his side.

The other man half-turned to her. His scowl eased. “Rebecca De Monte? How nice. Rio was just telling me about you. He and I are old friends.”

“Becca.” Rio said her name in a low and husky warning. Past her shoulder, he spotted two men staring at them suddenly start their way. Finally! Paxton had at last sent them in.

Yet, now with Becca unexpectedly in the line of fire, he couldn’t allow it.

At his side away from Harrison, he clenched his fist, the signal to stop. Seeing his sign, the team veered off. He had to get rid of her. “Becca, you need to g—”

“You never told me about meeting a friend here,” Becca said to Rio, smiling seductively at the older man. Perching herself onto the next barstool, she crossed her arms over her lap, causing her breasts to lift and swell over her top. Her nipples stood out against the top’s thin fabric. “I thought we were just here for a little drinky poo.”

What the hell is she doing?Rio groaned.

Predictably, Harrison’s gaze fell to her deep cleavage.

Fishing a single ice cube from Rio’s drink, she drew it across her neck and down to the tops of her breasts. Water beaded on her smooth skin. “Is it hot in here? I swear, sometimes I get so overheated.” She giggled.

The older man’s dark eyes lit in appreciation. He grinned, showing all his teeth.

As though suddenly noticing Rio’s slouch, she asked, “Something wrong?” Like a woman who couldn’t bear to stop touching herself, she trailed languid fingers over her chest. Idly, she glanced again at Rio. “Are you feeling well?”

The other man spoke up. “Rio’s a little tired. We’re headed to my room so he can rest, catch up, and have a couple of drinks. It’s too loud in here. You’ll join us, of course.”

“Sure, I’ll join you.” She giggled again, a brainless female. “A private room sounds so much nicer than a public bar. If you’re Rio’s friend, then I can be your friend, too. But I didn’t catch your name?”

“Harrison,” he said.

Rio sent her a hard glance and gave a slight shake of his head. Gruffly, he told her, “Harrison and I have business. Private stuff. Go back home.”

“Nonsense.” Harrison tightened his grip on Rio’s arm.

He pushed the barrel of his Beretta deeper into Rio’s side. A new pain shot through him and he grunted. For long seconds, his brain went black.

“She’ll go with us.” Harrison leaned in and whispered to Rio, “Remember, keep those hands out front or she’ll get it.” Pulling Rio to his feet, he moved toward a bank of elevators. To anyone watching, Harrison appeared to be helping a drunk friend to his room. Becca slid off her stool and walked on Rio’s opposite side.

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